Holiday Happenings

2009 is almost at a close and we're really enjoying the holiday season thus far. Last year we had 2 still crawling children on our hands who were transitioning, grumpily, from 2 naps to 1 and not quite 'getting it.' This year, oh boy do they 'get it!' All they can talk about is Christmas lights, presents, Santa Clause, presents, and baby Jesus' birthday. According to Reid, Santa says "Ho, Ho Kiss-mas" and baby Jesus wants Happy Birthday sung to him every day. Eva wants presents! More presents PLEASE! (Well, at least she said please).

Let me back track a bit. Thanksgiving was wonderful! It started with a family 6K run/walk we did first thing in the morning and ended at Susie and Uncle Scott's house. The kids were all bundled up for the race and then played with their 'favorite' cousins all afternoon.



Ah, and next came the annual family oyster roast. Actually, the boat parade was the night before, but I forgot my camera and Meema has all of those pictures. I'll have to back track a bit in my postings later..

They Annual Barkoskie Oyster Roast was a great success! The weather was pleasantly chilly, perfect for oysters, s'mores, low country boil, and of course, hayrides. Oh, and Ross made his absolutely fabulous chili. There wasn't a bite left!

Meema and Papa got the kids matching outfits. They say 'Hunting for Santa' and were absolutely adorable. Here they are posing with cousin Will.


They hayrides were a blast as well as the s'mores. Once again, the kids really 'got it' this year and it just makes everything a whole lot more fun!







Next up is holiday cookie baking tomorrow, our buddy Brosnan's 1st birthday Saturday, our neighbor's party Saturday night, and then a cookie exchange Sunday. Whew, I'm going to be exhausted by the time Christmas actually gets here! But it sure is a blast :-)

Happy Belated Birthday to Y'all

The twins are officially 2, in both physical form and 'spirit' if you know what I mean. Welcome to the terrific twos!

They had an absolute blast at their birthday party. It was more low key this year with just family and, of course, Elmo. The little furry creature was everywhere. Eva was so overwhelmed she just started jumping up and down and could hardly catch her breath when she saw all of the decorations! I even made Elmo cupcakes. Just call me Martha Stewart. or not.


Meema and Papa got them new tricycles and they were a hit!



Eating cupcakes and opening gifts were fun since this year; they 'got it.' Can't wait until Christmas!





And finally- the aftermath of all the fun. What a great day. Happy Birthday Eva! Happy Birthday Reid! (Yes, I made everyone sing the song twice :)

Is It Really Almost November?

I have a million excuses why I haven't posted anything in, oh, MONTHS on this blog (starting a new job at work, studying for and passing my stock broker's licensing exam, getting sick for 3 weeks, etc., etc.) but basically I just haven't had the time to do it. So, time for new fall beginnings!

Our little mockingbirds are cracking me up all of the time now. Their favorite sentence is "______ (insert requested object/person here), where are you??" The way they say it is like Ricky Ricardo with "Lucy, I'm home." Like I said, it cracks me up. Eva has also picked up quite the un-southernly, rude answer of 'uh-huh' to the questions she'd like to respond 'yes' to. Mommy's not happy about that, so we're working on the 'yes m'am' with no such luck yet.

As of Monday, they will officially be in the 2 year old room which means no more progress reports home (eek) and no sippy cups at school (double eek). That also means at some point in the next year, I should hopefully have two potty-trained, big boy/girl underwear wearing toddlers. Down with the diapers and good riddens (TBD).

We are just kicking off the Halloween festivities. I brought them up to Merrill Lynch this afternoon in their oh so adorable handmade Bam-Bam and Pebbles costumes and they were an absolute hit. We'd been practicing wearing costumes and trick-or-treating at home and I was pleased that they are quick learners! (And no, the costumes are not handmade by me- thank you Aunt Katie!)








Style... we have plenty of it around here lately. You've gotta love toddler style. Please keep in mind all of these outfits were chosen by the dynamic duo themselves- no parental intervention.

Yes, Daddy is proud... Go Blue


Eva's a big fan of shoes (no idea where she got THAT one from). These happened to be Ross' house slippers.


And here's her too big Crocs. Note the lack of pants and striped socks. Gotta love her!


That's it for now. More to come after the REAL Halloween festivities tomorrow!