Tree Decorating 2010

One of my favorite traditions is the decorating of the family Christmas tree.  The girls were really excited this year to get started.  Grace even broke out her princess gloves.... :)

They loved asking questions about each ornament and really liked finding "their" ornaments

Kate did not understand why Elliot wouldn't take his ornament to hang up....

The girls made cookies to go with their hot chocolate

As usual, the tree was a little front and low heavy

Kate...

Not sure what to comment on first.... the outfit, the blue lips or the fact she pulled down our nice nativity set off the table and is using it as a play farm...  :)

Well Ok Then

Grace came up to me this morning and said "Were you the one that prepared my lunches last week?"
"Umm, well, yes"
"Well, I want to tell you something and I don't want you to say you are sorry because you didn't know."
"Umm, ok..."
"I really don't like the Cheez-its you have been giving me.  I know you didn't know so I'm not mad but I just would like it if you didn't do that again.  I would prefer something else."
How old is she?  :)

Carney Thanksgiving

We were able to spend Thanksgiving with all of Jack's family- even his sister Jennifer and her husband Joel were able to make it.  We had a great time!  I got a new camera the day after Thanksgiving but I also got the stomach bug so we don't really many pictures :(  I do have some shots where I was learning to use my camera and they are just everyday fun at Grandma and Pop's house.

Kate's first ponytail!

 Cheering for Alabama in the Iron Bowl

Grace worked hard with Grandma and Pop on these great placecards

Hey! Hey!

When I took Kate to have her annual checkup for her 2nd birthday, the doctor asked all the standard development questions to ensure she was on track.  When he asked how many words she could say I answered hundreds.  When he asked if she could make a sentence I replied that she speaks in paragraphs.  Because she can, and does.  But apparently not in front of him.  He tried to get her to talk and she just stared like she didn't understand English.  She would not say a word.  I was kind of embarrassed that she was making it look like I was embellishing her skills when the doctor laid her down on the table.  He unfastened her diaper and was about to complete his exam when Kate bellowed out "Hey!..Hey!  What you doing?!"  At least she knows when to protect herself :)

Grunewald Thanksgiving

Since we were all together for Kate's birthday, we had an early Thanksgiving.  All the cousins had a blast playing together.  And they of course enjoyed matching in their Nana made shirts :)

Everyone loved making a Skype call to Great Papa and Great Brenda.  Lots of ladies to share screen time with :)

I think all the girls had fun at their own table this year.  We'll have to make room for Elaina next time!

 

I didn't get a picture of them, but Grace and Isabella and Nana worked hard on name cards for everyone.  You can see one of the pilgrim ones in front of Kate in the picture above.  They were very cute!

Birthday Swim Party

One of Kate's favorite things to do is go swimming and when you have a winter birthday, a swimming party seems out of the question but we found this great place to have a party indoors.  It was a blast!

 

One of the best parts of the party was when some of the "big kids" got to jump in the pool.  Great job Jack, Jeff, Tony and Mac!

Kate was not thrilled with the group picture since it meant the party was over :(

After we all got dried off, we were finally able to eat that Elmo cake :)

Thanks for all our friends and family who helped celebrate the big day!

After the great party we came home and let Kate open all the gifts from the family.  It was a great day!