to Sullivan to Avon

Late Christmas Eve night we headed to Daniel's parents house.  Molly had not taken an afternoon nap, so she instantly crashed in the van late that night.  When we arrived in Sullivan, we set up her bed and put her right next to the Christmas tree.  She cooed and talked and jabbered for at least an hour at the lights.  Such a happy baby when she should be sleeping.

We work up the next morning and Christmas ensued! But not before some horse play. 

Molly with her stocking loot!

Here's Madelyn and Rachel caught with some cookies right before dinner.  I told you she had more cookies this weekend!!

 

After dinner, Heidi and her gang and Peter and Mychele headed off for more Christmas.  We spent the rest of the day relaxing and playing with our new toys.  The next morning we headed off to Pa-paw's church.  Then we came home to some more playing!

I think Molly enjoyed her first Christmas....don't you??

After lunch we packed up and headed back to IN.  This was the first Christmas that we weren't able to collapse the 3rd row in the van because of Molly.  Is this even safe???

And off in our sleigh we flew!!

Christmas recap - Avon to Stonington

Well, we started out with Christmas at home.  Santa came to the Lusk household a little early this year because he knew we would be out of town on Christmas Day.  Do you like our fireplace?  I wish we could hang our stockings on it. 

We then packed up and headed over to my parents house.  That evening, Madelyn and I decorated our cookies we had made.

She did well decorating.  She even got to enjoy a couple.  I think this was her first of many cookies this week.  :)

 Christmas Eve night we opened presents.  For Molly, the paper was just a flying!!

 

My great nephew Hunter enjoyed the present I gave him.  It sang a little tune and every time he pushed the button he would dance.  So cute!!

We had a great time getting together with family.  I wouldn't change it for anything.

My sis Lori and niece Catherine

Here's my Dad with the present we made for him.  It's a mouse pad that says "Papa's good luck charms".  To help with his poker games online of course.  :)

And of course Christmas would not be complete without singing Happy Birthday to Jesus.

My Mom's best friend Marge.

Always chaotic, always too short, but a great Christmas with family and friends!

My sweet Ballerina

WARNING: The above is a Total Grandparent video and posting BUT if you do choose to watch the above video, you might find some comic relief watching David in the reflection of the mirror dance along with the girls.  You know, he loves to dance, but I'm not so sure that Ballet is his thing....

This last week before break, Madelyn's ballet class presented a little Christmas dance they had been working on.  It was SO cute!  Madelyn just LOVES ballet.  This week we also got to view the costumes for the end of the year program AND listen to the music they will be dancing to.  I just can't wait!  When Madelyn saw the costume for the first time, she gasped and let out a little awww....  The teachers just about ate her up!  And the music will bring a tear to your eye.  Ballet is one of the best things we could have done.  And to think this is my girl who had to have physical therapy to FINALLY walk at 19 months.  You've come a long way baby!

Today we ventured out to visit Santa at the Children's Museum.  David was first up on Santa's lap.  He asked for a remote controlled iron man guy (Why is it your child asks for something completely different as soon as they crawl up onto Santa's lap than what he's asked for all season?  Figures.)  Madelyn requested Tea Cup Piggies and a humongous doll house (this doll house she wants is over $150 and I'm sure will not be under the tree..... ever.)  And Molly....well, she gave some smiles and clapped her hands.  And I think she asked for "Peas on earth".  She was not scared one bit.....at least this year.  Of course no visit to Santa is complete without petting/grooming/riding some reindeer.

On Dasher, On Prancer, or Donnor or Blitzen??

The kids then did some ice fishing, ice skating and then went into the kitchen to bake some goodies.  Good times were had by all.  This time at our Children's Museum visit, Molly was able to have some fun too.  She didn't fuss one bit even though she missed her afternoon nap. 

Of course no visit to the Children's Museum is complete at Christmas time without some Yule Slide fun.  Today was a good day to go, because there were no lines for the slide or Santa.  I think the kiddos went down the slide at least 6 times.

Best of all, I talked Daniel into taking a couple hours and joining us for all the fun.  Truly a great day!

My little Angel

On Friday, we went to Madelyn's pre-school Christmas program.  She played one of the many Angels.

Can you see her in there?  She's 2nd from the star.  The play was cute.

Good job Madelyn!

Just one more Christmas post....

Christmas Eve at my parents house.

I love this picture of Dad and Hunter. They're both in plaid!!

Madelyn, David, Gracie, Josie and Anna

David's a little out numbered with girls. They spent most of the night running from him. And then at one point they were playing beauty shop in my Dad's computer chair. David was getting sprayed with perfume and getting some lipstick and a new hair do. Poor guy!!


Madelyn at Memaw's. Notice the sparkly pink purse on her shoulder and purple sparkly mirror she found in her stocking.

Putting on make-up with Mom before church.

And caught admiring herself in a mirror....that girl is such a Princess!


The Sunday after Christmas was the last Sunday at Ashmore for Don and Ruth Ann. We were dressed in our Christmas outfits and had to have a family picture.

Christmas at home

The 23rd we celebrated Christmas at home. Daniel and I put a gate at the bottom of the steps so the kids would not go down stairs without us. At 8:00am David burst into our room exclaiming Santa had been there and he ate all his cookies. Shocked I said "David, didn't you see the gate?" "Yeah" he says, "What was that gate for??" Apparently he and Madelyn knocked down the gate and browsed their stockings. They were smart enough to pack them back up before coming to get us out of bed. :)

Checking out what Santa brought with Mom and Dad.


Reading the Christmas story.



A new fire truck for David.


An Ariel for Madelyn.


More Christmas to come as I get pictures downloaded. Stay tuned!

The night before Jesus came

The night before Jesus came
I wonder what occurred
Were hearts beginning to open
in anticipation of God's Word?

Were people on the lookout
a Miracle had been foretold.
Or was it business as usual
too busy to see it unfold?

The night before Christmas came
there's always lots to do
Presents to wrap, treats to bake
However will we get through?

Why aren't we on the lookout
A Miracle we know
There's not much time, we must hurry now
We have been called to go

The night before Jesus comes
I pray that I'll be found
completed of my task below
for Heaven I am bound.

Becky ~ December 2009

Christmas at the Zoo!

What Christmas is all about...

Liberty Baptist presents: Christmas at Grandma's

This evening we went to David and Madelyn's Christmas play. This year, they did a cute little play about Christmas at Grandma's. Madelyn played one of Grandma's kids. While visiting at Grandmas, she read the Christmas story about the true meaning of Christmas. The birth of God's Son.


David played a Shepherd. He was the cutest Shepherd I've ever seen. They both did a wonderful job singing and playing their parts. So proud of the both of them!

Time to join fa-la-la corner....

There are some people on our street that really get into outdoor Christmas decorating. One house begins to decorate and display their lights the day after Halloween. Then house 2, 3 and 4 follow suit within just a couple weeks. Daniel loves to decorate outside, but usually has a "not before Thanksgiving" policy. This year, we did take advantage of the milder weather and did a few things before Thanksgiving, but they will not be turned on until the first week of December.

David had a great time helping Daddy out this year.


Daniel nailing the star to the roof...


It's not quite done yet, but at least it's a start. We need a few more lights this year since one tree has grown quite a bit. And I have a few more things I'd like to get this year if it works out. In the mean time, be glued to the blog for the lighting ceremony...I'm picturing the Griswold's.... hmmm... but will it be that bright??