Aunt Debbie's Spider

Every year Derek's Aunt Debbie makes ornaments for an exchange. Last year it was a spider and Grandma Hileski brought it for the kids, or boys!, to enjoy.

Christmas Ornaments

We all received our annual Christmas ornaments from Derek's mom. Jack got a cowboy hat, which was broken and quickly replaced by a trip to the feed store with Grandma while she was here this weekend. Anna got a horse (of course!), Leah a moose from Yosemite and Luke got a 'ball'. Or at least he thought he did, nevermind the hanging sting. Derek has received the Crayola ornament from his mom for years and years and I got a cute little brush mouse.

I think over half of our ornaments, if not more, are gifts or hand-me-downs from Grandma Hileski. And every tree we have in our house also came from her either as a gift or hand-me-down. Thanks for making us so festive!

How Anna Eats Breakfast

Scoop up some cereal.

Put it in your mouth without looking.

Chew, chew, chew.

She reads in the car, in her bed, at the table, outside, on the floor, in the morning, late at night... you get the picture!

Merry Christmas, Mr. Mark

Here's the section we thought you'd enjoy, Mr. Mark. This is from one of the 'small worlds' inside the ride.

The kids at the reindeer roundup. We were able to see some real reindeer, but not the flying kind. They must have been booked someplace else.

It's a Small World... is open!

After a year (I believe) of refurbishmet, the Small World ride is open again at Disneyland. We worked quickly through as much school work as we could squeeze in on Tuesday morning before heading out to Disneyland for our chance to ride it. The kids loved it and it was a perfect Disneyland day with minimal lines and a nice cool overcast sky. I think we'll be back again and again and again!



Luke waiting in line. He was fascinated by the ride.

Anna and Jack as we're getting in the boat. Anna remembered it from three years ago and was pretty excited.

Decked out for Christmas. The whole ride is Christmas/holiday themed this time of year.

Looking sweet and innocent. Not that she is... I think she was just sticking her hands and/or feet outside of the boat, the biggest Disneyland no-no!

My Addabalinkia

Anna is doing her math right now. She got to the section where it is helpful to use an abacus (adding and subtracting by 10's). Getting a little frustrated with the scope of the project in front of her, she sobbingly asked for her 'addabalinkia'. She can't remember the name of the abacus. We're all laughing about it now and, no, she didn't get to use her addabalinkia. She can do it on her own... right Anna?

Two Sweeties

Leah really likes her babies, but up until now most of her recent experience has been with dolls. She was pretty happy and content to just sit and hold Ethan for a little while this weekend. Ethan was quiet and content for few minutes, too, and Leah sat still just patting him and smiling a content smile.

When he decided it was time to cry Leah handled in marvelously, smiling and cuddling-- but it wasn't very long before she was ready for me to take him back. I think she'll make a darling mommy someday.