'Twas Four Days Before Christmas...

And we drove down to Long Island for my brother-in-law's second wedding. I have to admit, I wasn't crazy about the idea of a wedding three days before Christmas, but the girls were asked to be flower girls- their lifelong dream- and I couldn't say no. It made for a stressful week, making sure everything was ready for Christmas before we left. 

Thursday we made it to the hotel early enough for a swim before the rehearsal. Best part of the day! 

After the rehearsal I tried to get the kids to bed early so they would be in top shape for walking down the aisle, then I snuck out to the rehearsal dinner.

Friday morning we just made it out the door in time to get to the church for 10:30. The kids looked adorable all dressed up for the occasion.

Sadly, the wedding started almost an hour late and poor LittleL.G. spiked a fever and almost fell asleep right before she had to walk down the aisle!

She really pulled through and both girls did a fantastic job:

A nap during the rest of the service, some Tylenol and a change of clothes did wonders and the girls had a blast dancing up a storm at the reception.

BabySlimJim wasn't so into the party:

It was a big couple days and the girls tired out before the cake cutting, but at least we stayed for ice cream balls and the fanny pack dance.

Happy Wedding and Congratulation Bill and Donya!

...and now on to Christmas!

'Twas the Week Before Christmas

And all through the house,

A baby was sick, but we had to go out.

To a trampoline party, where jumping was done.

At least the girls and Daddy had lots of fun.

A family get together, 

With food drink and friends.

And slow motion video

With silly pictures at the end.

To get ready for Christmas

Sugar cookies were made

As the light of the day

Started to fade

A trip to the library

For smoothies, books and a movie

And a holiday music class

That was jingly and groovy

One little baby

Learning to crawl

And one three year old

Giving birth to a doll

Too Much Cuteness!

BabySlimJim just tags along to most of our outings and sits and plays while the girls do their activities at home, but while he isn't the subject of most of these activity posts, he is pretty darn cute.

Here's a sampling:

enjoying a solo bath in the big tub

trying finger food

and snow 

tasting the counter

and a washcloth

during a kitchen sink bath with LittleL.G.

just hanging around

drooling... 

and making faces

Snow!

Real and pretend.

Tuesday morning we were lucky to wake up to lots of snow. The kids wanted to go out and play while Daddy snowblowed the driveway, and while my first lazy morning instinct was to say, "of course not!" I realized there wasn't any reason to say no and the girls headed out while I bundled up BabySlimJim.

Part of our winter school is a STEAM advent calendar and each day we do a winter themed activity. Two of our favorites have been snowstorm in a jar and melting snowmen.

Today we decided to get out, go for a walk and go sledding since we haven't been yet this year (and Daddy was home to help!)

Glad we finally have snow to play in!

Winter Dance Recital

The girls' have been so excited for their winter dance recital since the last time they were on stage in the spring. 

As always, adorable!