Here Comes the Holidays!

I'm obviously a bit behind posting my blog updates. Heck, Christmas is a crazy 6 days away. I underestimate the time I have to get things ready (and update this blog!) in lieu of things that unexpectedly pop up and children who appear to pass around the same illness over and over and over...

We had a nice Thanksgiving at home with family. And No. I did not serve a Hadley in my turkey roaster. Dinner served 16 people (our biggest yet!) so I set up a long table with mismatched chairs in our living room.

...and the twins were excited to be free from the family room to eat and play in a 'new' room.

Our dear old nanny was also back in town Thanksgiving weekend visiting her family. Of course she stopped by for a family dinner and hugs from the girls. We sure miss Jessica!

My favorite part of the entire year (and I'm not exaggerating!) is playing Christmas music and decorating our house. There is something about eggnog, Bing Crosby and lights that make me oh so happy and warm on the inside.

The star went on a little crooked...

But luckily Daddy was tall enough to fix it.

Unfortunately all the fun and excitement left poor Ceci sick with a high fever. As long as we are all well for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Fingers are crossed. Vitamin C is being given. Early bedtimes. And lots of hand washing.

Christmas in August

Back in August, we had pictures taken for our Christmas card. Now that we have gotten all of our cards out, I wanted to post some of our favorite pictures. I remember the babies were very fussy from teething so we were pleasantly surprised when we actually got a few where everyone looks happy!

Santa 2014

Santa pictures 2014 was a bit of a debacle. I was sure that everyone would be fine with Santa because the twins don't have fear with strangers when we are all out together. So, after wrestling everyone into their Christmas outfits and driving downtown, it was showtime. Of course Elise was super excited. She told Santa that she wanted the Frozen Castle and Ice Palace. It is the only thing she wants....

Then it was Cecilia's turn...

And then Hadley's.....

Jeff and I hadn't planned to be in this year's Santa picture, but in light of all the crying and screaming, we stepped in for a few shots. Obviously we hadn't dressed for the occasion. This is a classic picture. Elise looks so happy and content. And the twins?! They were ready to hit the road. Cecilia was so traumatized by the Santa encounter that she cried an extra 45 minutes afterwards. We hope that Santa brings her an extra good present to make up for the torture.

School Bus Pick Up

Off to get Elise off the school bus. The race to get the twins up from their nap and dressed with their shoes and coats is worth the work as they love meeting the bus and their big sister. However, it's all about timing because my little helpers aren't ones to wait for the bus.... the party must keep on walking until the big orange bus is spotted!

Ceci listening to Hadley discussing politics or some other
philosophical topic in footie pjs

Unfortunately school drop off is usually in pajamas and in the minivan. I'm not wearing pajamas but I do usually wear my slippers (our secret!). I'm missing our warm mornings already!

Elsa, Olafs and Teeth, Oh My!

Halloween 2014. What five-and-half year old girl didn't want to be Frozen's Elsa?! Elise was no exception. She was positive from the first time she saw the movie that she'd be Elsa. Afterall, her name is 'almost spelled like E-L-S-A'.  It was the perfect costume for all the exciting Halloween activities we had planned. And what Elsa doesn't need not one, but TWO Olafs!

Queen Elsa trying on her costume for Halloween 

First up for Halloween activities was Perrysburg OctoBooFest. Nans and Pops were in town-- along with Aunt Rachel, Uncle Kevin and Walden. 

Me, Hadley, Jeff, Aunt Rachel. Pops
'Elsa', Ceci, Walden (wagon), and Uncle Kevin 

Me and Hadley... with her infamous leaf 'treasures'

Cecilia (21 months) and cousin Walden (2 years)

Perrysburg offered a free family festival with bouncy houses, train rides, wagon rides, crafts and pumpkin carving. It was a perfect walk from our house to partake in the fun. We are so lucky to have such an active community near our door steps.

Pops and Elise's pumpkin for Perrysburg....
which they light nightly the week before Halloween

That evening, the Hebekas hosted a costume party. It was such a perfect and warm evening. So much food, games for the children, and good conversation for the adults. Granted we didn't stay long because the twins have an early bedtime, but even they had a blast.

Hadley

Cecilia

Elsa playing Pass the Pumpkin

Toilet Papering the 'Tooth Fairy'

And what Halloween isn't complete without pumpkin carving! Elise had picked a perfect pumpkin for carving. She designed the face and Daddy carved it. Of course we made our roasted pumpkin seeds for snacking afterwards!

I helped in Elise's classroom for their Halloween party on October 31st. Surprisingly there were only 3 Elsa's in the classroom. I had anticipated more! (Elise's blue crown can be seen behind the ninja in black/red in the first row)

The highlight of the party was Elise's second loose tooth... in fact, she is wiggling that tooth in every picture that I took!

The party started off with costume parade-- unfortunately an indoor parade as the weather had turned cold and rainy.... what a shame!

Another game of 'Hot Pumpkin'!

Elise's best friend and table mate, Brody

As it turns out, Elise's teacher Mrs. Connor loves to pull teeth! The party ended with Elise's extraction... something that only a dentist mom could appreciate! Elise was ecstatic! What a way to end the first school Halloween party!!

Elise and Mrs. Connor
After she pulled her tooth

Unfortunately the weather didn't let up. Halloween night was cold and miserable but this didn't stop Elsa and her two Olafs from donning their costumes-- at least for a few close houses.

Olaf #1- Hadley

Grandpa with Hadley

It was decided that the Olafs would ride in our wagon so they wouldn't get wet. I'm sure they would have enjoyed running up and down the sidewalk with Elise (like she did when she was their age), but it was more important they venture out and stay nice and dry.

Ceci and Hadley

It was truly miserable outside on Halloween night. We didn't get 1 trick or treater ringing our doorbell. What a shame since I now have to personally eat all the candy by myself (Shhhh!). Elsa and Daddy stayed out for a few extra houses after I brought the Olafs home for a warm bath and pajamas. But overall, Halloween didn't last for more than 15 minutes! It actually snowed a few miles north of us!

Good thing we called it an early night as Queen Elsa finished her Halloween weekend sick on the couch-- sore throat and achy. No way for a queen to feel. But we now had an excuse to watch the movie Frozen, yet again. Maybe next year will be warmer... or at least dry!

Hadley checking on Elise