Home for the Holidays

Every other day it starts snowing, but it is never enough to go sledding!  I took off work this week to stay home with the kids, and we are doing one activity each day plus enjoying time at home for once (before the new year begins).  My computer is not behaving & is very sick, so I am afraid to download some pictures.  I have much to catch up on my blog, so I must do it before 12/31.  We are waiting to have Caty, their cousin, visit today!!  The kids are so excited to hang with her.  So far this week, we saw the Chipmunk movie, played in the snow, saw the Wild Lights at the Zoo, played on our new Wii (yes, we are probably the last family to get one), and enjoyed our time together at home.  We may venture out to go ice skating at Forest Park after Jo's nap. 

Pete & I each came down with a lovely illness over the weekend, but the kids were pretty good about just being home while we nursed ourselves (Pete with bronchitis & me with yucky flu).  Luckily, no one else got it YET!  Looking forward to the party at the Jones' on New Year's Eve.  Always a good time!

That's Adorable!

Sisters forever!

The Big One - Oh!

Rosie turned 10 years old on Saturday, December 5th. She was very excited for her birthday, and I was in shock that she will be 10 years old.  We had a packed day full of activities to celebrate the big day!  We started out with bagels from St. Louis Bread Co & drove to my parents in Florissant.  My mom had a big surprise for her - a scrapbook with all the cool paper & items to decorate pictures & add her creative touches.  They spent about 2 hours together, and Anna & I headed to Target to Christmas shop.  Jo happily played with Grandpa in the basement "play house." 

We then headed to lunch at the barn deli to meet up with Grandma Carollo.  She gave Rosie lots of new clothes which she really needed.  I didn't get a pic with Grandma Carollo, but I posted an adorable one with my mom, Grandma Wilson.

We came back to my mom's house for dessert - Angel food cake with yummy icing & cherries - Rosie's favorite!  My brother Skip even joined us for a big slice of cake.  Thanks Mom for making the cake - we loved it!

Our final fun outing was a movie date - just Rosie & me!!  We saw New Moon in the Twilight series. I thought it was too old for her, but she begged & I caved in.  My sister, Mary, told me not to worry - that she has seen PG movies with worse stuff.  It was really good though and we both enjoyed the movie! 

Happy Birthday Rosie!  Your dad and I love you so much!

The Infamous Covered Wagon

If Rosie looks tired, it's for a good reason - Pete & Rosie were up late every night last week working on this wagon!!!  They did an amazing job.  Rosie was very proud, and she got an A+ (well deserved too!)

The creative "inside" of the covered wagon.  All homemade (painted) or stained except for the chair - that came from an old dollhouse! 

Little House on the Prairie - the Musical!

We went for our annual outing to see Little House on the Prairie at the Fox Theatre over Thanksgiving weekend.  Melissa Gilbert played Ma Ingalls, and she was great!  The kids loved it, and it fit perfectly with Rosie's 4th grade class.  They are discussing Prairie Days, read Little House & made covered wagons.  In fact, this Friday is "Prairie Days" & Ma Carollo will be making bread for the 4th grade class.  Can't wait - it is a super fun day for the 4th graders & I'm looking forward to time with Rosie!

Cutest kids ever!

Their mommies & grandmother!  What a great afternoon for all of us!

Grease is next at the Fox in January!!

Just plain adorable....

Elizabeth is so darn cute, and Josephine hovered over her like she was a big sister!  It was adorable.  Caty held her too, and I caught the two of them in a cute picture.  Elizabeth is Ms. Big Eyes now - they change so quickly at this age.  How can Josephine look so big next to Elizabeth?  She is no longer the baby....

Serious Bingo Game

We had some serious games of Bingo after our Thanksgiving meal.  It was so cute to see my Mom (Grandma) with all the kids playing Bingo!  They were playing for big bucks - a whole nickel!  I love it since it came out of my change!