Highlights: Christmas 2010

Here's just a few of our special moments from this past Christmas. It was so much fun with two little girls who were both excited about the festivities! I have to say, we all really enjoyed the pace of the "toddler Christmas." It can go on for days...!
So pleased to help write a note to Santa.
Aoife was in charge of the provisions: carrots for the reindeer and banana bread for Santa.
Santa wrote a nice note back!
Opening presents is a team sport : )!
I seriously think blocks are the best toy ever, the girls seem to agree. They love to build. I think we play with blocks and/or other building materials (Wedgits, the couch and blankets, etc.) daily.


Another big hit of the day, baby accessories. Also items that still get played with every day.
Our little drummer girl. Music is always a big hit around here too!


So, I think we're caught up and I can actually get to the business of the day to day! I'm so excited to share little glimpses into the life of the girls I think I'll actually start now...

xoxo,

Los Stuhan

Frosty

So, this is a pre-Christmas excursion out to the snow. We had a blast and it was oh, so cold!

Building, building. Everyone was having too much fun (or was too cold) to look up at Mommy for a picture -- Aine's smiling so I'd say that's evidence for the former.

Posing with Frosty, first with Daddy and then with Mommy.

Daddy and Aoife thought'd be a good idea to run out and get a few last shots with the snowman Aoife was sooo excited about. I wasn't sure, but it does look like she was as pleased as could be!

Toasty warm as a blizzard raged outside on our way home.
Thank goodness for 4-wheel-drive!
Seriously, it was snowing like crazy!

These girls love the snow. We'll be back!

The Polar Express

This experience was MAGICAL and the pictures tell the story well!Getting ready to go!
I think I like this...I just don't know what to expect.
Okay, we're sold, we definitely like this!
Tasting my hot cocoa!
I couldn't make up my mind. I made this face after all 20 or so sips I insisted upon taking!
What?! There are cookies coming too!? Awesome!
Posing with Daddy.
Oh my, we're nearly to the North Pole where we're really going to see Santa?!?!?
Singing and dancing...
...dancing and singing as we pulled into "town."
Our first glimpse of the big guy!
So excited! -- A bit out of focus because I'm so excited I just can't stop bouncing, bouncing, bouncing!
...and...Santa's on the train! Complete anticipation!
Getting our magical bells to hang on our Christmas tree! Thank you so much, Santa! And Merry Christmas! (Which is actually what Aoife said in just about the most excited and sincere, wow-I'm-awed-at-meeting-you whisper she could muster.)

Even though I'm late, I'm gonna say it anyway:

Merry Christmas!

Besos,

Los Stuhan

Christmas Preparations

We did lots of fun things to prepare for the holidays around here this year including making ornaments and a gingerbread house, oohing and ahhing at Zoo Lights and of course, decorating the tree. Enjoy!We love these antlers. Oh, and don't we look cute in them?

Mmmm....not sure about the frosting but I look pretty eating it.
I am super organized even when snagging the odd piece of sugary candy!
So, do you think I spent more time working or snacking?
"Maevers" and Daddy hard at work! (Also, pretty darn organized.)

Zoo Lights was cold and wonderful.

How I love to paint......how I love cleaning up -- because I get so darn messy....
...and how Mommy and Daddy love these finished products.
Soooo-per Aoife! (Thanks, Daddy!)

There is a reason that we are both hanging the same ornament in the same place. Hmm, wonder what that might be?

These pictures only begin to tell the tale of the fun and wonder around here during the holidays this year. Aoife is still talking about Christmas and Santa and we are still singing "Ruldof" and "Frosty!" Maybe we'll be singing them all year, goodness knows our renditions should be pretty darn good for Christmas 2011 ; ).

Lots of love,

The Stuhans

First Snow of 2010/2011 Season

It snowed just before Thanksgiving. It didn't stick for long and was a little too cold for all of us to enjoy for long -- but we had to get out and play!
This was actually the girls (okay, Aoife's) idea.
Stinkin' cute! She loves those boots.
Yeah, I like the snow!

Looks like someone else likes the snow, too!

This is just a preview of some later "snow-time" fun. We are excited for what the coming years will bring given how excited both girls are about just the idea of snow, much less actually playing in it!

It's always nice to come in, snuggle and get warm after playing in the cold, winter weather. The girls love cuddling up in this big, soft blankie that we got this winter. So much love for each other. What a couple of cuties!