Winter Recital

Madeleine's class had their Winter Recital just before the holidays.  They sang several songs about the weather, Santa and other stuff I couldn't quite understand. 

I was originally going to make a joke about Madeleine doing the "Macarena" in this picture but then decided to just let you look at the boys on either side of M.  Way funnier than any joke. 

When they were almost done Austin ran up and exclaimed "my turn". I couldn't tell if it was cute or if the other parents were like "ha ha now get your little squirt out of our home movie". 

Rob's 40th Birthday

Turning 40? "Don't Worry About It". 

We took the whole family to McCormick and Schmick's and the kids did pretty well. Austin was very pleased with his selection of saltine crackers. 

I know this looks like I'm drinking three drinks, but I'm not. It was only two. 

Because Rob was turning old this year everyone broke out the good gifts.  Bose noise-canceling headphones:
WHAT???
A fancy watch. He also got an iPod Touch but I wasn't fast enough with my camera. Something to do with those two drinks mentioned earlier I'm sure. 

Austin still very pleased with the saltines. Dinner going well so far.

Rob's fabulous parents came down to surprise him and celebrate with us. 

Then Madeleine got some sort of second wind and went totally loopy. When the redhead starts running around with a napkin on her head it's time to go! 

Take a look at the guy in the background. His face is priceless. "Could you all pleeeease leave?"

Nope. Not leaving yet. 

Austin looks a little drunk on ice cream.  

Austin got ahold of the camera. This is his view of G&G Fisher behind his straw. 

He may have some photographic skills!

After dinner G&G King took the little kids home and the big kids kept celebrating. A toast to Rob...

Wayne got this fabulous idea to get "shooters".  There was no way I was drinking this. At the ripe old age of 3x I do know I cannot drink a shooter and take care of two (possibly) three kids in the morning. 

This is a totally pretend picture:

This one is not...

And this is the face of realization that he's too old for this...

Happy birthday dear husband. 

I am the Manager of the CEO of Rumball Holdings, LLC

So very  behind on my blogging. Doctor's appointments, kids, 40th birthday parties, kids, cookie exchanges, kids. Hopefully those are all acceptable excuses. Now on to it...

Heather and I had a grand night in, filled with pizza, wine, girl talk and playing hide and seek (the kids, not us, but that certainly may have been funnier).  

First came the "hide and seek".  The kids hid, Heather sought. 

She looks very serious here. Like whomever she finds is going to get yelled at. Stay hidden Austin! Don't let her see you!

Hmmm. These curtains look a bit ruffled. Come out at your own risk Austin! 

Peek-a-boo! 

Heather's turn to hide. Based on this photo I can just hear them counting "1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 4, 5, ...here we come!"

A most excellent seeker, Madeleine went right to it. 
"Bah!"
Then things got a little silly. The kids were like "What in the world? We can see you Header! You just have a pillow on your face!"  I personally think it was her Christmas slippers that gave her up.

As for the rest of the evening, there are differing opinions on what exactly went down. You can read Heather's version for a good laugh and a "yeah right!"...'I am CEO of Rumbball Holdings, LLC'  

This, she says, is her proof.

But this is my proof! I'm pretty sure she doesn't have one ball! 

Rum Balls. The best 'cookie exchange' cookie!

My Buddy, My Buddy, My Buddy and Me!

Austin has a best friend and it's the cutest thing in the world (yes, the world). Austin and Drew are inseparable at school. Their teacher, Miss Clare, says they are "attached at the hip". And at home, Austin talks about Drew and can't wait to see him again at school. Awww. His first real buddy. 

Austin's class. Drew is the cutie pie to the right of Austin. 

Austin and Drew...BFF

Santa! (and other stuff)

Madeleine and Austin got a little "one on one" time with Santa.  Santa was at Treyburn today so we went up for a photo-op.  It worked out nicely since the kids are still kind of scared of the big man so there was no pressure, no lines, just hanging out Santa. 

Madeleine didn't want to sit on Santa's lap but she did allow him to hold "Baby". Big moment for "Baby". 

Treyburn's Tree:

Trying to pose. Can someone send me tips on getting toddlers to pose for a picture??

Then back to the house for Madeleine's favorite part of the Christmas Season...Grandma's set up of Santa's Village and the trains.  

Austin is into it now too.

Then time for pizza! And two very happy kids.

Aunt Brigid takes her coloring very seriously.
Mom and Dad's tree: