Christmas Morning 2010 At The Jones'

Ruby's favorite gift was the Hello-Kitty water bottle! Go figure...........

Carson asked Santa for a "James" train car and he got it! He was thrilled!

Ruby got a little toaster set from cousin Emma and thought it was quite cute! (So did little bro!)

Christmas Eve at Grandma Carrie's and Papa Ray's

Gifts and berry pie at Grandma Carrie's. What could be better! Ruby LOVED the berry pie and wanted more. Carson was more excited about the cold white stuff on it (ice cream). Ruby is wearing a little sailor dress that was Kristin's (and cousin Megan had the same dress. Bill's mother gave it to both girls). So fun to see little Ru wearing it at the same age as her mommy wore it.

"More, Please!"

This is Carson's newest face when asked to smile for the camera. I don't know why he shuts his eyes when he smiles.

"CHEEEEEEEESE"

Ending Christmas Eve with Charlie Brown's Christmas video. Love the folded hands and the glazed-over-look! Must be the Holidays!

Just Chillin' with Grammy Julee

The kids had just had their baths and were watching Little Einsteins and decided to make me their comfy pillow. They were so relaxed and cozy on me. I loved it!

Early Gifts

So as to not have too many gifts on one busy morning, Kristin let the kids open these gifts from Auntie Steph and Uncle Jimmy early. The gifts had been setting under the tree since Thanksgiving and the kids knew they belonged to them, but were very good and patient about waiting. Boy, were they thrilled when Mommy said OK to open! Wow, Carson got a really big (and noisy) tractor! Just what he wanted. This boy LOVES tractors. Thanks AS and UJ.

Ruby loves her bath-baby and kept taking the diaper on and off.

He was reading his I-Spy book to his tractor!

Baking Cookies With Mommy

Ruby helping her Mommy bake Christmas cookies.

Such sweetness!

First Dentist Visit

Big Day Today! First Dentist Visit. The kids have talked about this for weeks and were so excited about it. Carson was up first. As you can see, he was enthralled with the TV screens, both in front of him and on the ceiling. However, he only let her clean about 2 teeth, before he announced "I'm done!" But he was more cooperative with Dr. Chad and allowed him to peek in his mouth (and I emphasize PEEK)

Oh, by the way -- the hygienist had reindeer antlers on her head,

just in case you are wondering!

Ruby was very cooperative with the hygienist and allowed her to polish a bunch of teeth -- everything was going just fine

She didn't even need to watch the TV screens.

Then Dr. Chad came into her view, and she was all done with this business. Notice the look of fear and how tightly she is holding her Mommy's hand.

He did get her to try "Mr. Thirsty" for a moment, but not in her mouth.

All in all, it was a good start to dental care and the best part was the treasure chest!

Just keep brushing, Ru and Carson!

Still Loving The Train Set

The kids are still LOVING the Brio train set that was Auntie Kat's as a child. They bring it out several times each day to set it up. Kristin and Casey have added to the collection the trains "Thomas" and "Percy" that have been a huge hit with the twins. In fact when Carson sat on Santa's lap he quickly told him he wanted "James" (another one of the trains in that set) and jumped down.

Tea Party

Since we were stuck inside today because of the relentless rain, we decided to have a tea party. Here they are being sweet with their little ceramic tea set. We enjoyed cheese and apples and some milk from the tea pot. I must say, they slurped their "tea" like they were Japanese! (and I say that lovingly, because the Japanese girls we have hosted over the years told us that slurping is OK in Japan and Carson has mastered it).

Overheard Today

I am down with the twins again and we had a great day. Here are some of the cute things that just keep pouring forth and keep me thoroughly entertained and in love with them! 1) We were outside playing (taking advantage of some clear weather). Ruby was leisurely pushing her baby dolls in the stroller, and Carson was racing around in his Pooh-Car going very fast (he kept reminding me of how fast he was going). Carson raced over to Ruby and shouted "I'm coming to save you!" to which she matter of factly replied, "I'm not in trouble!" 2) They were watching Little Einsteins and sitting on a pillow on the rug. Ruby spontaneously reached over and hugged and kissed little man and said "I love you Carson!" 3) As I was putting Ruby down for bed she was laying there and sweetly asked if we could sing "Away in the Manger". (I had taught them to sing that with motions.) We sang together and it melted my heart. Then she asked if we could sing "Amazing Grace" and she knew all the words - wow! When we were done with that we had to sing "Jesus Loves Me". My heart was full as I said goodnight to my dear Ruby-girl. 4) Kristin and Casey gave a dinner party for their nanny, Rachael to honor her for completing her college degree. I had told the kids that when they got up from naps we were going to have a party for Nanny Rach and to them party = cake. I told them that Grandma Carrie was bringing over the cake. When Grandma Carrie arrived they both ran to the door and shouted "the cake is here!" After they ate a good dinner, they got a small piece of cake and ice cream. Ruby exclaimed as she was finished "It's my favorite!" 5) I have resorted to bribes with naps -- and it works. I promise a Popsicle after they take a good, sleeping nap and today I got 2 and 2 1/2 hours. But little man awoke on the wrong side of his crib and was a fuss-budget for a while. I thought the icy treat would snap him out of it, but he just said "Heat it up. It's too cold for me!" 6) Ruby was upstairs in Kristin's bedroom and was looking at all her perfume and the jewelry box and wanted so badly to touch it all. Kristin said "that's a no-no". To which Ruby replied, with sweeping hand motions "Someday it will be all mine!"

Ruby the Painter

Kristin sent me this one of Ruby practicing her artistic skills. It just takes my breath away to see how much this little one resembles her Momma. It makes me want to beam myself back about 29 years to observe my little Kristin at play!