I know its late, but Happy belated Thanksgiving! Some old Maryland friends (who moved to the TYson's corner area of Virginia) invited us for Thanksgiving. So, we happily cooked up a few dishes and made our way there to spend some time with "the other Smiths" and their 6 boys. It was so nice it felt like we were with family. We had a ball visiting, eating, and playing. We are sure grateful for the countless blessings we have been given! Here are a couple snapshots of the kids in their Tahnksgiving bibs that Grandma Jocelyn made for them. Sophie loves them!
In other news, Sophie is trying to learn to read as well as leanr the concept of money. Just yesturday, with her own money she had been collecting, she bought herself her own Hello Kitty nail polish ("poe nolish," as she often calls it) that she just HAD to have. SHe is decked out with sparkly nails today. Ryan has started saying some more words ("mama," "dog," "please," "sauce," "night night") and signing for things he wants ("please", "no", "drink"). He is not as verbal as Sophie was at this age, nor is his brain constantly "computing" as her is, but he sure figures things out fast and is quite determined! He is also is a book worm and also so very loving, cuddly, and sweet. We love our family and are so grateful everyday for each other.
Merry Christmas!! We have been hvaing the most wonderful Christmas. This morning, we awoke to a lovely light snowfall, which is Lauren's dream. Christmas Eve, we shared a delicious Christmas dinner with some friends and had the nativity performed by all the children. Sophie was an angel, and Ryan...well...just enjoyed it! After some pie, we went home to leave out cookies for Santa and open up our pajamas. Sophie woke us up in the morning to tell us about the presents and missing cookies & milk . The kids loved opening their presents, and there was lots of love and giving. We had a full morning, and the kids were quite tuckered out from all the fun. In fact, Ryan fell fast asleep in his high chair after eating our light lunch. The most precious gift (at least to Lauren) was a recipe/photo book of her Oma's loved recipes and family photos that her cousin, Danielle put together. Christmas truly is about giving love. here are some snapshots from the holiday.
Jammies time!
First look at the gifts.
yea! Lego blocks!!
Santa gave me....a package?
Yes!!!!
The kdis ahd fun with their Zhu zhu hamster pets.
Sophie being silly, pretending to be a present.
The kids gave Justin a fancy tie.
Lost in ehr new game.
My own flashlight!! (Sophie is excited for him, since he won't take hers anymore) :)
Hello Kitty lip gloss?!! (Seriously, how much Hello Kitty stuff can one little girl have and still be excited for more?)
