tales from a far-land

Christmas Day.  What fun was had by all!  The kids didn't wake up too early which was appreciated.  However, it didn't really matter as neither Josh nor I enjoyed a good night sleep.  I think we were both too excited to see our toddlers' reactions to what Santa would bring them.  We were not disappointed.  Madilyn enjoyed the entire experience -- running into the family room to see what Santa delivered, opening her presents, opening her brother's presents, and opening anyone's present who needed help.  This Christmas we did learn one lesson though, it is a little torturous to expect toddlers to open present after present without the ability to play with each one inbetween.  Madi and Aiden would open a gift and then want us to open it for them so they could play.  They had a couple of play breaks, but at times, we had to conjole the kids to finish opening all of their presents.  Aunt Alisha joined us for breakfast and some more present unwrapping.  After every gift w

Christmas Eve.  What could be better than Chinese food, champagne, family and friends?  Well, this is exactly how we traditionally spend our Christmas Eve.  We invite family and friends over to our home for dinner to enjoy some Chinese food and imbibe some champagne.  It is a perfect combination.   After dinner, it is a Farrell family tradition that each kid (this still includes Josh, Lynsey and I) is allowed to open one present.  As normal, we were all given Christmas pajamas.  Thank you, Grandma.  Madi and Aiden's were *so* adorable -- matching Rudolph the Reindeer and Clarice pajamas.  We put the kids in their pajamas, read them a bedtime story and tucked them into bed so Santa would arrive faster at the Farrell-Landers' home. Aiden & Melinda Aiden opening his pajamas Madi opening her pajamas Grandma Farrell & Madilyn Oma Madi & Aiden in their matching pajamas Aunt Lynsey, Madi & I reading a bedtime story

On Christmas Eve afternoon, Aunt Alisha brought over some sugar cookie pops and frosting for Madilyn to decorate.  She thoroughly enjoyed herself.  Plus, she enjoyed telling Aiden that he was not allowed to decorate cookies.  Only her!  Mounding up the frosting ... Putting sprinkles on ... Aiden watching, waiting, wishing ... The finished product ... Madi's cookie pops ... Aunt Alisha's cookie pops ...

Our family enjoyed lighting candles while reciting the prayer every night this year.  Madi really enjoyed lighting the candles and then she would run to open her present for that evening.  In fact, when sundown arrived on Sunday, Madilyn ran to the menorah to light the candles and we had to inform her that Hanukkah was over.  She actually cried and didn't really understand why we were not lighting candles anymore.  She was so cute.  I cannot wait to see how the kids react to this holiday next year. Josh's Thirteen Foot Menorah  Our Hanukkah Bush

Sometime around Thanksgiving, the kids' preschool had their holiday photo session.  Apparently, Madilyn only wanted to take pictures if she could hold onto the "holiday" bear.  Aiden, on the other hand, wasn't enthusiastic about having his picture taken at all.  His facial expressions are priceless.  Luckily, the photographer was able to get a couple of okay photos of the two of them together.    Madilyn Aiden Madilyn and Aiden     Aiden's Classroom Photo Madilyn's Classroom Photo 

Throughout the year, preschool takes photos of the kids while they are at preschool.  As a fundraiser, the school decided to provide each parent the opportunity to purchase a complication CD of all of the photos that have been taken of our kids in 2012.  Of course, we bought one.  Enjoy some of the photos they provided.  Our kids look like they enjoy preschool.  It is a relief to know they are growing and developing in such a fun environment. St. Paddy's Day Infant Class Photo Thanksgiving Celebration Summer Luau 4th of July Classroom Fun!  Outdoor Time Birthday Cake!