So with the winter weather keeping us indoors for the most part, we have had lots of time to play games, do puzzles, and watch Princess movies.  The girls are very much into “learning” games… Avery is constantly counting EVERYTHING… and let me assure you things must all be the same for everyone.  If not, there is definitely some things that are worked out… LOL.  She has also been into sorting things throughout the house– toys, books, cards, etc.  Everything has it’s place and everything must be kept in order or else Avery will certainly set it all straight.  She also has informed me that she has decided to change her identity– she is no longer Avery– she is either Snow White or Ariel.  It depends on the day what princess she is– and each day is something different.  It’s really funny when we are out in public and she is insisting that she be called by her Princess name.  People look at me like I am crazy, but I think it’s awesome! 

Carly (who will be 2 in less than 3 weeks!!!!)  is growing up so quickly!!!! I am truly sad that I no longer have a baby, but I have a Big Girl (where, oh where did the time go?!?!?!)  This big girl continues to amaze me with the things that she learns each and everyday.  She knows her ABC’s and is always singing the ABC song.  We must sing it about 100 times a day… and to be honest, with her, it doesn’t get old.  It is the cutest thing!  She has a vocabulary that is undeniably advanced - and she speaks extremely clear  (well, at least I think so– for a 2 year old)– and she is the chattiest thing around.  Let’s just say that she definitely gets her point across!  She has also been experimenting with the potty.  I will not say that she is in anyway potty training, but she has watched Sissy enough that she wants to go and she actually does on occasion.  The only problem that we have is that she likes to take ALL of her clothes off when she goes PeePee and she refuses to put them back on.  We then have a streaker running through the house.  It is absolutely HILARIOUS– definitely a sight to see!  Can you tell I am a ridiculously PROUD Mommy! 

We have enjoyed lots of playdates with our friends over the last few weeks- playing dress up, doing crafts, making messes and having fun!  We are, however, looking forward to some more outside playtime as the weather gets better!  We have uploaded tons of pix to the website in the January folder for you all to check out– take a look and see what we’ve been up to….

HOLY HOLIDAYS!!!!  Christmas has passed and it sure was a whirlwind this year!!!

We kicked off our Christmas Holiday with the Riley’s Annual Christmas Eve mass and holiday party.  We had an absolute blast and there was fun had by all…. especially the girls who roped Uncle Scottie and Shannon into doing nothing but jumping on thier beds.  Needless to say, I think that Uncle Scottie and Shannon were exhausted!!!  Big Thank you to Gee and Bill for a wonderful time and the Christmas goodies for the Girls and Mommy and Daddy!  (P.S…. Carly’s Baby “talks” to us EVERYDAY!!! LOL)

We then came home and got ready for Santa.  Avery and Daddy set out Cookies and Milk for Santa and some Carrots for the Reindeer.  (Avery was adamant about the Reindeer being very hungry and needing a snack too!)  Then, as the girls slept in thier beds with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads (cheesy, i know!)– SANTA and his crew made an appearance and left all kinds of goodies and presents under the tree!

The girls woke up and immediately went into overdrive once they realized Santa had come to town.  They tore through their presents and it was a sea of wrapping paper, laughter, screams and craziness.  Santa sure did a good job this year with knowing exactly what to bring!  All of the grandparents were here to take in the chaos along with Uncle Matt and Nicki!

Once things settled down here at the homefront, we got ready to go celebrate the holidays at Mema and G-Daddy’s house with Aunt Cristy, GJ, Alex and Nick.  Dinner was delicious and the kids got spoiled again with all of the presents at Mema and G-Daddy’s!  Carly’s big gift was a Mini-cooper car (which the girls couldn’t stop fighting over) and Avery got a Disney Princess Vanity!  The girls were definitely excited (as were Mommy and Daddy)  with the final gift of the evening from Mema and G-Daddy which was a SLEEPOVER for the girls and Alex and Nick!  This gave Mommy and Daddy a chance to go out and have fun with some of our friends and then get some much needed sleep after all of the chaos of the day!

The following day, Saturday, we had Christmas at DD’s!  Talk about being SPOILED!!!!  The girls got lots more goodies including a princess table and chairs set, lots of “crafty” things for the girls to play with (finger paints, markers, crayons, etc).  Carly got a Dora doll and nursery set and Avery got her favorite RUDOLPH movie– and the girls each got Princess Marshmallow Lollipop’s–(YUMMY!!!)  We ended the night with some family bowling with the Gallagher family, which was hysterical and an absolute blast!

Sunday, we had our Christmas with the Rogers family — Big thank you to Aunt Gail and Chris for dinner!  It was delicious!  The girls got some books– which the girls LOVE reading books, barbie ornaments, and some money to put away for a rainy day!

Monday was a big playday!  We all went over to have a playdate with Lily and Emilie at Loras… the girls played so well and the mommies had a great time catching up!  The girls exchanged Christmas gifts and were spoiled yet again with all kinds of fun things!  Carly has been playing with her new puzzle non-stop, and Avery of course loves her new mirror (she can decorate it herself)– after all, she does love to look at herself! LOL  Avery then went over to play with her girlfriend Bianca!  She came home with a beautiful manicure and pedicure (courtesy of Mrs. Letty) and her belly was filled with lots of Junk!!! — Just the way she likes it!!!

Tuesday, we made a trip to Delaware to visit with GML and Pop.  It was a long trip, but we had a wonderful time visiting with Grandmom and Pop.  The girls explored every angle of the house and of course had the most fun playing hide and seek and jumping on the bed.  When we left, we weren’t in the car but a few minutes and everyone was fast asleep!  (not daddy though– he got to drive! :-))

So, as you can see, this holiday season has been CRAZY BUSY!!!  We had an absolute blast, but we are looking forward to some down time and relaxing days in the new year!   We have enjoyed all of the special time that we have been able to share with our Family and Friends and for those of you that we have not caught up with, we hope to catch up soon!  Until then, we wish everyone a happy holiday season and best wishes for the NEW YEAR!!!   Look out 2010— Here we come!!!!

We are in full swing of the holidays– enjoying the sights and sounds of the season.  Seeing the lights and decorations through my sweet girls eyes is just the most heartwarming thing ever!  The girls cannot get enough of the Christmas lights and festive decorations- it’s becoming a nightly ritual to go somewhere and find some new lights to take in.  In our house, we have decorated our Christmas tree, Daddy decorated the outside of the house with lights and gotten some things ready for when Santa comes to town (which, did I mention, the girls are totally PSYCHED about!!!!).  

That being said, Santa should be making his annual visit through the neighborhood via Fire Engine sometime this week to give out candy canes to all of the kids and take pix with our little angels.  We are absolutely ready for when he comes- the girls are keeping their shoes and coats right at the front door so that there is no way we will miss him.  We are also planning a trip to the mall this week so that the girls can go visit Santa and sit on his lap and that way he will know exactly what’s on their Christmas list this year!   That is, if they have been good girls… LOL

Anyways, there has been a LOT of slacking on my part with updating the website and uploading new pix and for that I must apologize.  We have just been keeping busy gearing up for the holidays, visiting with family and friends, and getting ready for Santa.  I will do my best to update as the holidays draw near– and don’t worry, there will be PLENTY of pix and updates once Christmas time is here!

Carly as  Minnie Mouse:

Avery as Princess Ariel- The Little Mermaid:

Not a post about the munchkins this time, but wanted to update and let everyone know that Aunt Tracy got Married this past weekend!  A cruise ship wedding (FUN FUN!!!)  was absolutely beautiful despite the torrential downpours and coldest October Day on record!  Mommy and Daddy had a blast celebrating with friends and are so happy that Aunt Tracy and now Uncle Jamie are married and will be living their happy ever after!!!