Decorating the tree

One of the days in the middle of this "arctic blast" we got our tree. We drove up to a lot with a bunch of trees and just picked one out. Maybe next year we will go cut one down but we didn't want to this year since we were gone for a week in December. We love our tree and there isn't a better one for us.

Keeley with the stockings on. So literal....

Grover likes the tree!

Hanging out at Gagi's and Gapi's house

Here is Gagi wearing Keeley's ducky hat.

Keeley and Kiera got a cute Dora book from Gagi and Gapi. It's a countdown to bedtime and has a bedtime clock. They love it.

We got Grandma Betty a puzzle that are 4 puzzles in one.

Here Keeley is giving Gagi and Gapi a platter we made at "Paint and Fire" in West Linn. She loved making it. It said "the distance makes us closer" and had a sign on one side that says Portland and a sign on the other that says Rochester. With Keeley's thumb Kyle made little reindeer and a little santa going across the top. Then the girls were able to paint the back. Keeley loved making it!

Sitting in Grandma Betty's chair. I had a remote that Kiera loved working.

One of Keeley's favorite pasttimes....coloring.

more fun in the snow

Here are just a few more of winter time fun

Gagi with Kiera

The kids love playing with Kyle's brother Chris

The polar express!

Gagi and Gapi bought us all tickets to go on the "polar express". We drove 2 hours to Utica to go on the Adoronak Railroad. It was about a 2 hour train ride (1 hour each way). Santa got on when we got to "the north pole" and came and visited each child. Then we sang Christmas carols and played games. It was a great time and completely worth the long trip!

We had 2 sets of 4 seats across from each other. The kids got to run back and forth between the seats and they thought it was the greatest. There were kids everywhere and it was loud but it was allowed and really fun.

Kiera didn't want to be contained! But she paused for a moment for a picture

There were elves running around everywhere that were CRAZY! They did keep it interesting as we waited for Santa to come and talk to us.

Santa came and gave each girl a candy cane and a bell. Kiera wouldn't sit on santa's lap, but Keeley did. Keeley asked for a toy box from Santa. I have NO idea where that came from!

Happy family!

Gagi gave them matching jammies

Thank you Gagi and Gapi for the polar express and the cute jammies!

Fun in the snow

Unca tried to show Keeley how to do snow angels and she attacked him with a snowball. She would also ask us to make a snow ball for her so she could throw it at us!


We caught Keeley getting Kiera dressed. When we asked her where she was going she said "maddies house" Kyle's cousin....so funny!

Perfect snowman snow!

More cute outfits from Gagi!

Party in Webster, NY

Aunt Angie and Uncle Dick

We had a party for Chris and Ben's birthdays and to celebrate us being in town. Most of my mother in laws relatives were there so it was really nice to see everyone all in one place!

Grandma Betty lives with them now and it was a lot of fun getting to know her. Keeley had a lot of fun with her and she got Keeley to eat a ton of food by talking about her "empty spots". Just for some background information, Keeley doesn't really like to eat!

A pile of cousins! Kyle has 4 teenage cousins. They are AWESOME girls. I love them so much. They are the most polite teenage girls I've ever met! Andrea is in blue, Sam in the headband, Martha in the glasses, and Maddie in the front. What cuties! Keeley and Kiera absolutely adores them!

Keeley and Kiera got a lot of presents when we were there. The hats are from Aunt Angie and Uncle Dick (as are the snowmen) the outfits from Gagi, and the computer from Aunt Ann. They got a whole bunch more from such generous relatives.

Fun in New York

Kyle, the girls, and I are currently in New York enjoying some time with Kyle's mom, step dad, his mom, the NY Chards, and many friends. I thought I would just do a quick post but be waiting for more when I get home!