Christmas Time

We are having a wonderful Holiday season. I believe that I was more excited about Christmas than the kids. Grandma, Albie and Uncle Chris have been in town. Jack Jack walks around saying "Uncle Chris, Uncle Chris," even now that Uncle Chris has left. It has been very nice having the extra help, and the kids love the attention.
Christmas eve mass was a bit more challenging than weekly masses. Kim, Caitlin, Grandma and Jack had seats. Albie, Chris and I stood in the back. The kids did about as well as could be expected. Caitlin took a little while to fall asleep, but not bad. It took almost all day to open Christmas presents. Thank you to everyone who helped with presents. Santa brought Caitlin a doll house and Jack a small ride on ATV.

Caitlin's First Recital

Caitlin had her first recital this evening. It was very entertaining for us, Jack may disagree. The crowd filled the entire church. Anyway, enjoy her class' rendition of Rudolph without her dance moves.

Thanksgiving

We celebrated Thanksgiving at the Ray's house. Jack and Caitlin behaved very well, and the dinner was delicious. We missed everyone in California and Connecticut. We are excited about the upcoming Christmas visits from Grandma, Albie and Chris.

Caitlin developed her own dance steps to Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.

Skiing in the backyard

Caitlin got her first taste of skiing in our backyard. We had only an inch or so of snow, but it was a good place to start. She had a lot of fun, even though she fell over after about four feet. Jack is getting used to a sled. Hopefully with some more practice he will start having more fun.

Winter is here

Winter has arrived in Spokane. We had our first snow fall of the season. Jack Jack is a little unsure of the snow, he calls snow "bubbles". He likes to eat snow. However, he does not like gloves and the snow makes his hands cold. Caitlin loves the snow. She happily puts on all the gear. She made a couple of snow men to decorate the house. She is learning to throw snowballs, although her aim is not great.

As for the dresser photo, we are not quite sure why she got into the dresser. We just walked into the room and there she was.

Halloween

Halloween was very fun this year. Caitlin and mom attended parties at Whitworth and Caitlin's school. We carved pumpkins the day before. Caitlin is getting pretty good at drawing circles and ovals. We spent the evening of Halloween at the Bean's house. We all went trick or treating around the neighborhood. Caitlin decided to be Spiderman, even though she has never seen a Spiderman cartoon, movie or comic. Jack went as a giraffe. We stayed up a little later than usual, but the kids had a great time and a delicious cupcake. They are enjoying treats from their bags when it is permitted.

Grandma's Visit

Grandma came for a wonderful visit. The kids had a great time. Everyone enjoyed the apple and pumpkin picking. The apples were delicious as was the apple crisp and apple sauce made from them. Caitlin and Grandma made some yummy food together. We are grateful for the time we were able to spend together. Thank you to everyone who made the trip possible, especially with Mary feeling so poorly.

Kim's Half Marathon

Kim finished her first half marathon. She was able to finish is nearly the exact time she had planned. We are very proud of her. The kids had a great time cheering her on. Caitlin now likes to go for races around the house. Sadly though her bear, Lullaby, frequently falls during the races and needs a band aid.

Grandma and Albie Leave

We had a great time with Grandma and Albie. Jack walks around saying "Albie". We were able to celebrate Caitlin, Chris and Albie's birthday. Although, Kim and I had to fly to Vegas to celebrate Chris's. We are looking forward to our next visit at Christmas time.