Merry Christmas and Buon Natale 2010

Happy 2nd birthday Lincoln!

Lincoln was born two years ago on Christmas morning. We're learning about ways to make his birthday special. This year his Grandpa Frank and Grandma Linda bought a big ball pit for him. That helped make his birthday a big hit! We set it up in the evening and made cupcake cones for him. Here are a few pictures from his 2nd birthday!

At Lincoln's 2 year check-up, he weighed 30 pounds (73rd percentile). He was 34.6 inches (54th percentile).

Christmas Eve

Our second Christmas in Sicily. In some ways it's our first. Last year we took a vacation to Austria over Christmas. This year we stayed home. Base housing in Sicily. It's kind of nice to be home this year. Christmas Eve we watched a few Christmas movies, had cookies, everyone opened up an ornament, and the kids got to open up one present each. Tom and I made a special dinner. We also read from What Does God Want For Christmas. It's a tradition we do every year. The boys put out cookies and milk for Santa before everyone went to bed. There is definitely an excitement in the air at the Paudler house tonight!

Kids say such funny things.

I'm home all day with our kids. They are always saying such funny things, especially our preschooler, Noah. This one made me laugh.

Today Noah (4) and Lincoln (almost 2) were playing in the living room together. Lincoln was about to do something that he wasn't suppose to do. Noah was upset about this and yelled at him "No Lincoln!! You aren't the daddy, mommy is!!"

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Max has his stocking. He's ready for his first Christmas.

Lincoln got to open Number 1 on our Advent Calendar on December 1st.

It said Read a NEW Christmas book together.

I've been wanting to buy an advent calendar for years,

but I couldn't find the right one.

Finally, this year I found it!

So it's our new tradition. It has 25 pockets which counts from December first until Christmas day. I printed up something for each pocket.

It has us doing something special each day until Christmas.

An early Christmas present! I wish I hadn't waited so long to buy a Bumbo seat.

Personally, I think it's a must have! I wish I had it a few years ago.

I loved watching DJ put up the Christmas lights. He's growing up.

More Christmas fun to come . . .