The Holidays

Oh, the holidays. With their ups and downs. It started out innocently enough, with everyone chipping in.

 And nice visitors visiting...

 ...bearing pre-Christmas warm-up gifts.

Christmas Eve dinner had its nice moments but there was a suspicious cranky undertone (and it wasn't just the as of yet unpainted walls in the Dining Room). Despite all that, it was nice to have Grandma in town.

Making cookies for Santa.

Eating some of Santa's cookies in new Christmas pajamas before bed.

Gifts from Santa on Christmas morning were definitely enjoyed.

 

But by Christmas evening at Grandma and Grandpa's these twins may have had the defiant appearance of superheroes, but their health and good cheer were nowhere to be found.

Except occasionally.

We ended up driving home a day early in a snowstorm so that we could be sure to get to the pediatrician early the next morning. Here's how that ended.

Ear infection, eye infection, possible Bronchitis. But we are on the mend!

Just didn't want you thinking it was cute kids and rosy times 24/7 over here. We've gone through 3 large boxes of tissues in the last 2 days. We are pretty close to disgusting. But we will be cute again for 2013. Happy New Year, everyone!

Thanksgiving and a Tiny Snow

Thanksgiving was a delicious and lovely time at Grandma Carola's. It was Cousin Heaven/Chaos. I can't figure out how to get these first few photos bigger, which is a shame, because these are some very cute cousins.

Whipped cream with your pie?

We always walk to the Tullar's to check out the cow action. Ivy really, really wanted those cows to moo back at her.

We also got to check out Emma Cooke's chickens. Ivy is holding an enormous egg - it has two yolks!

Some scenes from home:

 We got to take our new snowpants for a test run in a very small amount of snow.

And this video has circulated widely already, but in case you haven't already seen this bit of talent, be sure to tune in.