Reliving the Moments

Stella was watching home movies of Christmas and kept saying, "In!"  I gently tried to explain that people can't get in iPhones, she wailed, "Please!" and then broke down in sobs. Because she's almost two.  Irrationality prevails.  I get it.  And Christmas was fantastic.  I'll just relive it here...two months later.

We celebrated with the Nicolais a week before Christmas.  Jolly Old St. Nick came while we were eating lunch at the Cheesecake Factory.  Amazing guy, right? 

While Anton enjoyed his bottle and snuggled in for a car nap, Stella frosted cookies for Santa.
Loose interpretation of the word "frosted."

She ran past the presents to check the cookies.  Santa only took a nibble so Stella finished them off.  That's my girl.  Priorities people, priorities. 

I tired everything to get picture of them together by the tree.  

EVERYTHING.   Humor, bribes, threats, pose suggestions.  

Here's where I suggested Stella give Anton a hug.

Here's where I offered them cookies to be still.

Here's Anton while Stella ran her energy off.

Better luck next year.  Or maybe in ten years. 

We spend the 25th with the Gardners.  Epic fail capturing the moments with pictures but believe me, it was a heavenly visit.  Even if the babies (and some adults) had a nasty stomach virus.  Some highlights, since the blog is my journal until this arrives.

• the MOST perfect presents (no one gives gifts like my in laws) ((and yes, I'm leading with gifts. that's how good.))
• a patient dog for Stella to love on and feed and follow and boss around
• Anton LOVED playing with cousin Chloe.
• Cafe Rio mint lemonade.  Life changing. 
• visiting with siblings we don't see enough of, cousins we don't see enough of, and friends (you-guessed-it) that we don't see enough of.
• Stella built her first snowman.