Time off with Cole and Haley

I love the holiday break from school because of the extra time I get to spend with Cole and Haley. They have several new toys that they have been playing with the last few days. This weekend they were able to play for hours with their Dad. We were supposed to go to my grandparents for a Christmas celebration, but I woke up on Saturday morning with a terrible stomach virus. This meant Dad was in charge for the weekend. From the looks of things around the house, the kids (and Dad) had a great time. Doug even got my Mom's potato soup recipe to make for me on Saturday night. I ate a little for lunch yesterday and he did a great job. Today I hope to tackle the mess in Haley's room. Along with Christmas usually comes a room makeover to get rid of old toys and make room for the new.

Christmas Eve pictures--for Ma

We missed Ma and Pa this year for Christmas Eve at our house. They are visiting their newest grandchild. I thought I would share a few photos for the family in California. Cole has already mentioned that he wanted to go to Los California for Christmas. Doug quickly informed him that we had to stay in Los Hiseville since Santa was coming tonight. We were so glad to spend the afternoon with 2 of Doug's sisters and their families. Also Nanny was able to come for a while. She does not seem to be feeling the best, but I think she enjoyed the night.

After everyone left tonight, Cole opened the gift from Ma and Pa. We woke Haley up (no nap today because she was so excited about seeing Sarah) so she could see what she got and she liked the pjs and books. She was so tired that she put the top on and had to go back to bed. Dad and Cole loved the coloring book and crayons. I hope to read the book to Cole before bed. Thanks Ma and Pa. Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!

The Christmas Train Ride

As I said yesterday, we rode the Christmas train in New Haven last night. My parents, both my sisters and their families, and my friend Roxanne and her family went along with us. The kids were so excited to get their ticket punched, (just like the polar express), and to stop by the North Pole to pick up Santa. There is a house beside the railroad tracks that is so decorated it really looks like the North Pole. Last year when we stopped beside the house, Cole said, "This is the best day of my life". It was definitely one of those priceless moments. We couldn't resist going again this year and we even brought along a bigger crowd. Last year our family went with my parents, my sister Beth, her husband Josh, and their son Jackson. Allie wasn't here yet, as she was born in January. What a brave woman Beth was to ride the train 8 months pregnant an hour and a half from her doctor. So we had such a great time this year too. Above are a few of the pictures of all the fun.

A Few of Our Favorite Events This Season

We have had such a busy few weeks, but it has been so enjoyable. A few weeks ago we decorated the tree at Nana and Gramps house.

Right after Thanksgiving we attended "Light Up Glasgow". This is a time when the lights on the square are turned on for the Holidays. Pa let Cole do the countdown this year. Cole thought this was awesome. Haley helped her Dad turn on some of the lights.

Cole and Haley in front of the finished product............................................

Last weekend was the Glasgow Christmas Parade. We all rode with Pa. Haley's favorite part was seeing Mickey and Minnie.
Tonight we went to New Haven and rode the Christmas train at the Kentucky Railway Museum. We had a great time with our family and friends. We enjoyed Christmas music, the conductor punched our tickets, hot chocolate and cookies were served, and Santa Claus came on board. More pix of this trip tomorrow.