Surprise Pizza Delivery

This was Sara's reaction when daddy came home posing as the "pizza man". He surprised her by taking half of the night off of work so he could come see her sing in the concert. I called and ordered a pizza and told the kids we were having it delivered. Matt picked up the pizza and brought it home to us--Sara was so surprised and very excited.

Obviously the smile below is posed. . .this was right before we headed off to the concert.

Sara's Christmas Program

Sara was in awe of the manger scene. It was sweet seeing her examine it so intently.

Sara, her friend Alaina and her teacher, Mrs. Shevy headed back to the foyer after they sang.

Sorry it is so dark, hopefully I can get the video posted here soon. We were in the very back row, it was hard to get a good picture.

Feeble Attempts for the Annual Christmas Picture

Some of these would have been perfect if BOTH of them would have just cooperated at the same time!

A few more attempts

Moving On and Moving Up

We finally made the switch from crib to big boy bed with Silas. I have wanted to do this for some time but was not sure how Sara would do up on the top bunk. So far so good. . . aside from the normal transition issues, like getting out of bed and being silly together, but that happened when Silas was in his crib too. So here they are in their "new" beds.

O Christmas Tree

(This is NOT normal attire for Sara, we decorated the tree in the midst of her dress-up time)

(ditto on Silas's attire)

Rum River Tree Farm

Here it is!

Our Little Troopers

It was absolutely frigid the day after Thanksgiving, but we ventured out in search of the perfect tree anyway. The kids did great trying to help out and stay warm while mommy and daddy walked and walked to find our tree--all of us (except for daddy) tripped over protruding stumps along the way. Silas finally decided he couldn't keep up and started collecting sticks along the way instead. Sara carried the map and stood by the "prospective" trees while we scoped out other possible options. They both did great braving the cold AND being patient while mommy tried to find a flawless tree. I have great kids!!

Jolly Old St. Nicholas

This is the first time the kids have ever had a picture with Santa--it was a free visit(aside from the tree we bought) and the kids thought it was great. Silas ran to him--I wish we would have caught that on tape--it was great!! When Santa asked him what he wanted for Christmas he pointed to the container filled with mini candy canes and said "THOSE!"

Sleigh Ride. . .

Okay, so it was more of an open trailer with hay on it, but the kids enjoyed it and we sang Christmas carols along the way. It was a great family day!!

Baby Bunnies

Following in Pop-pop Carbo's footsteps

Dad, this post is for you--I thought you would appreciate these pictures of your tough guy!:)

Heritage Days

Sara's school has "Heritage Days" right before the Thanksgiving holidays. The kids can dress up as a number of different things that are a part of our history. Our family is reading through the Little House series right now, so Sara dressed up as Laura Ingalls. I was really wishing I had a bonnet for her to wear. . .

Our little Laura Ingalls

The little girl next to Sara holding the doll was Carrie Ingalls

Sara's nervous response--finger in the mouth