Violet Goes Roller Skating

The day after Christmas, Melissa and Jamie took Violet and Lincoln roller skating. It's a hard job for Jamie trying to keep Violet on her feet.

The following day, Melissa and her friend took the kids roller skating at another place. They provide roller walkers to help the kids stay up off the floor. Violet was a little tentative at first.

But by the end of the session she was skating like a pro. I guess we should have saved some of Dad's walkers. They could have come in handy!

Christmas 2017

Violet and Lincoln really hauled in the goodies that Santa left them.

They were so exciting waking up Christmas morning but they had to wait until Jamie got home from work before tearing into their treasures.

Violet finally got her American Girl Doll. Her name is Mia, she's 4 years old and her birthday is the same as Violet's. We'll be taking a trip to the American Girl Doll store in Chicago for Violet and Mia's birthdays in March.

Lincoln will now be king of the block with his new big wheel.

And keeping with tradition, Lola was caught sneaking into her stocking before it was time to open presents.

Back at my house I'm fighting a 99.8 degree fever trying to prepare dinner. Thank goodness I had help.

Violet's showing off her new kitten slippers while new puppy, Kali, looks on.

Melissa got me the most unique gift. It's my "Ma" t-shirt established in 2013 when Violet was born.

It's pretty rare to get a picture of Michael and Melissa together.

Michael was having fun with his Snapchat photos adding Santa hats to himself and Jamie.

Violet's showing off her tent from Karen. Notice all the mess. We tried to keep up with all the discarded wrapping paper.

Lincoln was over by the fireplace opening his gifts and creating his own little mess.

Karen gave me, Violet and Lincoln a gingerbread house to put together for next year. I convinced Melissa to take it home.

Teresa was a big help in the kitchen helping to prepare the barbecue feast. By the way, the brisket and ribs were great. Too bad about the pulled pork. My crockpot didn't quite cook the pork. Maybe I should add that to my Christmas list for next year.

Dexter and Kali added a bit of excitement this year. Nothing like having brand new puppies roaming around.

Lola and Khloe weren't too happy. They figured out if they stayed on the couch, the puppies couldn't get to them.

This was actually taken before Violet started unwrapping presents. I don't think she took a break once she got started.

Both Violet and Lincoln got snow suits and boots. A day too late for the snow but with the weather we're having, I'm sure they'll be put to good use.

Lincoln got excited every time he opened a package whether it was the Hot Wheels race track or the tube of toothpaste.

But finally it all had to come to an end. When Violet got home she put Mia down to sleep with her new Mimi and Violet's kitty. Violet even let her use her pillow!

I'm always so flustered on Christmas day missing most of what's going. Karen gave me these Santa socks. So for the rest of the evening I kicked back, put my feet up and started thinking about what to get everyone for Christmas next year. My brain never shuts down. Merry Christmas everyone!

First Snowfall

I wish I could understand people's fascination with snow. I don't like it plus the 20 degree temperatures are bone chilling.

Violet was EXTREMELY happy to see the snow. She spent as much time as she could outside making snow angels then decorating with halos. She wanted to make a snowman but the snow wasn't quite wet enough for that. At least it was easy to shovel the driveway. Lincoln wasn't too crazy about it. He didn't want to wear his gloves and his hands got so cold when he tried to wipe the snow from the outside furniture. Maybe next year!

VioLin's Christmas Eve Surprise

It's been fun sending Violet snaps every morning of the antics of VioLin.

According to tradition, Elf on the Shelf leaves on Christmas Eve and reports to Santa whether or not the child has been bad or good. I found a letter on Pinterest that parent could leave their child telling them that their elf was leaving. I decided to create my own. I'm not quite the poet but I think it turned out pretty well.

For Violet's surprise gift from VioLin, I made her a Mimi for her American Girl Doll. It's exactly like the one she still drags around except much whiter. I had Melissa bring over Violet's afghan so I could take a look at it. It was a little hard trying to figure out where the grey ended and the white started!

Violet was very surprised when she saw the snap video but couldn't quite figure out how VioLin left her a gift. At that age the answer of "magic" is always good. So good-bye VioLin. Have a good year with Santa.

More Fun with VioLin

VioLin has still be up to mischief at my house.

On Thursday, I found him roasting marshmallows at my fireplace.

Friday, he conned Barbie into playing with Violet's walkie talkies.

And Saturday, he was climbing the Christmas tree for one last train ride. Violet's in for a big surprise on VioLin's last day on Christmas Eve!

VioLin Antics

I need to catch up on all the activities VioLin has been doing the days before Christmas.

Lincoln lost his new car that Michele bought him. But the next morning VioLin found it and took the car to the top of the Christmas tree.

I found VioLin in the refrigerator eating Violet and Lincoln's grapes.

The next day VioLin was playing with my yarn.

Then I found VioLin in the bathroom writing on the bathroom mirror.

Violet and Lincoln were playing with the saxophone, so VioLin had to play with it too.

Violet and Lincoln were over and found VioLin climbing up the glass window.

VioLin jumped on the back of the Christmas dog and hopped around while the dog sang Christmas carols.

And today I found VioLin eating the candy from my candy dish. I'm so glad Christmas is almost here. I'm running out of ideas for VioLin.

Ashley Graduates from Nursing School

After 18 long months, Ashley graduated from Graceland University with her BSN in nursing.

I can remember when she started. We all told her the time would fly by fast. Well, for me it has. But to Ashley, not quite as fast.

Nursing students love to decorate their caps for the ceremony.

There's still the boards to take, but Ashley has a job waiting for her with Children's Mercy Hospital in the PICU department. For someone as sentimental as Ashley, I'm surprised she picked this field. Good Luck, Ashley. We're all so very proud of you.

Violet's Christmas Program

There's nothing like going to a Pre-K Christmas program.

I couldn't believe the number of people who showed up. The church was packed.

The best part is the photo op after the program. Violet was all decked out in her new red Christmas dress. She was the prettiest girl in the program.

Violet's stocking hat matched her dress perfectly.

She's getting to look more like her mother every day.

Ah, Jamie. There's probably 100 things going through your mind that you should be doing!

Even Aunt Pam couldn't resist stopping by for the program. Ten days until Christmas. Where does the time go?

Dexter & Kali

Michael and Ashley picked up their new puppies today.

Meet Dexter and Kali. I should have worn a white shirt!

Dexter, a male, is all black with just a bit of white on his paws and chest. Kali, a female, is chocolate brown with white stocking front paws. They are so tiny. They're not much bigger than the stuffed animals I have under my tree. Kali seems to be the more dominate of the 2 - who would have guessed!

Violet & Lincoln Visit Santa

Violet and Lincoln made their yearly trip to visit Santa today.

Violet's getting to be a pro knowing Santa's the one who brings the toys. Lincoln, not so much.

Bass Pro does a great job of decorating for the holidays. Nothing like a little trout fishing while visiting Santa!