A Cute Package

Richard and I had been out Christmas shopping, and when we came home found this gift under our tree. Her sisters and brother had fun "wrapping" her. Of course Ivy was all giggly and happy until I pulled out the camera. I can't figure her out - she either LOVES to have her picture taken or refuses. --- Yesterday was her very first day of Sunbeams! She looked so cute (and had asked me if she could wear her "sum bean costume," whatever that is). Anyway, I wanted to take her picture, but she wouldn't let me. When I went to get my camera, she said that only McKenna could take her picture with her camera. Whatever! My memory stick was mysteriously missing from my camera so I didn't get a picture after all.

If you didn't know better you'd think by the look on her face that she had been an unwilling participant in this bit of wrapping fun!

This is also the face she makes when she gets told "no" about something. Her dad is powerless against it.

The Von Millers

Both McKenna and Tessa had school "Winter Concerts." We were disappointed that there was not a SINGLE Christmas song - and just one or two mildly "holiday" songs that were sung. But the girls did well anyway.
McKenna's chorus performing at the high school. She's in the very back row, to the left of the slit in the backdrop. Of course we ran to the store at the last minute to buy the black pants she had to have.

Tessa after her school performance. The two girls with her are her two best school friends - and they didn't even plan on coordinating! Emma is on the left and Madison on the right. Emma's Christmas gift was tickets to the Hannah Montana concert and she took Tessa and Madison with her. They had so much fun! Of course Ivy had to get in on the action.

Sock Monster

McKenna caught Ivy "playing" with her daddy - even though he was sound asleep! Worn out from his Harvard studies, he didn't wake up AT ALL during the 20 minutes or so that she was busy bugging him.
Determined to get the sock off.

Proud of removing the sock.

Working on the next one.

See how innocent she APPEARS!

Licking her finger so she can . . .

stick it in daddy's ear!



Press the arrow and watch her have fun. Notice what a sound sleeper her daddy is!

The First Snowfall

These kids were THRILLED with the snow that fell a few weeks ago. We've had LOTS and LOTS since then. The reindeer on the left is completely covered now, and just the antlers of the other are showing. None of the foreground bush to Ivy's right is exposed now.


Press the arrows below to watch both videos of a snowball fight between Daddy, Cooper, and Ivy. Cooper pegs dad some good ones, and, although she moves a bit slow, Ivy manages to hit the target (dad) a couple of times.

Christmas-Tree Hunting

We took the three little ones to pick the tree. We found a fun place that had a HUGE indoor store of lots of decorations and georgeous decorated trees. Outside were thousands of beautiful cut Christmas trees and fresh wreaths and garlands.

Inside with Comet (or Cupid?)

Outside were some baby goats and lambs.

These snowmen withstood the rain that was falling really well. Although it was cold and wet, the kids didn't mind a bit.

A pretty waterfall - part of it is frozen solid in falling form.

A single moment when they were all together. Most of the time they played "tag" among the trees. We narrowed the choices down to two different trees - and Cooper and Ivy both voted on a different one. I actually should have been the tie-breaker, but couldn't do it. Ivy was hugging "her" tree and rattling on and on about how that was the one she wanted (Maia did too), and Cooper was insisting that his and dad's tree was "the one." We even had two employees come to try to help with the decision. I said I wasn't having any part of it and walked away. Finally, I took the kids with me and Richard went and picked a totally different tree. Both kids were happy.

The decorated tree. Since we didn't bring any decorations from Utah, we just bought snowflakes and candy canes. Simple and fast! And the kids love it.

Belmont Center Tree-Lighting Festivities

Our town center closed off the street and booths were set up by businesses. Lots of people, lots of cold, and lots of fun.

Santa came on the fire-truck. Maia and Emily are happy to see him.

Tessa and Lauren

Coop and Ivy. The line was VERY long but Cooper was not about to give up until he had SEEN SANTA!!!!!

The kids and their friends in front of the city tree. McKenna is off with her friend Heather somewhere.

Decorating cupcakes.

Rudolph was there!

We saw Frosty too, but I guess I didn't take a picture.

Spiderman's 6th Birthday - A Surprise Party!

I took the little kids to Wilson Farm - to see the animals and all the Christmas stuff while, unbeknownst to Cooper, Daddy had come home fromschool early and he and McKenna decorated Spider Style!Trying to spin webs!



With his new Red Sox shirt on that his daddy gave him for his birthday.

Cute party girl. Isn't she sweet?!

Our little boy is growing up! I remember his 3rd birthday so well, in Highland, knowing that his daddy was leaving soon.

With his favorite guy!

All wrapped up - but Spidey can get out of any trouble!

Got new Spiderman pj's - ready to blow out the candle on his giant cookie.