Maxwell

The kids were worried that he wouldn't come but luckily Maxwell was able to find us at the temporary house this year.  As in years past, he was up to his usual antics.  I think Maxwell is sillier than the usual elf.  Looks like he enjoyed finding new places to get himself into in this house.

Checking it out for when Santa makes his trip down -

 Just enjoys being upside-down I guess -

 Got into the leftover Halloween candy, bad elf!

 Made a friend for himself, he must have been lonely -

 A little swing for himself -

One day he even wrapped himself up, kids had a really hard time finding him this morning -

Accosting the angle???-

End of an Era....

Last day of school for both kids before the Christmas break and before they move to their new schools.  It was bitter sweet for Jay dropping Luke and the carpool gang off for the last time at St. Phils this morning.  Jay loves starting his day with the 5 and 6 year olds. 

Luke's classmates made him a scrapbook as a goodbye gift.  Very cute!  We love his teacher Mrs. Baker, she has been so great for Luke this year.  Luke absolutely loves his school.  Mrs. Baker emailed me to tell me that Luke was so cute as he was saying goodbye to his classmates, thanking each one for his scrapbook and telling them all that we were moving so that his daddy could be closer to the lake and fish.  Jay has been talking up this lake that will be walking distance to our house, apparently Luke thinks this is the reason for our move...HA! 

Paige also had her last day of school at Children's Circle today.  Both kids had parties for the Christmas break which was a good distraction, I'm sure.  We said goodbye to the teachers after five years there. 

Neither Luke nor Paige seem too upset about the move.  Paige told her teachers that she was going to meet new friends and be in a new school.  Luke is excited to ride the bus.  He went to visit his new school earlier this week.  He got to check out the classrooms and see the rest of the school. 

Both kids are excited to FINALLY be in our new house and have all their things back and get settled in their new rooms and of course to get Marley Man back.  

Ali Update (week 3!)

Ali girl is doing well, such a good little baby.  The kids are still so thrilled with her...novelty hasn't worn off yet :)

Some of the latest pics of the three -

 Luke and his littlest girl -

 Still lots of sleeping -

 Check out the mop on this one.  I still can't believe how much hair she has and how dark it is (dark for one of our kids anyway!) -

This and That....

Luke: Mom, do you know what is really cool? It is really cool that I am not old enough to get arrested.

Not sure if this statement should worry me or not.
 __________________

Luke: Paige, do you like books because your name is page like the page of a book.

Paige: Don’t say that Lukie, I don’t like to be the page of a book!
____________________

Luke broke his Lego airplane when playing with it and was very upset.

Mommy: Luke, do you want me to help you put your Lego set back together?

Luke: Mommy, you will sad if I tell you this but I will tell you anyway. Daddy is like a lot better at doing the Lego sets than you are. Does that make you sad? I want to wait for daddy to be home to help me.

Mommy: That’s Ok Luke, I understand.

_____________________

 Paige nursing her baby -

 fashionista ready for school -

 Fashionista ready for shopping -

 Luke, reading his Pat the Bunny book that his teacher gave him to Ali -

 

What do we do on a December weekend when it creeps to 50 degrees?  Play outside of course -

Early birthday party/going away party -

Luke and his little friend Charlotte had a joint early birthday party/going away party for Luke with his school friends on Friday after school.  It was at a skating rink in Newport, RI on the wharf.  It was a nice chance to say goodbye to the families at St Phil's that we've gotten to know over the last few years.  We will miss our St Phil's family for sure! 

First snow of the season....

Lucky for Luke, he was off school that day.  So excited to see those snow drops fall.  He was missing his partner in crime, Marley.  Marley LOVES the first snowfall of the season, runs around outside like a crazy man, much like what Luke did.  No doubt he is enjoying lots of snow up north.

and Ali makes three...

Luke and Paige are still so very excited about their new little sister.  The biggest problem we have is getting them off her when she is trying to sleep or not going in and waking her up when she is already sleeping.  They love to give her kisses.  Paige is my big helper with bathtime and loves doing diaper changes.  I clean the dirty one and she puts the clean one on. 

Always wanting to hold her -

Ali's first bath -

 Always wants to hold her standing up, thinks this is an adult thing to do because Paige is not allowed to hold her standing up -

 Lots and lots and lots of kisses -

Early Christmas -

We celebrated Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa early, better than doing it over Skype the day of!

Notice the yule log in the background...very festive -

 Big thank you hugs -

 Even mommy got some nice things -



More visitors....

Uncle John and Chrissie came for a visit to meet little baby Ali.  Grandpa and Grandma came for a visit and Papa came down to meet her too!

Blue strip NOT blue baby!

Paige has been very interested in taking care of baby Ali. She loves to change her diaper, help with her bath and pick out her outfits.

I was explaining to Paige that the yellow strip on the diaper turns blue when she goes pee so we know when to change her.

Having forgotten about this conversation, you can imagine my panic when Paige was in with Ali one day and began yelling “the baby is blue, the baby is blue!” I full sprinted into the room only to realize she was talking about the diaper strip. Wheeeeew….