Holiday Fun

We had a wonderful and relaxing Christmas this year.  The girls were really into the festivities...the food, the lights, and the big man for sure.  Check out some of the things we did.

The girls were loving this little dog and its music. They put on a great show at the Glasgow's house.

Posing in front of the tree on Christmas Eve.   Sami adores her red cowboy boots from Aunt Robin!

Grandpa also sent binoculars for the girls to check out the wildlife at the lake.

Christmas afternoon, we went to my parents' house.  We did our traditional pickle ornament hunt, but this time we had a new, tinier pickle.  The hunt took FOREVER!

Tiffany finally found it.

Dad was jealous.

In the end, everyone won.  We all got "Greek Power" t-shirts...a story that goes way back.

Brandon clearly loved his.

The sweet cousins posing before diving into the presents.

Notice the change in wardrobe.  A princess dress for everyone.

And a karaoke machine too!

When the girls got home Christmas night, there was a brand new cottage from Mommy and Daddy waiting for them.  It was filled with tons of dress up clothes from Grandpa and Marijo. 

Little Tinkerbell and Daddy played in the cottage.

Lauren concentrated on the accessories.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

One of our favorite Christmas traditions is the Lebanon Horse Parade.  Each year, we bundle up the kids, make hot chocolate, and shiver with our friends, Jeff and Amy, as we watch the horse-drawn carriages.   

Sami and Brandon cuddle during the parade.

Lauren and her buddy Luke

Samantha and Sidney

The girls visited with Santa during a special breakfast at my school.  They also made ornaments and played games.  It was a great morning. 

Sami was a little uncertain about sitting on Santa's lap, but it didn't take her long to warm up to him.

Lauren had no fear.  She could have spent the whole morning talking to him.

It looks as though we may be in for a tough winter.  We've already had a snow day this December.  Not that I'm complaining!  Of course, I may feel differently if the days have to be made up in June. 

Lauren made a snow globe on her day off.

 Sami has been playing Christmas carols on her harmonica...well, sort of.  She sure loves it.

This is a classic Sami fashion statement.  She always wears her headband across her forehead.  If we place it on top of her head, she "fixes" it.

Here they are, proudly posing in front of our tree.  Only a few years ago, Brandon and I reminisced about our own childhood memories with every ornament we added.  Now our tree is covered with homemade ornaments by our own children.  I like the change. 

Our Little Artist

Last week, Lauren had an art show at her school.  She made this mermaid with her hand and fingerprints. She was so proud to see it on display.  We were too! 

Trick or Treat!

Halloween was highly anticipated in our house this year.  Lauren was asking about it for weeks, and Sami was game for anything that involved the word candy.  

Anyone who spends time with Lauren knows that she is always covered in marker or paint.  How appropriate that she would choose to be an artist for Halloween.  Here we are, splattering her artist shirt (and sometimes the deck). 

  The completed outfit...

Lauren the artist and Sami the ladybug.

Midway through trick or treating, Sami decided she needed a break.  She plopped down next to the sidewalk for a rest. 

 Lauren discovered the joy of giant pixie sticks.

This is Papa and Sami, trying to stay warm.  We didn't pay too much attention to how much candy she had eaten.  Minutes after this, she guzzled water, ran around, then threw up in her car seat.  Now THAT'S a good Halloween.

Indian Summer

When the October weather gave us a few days in the 70s, we took full advantage.  We met my parents on the lake after work one Friday, and took the girls for their first ride in Papa's boat.   

Waiting on the dock for Dad to pick us up. 

Sami takes her turn driving the boat.

Brandon and Lauren

Papa, Nana, and Sami are all smiles, although Sami is more interested in doing some more driving.

I love these girls

 

Ohio State Fair

This post is long overdue, but we had so much fun that I wanted to show off a few pictures. My parents, the girls, and I headed to Columbus for a day at the state fair. Here they are posing in front of the butter cow. That's right, a whole cow carved from butter.Only a few steps away, we found the creamiest, most delicious, fastest-melting ice cream I've ever eaten.
Sticking with the cow theme, Lauren had an opportunity to milk one. She did great!

Who knew fishing was possible at the fair? My dad did!

It was a little too much fun for Sami. She has never fallen asleep in her stroller, but that day, she had a much deserved nap.