Isla, the Smartass...

So I was changing Isla's diaper the other night up in her room and here is the conversation that followed:
Isla: I'm sorry I pooped mommy.
Me: Don't be sorry you pooped honey. Everybody poops. Mommy just wants you to poop in the potty.
Isla: Oh. I will some day mommy.
Me: Really? When?? When you're 35?
Isla: No. When I'm 31.

I have the distinct feeling that I have met my match...

The torture continues!!!!
I really do love Christmas card time. It is a pain to get all the cards printed, addressed, stamped and out. Especially with how many of you seem to move every year and I always get a couple returned to us no matter how hard I try to keep up with cousins' new locations and friends' new adventures. But I giggle to myself as I think of my children in another ten years when they are old enough to realize how many really embarrassing pictures there are of them and the vast number of people who have those pictures framed! Makes my year every time!
This year I ordered matching pjs that you iron the names on the front. Truly awful of me, I know! But come on! Look how cute they are as they stand all together in front of the tree. And honestly, how many more years do I have where they will still do this so willingly without some sort of serious bodily harm being threatened...




And the winner, hands down, is...

I know they will be so embarrassed by these through the teenage years but I think past that they will appreciate the memories and awesome shots of all of them together, year after year. I know I do, as well as the hordes of you that let me know when I have taken too long to get the card out:)
Maybe one of these years I'll make them all super ugly holiday sweaters!

Getting a NEW Tree

This year we changed it up and got a real Christmas tree. We went to a local place and let the kids go. They walked around discussing, decided they loved this one and we brought it home.


They don't look it but they were actually having a lot of fun running around picking trees and were very excited about taking this one home.

No one seemed to understand it would take a day or two for the tree to warm up and branches to settle. But eventually they did and we got to decorate!

Isla we very excited to get her picture taken... but then she disappeared. The other two stood around smiling and waiting. So good and assuming the position for me!

After a minute or two, she was back. Apparently she needed a costume change and a crown for the photo shoot!

All were excited to put up the stockings.

And a little extra lovin' for our fat Santa!

A couple nights later, there was an open house and Mystic Aquarium. We met the performers from The Nutcracker. Isla REALLY liked her outfit. She kept touching it and telling her she was Soooo Pretty. It was really cute.

We also ran into Frosty, and....

SANTA!!! The older two ran right over and started telling him what they wanted and they were so happy to see him and went on and on. Isla would have nothing to do with him and had a death grip on Mark. Some healthy fear going on...