Sunday, December 31, 2017

December, Part 2

We got a chuckle out of the kids' matching uniforms one morning.  You would think with such limited options, this would happen more often, but it doesn't.

Our naked son climbing across the window ledge.  
Just another day in the Puplis home.

The last three years, Claire has been an angel in our church Christmas pageant, so this year, she put in a special request to try something new.  She did a wonderful job in her new role as the prophet Isaiah.

And Henry was a natural in his role as a Shepherd, which wasn't always easy with a sheep like George in his flock.  But they sure were entertaining.

We bundled up and took the kids ice skating at Rosa Parks Circle.  Claire and George were thrilled, but Henry insisted he would not even put on the skates, let along venture out on the ice.

Starting out, George chastised me for trying to help him.  He was determined to do it on his own.  Henry was latched to the hand rail as he inched along.  And Claire was naively optimistic, expecting to take off quickly.  That pretty much sums up their three personalities.

But one lap into it, George was dismayed by his few falls.  Claire was downright frustrated by gravity.  And Henry was the only one with a true smile on his face.

Henry's anxiety subsided as he quickly gained confidence.

And with perseverance (and a few pep talks), Claire did really well too. 
George, on the other hand, sidelined himself, not wanting to risk another fall.

Making Christmas cookies

Christmas morning

After opening stockings, and "decorating" our Christmas tree cinnamon rolls, we burrowed out of our driveway and headed to church. 

Building a volcano.

Claire was so proud that she completed her dominoes math puzzle.  I was too!

And Henry was proud of the sword he made.  I was too!

That wraps up another year.  Looking forward to 2018 and hopeful that a fresh start will do our family good.  The last half of 2017 was tough, to say the least.  But there were plenty of sweet moments too.  So, of course, we keep moving forward.  Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. 

Friday, December 29, 2017

Christmas with Family

Christmas parties kicked off at our home with the extended Nash family.


Several rounds of Blink

New Magnet Tiles

The grand kids with "Santa"

Our next round of Christmas parties continued with the Puplis family.

Catching up with Marie and Sharon

A father-son chess game


Cuddles with Grandpa

Later in the week, we celebrated with my family.

A pint-sized sewing machine

Waiting for the good stuff

A rowdy game of Pit

Craft time

A mattress maze.  
Good luck getting to the bathroom.

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Christmas Gifts

Last year, we had settled on a gift guide that works well for our family.  We buy each kid something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read.  This year, Claire helped by hand-stamping these tags for the gifts.  They were perfect!


We decided to open gifts on Christmas eve.


This Fall, we enjoyed watching the Toy Box together as a family, so for their "Want" gift, this season's winner, The Water Dodger, was a natural choice.

Henry wearing his new hat, and George wearing his new p.j.'s.

Henry did a good job picking out a gift for Claire.  
She really likes her new headband.

George's gifts

Henry's gifts

Claire's gifts

And, of course, it's always fun to see what the kids pick out for us as well.  Joe got a couple swords from the boys, as well as a "Family" picture frame and measuring tape from Claire. 
For me, the kids picked out a lovely necklace and bracelet set, a candle, coloring book, poinsettia flower, and apparently George reluctantly picked out some chocolate.  

Then the kids opened their stockings on Christmas morning, and there were some real treasures in there!  Their favorites: Claire's retractable fly swatter (Yes, that's correct!), Henry's Hex Bugs and George's stuffed elephant.  They also really like their Dominoes game, their Cootie-Catcher Joke Tellers, and their m&m candy canes. 

Well, that's it for our family.  More Christmas fun with extended family to come!

Friday, December 22, 2017

December, Part 1

Christmas at the Zoo


Claire grooming her goat while Henry imitates his.

George was right at home with his four legged friends.

Searching for our perfect tree.  
Our qualifications: It has to be sturdy enough to withstand three active kids.  Pretty enough to still look good without impressive ornaments.  And of course, cheap enough to justify not buying the fake tree that tempts me each year. 


Found it!  
Meets all three qualifications.

A Pancake & Pajama Party with the Atterburys.  
A fun evening of Christmas treats and crafts.

Decorating Christmas cookies.
George ate them as fast as Claire could decorate them.

May 2020

First bike ride of the year! And George's first time without training wheels! Such a champ! Enjoyed lots of bike rides during quarantine...