Having fun

A few highlights from December in Pennsylvania.

Everest found another purpose for Mexican Train Domino tiles.

He decided to write Leaf and Aurora's name, but he ran out of tiles. Being the resourceful boy that he is, he got a stack of Uno cards and finished her name.

One of the boys favorite past times, playing in pillow cases. They use them for all kinds of things, Leaf was running around the house in this one.

Papa went with us to Hershey's Chocolate World. He and Leaf sat in the back of the car and Everest and I sat in the front. If you are ever in Hershey, Chocolate World is worth going to and it is free!

The cows that sing throughout the ride.

Everest had a great time watching how chocolate is made. This place has some meaning to us, because Papa put in the duct work. He got to show the boys all the work he did.

There is an enormous tree the boys wanted their picture in front of. (yes it is blurry, it was really dark in there and I had a hard time focusing.)

Decorating Nonnie's tree. Leaf put all the ornaments in this one spot.

Everest helped and, of course, he put all the ornaments there too.

Mom's Montana nativity.

Skiing in Indiana?

Yes, we got snow today (Tuesday). It was beautiful and made us miss the mountains even more. We made the most of the day. When Nathan got home, we took the kids cross country skiing through the neighborhood.

Everest did very well. We acquired a pair of skis from friends in Utah before we left. He did not get to use them at all last year.

Nathan had all 3 kids. He was wearing Aurora (who fell asleep immediately after Nathan put her in the pack)

Leaf enjoying the ride!

After about 15 minutes of skiing, Everest was ready to ride instead. He took his hat off..check out his hair! He is so cute. He loves it spiked.

Nathan working hard. I know he does all the work around here. We switched and I got to tow the kids for a while.

The other day, Nathan and Leaf put straw on the hop plants to protect them. (Nathan's other babies). Leaf wanted to be like daddy. (Nathan wears a ski mask to bike to school when it is frigid outside.)

Eyes

My children all seem to have beautiful eyes. Teresa took this picture of Aurora while we were out Christmas shopping. It didn't matter what my boys were dressed in, everyone called them girls. Aurora wears most of the boys hand me down, but people usually know she is a girl.

My beautiful Aurora.

I have found my toes....

and my heel.....

actually my whole foot is good!

Leaf was so excited to get a bath in Nonnie's sink.

It was all fun, until he wanted to swim. He got water everywhere.

He has amazing eyes too.

Aurora's turn in the tub. I think she got a bath every day while we were at my parents.

Hanging out enjoying the tub.

Chewing on Nonnie's arm. Doesn't she just melt your heart?

As hard as the boys were as babies, she is making up for both of them. I couldn't ask for a better baby.

Everest's 5th birthday party

We usually have a small party at home for our kids. This year we had a unique opportunity, at the Montessori auction in the Spring, a firefighter birthday party was auctioned off. The party is at a Lafayette fire station, with 8 firefighters. They have food, games, decorations, one of the firefighters makes a cake in the shape of a firetruck and the best thing of all, a ride around the station on the firetruck. The party itself sounded cool, but then we found out you actually get to ride on the truck. We have visited many stations and Everest always begs to ride on the truck. He loves firetrucks.
We have been looking forward to this party since May. But on the day, an hour before the party, the firefighters were called to a fire. We did not hear if anyone was hurt, but we hope it was a small fire with little damage. 

Here is the fire helmet pinata Everest, Nathan and I worked very hard to complete. Everest decided to save it for his party at the station. Luckily there is not food in the pinata. We sealed it after we put the stuff in.

Some of the party goers enjoying a couch firetruck ride. Everest and Nolan were the drivers.

The kids played dress up at the party. We have an extensive dress up bin. Elliot was a cheetah (which was Everest's Halloween costume) and Meredith was a Purdue cheerleader police officer.

We changed plans quickly and had the party at our house. The kids all had a blast and are looking forward to having another party sometime this Spring.

Polar Express...Santa

 Aurora, sporting her Christmas pj's, is excited to see Santa too.

 I love my aunt Teresa!

Santa enters the train and the crowd goes wild!

Everest and the conductor waiting patiently for Santa to make it to our seat.

Santa sits with each family and talks to the kids. Everest said he wanted a Lego log truck. Leaf wants a scooter.

He asks them if they believe in Santa, when they say yes, he hands them a bell and asks them to shake it. Aurora tried to hold off, but she was too hungry and missed Santa.

Everest got a bell for Aurora too. The boys had fun ringing their bells after Santa left.

Ornaments hung from the roof of the train. They swung as the train moved. Aurora was mesmerized by them.

We had a good visit to the North Pole. Too bad we can't get to Alaska that quickly when we go for vacation.