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).