Hustle and Bustle

I have been slacking in updates, to say the very least. I can't believe it has been over a month. We have been very busy, but definitely enjoying the Holiday hustle and bustle. After watching the Macy's parade, we celebrated a very nice Thanksgiving at my Mother-in-Law's house with my family too. We went to see the Wiggles in concert (for those of you with kids, you'll understand the absolute "pleasure"). We were at the pediatrician's office at least two times, for Thomas who was sick with fevers, runny noses, rashes, roseola, pharyngitis, bronchitis, you name it, we got it. We finally got pictures hung in the house, there's now room on the guest room floor. Still no bed, but at least there's a spot on the carpet where a guest could sleep. We decorated inside and out for the Holidays. Bjorn and I watched the Florida State / Florida game together for the very first time while eating oysters (OK, I admit, I had none, but some people did). We had a Baby Celebration to welcome the arrival of sweet, little Devin. We went on the Polar Express train ride to the North Pole (thanks to Uncle Brian)where we roasted marshmallows, made S'mores, sat on Santa's lap, played with Train tables and made crafts. And, for all of you that know me well, of course, we've been shopping. I have to admit that on more than one occasion, I have been heard threatening the kids that "Santa's watching". How else is a mom to get through December?

We have seen Santa 3 times. Madelyn had a list about a mile long to tell Santa the first time. Thomas would only give him a "high 5" after lots of encouragement the first time. The second time, he sat on a sleigh next to Madelyn, who of course was reciting her list again. Today, he spotted him in the distance and couldn't wait to see him. We went to Brunch today and got to have a personal gathering with Santa. Thomas told the big guy "Merry Christmas Santa, I love you."

OH, and for all you poor folks suffering through the nasty, nasty weather, it was in the high 70's today, blue skies and sunny. I'm not taunting though, just informing.

Here are some snapshots from the Wiggles concert. Notice the bloody nose and glassy eyes on Thomas. Yep - one of the many times he was sick.

NICE Bloody nose. Thomas looks like he was in a boxing match the night before.

"CHOO CHOO CHUGA CHUGA BIG RED CAR"

Of course, there has to be ballerinas for Madelyn

Watching Santa arrive at the Macy's parade.

All dressed up for Thanksgiving at Grandmas

Peek-a-Boo at Grandma's House for Thanksgiving


YUM! Gingerbread cupcake cake.

The spread

The Toast - Devin slept through it
Madelyn helping with Devin's presents

Devin's beautiful bright eyes

Thomas and Pap on the train

Madelyn, Uncle Brian and Pap enjoying the Carrollers on the train

Mammy and Madelyn acting crazy

Daddy's Little Girl

Putting in their requests

Sitting in Santa's Sleigh at the North Pole

Uncle Brian and Thomas at the North Pole. Notice the S'mores leftovers on Thomas's lips.

Madelyn couldn't get to Santa fast enough. She beat her brother to his lap.

Chatting with Santa at Brunch

Jolly

The Fam

Taking a walk after Brunch