Fun With Boxes

I think we have all experienced giving a toddler a great gift, only to have them enjoy the wrappings, ribbons or box more. Here the twins are enjoying boxes with gifts from their Grandma Carrie and Grandpa Ray. Carson and Ruby had spent a lot of time pushing them all over the kitchen and livingroom, sitting on them, and attempting to stand on them. At least we know they are creative!

Cousin Megan Knitted Hats!

I didn't even know Megan knew how to knit. The kids had a kick wearing the hats.

"Great job Meggie"

December 25

Ruby was the first one up on Christmas morning -- everyone else was sleeping in. She was so tickled by the Dora-the-explorer dolly in her stocking that she just stopped, pointed, giggled and waved. It was precious, to say the least.

Grandpa and Daddy Exercising!

Bill and Casey were trying to do an exercise video -- and the twins thought it was great fun, until they got gated out!

So Cute, but No Poses!

Trying to get a picture of them dressed up cute proved to be very difficult. I wanted to set then down next to the tree, but they wouldn't stay, so we tried the couch. You can see how well that went. The very last picture was Ruby having a little tantrum on the floor in her Christmas dress!

December 24

"Twas the Night Before Christmas..............................."

Books are always a way to get the kids to sit on our laps.

New little people bus. I got it out early because they were both dealing with colds and were really cranky. My mistake because I only got ONE bus. Kristin finally had to put it up because they were fighting over it!

Bill got out his I-phone (or whatever it is -- smart phone!) and was playing a video of Wonder Pets and kept the kids mesmerized. (by the way -- Carson really likes his hat and didn't want to take it off).

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009

Merry Christmas 2009

If I would have put together a Christmas newsletter and card this year, I would have used this photo taken on Thanksgiving day with our sweet babies. Alas, I did not, so the next best way to communicate with you all is via my blog.

For those of you who have kept up with my blog, I probably would have talked about much of the same events in a newsletter. A great deal of my life in 2009 has been taken up with being a Grammy to Carson and Ruby. Of course I could add others events, but the greatest and best is right here on this page.

Had I done a newsletter, I would have ended with some quotes from a book that my sister-in-law, Stephanie, gave me this year called CHRISTMAS IS GOOD! by Trixie Koontz. Trixie is a golden retriever, retired from being a canine companion.

Here is one of Trixie's favorite memories and thoughts about Christmas.

"Mom puts miniature golden retriever in manger scene, beside cradle. Later I dream I was there 2000 years ago, on that night of hope and perfect peace."

"People think Christmas is about gifts. It is not about gifts. It is about Jesus, love, hope and dog treats."

First Piggy Tails for Ru

Today Kristin gave Ruby piggy tails for the first time. It made her look so much older than 18 months.

18 Month Check-up

Here the little friends are patiently waiting for their wonderful pediatrician to come in. The nurse weighed and measured them and all was well.......

Once the doctor walked into the room, they both must have remembered the last visit when they got multiple shots, because they were no longer having fun.

Ruby weighs 27.2 and Carson is 25.14. Both kids are 33 1/2 inches.

Their development is right on schedule or ahead for 18 months. The doctor was pleased.

Fun Videos.......

These videos were all taken on Friday when it was extremely cold in our area -- not above freezing all day long. Consequently, I didn't take the kids for a walk or outside to play. The three of us were getting a case of cabin-fever, so I tried to get them to have some fun play that was active.

1) Ruby's ability to kick and dribble a ball at this age is nothing short of amazing. And she can use either foot! She is a soccer star in the making.

2) Carson and Snowy have a fun relationship. Snowy walks around and Carson chases him. They did the same thing at Thanksgiving at my house, but it was around the couch instead of the kitchen island. This time I had my camera ready.

3) Carson was pushing his truck around and around the island and Ruby was following right along. This little man is so fast. You can see that I can hardly keep up with him.

4) Both kids were crawling around on the floor, pushing little cars. Then Carson started to crawl backwards. He proceeded to crawl backwards all around the island and was so proud of himself. You can see him pausing to kick toys out of his way, or to reposition himself. It was making me laugh so hard.

Strange Light??

Carson was so fascinated with this prism of light that was coming through the glass on their front door. He kept pointing to it and looking back at me as if to say "where did this come from?"

Playing TOGETHER!

Rachael, the nanny, sent this picture of the kids both riding the truck at the same time. I have not seen them do that before. Usually its Carson shoving Ruby away from it so he can ride by himself. Wow, they are really playing together!

Cousins

Emma was at her other grandma's for Thanksgiving (which just happens to be in Vancouver where Kristin lives). But, Kristin was up at our place -- we really need to change the holiday schedule next year -- Megan went over to visit Kristin on their way home on Sunday and this was one photo of the two little girl cousins playing together.

Such patience, little Emma, with a great bib on Thanksgiving Day. Bring on the turkey!