Fife Christmas

After we got home from church, we told the kids that Santa was going to visit if they ate their lunch and took a short nap. The kids were very willing to eat and sleep once we spotted a few elves in the yard looking in the windows to see if they were being good. ;) Then we heard a clatter during our nap and knew that St. Nick must be near. The kids ran upstairs and saw presents and stockings waiting for them by the tree. Santa made a special trip to Grandma and Grandpa Fife's house early just for our kids since Daddy was in town and since we are moving soon.

Grandma made the cute apron Miriam has on and even one for Luke. Miriam went for the candy in the stocking first.

Luke was all about opening presents. He has to open them all first before he would stop and play with the new toys. Miriam is chomping on some chocolate in this shot...like I said, she went after the stocking! Luke can now play as Diego with his rescue pack.

Grandma was very smart to give Miriam Dora's backpack. Now Luke and Miriam can go on all kinds of rescue missions and adventures together!

Eve slept through the presents. I can't wait to dress her up in the outfits Grandma gave her. She will look so cute!

The children and I are flying to NC on the 15th to spend our 2nd Christmas before moving down to GA. It's a busy time but we are grateful to almost be at the end of being separated. Happy Holidays to you all! We will have lots of Christmas' to share with you!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

On a very breezy and chilly Saturday we set out with Grandpa and Grandma to pick the perfect tree. Whether it was the chilly air or love at first sight, we found our tree in less than 5 minutes.

Grandpa was Eve's designated holder while we decorated the tree.
Grandma took over the tricky part with the lights.

Miriam liked the star and gingerbread people ornaments best.

Luke was so cute throughout the whole process. He sang the "Fa la la" part from "Deck the Halls" while Grandma was working on the lights and each time he hung an ornament, he would ask me to take his picture. He really got into the spirit of decorating the tree.

Our Christmas Tree

The best presents I have ever received...

We'll add Morgan to this picture on Thursday when he comes for the weekend and for Eve's blessing at Church. We can't wait to have our 1st Christmas with him this week!

Thanksgiving 2009

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because of all the food. Grandma worked really hard this year to provide a feast that the Pilgrims would have been proud of to share with their Native American friends.

Eve's 1st Thanksgiving (4 weeks old)
Great Aunt Marti and Eve

Miriam and Luke enjoying the crackers from the appetizers...my kids do not appreciate the wonderful Thanksgiving dinner foods like I do.

Thank you Grandma for a delicious meal!

Luke's Thanksgiving Preschool Program

Luke's preschool performed a Thanksgiving program complete with song, dance and the story of Thanksgiving.

When we arrived Mrs. Rumel was reading Thanksgiving stories to the children. Miriam wanted to be a part of the class and went to join them in the circle.

Luke had excellent rhythm and kept a steady beat when he played the drums. I was very proud to see him alternate hands while playing too.
One of my favorite songs they sang was "Albuquerque Turkey." Luke would sing this for us at home and just crack up laughing while doing so. Here he is performing it with his class:

Here's Luke performing part of the Indian dance:

Peaceful Eve

Is there anything more precious looking than this sweet, peaceful, sleeping Eve?

Miriam the Big Sister

Miriam is such a good helper with Eve. On Tuesday I had just finished feeding Eve and was getting ready to get dressed for the day. Miriam asked to hold Eve and I was a little hesitant about letting her do so. However, Miriam completely surprised me. She sat completely still on the couch for 15 minutes as she held Eve while I finished getting ready. She loves to help in any way with Eve or whatever I am doing. She wants to help unload or load the dishwasher or help cook. I am grateful to have her around. She reminds me of Miriam from the Old Testament and how she watched baby Moses float down the river. I can imagine that Miriam watched over her baby brother Moses just as carefully as Miriam watches over Eve.

Happy Halloween

On Halloween Morgan and Grandma took Miriam and Luke trick-or-treating to some of the nearby neighborhoods. Since we had been in Dominica for the past 2 Halloweens, we really wanted the children to have the experience of American trick-or-treating. Once again, Eve and I stayed home. There's always next year for us!

Our little pumpkin Eve

The Loot

Luke trying to decide which to go for first

Miriam loved the mini Oreos

Yummy!

The kids asked on Sunday night if we were going trick-or-treating again. 2 consecutive nights of treats spoiled them!