Visit To Amanda's Place

We headed to Canyon, TX to have a visit with Amanda, John and Sydney. (Plan A was to do this on the way home.) We had fun playing in their backyard and checking out the new toys in Sydney's playroom. We had a good time hanging out and also loved seeing Amanda's parents as well. I cannot resist picking up a consignment item for Sydney if the girls can match...so this year it was matching PJs. Makin said "Two of them." :) It also cracked me up how much he loved playing with their old cell phone. He even slept with it.
We enjoyed going out to Red Robin for lunch before heading back to my parent's house.

Some After-Christmas Fun

I feel the need for some explanation before I delve into these pictures and the fun we had...as you will notice Brad is missing in them.

With the promise of a new job (as in verbal offer but still waiting on official paper work) Brad and I had to make a few tough decisions this trip. We came a day late for him to work with someone out the OKC area and then he also was asked to drive to the OKC area the 26th in order to meet the owner of the company, who was in town. And no, the job is not in Oklahoma City...this is just the way it worked out this time. More on the job later (there sure better be after all this!) but long story short, Brad ended up spending very little time home with the Bohlmann family. The day after Christmas he had to drive to Norman, OK to meet the company owner, and then naturally ended up catching Lorelei's flu bug while there and then when he started to head home got slowed down by some snow so didn't get back till late Friday evening. On his way home that night he got a call from his current boss telling him that the entire team had put in letter's of resignation so he was needed ASAP to help get things straightened out in Frisco. Now if that wasn't complicated enough, it does get worse. After much debate, we decided that the kids and I would stay an extra few days and meet him half-way on Wednesday, as he was told he would be putting in a lot of extra hours. His boss said no problem to him having Wednesday off to meet up with us. Then as Wednesday rolled around, his boss changed his mind and decided he HAD to be at a certain meeting Wednesday. SO, the kids and I stayed an extra week at my parents, who then ended up driving us all the way to Dallas, as Brad got the flu for a second time around on Saturday. Yes, we need your prayers.

Now, back to the fun.

Oklahoma Snowy Sunrise

We cannot get enough of this bear...seriously. :)

We headed out for lunch Wednesday at The Hooker Grill. I had not been there recently and loved seeing how much character they have given it. This is the restaurant in town that is actually in my Dad's old pharmacy. We are even sitting right in front of the kitchen, which used to be the pharmacist counter! :) Back behind where I was sitting was the office where Heather and I spent many times coloring from coloring books stashed away in the cabinet. Anyway, was wonderful to see the restaurant doing so well in the small town.

Well, our snow-bunny could not resist getting out in the snow as much as possible. And man was it COLD, COLD, COLD. She always loves making a snow angel and we also had fun finding bunny tracks. She does not care how cold she is, she will stay out as long as you will let her. Makin, on the other hand, does not think cold is so nice. He decided to make another attempt at joining his sister...and you can see how he felt about it when I tried to take their picture together. And of course, we had to come in and have hot chocolate AND roasted marshmellows.

I was very thankful Uncle A.J. was around to take over snow-duty the next day.

Gotta Love Old Phones

Shows and Naptime Cuddles

Celebrating 31 Years Married!

Her Mother's Daughter...Ice Cream Even When Snowy Out

Boy Time

Yummy Donuts!

Our Merry Christmas

Going along with our theme of 2012, Christmas Eve did not go as planned. We made it to my parent's place Sunday evening only to find out in the wee hours the next morning that Lorelei had come down with the flu. So, Christmas Eve Day was spent taking care of her and still trying to enjoy some time with family. Oh...and finishing the felt mats with the help of my siblings! Thankful for our handy pharmacist Papa and helpful Nana especially, to at least make the day easier on all of us. Makin and I headed to the Christmas Eve service with the family (which was beautiful and I got to sing a lot as Aunt Heather entertained Makin wonderfully as she had no voice left to sing with, due to bronchitis-something-or-other) and Brad and Lorelei stayed home. The kids did open one present before bed and set out cookies and milk, but naturally not near the excitement. We grown ups exchanged our gifts after the kids were in bed, which worked out great.

We are so, SO thankful Lorelei was better for Christmas Day. Both kids up before the sun, naturally. :)

A Few Of Their Christmas Joys

After the present craziness we had a yummy breakfast, more play-time, and even got a bit of a White Christmas! :) Thankfully A.J. was the cool Uncle who took Lorelei out in the COLD. Makin got all bundled up and got one breath of that cold air and said, "Watch."

We had a delicious meal and Glenda Friesen (long time family friend who's hubby had to work clearing the snow most of the day) joined the group. We had intended to sing to Lorelei with the candle when we got back Christmas Eve, but she was so tired we had to wait, so sang Silent Night by candlelight for her at home that night.

Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas Lights

One activity I had been SO looking forward to was going to see Christmas lights. There is a house that has a lights show choreographed with music. This house is also located in a neighborhood that is known for its Christmas lights. We started with the lights show, as knew it would get more crowded as the night went on. We just waited a couple minutes and a car that was parked was on its way, and we got front row seats. The kids moved up front with us and we ate popcorn with a few Christmas M & M's mixed in. The kids had hot chocolate on the way and Brad and I some much-needed caffeine. :) The kid's reactions were priceless and precious. May post videos later but have to wait on Brad. The one picture posted is one of my favorite displays with the penguins. Its hard to see but they have puff balls as if they are having a snowball fight. :) One of many, many amazing displays we saw driving around this neighborhood.

Taking Part In A Live Nativity

Jerry and Joyce have an apartment ministry in Dallas. They live at this apartment complex and help host different activities for the people there, along with just building relationships with them over time. This week, they decided to have a live nativity for the kids to participate in. They invited us to come as well. They also had a few live animals. Of course, this thrilled my kids, especially the donkey - a new one for them close-up, but I was totally amazed as Joyce mentioned many of these families had never ever seen these animals, and many didn't even know which animals they were. If you don't get to read many books, go to the zoo, etc...just made me feel very appreciative for all I have and think of my kid's access to books...was so glad to get to join in with them and how many lives they touch.

Lorelei participated three times. She was a shepherd, a donkey, and then an angel. Makin said, "No. Watch." They did it a few times as the little one were there early and they wanted to do one then, and then again when the older children were all home from school. Of course, the main draw for them was free pizza and snacks. ;)

Gingerbread House

Gingerbread houses were not really something I grew up making, and I didn't really see much point in them...I mean why waste all that cookie and candy just for something to sit around your house? :) But, alas, had to try it out just for the family togetherness...or something. I knew Brad would enjoy putting one together with the kids, so we made sure to work on it Sunday when he was home. We wimped out and bought a kit this year to make it extra-easy. Next year maybe we will have more time and patience and try graham crackers and each child can have their own to decorate. :) The kids got a big kick out of putting all the candy on the house. Makin mostly wanted to lick the frosting off his fingers. :) Was a fun activity and we will see how it goes when they are older and can help more and more. :)

Love You Aunt Heather!

Especially for reading us lots and lots of books, even though you don't really like it. :)

Thanks for visiting us. :)

Happy Birthday Aunt Heather!

We were very excited that Heather came to visit us for her birthday weekend! There were a few glitches (as always seems to happen) but it was great having her. At least she didn't have to work? ;)

Birthday Breakfast Pancakes

Okay...so she had to work a bit. We had our own Doc McStuffins at our house. She sewed at least three stuffed animals in need of stitches. Thanks Heather!

We enjoyed the Gaylord Texan Hotel's Christmas decorations so much last year, we decided to make that her birthday activity. The kids loved looking at everything, and especially watching the trains. My favorite part is the gingerbread houses/churches etc people make and then have a train set up going around all of it. They are AMAZING. (The pic with the kids with the white fence shows some of them in the background.) Makin did not want to leave the trains.

And we had fun on the way and back home too. Lorelei loved primping and having Aunt Heather do her finger and toe nails. :)

We did cake with candles, got the kids to bed and the adults enjoyed a kid-free, although very late, supper. :) And then we finally ate our cake. :) She did get sung to a record-breaking amount for her big day. :)

Little Elm Fire Dept.

We made Killer Brownies to drop off at the Fire Department we drive past nearly every day. The kids were super helpers unwrapping every single caramel! :)

And even though I spent the entire 10 minute drive telling Lorelei that we were not going to see the fire house, and were simply thanking them for doing their jobs, we got invited to take a look at the entire fire house. How can you say no when they offer anyway?!? The kids were elated. They showed them the trucks and then even took them upstairs for the full tour of rooms, kitchen, etc AND completed it with a huge bang by actually going down the fire pole for them to see. (Only one guy, the rest were out.) It was pretty amazing and kids were completely spoiled and in awe of the whole thing. Hope they ate a lot of brownies for all that. ;)

Santa and Trains

We had heard about Northpark Mall having what are called, "The Trains At Northpark" which is a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald house. We thought this would be a good year to check it out with our little train fanatic. As I was looking at the site, I saw some Santa info and thought this would be a good chance to fit that visit in as well.

Story time with Santa. I have never heard of this before and it sounded like a lot of fun, so we headed to the mall early to listen to Santa tell a couple of stories. Lorelei was completely in love with this, Makin was ready to leave. So, he stayed with me in back and she sat up front by herself. The part they loved more than the stories was when he would tell them about the North Pole or not to leave the fire place going so he doesn't burn his boots, and also reminding them about the cookies of course. :) Made for a fun Santa experience we have never had. (In the picture she is looking at me after he talked about the cookies. Like...are you paying attention, Mom?)

We wondered around a bit waiting for our turn (this place gives out tickets/numbers) and also waiting as Brad was going to leave work for a bit to meet us there and see Makin's first Santa visit and the trains.

Lorelei walked right up and sat on Santa's lap and talked about her list. (Which, until this day, was very general and she did not have one set thing she wanted. Now suddenly there is one thing and only one thing she wants and everything else is "for next year." Lets just say, next year the list better be made earlier and with a sharpie, no amendments allowed.)

Makin held back. I actually thought he would have no hesitation this year as he happily talked about Santa and was totally pumped to see him, sit on his lap, and tell him what he wanted. After a minute of us coaxing and watching his sister, he let us put him on his lap and he did not freak out. Santa asked him what he wanted and he quietly said trains, so Santa did have ask Big Sis what he said. He warmed up and answered some questions and did great. It helps when Santa is AMAZING.

They both got a picture of Santa that he gave them that has a note on it and love having it in their room.

Then we headed to the trains! I'm pretty sure if it hadn't been nap time, Makin would have stayed for hours. We stayed 45 minutes or so, which is impressive if you see that this is NOT that big a room. :) He was completely entranced and followed the trains back and forth. They just made him speechless and in awe. He went through the groups of people following trains down their tracks and did not worry for a minute if one of us was not following him (thankfully it was not that crowded and I was VERY glad we had one adult per child). He favored a certain blue train that he liked watching the most.

Lorelei loved it. She could not spend the same amount of time there as her brother, but definitely enjoyed the experience. :)

Trying to catch a reaction to seeing the trains...close as I got but the smiles were huge. :)

Lorelei's favorite part of the day was seeing Santa. Makin's favorite part of the day was the trains. :)

Guess it was a good combo! :)

First Full Week Of Christmas Fun

We are having such a great time with all of our activities! :)
A few highlights:

Christmas Play-Doh 

Got a few tiny buttons for ornaments and made green play-doh with gold glitter. :) Huge hit. Will be using nearly every day I would guess. :)

Little Elm Animal Shelter

They loved picking out some items the animal shelter needed and dropping them off. Of course they were thrilled when they got a chance to see lots of dogs and cats as well. Wanted to make sure to do something animal-related for Miss Lor. We asked if there was any way for kids to volunteer, but not until much older. :(

Peppermint Shakes with Brownies and Polar Express Movie Night

They had so much fun helping make the brownies. :) And we were shocked at how entranced they were with the movie. Even Makin lasted through the entire thing! Was great to have some relaxing down-time as a family.

Reindeer Games

Thumbs Up For The First Annual Reindeer Games!

We had some fun games planned we knew they would enjoy. First up was Pin The Nose On Rudolf. All had a fun time and Lorelei did get a second try after she was so dizzy she put the first one on the windowsill. :)

We followed with one of Makin's all-time favorites, Duck, Duck, Goose, only in this case, naturally, it was Santa, Santa, Rudolph. He did NOT want to stop playing. Then Brad took them inside and played Santa Says while I hid mini-candy canes for the Candy Cane Hunt. Our last game was setting up an obstacle course for them to run though. By then they were pretty worn out, but had to hide the candy canes a few more times! :)

We topped off the night by walking down to the neighbor's yard. They have been asking to do this for at least a week, and a cold front is about to hit, so made sure to check out the shivering snowman and many friends in their yard. :)

The Games and Polar Express were actually last-minute changes when we decided to tweek a few of our plans and not do quite so many things out...actually quite excited and will probably keep them on the list for next year! :) Thinking maybe Reindeer Games might be a fun play-date plan for some group games! :) Loving all our fun!

Lorelei's Christmas Program

Lorelei was soooo excited for her Christmas program at preschool. She didn't want to tell me any of the songs they were singing, but I did find out she knew the words to The First Noel and that it was now her "favorite" Christmas song, so I knew that was one of them.

Kids all decked out for the night. They were soooo excited to leave when it was dark out and see houses with their Christmas lights up on the way.

Tallest in her class. :) She didn't seem that nervous at all before hand and it didn't seem to phase her much being on stage. She just kept looking at the crowd trying to find us. We finally got her to see us for the last song and then she was all smiles and lots of waving.

Sweet moment. We went to their classroom after the program and Makin wanted to sit down and color with her. The other seats were for her friends, so she scooted over and offered to share half her chair with Makin so he could sit and color. :) I think he ended up just standing but made me go "awe."

Teachers Ms. Vanessa and Ms. Kristen, and Best School Buddy, Olivia. :)

And along the school note, Ms. Vanessa had to take a full time job, so this week is her last week teaching Lorelei. I am kinda devastated as she is full of energy, makes each child feel like they are extra-special, and keeps me informed at the end of the day. Hopefully the change in teacher will leave Lorelei unphased, but we will miss Mrs. V's smiling face twice a week. Here is the back of the card from Lorelei...

And we figured the grandparents would want to see the program, so here are the videos. The rest of you don't feel like you have to. :)

The First Noel




Joy to the World




We Wish You A Merry Christmas (Three's and Fours Classes Together)