Merry Christmas

Jill all snug in her bed Christmas Eve.

Kyla getting ready for bed Christmas Eve

The letter that Santa left for the girls

Maddie waiting for Santa. She never sleeps downstairs but did for some strange reason last night. It is like she knew something was up.

Ted reading the letter from Santa to the girls before we opened gifts.

This was a unique holiday this year with lots of challenges. Snow, illnesses, leaking roofs, etc...but even with all of that we had a wonderful day. The girls took their time opening and enjoying their gifts and then we spent the day playing with new toys, watching movies, sledding, going for a drive (finally getting out of the neighborhood) and having a wonderful dinner. Though we are missing our extended family I couldn't have planned a better day! Hope you all had a wonderful day as well. Merry Christmas to all!

By the way...I am typing away from my new laptop! Thanks Ted. He must have made this purchase before our house turned into the money pit. We hope to have the roof, drywall, etc...fixed when the snow melts and finally clears up!

More Christmas pics...

This is my fav pic but I can't seem to get the red eye fixed.

More snow pics...

Kyla going over the jump.

Just chillin'

Jill and Kyla sledding.

View from our living room.

The girls and their dolls...

These American Girls have been such a hit with Kyla and Jill. They have been playing non-stop with them since Saturday. As you can see they both broke their wrists (the dolls that is) and we spent a day playing ER wrapping them up and tending to them. The dolls come with a book filled with ideas to keep the doll and child entertained. So far we have built a balnce beam for a gymnastic show, played ER, played hair stylist, made them a fort, and so on... So much fun!!!

Here is Kyla and Emma checking out the tree.

Jill's doll Leana came with glasses. Jill has been carefully cleaning the lenses so Leana can see a million times a day. She has gone through an entire box of wipes keeping these glasses clean.

Baking, Baking and more Baking....

We have been house bound for the last 2 weeks because of the snow. Which means we have been baking a lot! We have brought multiple plates to the neighbors, some in the freezer and still have a ton. Good thing sledding and hiking in the snow burns so many calories.

Emma and Leana....

I truly think Jill believes she is filled with a little bit of "magic"

Kyla named her American Girl doll she got from Grandma Kay and Grandpa Bob after her dear friend Emma. Emma has not left Kyla's side since she got her yesterday.

Carlson Family Christmas...

The Carlson Family braved the winter weather and hazardous driving conditions and headed up to Bellingham for our Christmas Celebration. We were so glad they made it. We had a ton of fun! The girls got American Dolls and the boys got Rock band for PlayStation. We rocked the house for hours! I think all the kids were thrilled! Thanks Grandma Kay and Grandpa Bob!

Rock Band...

Rock Band take 2...

Still Snowing....

Ted catching some air.

Ted and Kyla flying high!

Kyla after the crash and burn. What a champ. She got up and continued on.

So as you can see it is still snowing here in the Pacific Northwest. It has been about a week now with snow almost daily. We have about a foot at our house which is a lot for us. I can't remember when I have ever seen this much snow. The forecast is calling for more. Kyla is loving it and enjoys playing and sledding in it. Jill on the other hand is perfectly content staying inside. She said her legs were just not strong enough to walk in so much snow. Here are a few pics of us enjoying the beautiful weather.

Earlier this morning...

This is what it looked like before it the Blizzard started.

Winter Wonderland...

And it is still snowing! Thank goodness my Christmas shopping is done!

Jill being 'Just Jill'

Today at lunch Jill thought she smelled something. Now both my girls have a very strong sense of smell. Everything seems to bother them and we always have lots of gagging, etc...because of it. It went something like this...

Jill: (with nose pinched and eyes squinted) OOOhhh! What is that smell?
Kyla: It wasn't me. I can't smell anything.
Jill: Mom was that you?
Me: Buddy- I am not even in the room. No it wasn't me.
Jill: Maybe it was Daddy. So stinky!
Kyla: Daddy is at work Jill. I DON"T SMELL ANYTHING!
Jill: I smell something and it is YUCKY! (getting quite frustrated)
a few seconds later...
Jill: Oh! It was me. I burped. Scuse me.

Goodies from the neighbors...

We have been having neighbors stop by almost daily with Holiday treats for us. This cute pic is one of our favorite treats we have received. We decided not to eat it. It is just too cute. I have yet to begin baking my gifts and treats since we have been sick. You wouldn't want treats from a house full of nasty germs. So instead we have been practicing with playdoh. Here are Kyla's practice cookies.

snow angel...

Don't tell, but I let my sick child go outside to make a snow angel today. I know bad, bad mom. I just couldn't say no....

Favorite Holiday books...

We have been spending A Lot of time reading these past few days so we thought we would share with you our favorite Holiday books.

A Pussycat's Christmas

Let It Snow

A Perfect Snowman

We hope you enjoy these as much as we do. We would also love to know what your favorite is.

Sick days with Kyla....

Today Kyla and I are at home enjoying Holiday movies and doing lots of puzzles as she tries to recover from a bout of pneumonia. She had been battling a cold for a few weeks that got really bad late Thursday. We went to the doctors on Friday and they sent us to the Hospital for X-rays and sure enough...Pneumonia. Friday was a rough day for her but she is starting to feel a lot better this afternoon. Daddy and Jill got to go to Seattle with the Grandmas to see a Snowman Ballet. We were sad to miss out but are enjoying the day together.

Long jump competition...

Ted is always coming up with creative ways to burn off the kid's evening energy. Tonight we had long jump competition. Jill out jumped us all. She is so light she literally flies through the air. This competition will be on-going I am sure.