Christmas Day with the Kemmerlins

We are so blessed and had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends again this year. Santa was good to us all and the boys had a great time opening their gifts. Hatcher got into handing out presents, we sorted first and then opened. Right away Hatcher got the hang of ripping and tearing only stopping shortly to enjoy each gift saying, "that is wonderful, that is cute, that is nice of them, or wow, that is cool!"It was a bit overwhelming for Aidan Christmas morning and he just gave up half way through...so we took an intermission and opened some later in the day. Actually, we decided that Aidan's hesitation was a sign and put some of the wrapped presents for both boys away for birthdays and special occasions later on this coming year. After naptime - of which the boys and Derek indulged - we headed to Grandma and Tom's for our gift exchange and Christmas dinner. It was a wonderful time and the boys had so much fun hanging out with the Ruf kids...Tom's nieces and nephews. As usual, there are just too many pictures...so enjoy the montage! We hope you have a safe and happy New Year! We we love to see everyone in 2009.

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Getting ready for Christmas

We have had so much fun getting ready for Christmas this year. The kids enjoyed everyone's outdoor lights so much that we made driving around through nearby neighborhoods a nightly family pre-bedtime ritual. Most nights we all went in our jammies! The boys' excitement even inspired us to buy some reindeer of our own...which the boys LOVE! They go out as often as they can and feed them "pretend carrots" (sticks)! We had a few early presents and gift exchanges...and then celebrated Christmas Eve in usual tradition with Marma and P'Bo, Uncle Jared and Aunt Christina too! It was a lovely dinner and great time. We got home and set out some cookies, milk and carrots for the reindeer. Man, kids make the holidays so special! We hope you have a wonderful holiday!

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Merry Christmas Boys! With love from Marma and P'Bo...your very own Treehouse!

Marma and P'Bo built the boys this very cool treehouse/playhouse in the back yard. Cold and wet weather has hampered the completion of the house, but that hasn't stopped the boys from wanting to play in it or tell everyone about their "little house." Derek helped P'Bo and Marma put the initial structure up and really enjoyed being able to partake in its construction. He said that it reminds him of the one P'Bo built for him and his brothers when he was little. There will be shingles, door and window handles, a front porch railing, stain and more once completed...just as soon as the weather cooperates. It is cold, and rain is predicted again today. I got some wonderful pictures of the boys when they first saw it the night after P'Bo finished with the trim work. How exciting...fun for years to come!

Christmas Party at School & Hatcher's Gingerbread House

Hatcher and Aidan's school hosted a holiday party for the kids. I tried to split my time between the two rooms but only got a few photos. They had a blast...probably from all the sugar. The last two pictures are of Hatcher's (with the help of Daddy's icing application) Gingerbread House. He is a pro...thanks Ramona for showing him how...he loves it!

Playhouse Disney Concert

Today was the playhouse Disney concert...the boys have been talking about this forever it seems. The tour hosts appearances by Handy Manny, Pooh and Friends, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Little Einsteins. The boys are fans of 3 out of the 4 Disney shows...in fact the Disney channel is on most mornings as we are all up and getting ready. So they were both familiar with the characters and songs. At the last minute Derek wasn't able to go so Grandma got the call and was able to join us (I didn't want to tackle that with one hand in a cast.) Although I was flustered with the last minute "playbook switch" and nearly forgot the tickets - for which we were 20 minutes late for the show - the boys had a blast. That is all that mattered. Hatcher got the Handy Manny hat and they each wanted a Little Einstein light rod. Too fun...enjoy the pics.

Estes' Holiday Party

Saturday night we went to Neil and Ramona's house for a holiday party. Everyone brought their kiddos along and some homemade cookies. I think everyone had a great time - I know we did. Ramona cooked a wonderful meal - as usual - and made boxes for everyone to take a sampling of the cookie assortment home as a gift. And...Neil and Ramona bought each of the kids a present. How super sweet! She also had a gingerbread decorating table for everyone. Hatcher is now a pro at decorating a gingerbread house. By the end of the night, all the kids finally warmed up to one another and were having a great time, just when it was time to leave. It was fun to see everyone and hang out. Thanks Neil and Ramona!

Thanks Grandma!

Thank you grandma for all your help these past few days. I guess I have to admit - with my broken wrist I couldn't have managed without you...and I needed the help. I know you had as much fun as the boys and these pictures from today's tromping in the leaves captures it all. Thanks again...we all appreciate it! Only 50 or so more days to go with the cast on. Thanks again and until next time... :)

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

It was a nice day all day today - up until an hour or so from the lighting celebration of the Christmas tree at the Forum. As the meteorologists predicted, the rain came as the sun went down. We stuck it out and had some fun. We even made our first visit to see Santa. Hatcher couldn't wait to wish him and Ms. Claus a Merry Christmas and to tell Santa that he wanted a camera and guitar for Christmas. Aidan wanted no part of it. So - cast and all - I squeezed my adult self into that sleigh and smiled for the picture for Aidan's sake...it turned out decent! Oh, and while we were waiting in line, Hatcher sang "Santa Claus is coming to town" the whole time! Everyone loved his holiday spirit - what a ham!

Happy Thanksgiving

We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! For those of you who don't already know, I broke my wrist last weekend. Yes, it was a stupid accident...slipped and fell on the iced over deck stairs trying to get outside to play with the boys. Derek is having to do it all right now. I can't change diapers, make sippy cups, or even put the kids in their car seats...and I'm typing this all with the "hunt and peck mode" that is seemingly exhausting. But, that said, I realize how lucky and thankful I am.

• I am thankful for a wonderful husband who makes up for the temporary loss of my left arm/hand
  
• I am thankful for wonderful friends and family who have stepped in to help (Derek just started his new job!)
  
• I am thankful we both have good jobs in this spastic market
  
• I am thankful for two amazing kids - both bright, special and very loving...and for Hatcher always offering to help me with my "broken hand bones"
  
• I am thankful for having two arms and two hands...I realize how much I miss the use of both together!
  

As for the actual turkey day - we hosted for a small group of family. Derek did most of the cooking for our piece and what a fine job he did. Christina made some amazing dishes - and helped with the cleaning and prep - HUGE THANKS! Marma brought a Honey Baked Ham (the world's finest ham) and rolls and was on hand to tame the boys and help clean - HUGE THANKS! Without the help of these lovely women and my husband slaving in the kitchen - it would have been fast food for everyone! Hugs and kisses to you each - xoxoxoxo!

I hope you all had time to reflect on what you are thankful for this holiday. Everyday is special...kids make you realize that exponentially!

The Wiggles - Pop go the Wiggles

Tonight we took the boys to see the Wiggles in concert. It was so much fun. It took Hatcher and Aidan both about 20 minutes to really warm up to the idea that they too could sing and dance along in the audience. But once they were ready - they had a blast. At one point Hatcher was crazy! It was fun to see the Wiggles in person after watching so many episodes on tv. I recommend it to anyone whose child watches the show. Here are some of my favorite pictures. I hope to load some video tomorrow.

Hatcher's first movie at the Theater - Madagascar 2

Derek and I took Hatcher on a special big boy treat to see Madagascar 2. We knew it was short enough that he could sit through it and loved the first one so much. He has also been asking to see Madagascar - and says the name so clearly. With Derek starting his new job tomorrow, we thought it would be a nice treat for him. It was too funny, we got popcorn, chocolate candy and a sprite for us all to share. He loved it! When we left we asked him what his favorite part was and he said the lions. He also said he wanted to go again - but next time he wants to see Cars there! HA, he has to wait until 2011! I only got one picture that was in focus - but am loading my two favorites.

Boys just being boys...

Just a couple of pictures from the last week and a half that i wanted to share. Aidan is really starting to talk more and use more words. He can say the dogs names (Dakota and Barkley), Daddy, broccoli, cheese, milk and nods yes and no for most everything else. man - they grow so fast. Hatcher is just such a good big brother...always asking Aidan if he needs anything or wants to play with something. it is too sweet!