Christmas and New Years 2011

We took the kids to see Santa and they both did great! Connor was a little nervous at first but once he warmed up he talked to Santa, told him what he wanted for Christmas, and even smiled for the picture. Sydney also did great, no tears and no smile for the picture, but still a huge success! While we waited in line we were able to get a few pictures of our own, since we couldn't take any with Santa.

This was the first year Connor really seemed to understand the concept of Santa and was very excited for him to come. He was really excited to leave cookies and milk for him and also colored a bit on the note we left for Santa as well!

Santa was very generous to the kids, Sydney's loot is to the right of the tree and below Connor's gifts are to the left of the tree.

We watched my sister and brother-in-law's dog, Captain, over Christmas so it was a lot of fun having 4 dogs and 2 dogs, but a little crazy!

Captain enjoying one of his Christmas presents!

Connor doing some unwrapping!

Sydney loved the tissue and wrapping paper much more than the contents of the presents. I guess that is to be expected at 8 months!

Daddy and Sydney reading one of her new books.

Probably Connor's favorite presents, his bowling set, from Auntie Shannon and Uncle Jason!

Sydney got a stroller and baby doll that she can walk behind, which she is getting better at each day!

The boys were tired after a busy Christmas morning.

The kids got pillow pets and they love playing on them together. It is amazing to see Connor and Sydney playing more together, especially now that Sydney has toys Connor likes to play with! We also potty trained Connor over the Christmas weekend because Greg had 4 days off. We had just a few setbacks but overall he has done amazing! Crazy to think he is almost 3 years old! We are very blessed to have 2 beautiful, healthy children!

We spent New Years Eve with Shannon and Jason, which was fun but wow its hard to stay up late with our age and kids!

Enjoying the new year, Happy 2012!

Birthday Parties and Our 8 Month Old

Connor was a popular guy in December, he was invited to 5 birthday parties! One of them was at a roller skating rink. Connor has never been on skates of any kind but did great, must be the Collar hockey genes!

Luckily the birthday party had the whole rink to ourselves so the kids were able to take their skates off and run around on the rink with their shoes and play some hockey!

Sydney even had fun crawling around on the rink!

It is hard to believe but our little bug is already 8 months old!

She is very curious and is never in one place very long. She loves watching the dogs outside and of course following her big brother everywhere. Connor doesn't really like this because she also likes his toys but soon he'll love having a built in playmate!

Another birthday party included a bounce house in their house and that also was a huge hit with Connor. Connor left the bounce to take a few water breaks and to sing Happy Birthday to Dylan, I think he had fun! When the big kids left Greg brought Sydney into the bounce house and she had a great time too!

Captain, Shannon and Jason's dog, is over often and so great with the kids!

Such a happy girl!

Thanksgiving 2011

We were privileged enough to have both sides of our families with us for Thanksgiving. There were 14 of us total and it was a wonderful holiday! My parents came from Texas, Greg's parents came from California, Matt and Lea came from Boston, and Paige and Daryn came from South Africa!

The aunties and Sydney.

Uncle Matt and Connor.

Connor and Papa were in charge of the fried turkey, it was yummy again. This is the second year we have done one and I think it will continue as long as Connor and Papa are willing!

My family!

Mommy to be, Auntie Lea, enjoying some baby time with Sydney.

Paige and Daryn brought "crackers" for us to open at dinner. They are meant more for Christmas but we opened them early. It was a lot of fun for the big and little kids!

Sydney with her hat from the cracker!

and Connor with his!

Daryn was even introduced to the Wii by Connor!

The grandparents watched the kids one night so the big kids could go out and we had a great time at Dave and Busters. All the sister-in-laws!

Greg and Shannon were the big winners at the horse race game!

Finally, we managed to get pictures of each family, what a perfect ending to a great holiday!

Sydney's 8th Month

Our sweet girl is growing up way too fast. She is all over the place and keeping this mommy busy! Taking her monthly pictures is getting tougher as she would rather eat her monthly sticker. I did manage to capture this pretty smile though!

She is also liking the camera more so soon after she sees it she makes a move for the camera. Luckily in this picture you can see her 7 month picture and again her beautiful smile!

We introduced a cup and she seems to like it. I don't think she is getting much water as she would rather chew on the top than drink from it.

She also learned that she can stand in her crib, I think she is quite proud of herself here! Luckily Greg had already lowered her crib, one thing we learned from Connor!

Introducing new foods to her as been quite an adventure. I think this picture is priceless! She hasn't liked much nor is she eating much but we'll keep with it, she is bound to like it right?!

Loving on Guinney!

More Snow and Bath Time

Wednesday we got more snow, actually 10.5 inches and it was just beautiful!

Also this week, we gave a bath to Connor and Sydney together. Typically she is in a smaller tub within the bath, but she is sitting up so well that we gave it a try, she did great!

Connor making a house out of his letters.

And Sydney chewing on the letters! Sorry for the odd combination of posts but I wanted to get all caught up on what has been going on with our family!