First Ballet Class

Saturday morning Hannah had her first ballet lesson. She was so excited and couldn't wait to leave to get there. She's taking lessons at the Fairytale Ballet in Prairie Village. In her class they have a ballet lesson, read a story and then get to act it out (with costumes/props) at the end. It's pretty darn cute. 

Check out Hannah the ballerina! 

Waiting for class to start...

Watching the teacher show some moves.

At the end...they got to dress up like cats. 

School Birthday Party

Thursday afternoon John and I brought treats up to Hannah's school so she could celebrate her birthday with her friends. She loved getting to be the birthday princess for the day. 

The birthday girl helped set the table for her party.

She got to wear a crown for the day. 

Yummy...

Hannah and her classmate, Santina, had the same dress on (and funny enough...so did another girl at their school). 

Merry Christmas to all...

We luckily all recovered from the stomach flu in time to enjoy the holidays. They were busy to say the least - but it was so nice to spend time with our families. Hannah really got into Christmas (and Santa) this year - so that was fun to see. Alex wasn't quite sure what to think just yet. They both got so many toys that we might need to start a toy store soon. 

Hannah decorating Christmas cookies...the one with the "S" is for Santa. 

Modeling her Christmas dress. 

Hannah and GaGa. 

Say Cheese....

An attempt at a photo with mommy

Hannah showing off her new castle for her princesses. 

Christmas morning...checking out what Santa left in her stocking.

Alex Christmas morning...giving me his new look. 

Pic with grammy

Alex and his "cheese" face 

This one just makes me smile...so big!

Alex...singing a song (he really wasn't...but it sure looks like he is_

Pics from Alex's official first haircut

A few weeks after Alex's first birthday we took him for his first real haircut. He and Hannah got their hair done together! Luckily they had an Elmo video for him to watch. He was a whole new boy when he was done. Too cute! 

Oh Christmas tree...

Serious tree shoppers...

We decided to go on our own black Friday adventure and get our Christmas tree. So we headed up to - where else, but Westlake Hardware to pick out a goodie. We had to wait until the next day to decorate it (safety first...had to spray it)...but the kids had a good time. OK...Alex is still a little small to decorate, and tried to find a way to stick everything in his mouth (lights included) - but Hannah had a blast, and was cute about the whole thing. 

"Can I please eat these..."

Fighting over the ornament box...don't worry...they are plastic. 

Alex taking off ornaments...

And then running off with the lights.

Hannah taking care of business.

So cute. 

Turkey Day

We had a very nice Thanksgiving this year (bonus was that the weather was beautiful). We spent the afternoon at John's Aunt Robin's house -- and then headed over to my Uncle Richard's house for our second helping of turkey. The kids kept everyone entertained. We even managed to get down to see the Plaza lights...from our car...but the fireworks and lights were still cool. We have lots to be thankful for! 

This one is funny...they look like grown ups in their chairs. 

Clearly Alex decided the TV was more important than me. 

My little turkeys! 

Hannah may have eaten an entire can of black olives....here she is modeling one. 

Getting some fresh air.

Happy 1st Birthday to Alex!

We really can't believe that it's already been a year since little Alexander Joseph (aka Alex, Ali-Baba, big Al, Allie) came into our lives. It has gone so fast - but has been so fun. Here are some pics from his birthday extravaganza. 

Hannah and Alex checking out the big "1" balloon. 

Little Elvis..I mean Alex...before his party. 

Check out my new tractor. 

Alex and his NeeNaw.

Alex and GaGa (he looks a bit stunned).

Dinner time. 

Hanging in the basement. 

Trying to feed Alex some cake. 

Kinda looks like Christmas in here. 

The day after...excited to play with all the new toys. 

Getting to meet Elmo the day after his birthday...priceless!