Grumpy Kangaroo and Presents for Pink Flower

If I could pick a theme for the week this would be it: Grumpy Kangaroo and Presents for Pink Flower. Lucy is currently obsessed with a big stuffed kangaroo--she switches passions frequently. The wax Santa is history. The poor kangaroo is always "cwying" or "gumpy," according to Lucy. I'm not sure why the kangaroo is never content. It's cute to see her loving on her babies and animals. She brings the kangaroo to me several times every day and wants me to wrap it tight in her softie.
Esther this week, with Christmas approaching, is OBSESSED with wrapping presents. Her white doggie's name right now is "Pink Rose" so every day she wants me to find things she can wrap for Pink Rose. It was cute at first but now that she's used a whole roll of tape and there are constant bits of wrapping paper and tissue paper strewn throughout my house, it's getting less adorable. I try to have her help any time I have anything to wrap but she still is quite focused on present wrapping.
December is flying by and I can't believe I'm leaving for Utah in five days. We've already been busy with lots of Christmas events. At our ward Christmas party, Esther got to sit on Santa's lap. She LOVED it and told him she wants a scooter (although that night she got pretty worried when she realized she forgot to tell Santa that she also wants a pink doggie). Lucy also sat on Santa's lap and HATED it. She immediately started crying and reaching for Daddy. It should make for a great kodak moment.
One reason I probably really love December is all the sweets and treats we get to eat. I think Esther has noticed because several times this week she has asked me the ponderous question: "Mommy, why are treats so yummy?" Or, "Mommy, why is cake so yummy?" I guess she shares her mommy's passion for December goodies. Like I said, I love Christmas time!

Christmas Family Night

For family night we put up our Christmas decorations after a great lesson on sharing from John. Esther was so excited to put the Christmas tree up she almost imploded. She actually did a really good job with the decorating. Lucy, on the other hand, was throwing ornaments as soon as the box was opened. I guess they are shaped like balls and what do we do with balls but throw them? Lucy was especially delighted with our reindeer that dances to rockin' Christmas music. It's funny because when Esther was her age, the delight was mostly overshadowed with FEAR of the dancing reindeer. It's funny to see how their personalities differ.




Today, Lucy has been particularly taken with my Santa candle. She will not stop picking it up, hugging it, and kissing it. It makes me laugh every time because it's not even the most jolly or snugly Santa--it's a big reddish-brownish lump of wax--but she can't stop loving on it. I even heard her say, "He's so cute!" I don't know if the poor Santa candle will survive the season.

Thanksgivin'

I feel like I shouldn't skip over blogging about Thanksgiving even though in our consumer's world it is largely overlooked--it's pretty much overshadowed by Black Friday. Still, it's hard to say too much about it--we cook, we eat too much, and we sit on the couch and watch football, or sit on the couch while the boys watch football. Actually..., it was a really fun day. I love cooking with family and friends. I love eating with family and friends. I love hanging out with family and friends. Sorry this post is starting to get a little redundant and weird. We got to have Kathleen, John's Mom, for the whole week of Thanksgiving (she is an amazing cook so that was a huge bonus). She came to help Beth and Stu who just had baby #3--Flora Kate. She is ADORABLE. I can't remember if I promised Beth not to post this picture because she was embarrassed about her nightgown but I think she looks great as always. I had to have a record of my first meeting with the great Flora Kate. It's really fun to live so close to these guys(She was born Nov. 12, not on Thanksgiving but I'm a little behind). I could snuggle baby Flora all day.

My sister also came out for Thanksgiving although she spent half her time with a significant other, which is great. Any time I get to hang out with her is fantastic. She's one of my best friends and we had a some good times. We hit the Twilight movie which was... below average but still fun to watch.

This year was especially fun because the Kathleen cracked her whip and got those boys helping in the kitchen. Actually, they were happy to help and it made it even more enjoyable to all work together. Thanks to Kathleen for putting together such a delicious dinner and desserts (yes--the plural). I think I gained four pounds last week while she was here. I love this time of the year with Thanksgiving and then December almost feels like a nonstop holiday with all the family, friends, food, and celebrating. Then there's Christmas... my favorite.

ps. yes I only got a few pictures of the whole Thanksgiving week--pretty pathetic. I must have been too busy eating to gain my four pounds... ha ha ha.