My go to Christmas

Yesterday, Ida Jane grabbed all of her purses and backpacks, and said she was going. "Where are you going?" we asked her. "My go to Christmas."

So yeah, we had a lot of fun on Christmas. She misses it already.

Here we are, reading "The Night Before Christmas" on the night before...



The calm before the storm.



Of course, the ribbon is the best part. Ida Jane even generously shared hers.



Yeah, Dad thought this gift was a good idea. Two year-old, marching drum, a match made in heaven. :)



Um, so there's this bear? What am I supposed to do with this thing? And, more importantly, is it going to eat that wrapping paper I was saving for myself?


Of course, when it's all over, playing in the cupboard is still king.

Here we are!

Better rest up for next year.

Cookie party

Today we had a great time making cookies with our friends.

First we got all dressed up for the occasion in our Christmas gear. Even Olivia got in on the act.







Then it was time to get cooking! Ida Jane helped make the cookies.




And she helped Auntie Becca with the frosting.



Meanwhile, Harper got lots of attention from all her friends. Here she is reading a book with Auntie Leah.



What a great time!

This week, Harper and Ida Jane also got to meet a new friend from China, Ricky, and our cousin Sonya. We didn't get any pictures while they were here, but I wanted to mention it and add that we had a great time.

To all of our friends keeping touch with us, happy Hanukkah, happy Solstice, and a very Merry Christmas! I hope to have another post up later in the week.

Thanksgiving and a tree

The girls have been having quite the holiday adventures.

First, we flew to visit Nana and Papa for Thanksgiving! It was a great time.



We celebrated Evan's birthday as well with some cake!



Then we went out to the Gerber farm, where Ida Jane got to enjoy a hayride with her parents, Evan, Aunt Sarah, and Nana. Her Uncle Greg was doing the driving.



It was brisk, but very enjoyable.



Then it was off to Fostoria to see her Great Granddad and Grandmama Zoll and their fabulous new place.



The girls really enjoyed seeing all of their family.





Then it was back to Rockville, where we bid Thanksgiving a (somewhat tearful) adieu. Fortunately, we've been able to get them all excited about Christmas!

Ida Jane went shopping with her Dad for the tree. We really liked our pick.



We put some tinsel on:



And a new angel we got, made from a recycled can! Our green angel:



Then we added some ornaments!



What a beautiful tree:



Of course, it wouldn't be a house with little kids if it didn't look a little, well, unfinished...



Last but not least, here is a picture of Harper in action, doing her crawl:




And a movie of the same, narrated by her big sister (who scrambles at the start of the movie to get behind the camera).

Go Bucks!

We're busy getting ready for our big Thanksgiving trip to the midwest, so here's a very quick entry until we get up.

Dad and the girls rooting for the Buckeyes!



No kidding, Harper's first clap came during this game. Guess she's not a Michigan fan.



In other news, Harper has four teeth coming in up top, and has her two lower teeth in, so these toothless grins are going to be a thing of the past, soon. She's also getting around pretty well as a crawler now, can pull herself up to her knees on an object, and is trying harder than ever to keep up with her big sister.

Have a great holiday, everyone!

Go girls, go!

Ida Jane and Harper have been having a lot of fun lately.

Ida Jane learned how to help make a pizza with Daddy.



She loves to spend time together with Harper.



Ida Jane even climbed up in Harper's crib before bedtime.



Needless to say, it was some time before they went to sleep!

Halloween fun!

Cookie Monster and the Dragon (aka Ida Jane and Harper) enjoyed a wonderful Halloween in Rockville.

First, last Saturday, we had to get out of our Ohio State gear:



And into our costumes for the Spooktacular at Amy's school! Ida Jane had picked out costumes this year for both herself and Harper. Why she made her sister a dragon is anyone's guess.



The dancing was, once again, Ida Jane's favorite part.



Then, this Friday, it was the big night for Trick or Treating! We got all dressed up again.



Then, it was off to see the neighbors. Our first stop was Mary, who has given us treats before, most recently cherry tomatoes from her garden.



A bit of shy anxiety about the process of trick or treating quickly became enthusiasm. Cookie Monster paraded proudly through the neighborhood.



Then it was into our Halloween pajamas. Happy Halloween, everyone!

Neapolitans

The girls (and Mom and Dad) had a great time heading down to Naples for a long weekend. Before we left, Harper played with Olivia one last time.



And then the plane. The girls both did very well on the flight, much to Mom and Dad's relief. Fortunately for us, it's a straight shot from Baltimore to Ft. Myers, where Meme picked us up. And then, it was immediately onto the pool!





Harper enjoyed hanging out with Baba a lot. Here she is, relaxing after her swim (her mohawk courtesy of Dad):



Of course, one of the best parts about Naples is the lovely beach. Baba and Meme rented a cabana for Harper to stretch out in while keeping out of the sun.



Ida Jane was out in the sun, sand, and surf pretty much as much as she could be.







Ida Jane also made Halloween cookies with Meme:



So when cousins Grayce and Madi visited, they would have some to eat. Here's the girls, all posing together:



Before we left, it was one last trip to the beach, where Ida Jane went shell hunting:



Thanks so much for having us, Baba and Meme! We can't wait to visit again.

Fall fun

Harper and Ida Jane have really had a whiz-bang start to fall - and I'm afraid the blog has lagged a bit because of it!

First, we had a great trip to the zoo. Here's Mom and Ida Jane checking out the elephants, a favorite animal for both:



Harper loved the zoo as well, a long stroller ride with lots of exciting and fun things to see:



Ida Jane has been very excited about cooking and baking lately. Here she is making some pancakes with Mom.



We also had some guests visit us. It was great seeing Aunt Barbara, Uncle Jim, and cousins Michaela, Lexi and Jeff.

Here's Harper with Aunt Barbara:



She helped Aunt Barbara read a book to Ida Jane and Michaela.



And then Michaela and Harper helped Olivia be the center of attention.



Uncle Steve was in town, and we all went to the pumpkin patch.

He showed Ida Jane the turkeys:



Here's Dad with Harper on the hay ride.



Ida Jane enjoyed seeing the big tractor.



This pumpkin looks just right!



Load 'em up, Dad!



Climbing the hay mountain with Mom at the end of our trip.