Reindeer Food...(aka Goldfish)

While Duffy was writing the letter to Santa, Lulu and Daddy went out to the front yard to make sure we left some food for Rudolph. We didn't have any oats so we crumpled up "goldfish". I am sure Rudolph liked the substitution.

The perfect scribe..

Here is Duffy very carefully and thoughtfully writing the letter to Santa..

May the Force Be With You..

Duffy and Lulu were able to open a couple of presents from Mimi and Pappy on Christmas Eve. Check out this huge Star Wars Lego set Pappy picked out for Duffy in New York. May the Force Be With Us as Duffy puts this together...

Happy Big One Daddy!

Daddy had a big big birthday this year. His birthday present became perpetually delayed so he ended up opening up a clue on Christmas Eve, rather than his birthday. The present is still on backorder but I do think the pick gave him some early excitement about the pending guitar coming his way! Happy Birthday Daddy!!!

More Chugga Chuggas

One of the best presents Duffy and Lulu received from Mimi and Pappy was more items for their train set. We can't wait to get home and add to the track!

Hook Em Horns

Since Pappy strongly dislikes the Longhorns (actually, hates but we try not to use that word in front of the kiddos), we decided to play a joke on him and incorporate the Longhorns into his Christmas present. Here he is opening up his Longhorn pullover. My bet is that he will end up liking it..

Good luck penny!

On Christmas Eve, we opened presents from Mimi and Pappy, other family members and Mimi and Pappy opened their gifts from us. We gave Mimi a bunch of new knives and as the old wives tale goes, we gave her a penny as well. Duffy and Lulu were very concerned that Mimi saw the penny.

Christmas Cookie Fun

In preparation for the big day, we made some Christmas cookies, otherwise known as "mold cookies". The timing was perfect as Lulu had to bring in cookies to school the next days for her Christmas party.

Boxing Day!

It's amazing how much fun Duffy and Lulu can have with a leftover shipping box...

Camping out..

Lulu's creativity never ceases to amaze me. I asked her this morning what she was doing and she answered "camping". Under the coffee table. Of course.

Finishing up the Thanksgiving leftovers..

Or just pretending to...

Lang's Baptism

Last Sunday, we celebrated Lang's baptism. He was so good and we enjoyed celebrating the special day. Congratulations, Lang.

O' Christmas Tree!

Last weekended, we headed out to get our Christmas tree. It was the first time in years it wasn't snowy and rainy so we made the most out of the beautiful day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year and really enjoyed cooking for some of our "cousins". It was a packed weekend and everyone had a nice time. We are so very thankful for so many things and enjoyed sharing the day with our family.

Thanks also to Barboo for mailing the special Thanksgiving turkey decorations. I hope my pineapple turned out as well as yours always does!



We were able to enjoy lots of "shows" during the holiday.


Thanks again and Happy Thanksgiving!!

Brotherly and Sisterly Love!

Zonked!

After the game, Lulu zonked out in the car. She had such a good time and ate about 5 bags of popcorn at the game. Her tummy felt in later..

Penn State vs. Indiana

A few weeks ago (I'm very late with all of my posts), we went to the Penn State vs. Indiana game with the cousins at FedEx field. Duffy was lucky enough to go down on the field with Pappy after the game. Penn State won and the game was a huge success. It was also Lulu's first time to a big sporting event. She had a blast.

Congratulations, Pappy!

About a month ago, Pappy was inducted into his fraternity Hall of Fame at University of Maryland. We went to his induction ceremony where Pappy gave a fantastic speech and got a "standing O" from everyone in the room. Congratulations, Pappy. We are so proud of you!!

Final Game!

Mimi and Pappy came down for Duffy's last soccer game. Duffy, you have really improved this season, especially on your defensive game and we are so proud of you. Thanks to Mimi, Pappy and Kel Kel for celebrating this special day with us.

le brassiere

Look what Lulu found in Mommy's room! Although she viewed it as her coat of armour and decided she now had superpowers and could karate chop anybody who got in her way.

Pre-Thanksgiving Treat

Yesterday at Duffy's school, they invited all of the parents to come and have Thanksgiving lunch with their kids at school. Duffy and I had a great time and we really enjoyed spending time together. While the food wasn't so good, Duffy enjoyed going through the lunch line with me and he did eat most of his gingerbread ice cream.

Thanks, Duffy. Mommy loved spending time with you and seeing and learning more about what you do every day!

Silly Lulu!

I'm not sure what Lulu loves most these days--being silly or her tie-dye. Here is a picture of both!

Little Red Hen!

On Sunday, Duffy, Lulu and I went to see the "Little Red Hen" at a neighborhood playhouse with some friends of ours. In the very beginning, they asked for volunteers to come on-stage to assist with getting the show started. Duffy bravely raised his hand and was selected. This picture is horrible but given the fact that no cameras were allowed, this is me trying to be sneaky and take a picture. However, I had to document the star for the blog!

Lovable...

Last night when we were doing Duffy's homework, he became so lovable with Lulu and just hugged her. We had to capture it right away as we know these are fleeting moments. Sorry for the grainy picture as it was on Stephen's blackberry.

Lang's First Halloween

Lang came over to celebrate his first Halloween. He looked adorable as a dragonfly (the costume was Lulu's and brought back wonderful memories). Happy Halloween Lang, Lang!

More Halloween Fun

Boo-Boo Before

Boo-Boo

While the dough was rising, we all stepped out to carve our pumpkin, who Lulu named Boo-Boo (pretty creative if you ask me).

And then there was dough...

On Sunday, we decided to have some family over to check out Duffy and Lulu's costume. As our choic of snack for our gathering, Lulu and Daddy decided to make pizza and homemade pizza dough. Lulu really enjoyed getting her hands dirty.

Halloween Fun

Since Halloween fell on a Sunday this year, it felt as though getting ready for Halloween was as busy as getting ready for Christmas. We had school parties, neighborhood parties and friend parties. No matter what, we can say our costumes were well worn this year.

Our fun started on Saturday at a party at a friends' house. Here is a picture of Mommy and Mrs. Justine getting in the spirit.

Super-Cut

Check out that intense, serious, yet worried face.