Hockey Night

We took the kids to the Atlanta Thrashers/Boston Bruins hockey game @ Phillips Arena. Ryan is very interested in hockey now that he is taking ice skating lessons. Surprisingly, Allie was the one who was jumping up and down screaming for most of the game!

They gave out cozy, fleece Thrashers blankets to the first 10,000 people tonight.

Our seats were 2 rows behind the glass, the best!

The Zamboni. Ryan's favorite part of the game :). Typical Bostonian. Fighting over a beer. Allie and Ryan loved looking for 'Thrash' in the crowd.

A mark where the puck hit the glass in front of our seats!

We stepped out to eat during the 1st intermission. Allie said 'Mommy, I was so excited when the Thrashers scored that touchdown!'. Hey, the girl loves sports...it's ok if she confuses them!

Eighth (afternoon) night of Chanukah

We had a very special surprise for Allie and Ryan on the final day of Chanukah.

These are their 'ears' from our trip to Disneyland 2 years ago.

We're going to Disney World...tomorrow! Yes, the Gaudion's have packed up the family truckster and ready to head down the 'holiday road' (aka 75) to Disney World! Alllie and Ryan were very surprised and they are SO excited!!!

CHRISTMAS!!

Merry Christmas!

I have to say that this year was definitely the best 'reveal' of christmas with the kids. They both peaked around the corner and BOUNDED down the steps to the tree...screaming 'PRESENTS! We have PRESENTS! Santa was here!'. (Ryan actually peaked and started screaming which woke allie up...sort of cute). And my...ahem...Santa's weeks worth of wrapping was torn to shreds in a matter of minutes. Oh well. It's all about the kids. Ryan kept asking if the elves made all of his toys. They were both very happy that Santa listened and brought them (most) of their list.

I think the best thing was the doll bed we got for Allie's american girl. I bought the doll some PJ's and we set up the bed with the doll in it by the tree. Allie was pretty amazed by that.

Chrismas Eve in his new jammies and robe. All he needs is a cigar and ascot!

Allie opens some games

He is saying 'GATOR GOLF!'
He REALLY wanted Iron Man!

What could it be?

Houston, we have a problem!
Dressed and ready to go to Dunkin' Donuts. Yes. We even wear costumes on Christmas!

More Chanukah

We continued our celebration of Chanukah at the East Cobb Park Menorah Lighting. Despite FREEZING temperatures, the kids had a great time!

We also celebrated Chanukah with our cousins!

1st Night of Chanukah

For the first night of Chanukah, Allie received a cash register. She is obsessed with these whenever we see them at playdates, etc. so we knew she would love it. This version comes with a little microphone. Allie's first announcement is:

"Register #3 is now available. Please proceed to register #3."

Do you think we go to TJ Maxx too much???

Ryan received an Imaginext Knight Castle/Ship that I actually purchased while he was with me. I lied (bad mommy) and told him it was for someone else. I had no choice...it was on sale! When he opened it, he FLIPPED. I don't think I have ever seen him that happy about anything!

Happy Chanukah (and Go Patriots!)

Beautiful Ballerinas

I know some of you already saw this but I couldn't resist posting it here too. I swear that I had nothing to do with Ryan's choice of clothing. He wants to do whatever Allie does...and that doesn't stop at ballet! Monkey see...monkey do!

I'm glad to be raising such a confident little boy...ha ha.

The many faces of...

Ryan! Hamming it up for the camera!

All smiles

Yes, he still has his tonsils

Mr. CheesyShowing his serious side

School Parties

Allie and Ryan's classes performed holiday songs and then consumed their weight in sugar! The performances were adorable and all the WEEKS of practicing their songs really paid off (if I never hear 'Feliz Navidad' again...).

Ryan on his way into the chapel

Singing his heart outMrs. Orgeron and Mrs. Nitz's 3yo class

The snowman cookies were a big hit!

Deja-vu...here comes Allie!

Do you hear what I hear?

Just what we need...more sugar!Maggie, Allie, & Ellie

A Christmas Miracle

We like to send holiday cards to the families that rent our condo in Hilton Head. I decided to print up some cards with a picture of the BEAUTIFUL view from our back deck (thanks to http://www.deannarnoldphotograpy.blogspot.com/). I ordered the pictures from shutterfly and had them printed at our local Target. When I went in to pick them up one hour later, I was told that the cards were FREE (the special right now is your first 20 cards free and I only ordered 20).

So there it is. My Christmas Miracle. I went into Target and didn't spend any $$...and even got something for FREE!

Frosty's iPod and our tree

We decorated sugar cookies for Ryan's class holiday party tomorrow. Allie wanted to know why all of the snowmen were wearing HEADPHONES. I told her that they were all listening to their iPods!

(Note: The headphones are supposed to be ear-muffs.)

And here is our tree. Yes, it's BIG. I think it's our biggest tree ever!

Sweet Siblings

Overheard while coloring pictures this morning....

Ryan: I love you, Allie.
Allie: I love you too, buddy.
Ryan: I made this picture for you.
Allie: Thank you! That made my heart happy.
Ryan: I will make you another picture so your heart can get more big!

More Holiday Fun

Tonight we took our annual trip over to Lights of Life, Life University's holiday light display. I love that it has been cold enough to really 'feel' like the holidays.

Life is a school for chiropractors!

Santa Saturday

We had a Santa-full day today! This afternoon, we were able to see Santa and he brought 4 of his reindeer! Santa was a little late and someone said it was due to traffic. Ryan asked why Santa didn't just fly over the traffic. Smart kid!

So happy to see Santa!

I think that's Cupid and Donner.
Later in the afternoon, we took our annual picture with the big dreidle @ The Avenue.
To end our day, we went to the Tree Lighting at East Cobb Park. Our favorite, Jay Memory, performed as did a local chorus. Santa arrived on his sleigh and he brought Rudolph along!

Frosty. Ryan was impressed with his carrot nose.

Allie in the mosh pit. EC Park Tree
I think Santa had a long day.
We are going to work on our letters to Santa this weekend. Allie told Santa that she wants a Diamond Castle Barbie and the 'new' Sleeping Beauty movie. Ryan requested Iron Man and Star Wars. Let's hope they make the 'nice' list!