Jack the Explorer

Jack is addicted to Dora the Explorer and Go Diego Go. The other day I was in my bathroom getting ready and Jack was at the top of the stairs yelling for help. We now have a gate at the top of the stairs because of Kate and Jack hasn't figured out how to open it. So he was at the top of the stairs yelling, "Help! Help!" When that didn't send me running, he started saying, "Ayudanos! Ayudanos!"(Help in Spanish for those of you who aren't bilingual like Jack). The same day I asked Jack to count my fingers. I was impressed that he was able to count all ten fingers but then he proceeded to coun t them in Spanish! Who knew? At least he's learning something from his addiction.

Kate's New Look

Kate's hair has gotten long enough to put it in a top knot. Here are a couple pictures of her new do.

Christmas Wrap Up

Now that the holidays have past, I have a minute to catch up on our blog. Here is a Christmas wrap up . . .
Each year I vow I am going to simplify the holidays (it never works, but it is worth a try). After holding out for 12 years, we finally went fake, as in fake tree. It is one of the better things I have done and I know that it will simplify Christmas for years to come. Harmon was out of town so I purchased, set up and decorated the tree all in one night. Yeah!
We had the Tobler Family Christmas Eve party at the Hanks' house this year. When Santa walked in Jack's eyes were as big as saucers. I tried to capture the magic in his eyes but this picture doesn't do it justice. I think it was the best night of his life. He is still talking about "Santa Cwas" and wants it to be Christmas Eve every night.
Halle was still adding things to her list on Christmas Eve.
Lacey wasn't so sure about sitting on Santa's lap this year. Remember, Lacey, if you don't believe you don't receive!
Kate loved Santa and Santa LOVED Kate. He was amazed she like him so much.
Kate gave Santa's beard a good tug to see if he was the real Santa. Ouch! He definitely was the real deal.
Santa called up the kids one by one and had pajamas for each of them. Jack waited and waited . . . Once in a while Jack would say, "What about me Santa?" He was finally the last one to be called. He could have sat on his lap the whole night. Definitely a believer.

The girls were so excited on Christmas morning. Right before this picture, Lacey turned to Halle and said, "I know I don't usually do this - but I just want to hug you Halle!" Is this the magic of Christmas?
Halle got an American Girl Doll from Santa (her mom would NEVER buy her one of those).

Lacey got an iPod.
After getting some great toys from Santa, Jack didn't want to be bothered with opening presents. He would open up a new shirt and take the whole box and throw it and say, "a shirt", and go back to playing.
Kate slept through Christmas morning. Once she finally woke up, she was happy with all of the paper and bows.
Jack and his new red chair.

It was a great Christmas, one I won't forget. I'm pretty sure these are the days I will always look back on as the best years of my life.