Snow in NC

We arrived in NC on the 15th...just in time for a major snow storm to hit a few days later. We loved watching it fall from the sky! Luke had a great time crunching through it a few days later (he was sick with an ear infection the day it started snowing). Miriam didn't really like the snow...too cold and the glare off the snow made her pretty upset.

A Visit with Santa

Before we left Washington we were able to sit on Santa's lap and give him our requests for Christmas. Even little Eve had a chance.

My 3 little ones

When we got home, Grandma couldn't resist taking a photo op of Eve under the tree since she looked like a present in her outfit. Eve is 6 weeks old in this picture.

Eve's Blessing

We were able to bless Eve Leona Fife the Sunday that Morgan was home. Here's the five fabulous Fifes afterwards:

Our sweet Eve

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: