Gigi and Dodo Camp

Samuel and Emma got to spend four days at Gigi and Dodo Camp (As Sam says, "Team Gigi Woohoo!" (with a fist pump)), while Bud and I got a relaxing time at Grove Park Inn. Mom and Dad entertained them non stop... A NHL game (Sam's first... he now wants to wear his Predators jersey and "skate" on the wood floor non stop), cooking, the zoo, donuts and playgrounds, and hot tub time. I think they were a little bored this week when they were expected to play alone. 

 Bud and I got to enjoy this beautiful view, take a small hike, eat out at a leisurely pace, read without interruptions, and spend a whole day at the spa. The Spa at GPI is amazing... outdoor hot tubs, fire pits, mineral pools, water falls into hot tubs, sauna, contrast pool (hot tub with a cold plunge... it felt so good). And, we both finished off the day with massages. Great to get away and know the kids were well taken care of. Thanks again mom and dad!

 This was a cute little coffee shop...

Christmas In Nashville

I'm skipping over the rest of our Christmas in Abington to get going on Christmas in Nashville. I've got to get going on these Christmas posts! We spent Christmas weekend in Nashville with all my whole family. So pfun to all be together, although we missed our fiance (okay, Lauren's fiance, but still part of the family!). 

Coloring the huge cardboard castle with Aunt Alyssa... 

 This castle was so fun. We still have a lot of work to do to finish coloring it. I guess we need to make our way back to Nashville sometime to finish up. Emma liked climbing on mommy in the castle...

 Laughing hysterically at a movie with Dodo...

 Sam was so excited to get in the hot tub. He wanted to get in at midnight when we got there, but settled for the next morning.

Christmas Eve, Eve we went Bridesmaids Dress shopping!
Christmas Eve we headed to Opryland hotel to walk around and watch the "Shrektacular Holiday Show."
Flapping like the penguins...

 Emma was not feeling well at all. She had a stomach bug that night and all Christmas Eve (her first one). :( But, since she felt bad, she slept in the Ergo most of the time we were out. There is an upside to sick kids!

 This is what we watched...

 Sam watching the "snow" come down...

I was a bit concerned about this at first, because Alyssa has told us not to do this since we could pull his shoulders/elbows out of socket. But, Alyssa reassured me that it was okay because she could put them back if needed. So, don't do this if she's not around. :)

 After dressing Emma in her Christmas PJs and finally trying to give her some food... Read her pjs carefully, "bright and merry." Ha!

 Christmas morning... Sam was ready to go!

 Fun fire station!

Samuel doesn't like to play with the firemen, but instead sets his cars up at the table... The other day, he had about 20 matchbox cars all in the bathroom at his fire station. The bathroom is his favorite room. 

 Walking toy!

 Emma's jewels... She Loves to wear necklaces!

We always play games together...

 Samuel gave Grandma a shot with his new doctors kit from Dr. Alyssa. Samuel's doesn't usually use this to help people feel better, but his cars. His cars don't go to a mechanic, they go to Dr. Sam.

 A little Yoga with Lolo...

 The family pic... Emma, again, not thrilled...

 We had some family friends over the next day. Emma liked Lisa...

Thanks mom and dad for a fun Christmas! You spoiled us rotten. We loved spending time with you all and watching you enjoy our kids!

Christmas Eve

We celebrated early since we were heading to Nashville for actual Christmas. We started with making Christmas Tree cookies for Santa. Samuel licked the dough right off the cookie press... 

 Emma emptied all the crackers out of her diaper bag while Sam and I worked and Papa took pictures...

 It was bath night, so we opened pjs in robes and diapers after bath...

 So cute in their pjs!!

 Reading their new Christmas book...

 Reading Luke 2 and setting up the nativity, or eating the nativity pieces as Emma preferred...

 Children all nestled snug in their beds and Santa set up shop. For Emma...

 For Sam...

 For both... This house fits over the card table, which means easy and small storage.  It doesn't always have to take up half of our play room. Although, we have yet to take it down since Christmas. :)

Samuel's Funnies

More words/phrases/remarks by Samuel I'd like to remember...
Piano = Pania
Hummus = Tummus
Locker Room = Tocker room
Panera = Punch Arrow
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At Samuel's school Thanksgiving presentation, his teacher went around and asked each child what they were thankful for. Most kids said their mommy, doggy, baby sister, etc. Samuel says, "going pee pee standing up" and he modeled exactly how he does this.
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I overheard the other day... "No Emma, don't open that (a present under the tree), we have to wait till Santa Claus comes!"
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"That's not funny, that's annoying."
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Sam - After realizing it was dark outside, "I asked the sun to come back."
Mommy - "Oh yeah? What did he say?"
Sam - "He said no."
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"Emma, you're not supposed to play with that! It's a boy (car)! She's only supposed to play with girls!"
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Papa - "Do you want me to help you with that?"
Sam - "No, I'll do it myself. Thank you though."
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Mommy - "Look, Emma's doing 'downward dog' again." (her favorite Yoga position)
Sam - "Emma's doing the dog?"

Catching Up: December Events

I'm way behind on the many posts I'd like to put on here, so I'll just start with random pictures from December. I will be posting about our Christmases soon, but wanted to update on the rest of the month first. 

Samuel's first Christmas performance at school... They sang Joy to the World, Happy Birthday to Jesus, and Christmas Bells. We have heard A LOT of "Joy to the World the Lord is good" this month. At least that's how he sang it at the beginning of the month, he now knows the words and sings it multiple times a day. 

Our Christmas card. I'm still working on getting a few of these out, so sorry if I didn't get it to you yet...

Their Christmas outfits... I made Emma's dress after stealing the idea from an Etsy store. I found Samuel's blazer (complete with suede elbow patches) for $3!! 

 Sleeping babies... Just because I hadn't taken pictures of them sleeping lately.

 

Decorating for Christmas... We were able to decorate on Emma's birthday with the help of Gigi and Dodo. So nice/necessary to have the extra help. 

 (You're welcome mom)...

 Samuel loved "helping" set up the tree and lights...

 This is his new "say cheese" face...

 More posts coming soon!!