First Snowfall

Cincinnati got a little snow this weekend. The perfect amount actually - just enough to play in, but not enough to mess up traffic or cause any real inconvenience. Learning from last year's "it's too late in the season and Target is out of snow pants" episode, I have had the girl's snow gear ready to go since early November. We bundled them up and took them in the backyard to frolic! Maggie absolutely loved building the snowman, while Claire preferred being pulled in the sled. Fun times!

Bundled up and ready to go!

Frosty (sitting on top of the tree stump)

Maggie's Preschool Christmas Show

There are many things I love about staying home with the girls, but never missing a preschool party is certainly one of the top. Maggie's class put on quite a show for us, singing three songs with hand motions and all! After the show, we made a candy cane ornament together and shared some Christmas cookies. Such fun!

"Here is the chimney. Here is the top.
Open the lid and out Santa will pop!"

Jingle Bells

Spreading some Christmas cheer

In the Spirit

We are in the Christmas spirit around here! We've been enjoying all the family-friendly holiday events Cincinnati has to offer. So far, our December has included, a trip to the Duke Energy building downtown to view the historic train display, breakfast with Santa at the Sharonville Community Center, and a (out-way-past-bedtime) trip to the zoo for the Festival of Lights.

Maggie is very excited to participate in all the rituals of the season, including opening the tab on the Advent calendar and lighting the Advent wreath at dinner. The only available surface to display the Nativity is on a bookshelf in the girls' playroom, so as you can imagine, the BVM, Shepherds and Baby Jesus quickly became action figures moving about the shelf and welcoming various other animals into the stable. Claire has started singing along to "Frosty the Snowman" and loves all the lights and ornaments on the tree.

The girls' enthusiasm is contagious! I have enjoyed decorating the house this year, knowing that I'll spend many Christmases here. Our fireplace was serviced and is now in working order. Jim revved up the chain saw and has prepared our Yule Logs. Jim and I are very excited to celebrate our first Christmas morning in our own home. The bringing together of traditions from each of our childhoods, while adding our own special touches, will hopefully make for a magical season for our two beautiful girls.

Decorating the tree

64th Annual Train Display

Obligatory screaming on Santa's lap picture

Bundled up at the zoo

Happy Birthday Jim!

Jim celebrated his 35th birthday this week! For his birthday dinner he requested an old childhood favorite, beef meatball stroganoff over rice. It was an interesting meal and, needless to say, the next time it will be cooked for him is next December 2nd. Thankfully, there was a decadent chocolate cake to follow! Claire uttered a "Happy Bir-day Daddy" and Maggie sang along for the first time.

I am so grateful to have such a wonderful man as my husband. He does so much for me and the girls and is the kindest person I know. I look forward to another 35+ years as his wife!

Thanksgiving 2009

We spent the week of Thanksgiving in St. Louis celebrating with Jim's family. It was our first car trip in the new mini van, or "living room on wheels" as Jim calls it. The girls enjoyed the built in DVD player and the trip wasn't nearly as long as those 11 hour trips back to Ohio from Pennsylvania. Maggie and Claire had a wonderful time exploring all the vintage toys at MawMaw and PawPaw's house, including Daddy's stuffed kitty cat and Aunt Julie's doll house. Our Thanksgiving feast was especially delicious this year and since I'm "eating for two" I certainly indulged! As always, it was wonderful to spend time with family. It dawned on me during the drive home that the next time we're in St. Louis, will likely be with Baby #3 in tow!

Doll house fun

The kids table