Christmas Ornaments

This year and those to follow, Eamon & Aine will receive an ornament. The ornament will reflect their interests, ideas or thoughts at the time.

Eamon - this year he received tractor. Eamon LOVES machines. He enjoys riding around in the car spotting farm equipment, construction vehicles and cranes. He has been able to identify various types for a long time. Whenever we go to Home Depot or the like, Eamon spends a long time riding the tractors. He really enjoys visiting his Uncle Jim and actually riding on a John Deere. The only thing better than tractors to Eamon is trains.


Aine - this year, she received a butterfly. Aine loves nature. When we went to the Butterfly Pavilion at the Desert Botanical Gardens, she was in awe. She would jump up and down and gigle in glee. She crouched down and studied the butterflys. One even climbed onto her shirt and then her shoe. We have visited the pavilion a few times to give her more opportunities to visit the butterflies. Now she will spot them on our walks as well as in our yard.

Singing

Overheard in the car. Eamon singing to the tune of "Frosty the Snowman."

"Thomas, the tank engine, was a jolly, happy engine....with soul"

Fireworks

Yesterday the kids and I were cleaning the bathroom. I sprayed cleaner on the mirror. Eamon piped up, "Hey, you made fireworks!"

Holiday lights in the Desert

While the kids & I were in TX, Dave strung the house lights. He waited to set up our reindeer until Eamon & Aine could help. Here are some photos of the endeavor.

Gilbert Concert and Tree Lighting

Last night we attended the Gilbert Holiday celebration. We missed the tree lighting, but we were able to ttend the concert. The kids loved it. Aine danced, twirled and ran around the grass. Eamon rolled down the hill, ran, and hugged Rudolph. It was a great evening.

Seed Mosaics

We made these near Halloween. I just forgot to post them.

Aine

Eamon

Heather

Cold Head; Warm Heart

Eamon's Other Book Nook

Chatty Cathy

Aine is talking up a storm. I think her chatty cousins inspired her. She is now talking in short sentences. While on our return trip, she wanted to walk Ava. I suggested that we both hold the leash. She replied, "Me do."

Headed back to AZ

Tomorrow morning we are headed back to Arizona. We have had a delightful time and are very happy that the G clan is coming with us.

Thank You

Eamon & Aine were petting Nick, Ashlyn & Rachel's cat. We were discussing how his fur felt. I remarked that I could hear Nick purring. Eamon looked at me, and he said, "That is his Thank-you."

Playsilk Madness

Eamon & Ashlyn love wearing playsilk capes. We often dine, read and sleep with caped heroes.

Arboretum Adventures

We spent several hours today at the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden. It was delightful. We had our faces painted. Eamon chose Thomas, Aine wanted a snowperson, and I received a snowflake. Eamon & Aine loved running around the gardens and playing in the treehouses. I highly recommend this place as a beautiful spot to stroll and play. We forgot the camera, so these are the best photos we have.

Plano Holiday Parade

Yesterday we attended the Plano Christmas Parade. The kids loved it. We enjoyed listening to the marching bands and shouting "Happy Holidays" to everyone. Eamon especially liked the fact that the parade participants handed out candy. It was incredibly cold, so we were all bundled up in our hats, mittens and blankets. Santa rounded out the parade to the delight of Ashlyn, Eamon, Aine & Rachel.

Living Together

Ashlyn told us that she and Eamon are going to live together when they grow up. She also told us that they do not plan to have kids...Eamon does not want any.

Eamon said that he does actually want kids. Ashlyn surmised that they are still deciding.

Two

After dinner the other night, Erin was giving cookies to the kids . Ashlyn kept asking for two. When it came to Aine, she quipped, "TWO!"

She thinks we call cookies "two".

Overheard

While riding the elevator at the zoo, I overheard a little boy tell his mom tht he saw a baby. He was referring to Aine.

He then asked, "Can I pet her?"

Usborne Book Orders

I am placing one last book order before the holidays. You may shop online at www.ubah.com/HOS75622 and place an order for educational, fun children's books. The kids have a wishlist as well.

The order will be closing on Friday, December 1.

Playing in the Leaves

I raked up a HUGE pile of leaves for the kid's enjoyment while in Nebraska. Aine & Rachel loved bringing piles to Grandpa Loudon. Eamon found tons of acorns to collect, while Ashlyn burrowed in the leaves.

Twins

Recently Erin & I have been asked if the youngest cousins are twins. A few months ago, I bought all the female cousins the same skirt. Today, Rachel & Aine sported the matching look. They were adorable!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Grandma Ghrist!!!

We all want to wish you a HAPPY, HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!

David, Heather, Eamon & Aine

Henry Doorly Zoo

On Friday, we went to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo with Aunt Sue, Molly, Carly, Matt, Aunt Steph, Donovan, Auntie Lori, Auntie Erin, Ashlyn and Rachel. We had a fun time. We went through the huge Scott Aquarium, the Lied Jungle and the Hubbard Gorilla Valley.

Trip to Nebraska

As we were entering Lincoln, NE, we passed the state capitol. The kids were awake, so we started to talk about the building. Eamon piped up, "No, actually, it is a rocket ship."

Foiled Again

Eamon and Ashlyn visited a very posh salon and had their hair foiled by the one and only world-renowned, Boss Nathan.

Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

We can hardly believe Thanksgiving will be here in a week! Christmas will be here before we know it. Dave and I have received a few requests about what the family wants for Christmas. Here are a few ideas:

Our family would enjoy family memberships to the Phoenix Zoo (our membership expires in December) and the Arizona Science Center. We have a few other memberships and really enjoy them.

Eamon would like a few laminated maps (the world and the United States). Like his cousin, Ashlyn, he would also like a globe. The two of them enjoyed looking for the different continents, where the Wiggles live and where they live. He also LOVES Thomas the Tank Engine and all things train. He enjoys completing puzzles and doing crafts so gifts of this nature would be very much appreciated and enjoyed. He could also use clothes for the coming summer season (4T/5T).

Aine is discovering her own interests and very much loves her doll babies. She could use a wooden high chair for them. Aine also enjoys music making. Her xylophone broke, so a new wooden one would be nice. She also would like a wooden drum or bongo. She will also be in need of clothes for the coming summer season (2T).

Books and games are enjoyed by both (if you need ideas, please ask, as we have many). We enjoy toys with an educational bent or those that inspire imagination and creativity or physical activity. If you need more ideas please let us know.

Update on our Visit

Eamon and Aine love visiting their cousins. Eamon repeatedly tells me that he loves Ashlyn and wants to live with her. He isn't really concerned with the fact that we have our own house. Aine giggles with delight when her cousins wake up in the morning. She loves hanging out with Rachel. They all appear to be having a delightful time.

First Haircut

Aine had her first haircut today. We had it trimmed to chin length. It looks terrific! She is so pleased with herself. She hopped out of the chair and spun around the room strutting her stuff. Erin took a few pictures on a film camera of the event which I will share once they are printed.

Car Rides

Today in the car, Eamon and Ashlyn were having a disagreement. Eamon told Ashlyn, "When we get to the airport to pick up Boss Nathan, I am going to tie you in a bow."

I Love You

This morning I picked Eamon up, gave him a big hug, and said, "I love you." He replied, "I love Ashlyn."

Travels to Texas

The kids, Ava and I headed to Texas for a few weeks. We drove yesterday starting at 4:45am and arrived 10:45pm local time. The trip went very smoothly. While we are away Dave will list our house for sale. Very exciting....

Look out, Judy, here comes Harik

Today while I was prepping dinner, Eamon and Aine were playing in the playroom. I asked Eamon what he was doing. He replied that he was playing with Harik ("Hair-ick"). I was sure about the pronounciation, so I asked again. He clarified and told me that Harik drove to our house and was playing with the trains. He said Aine was playing with Harik now.

Hmmmm, perhaps Harik should meet Judy....

Puzzles

Eamon loves puzzles. He is becoming a master. Recently he put this Thomas the Tan Engine puzzle together by himself. It glows in the dark which added to the fun.

Playing at the Park

We have been walking almost every morning now that the weather has cooled. The kids play at the park on the return home. They love it. Aine can hold her own on the climbing equipment. Eamon likes to help Aine climb and explore the area. They often make up games and fun.