{"id":1018,"date":"2010-12-02T01:08:46","date_gmt":"2010-12-02T06:08:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/winklerworldonline.com\/sda2\/index.php\/"},"modified":"2014-12-03T22:28:07","modified_gmt":"2014-12-04T03:28:07","slug":"31-delights-of-december","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/winklerworldonline.com\/sda2\/31-delights-of-december\/","title":{"rendered":"31 Delights of December"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Pic-a-day<\/a><\/p>\n

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  1. Boys watching the first snowfall of the season.<\/strong><\/span> Played Sleigh\/Carollers\/Christmas Party, Watched Cedarmont Kids sing Christmas,\u00a0 Muma sewed Alexander’s wiseman cape, Wrapped 2+ presents, Alexander decorated his little tree with garland and ornaments & stayed up late with pumpkin bread, Shepherds & Temple Chapters of Christ Child Worship book<\/em>…<\/li>\n
  2. Aidan’s first PepperidgeK Loaf. <\/strong><\/span> Wrapped a present and played more Christmas Party. \u00a0Christmas Music all day. \u00a0I had two helpers for our entire KLoaf this afternoon. \u00a0Boys took turns stirring, adding ingredients, and even cracking eggs. \u00a0Aidan was eager for his turn, and so cute sharing. \u00a0Usually he watches for a minute but we had him the whole way through. \u00a0We had a lovely candlelight dinner with Papa, and he really enjoyed it. \u00a0We were all happy, and that makes today beautiful.<\/em><\/li>\n
  3. Alexander makes additions to his firehouse.<\/strong><\/span> It was a nice family day with Papa home all day today.\u00a0 We did preps and chores this morning and still had some quality time for present wrapping, lego-building, basement time, camping, bupbum & tickles, and a dozen or so books<\/em>.\u00a0 Aidan got a haircut- he looks soooo cute, and boys had a quiet time before a light supper and heading to A2SDA for rehearsal for the Christmas program next week.\u00a0 We’ll see if Alexander can sing as wonderfully for a room full of people as he does for his little audience here at home :)! <\/em><\/li>\n
  4. Christmas in CradleRoll.<\/strong><\/span> We’ve been doing A2’s Christmas Program in South Lyon and were blessed enough to get our own tiny room.\u00a0 Alexander loves it, and we’ve had five (or more!) tykes in class each week!\u00a0 Sang Christmas Carols at the nursing home after SS today- which Alexander loved.\u00a0 Muma started Christmas cards at quiet time.\u00a0 After Sabbath brought pizza over to Jeff’s to eat while hanging out with the kitties.\u00a0 Aidan loves to chase Anubis all over the house while Alex tried to give Papa a haircut with the pegs.\u00a0 Later, headed downtown A2 to check out holiday lights, make a present stop, and window gaze at a glamorous Frenchy tree at “La Belle Maison” while Papa picked up an extra surprise for Muma & Alex.\u00a0 Christmas Light lookout all the way home with an extra neigborhood tour before stopping at ‘the cute house with rainbow lights.’\u00a0 Aidan asleep, and Alex soon after.\u00a0 The next four hours we spent setting up our Christmas tree… Can’t wait to see the boys’ smiles and giggles in the morning…er… 5 hours from now…<\/em><\/li>\n
  5. Alexander tops the tree<\/strong><\/span>. Bright and early the boys were up this morning, and the whole family went downstairs to reveal the ChristmasTree Surprise.\u00a0 “CHEE!!!!” said Aidan with a big smile and pointed finger, and Alexander curled up in giggles.\u00a0 Papa held Alex up to top the tree with our snowman star, and the boys oogled in twinkling wonder.\u00a0 Other highlights: setting up a ‘stage’ with backdrop for Alexander to play Christmas Program, Family Lunch, Big Boys\/Little Boys go out with Mills, Meet up at the mall for playtime and chat, Bedtime snacks, and Christmas worships, mailed first set of Christmas Cards! <\/em><\/li>\n
  6. Aidan’s token Ornament<\/strong><\/span> We wrapped 3 presents today and took all of the presents to ship and for the big family down to put under the tree.\u00a0 Alex was so excited to carry them down and put them in their spots.\u00a0 Then we brought down one present for each boy and Alexander just about exploded with excitement (Aidan had no clue) and the ‘peeking game’ has begun.\u00a0 During nap I wrote and mailed another set of Christmas cards, and the LEGO order finally arrived (woohoo!)\u00a0 After nap we headed to Mills for spaghetti supper and help Sammie decorate her Christmas tree.\u00a0 Though Alex was completely in the mood, Aidan had to be pried away from his cars to do ONE ornament.\u00a0 He actually had to do it twice so we could take a picture :).\u00a0 Afterwards, big boys and grown-ups cut some snowflakes<\/em>, and successfully created a toy & paperscrap explosion to leave at our friends’ house <\/em>(Sorry M+S!) <\/em>while we went home to bed :),\u00a0 after more Christmas worship of course!<\/em><\/li>\n
  7. Nana’s Beloved Santa Village<\/strong><\/span> Tots headed to Nana’s today for some festive decorating and special Nanatime.\u00a0 They helped her put up her little tree, made finger jello in Christmas molds, and Alex helped hand Nana pieces of the treasured “Santa Village” to set up her snowy scene atop the entertainment center.\u00a0 Aidan’s favorite was the skating rink turning it off and on and watching the little ‘guys’ go round and round via magnets.\u00a0 Muma finished up errands and stocking stuffers with a bit of home time before supper out with Nana, Papa & tots at FlimFlam.\u00a0 After our routine neighborhood light-tour, it was bathtime.\u00a0 Then after worship Muma cuddled a shivering, feverish, teething Aidan to sleep underneath layers of warmness in his favorite… Muma & Papa’s bed.\u00a0 Alex was nearly asleep himself after his stories.\u00a0 Time for blogging, more wrapping, and bed :)!<\/em><\/li>\n
  8. A Christmastime Supper<\/strong><\/span> One thing I love about December is having David home with us so much more.\u00a0 It’s wonderful to have family meals together.\u00a0 In the season there’s usually Christmas music playing thanks to either Alex or Aidan and candlelight for the delight of all three boys who like to take turns blowing to ‘make them dance.’\u00a0 Today Alexander and Papa finished up some of their shopping while I stayed home with a feverish and cuddly Aidan who never left my side.\u00a0 Alexander also made a lovely glittery Christmas Card and Muma sent out another set as well<\/em>... 2 1\/2 weeks to go!<\/em><\/li>\n
  9. Winter Snowflakes on Window<\/strong><\/span> Today was a strange day without a rhythm like our normal days.\u00a0 But this morning boys were very excited to glitter their snowflakes that we made at Mills earlier this week.\u00a0 Even Aidan got into the shaking of sparkling colors.\u00a0 We taped them to the boys’ window.\u00a0 Papa discovered a wholes set of Holiday games and activities on the UVerse (cable) programming that the kids enjoyed for a little bit.\u00a0 Alex helped to wrap his present for Papa, Muma finished (almost) her Christmas cards.\u00a0 This evening we had the rehearsal for Saturday night’s program… Alex went up front and twinkled his star away, though he made not a singing sound…<\/em><\/li>\n
  10. The First Shovel of the Season<\/strong><\/span> We had “enough” snow today to cover sidewalks and streets and cold enough temps to not melt all day…. so, of course we had to break out the shovels.\u00a0 Alexander jumped right in as a great helper to Papa- sometimes carrying his heaping shovelful of snow up the entire driveway to dump in the bushes next to the house.\u00a0 He was so proud of his heaping shovelfuls.\u00a0 Aidan, who has been clingy, fussy, and on edge all week preferred to spend his shoveling time playing in the car- turning lights on an off, climbing about, sitting in the driver’s seat and pressing all sorts of buttons.\u00a0 We did lots of prep cleaning for Sabbath, especially transforming the wrapping explosion room back in to a welcoming guest room.\u00a0 Muma wrapped a few more presents, and Alexander discovered that there are lovely packages in the ‘upstairs’ house of the washer\/dryer boxes in that room which sparked a whole lot of giggles and ‘peeking’ episodes. <\/em>Alex helped muma make meatballs and pudding for supper\/Sabbath while Papa carried a very fussy Aidan around in the backpack. Later, <\/em>b<\/em>oys had more fun playing ‘peeking’ (passing the guard) at the tree and being hauled off to tickle-jail.\u00a0 Bath and bedtime couldn’t come soon enough this evening… sigh… Happy Sabbath!
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  11. Alexander Twinkles<\/span> It was his very first performance and Alexander twinkled his little star so brightly and indeed even sang for Away in a Manger! \u00a0 Muma was up there right behind him, and Papa watched with proud heart beaming and camera in hand! \u00a0He kept aseagerly asking when it would be his turn, but was a little antsy as we finally waited in the Cradle Roll line to go up. \u00a0Of course, Grammy and Grampapa came down to see the special Christmas program too, and though <\/span>Aidan was pretty fussy to sit so long with all the hubbub, maybe he’ll have his turn next year. <\/span><\/em>Papa took Alexander up for the grand finale (though he didn’t know that song so well), and afterwards we headed over to the school for some yummies and visiting time with Nana and friends. \u00a0Wahoooo Alexander!!! We are so proud of you! \u00a0May your light always shine so brightly as you continue to learn how to use your talents for Him.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n
  12. Aidan Loves Snowmen<\/strong><\/span> …really, He DOES!\u00a0 Just not in blowing, cold, windy weather.\u00a0 Whenever he sees a snowman he bursts out excitedly “nomaaaa!!!”\u00a0 So we finally got some snow… the good, sticky kind- and we had to get out and enjoy it today before the cold becomes “un-playable” tomorrow.\u00a0 So play we did- Alexander was so excited to roll his snowball (he made the head), build the snowman with Muma and Papa, and go for some heart-stopping rides on the sled with Papa at the reigns.\u00a0 Aidan endured some milder rides on the sled with brother and watched Alexander and Papa build for a moment before Muma had pity on his tears and let him play in the car.\u00a0 But it was a treasure of a winter day. <\/em><\/span>A<\/em>fter a super long nap, we toured our neighborhood and a couple nearby to look at the fantastic Christmas lights underneath the snow. <\/em><\/span>Alex and Muma also finished some Linzer cookies, <\/em> played more ‘peeking’ games at the tree, and read a new favorite, Curious George’s Christmas<\/span> from Grammy and Grampapa before worship and and a very late bedtime for one little blondy… 13 Days to go and loving every minute of it!<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
  13. Basement Days<\/span><\/strong> One of the boys’ favorite things to do the past couple of weeks is to play in the basement.\u00a0 Alexander spends many hours playing in his little house– decorating it for Christmas, then packing up his decorations and re-setting them out again… everything from jingle bell “lights” to empty wrapping paper roll “Christmas Tree” in the candle holder “tree stand.”\u00a0 These are all his ingenius creations; how he can take any object and turn it into exactly what he needs.\u00a0 Aidan humors his brother from time to time by playing in the house with him, or visiting him, knocking, saying goodbye- but mostly loves his train, pushing it around the track, using the ‘troller’ (controller) to watch it go.\u00a0 Today was a day in, and we spent quite a bit of time in the basement.\u00a0 But I did get my Christmas cards done!!! and the package set to ship to Minnesota… and the wrapping is almost<\/span> done…<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
  14. The Gingerbread Train<\/strong><\/span> After “Tuesday with Nana” The boys and my mom came home for supper, and to do the long-awaited gingerbread train.\u00a0 Oh what fun we had building the little train with cookie break-aways, frosting glue, candy morsels and a lot of love.\u00a0 Aidan toddled back and forth between playtime and train for sneaky nibbles of this or that, and a few sticks on frosting glops.\u00a0 Alexander bubbled and chatted his excitement with Nana along each step of the way, carefully placing each morsel, and making sure it didn’t tip over.\u00a0 We’ll have to post more pics on this one but they ended up with quite the masterpiece that Alex can’t wait to eat… after Christmas that is!<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
  15. SugarCookie Punch 2010<\/strong><\/span> Buddies came over this evening– Nana even surprised us– to punch a quadruple batch of sugar cookies, and we had various assortments of boys helping with all the rolling, cutter-picking, placing, scrap removal, and much to mummies’ dismay even dough eating…\u00a0 Even the little boys got quite into it at the beginning and then peppered in and out throughout the process.\u00a0 It was a busier day today- got the windshield fixed, errands including basement equipment shopping for David’s storage room finishing, haircut for Alex, kitty-guard, shipment of presents to minnesota (bamboozled!!!), and cookie-cutter pick-up.\u00a0 Also made the dough for cutting, and of course a touch of basement time showing Nana all the trimmings down there… whew!\u00a0 now for finishing the clean up and reset for tomorrow…<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
  16. The Wrapping is done!!!<\/strong><\/span> <\/strong>Today we spent some more time kitty-sitting– Aidan enjoyed spinning the desk chair round and round with Anubis looking on safely from the desk. \u00a0“Watch, Kitty, Watch!” says Aidan laughing laughing… “Watch!” \u00a0We did a massive grocery trip for the holiday bonanzas \u00a0coming up with two very good sports riding along in the cart, picking out a few favorites of their own. \u00a0Alexander started working on a little present project of his own, and even Aidan got in to some sequin-sticking action \ud83d\ude42<\/em>
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  17. Alexander’s Stocking grows a bump.<\/strong><\/span> A busy-at-home day today.\u00a0 David had a couple calls out today with praises to our Provider for taking care of our family once again!\u00a0 Made raspberry jello, and apple sausage stuffing for potluck, 12 bean soup and finger jello for tomorrow night, a bit o’ cleaning for Sabbath with help from SuperPapa, a load of laundry and a basket folded. \u00a0After nap, Alex awoke to discover that his stocking had grown a poofy little lump inside. \u00a0With giggles and wiggles he got to do a sneak ‘squish-‘ so pleased. \u00a0He’s been waiting weeks (literally) to start stuffing the stockings. \u00a0Muma took a quick trip to Target for some fun plates n’ stuff. \u00a0And of course time for basement play, peeking games and welcome Sabbath!<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
  18. Nana teaches Aidan the art of cookie decorating.<\/span> <\/strong>A lovely Sabbath that began with Aidan’s first prayer to Jesus. \u00a0He wanted to ‘pray!’ several times during breakfast, and on the third request, Mummy asked Aidan if he would like to pray. \u00a0“Yes” he said. \u00a0He repeated after Muma– “Dear Jesus, Kank-you… cereal, aMEN!” \u00a0It warmed our hearts, and even Alexander wanted to pray then tonight for worship. \u00a0Grammy & Grampapa came down for church, SS, and potluck. \u00a0It was nice to see the boys playing with all the other children at potluck– Aidan especially is such a social little guy. \u00a0After nap, a little playtime and close-of-Sabbath worship, Nana, Grammy & Grampapa began to arrive for the grand cookie deco event, and our Mills buddies a bit later. \u00a0After some light supper snacks, a couple handfuls of m&m’s, a few thousand sprinkles, well-frosted fingers, four happily sugared up boys, and several dozen lovely cookies later it was time for the massive clean-up and tuck-in. \u00a0One very fun week to go…!<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
  19. Watching Cedarmont Kids sing Christmas Carols<\/a><\/strong><\/span> A2 LOVE these videos.\u00a0 And when we’re not watching we have the music CD<\/a> in the car to accompany us wherever we go…\u00a0 Today was a recovery day.\u00a0 After a rather fussy brunch with Grammy and Grampapa and a 4 1\/2 hour nap, Alexander still woke up with a fever of 102.\u00a0 We had to cancel some evening birthday party plans, and just stayed home for cuddles and tv time.\u00a0 Aidan is still his normal self- PTL! He got to go for a little sled ride around the snowy sidewalks, mooch leftover soup & scavenger supper, and toodle around the basement.\u00a0 Still come 8pm, both boys were asleep in muma’s arms after their worship stories and songs.\u00a0 lovely~<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
  20. Alexander Crafting<\/strong><\/span> Today we took a famly trek to IKEA which is always fun in theory but a little hard on tykes.\u00a0 They had a good time though when it came to trying out bunk beds, testing the drawer function of various shelving, and of course the kids’ section.\u00a0 Aidan loved running through the rainbow kid tunnel, Alex whirled about in the little spinny egg chair and of course playing with all the toys.\u00a0 David has re-organized our storage room and installed peg board and shelves for all the kid parapharnalia we are storing.\u00a0 So we’re just always brainstorming how to neaten up the basement space and storage… always needing more storage ( or maybe less stuff– that’s hard to say at Christmastime!)\u00a0 Alexander and Aidan have also been working on some special Christmas gifts…er… crafts.\u00a0 We’ve also been thoroughly enjoying all the cookies and munchies of the season.\u00a0 And unrelated, (or maybe not?) David went to his first TaeKwon Do class tonight.\u00a0 He’s really excited to be back training a bit during these weeks he has more time.\u00a0 I think he’s just going stir crazy ’round us crazy cats.\u00a0 Not to worry– there’ll be plenty to do these next several days… woohoo!
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  21. A favorite part of the day<\/strong><\/span> is the afternoon run to the mailbox and search for your Christmas cards.\u00a0 We’ve enjoyed receiving holiday greetings from so many of you, and put them all up on our little board.\u00a0 The boys’ favorites are the ones that play music- which accompany us at some part of every day.\u00a0 Today boys enjoyed the morning at Nana’s and M&P took some time together to go out and about and have lunch together.\u00a0 The pm was pretty busy with getting ready for guests, last-minute toodles, and some laid-back family time too…
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  22. A2 really get into your gifts! (and we’re sure the presents are nice too…)<\/strong><\/span> Today was a nice day for Muma.\u00a0 While Papa slaved away cleaning house and shopping for the Christmas guests tomorrow, she got to spend the morning at the mall with a couple girlfriends, and came home to a lovely box on the front porch.\u00a0 Immediately presents were oohed and aahed over, taken out, and boys were repacked inside– with squirms, giggles, and styrofoam scattered all over the freshly papa-vaccuumed front room floor.\u00a0 Aidan also finished up his ‘crafties’ today, and Alexander worked on his a little more, we had some quality basement play in the newly re-arranged space, and a luxuriously bath…er “pool-time” before Christmas worship and bed.\u00a0 Thanks SuperPapa for an un-stressful day before the bonanza begins…!<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
  23. Boys so excited for Winkler Family Gifts.<\/strong><\/span> Today we celebrated gifts with Grammy, Grandpapa, Nana, Oma, and Brian.\u00a0 Alexander was bouncing up and down most of the morning until family began to arrive around 11.\u00a0 And while adults lingered, snacked and made warm drinks, he so patiently (but barely) contained himself until it was Papa who got things moving and started to pass out gifts.\u00a0 We were all over and abundantly blessed by generosity all around.\u00a0 Aidan may have been happy with one or two as after each one he needed to be enticed away from playing with the previous to unwrapping something new & mysterious.\u00a0 We loved his little expressions… “Oh Oh… WOOOWWW!\u00a0 Oh Oh!”\u00a0 Especially when it came to cars and diggers.\u00a0 Alexander had the process down, and enjoyed opening each one including helping brother and M&P.\u00a0 Big smiles all around.\u00a0 We had a beautiful & yummy afternoon dinner with contributions from everyone, and settled in for an evening of toy assembly, play-doh, trains, legos, cranes, remote control trucks, cars, and later a bit o’ Wii for David & Serena.\u00a0 What a day!\u00a0 Merry Merry Christmas!<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
  24. S+D on Christmas Eve.<\/strong><\/span> A relaxing and playful morning with family and Grammy & Grampapa.\u00a0\u00a0 A light lunch and early nap for Aidan.\u00a0 A bit o’ quiet time for grown ups to rest and play with their<\/span> toys :).\u00a0 A Christmas eve hello & yummy delivery from Aunt Nancy- travelled in from Chicago.\u00a0 Heading to David’s Aunt & Uncle’s for an annual Christmas Eve gathering.\u00a0 It was good to see family we hadn’t seen since summer (or longer!), enjoy good yummies, and another lovely meal that even Aidan gobbled right up.\u00a0 We looked at some old family photos of Michelle’s childhood (which Serena always enjoys), and A2 had great fun with second (?) cousins M&B.\u00a0 On the way home we were so impressed how Alexander was singing along with each of the Christmas Hymns that were playing in the car.\u00a0 Little sponges indeed!\u00a0 We came home for late baths, holiday ‘jammies and Christmas Eve Worship– Baby Jesus’ Story, of course.\u00a0 Later we enjoyed our own special worship- a tradition of reading from Desire of Ages<\/a> and an early bedtime– well in order.<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
  25. Pouring over “Go” Book<\/strong><\/span>.\u00a0 Happy Christmas Sabbath!\u00a0 We had a ‘leisurely’ Sabbath Morning today, and went to Church with my mom. It was a small Cradle Roll Sabbath School class today and both A2 got to be wisemen– who were so so cute!\u00a0 After a longer service with a bit o’ meltdown by A1, we headed to Nana’s for a beautiful Christmas Dinner with Aunt Nancy and several guests.\u00a0 Boys were more than ready for some downtime as we scooted out a bit early for sleeps and quiet time chez nous.\u00a0 After wake-ups and suppers for boys, we returned to my mom’s for a Christmas evening and gift exchange with Aunt Nancy and kid-presents for Nana’s house.\u00a0 Alex, happy about more presents and unwrapping to be done, though Aidan once again quite happy with his first couple favorites wanted little to do with more ‘rips.’\u00a0 One favorite from Nancy was a “Things that Go” book he’s already requested several times since.\u00a0 We played some very cute Topsy Turtle with the tykes, chatted a bit, ate yet more yummies, and relaxed to even more Cedarmont Kids & their lovely Christmas singing.\u00a0 We arrived home quite late, but being our family Christmas eve, we wanted to have our special worship on the couch by the twinkle lights.\u00a0 We read Baby Jesus’ story from the Bible, sang Alexander’s favorite “Away in a Manger” and chatted a while before prayer and sleeps.\u00a0 I think they were asleep before their heads hit their pillows.\u00a0 M&P on the other hand (in spite of all efforts to finish wrapping ages ago) had a couple presents to wrap from last minute exchanges.\u00a0 Then Muma being indecisive about the last, coerced Papa into assembling the little store to present to sparkle-eyed boys coming down the stairs in the morning.\u00a0 So midnight it was when we climbed into bed, with grown-up hearts maybe even a little more giddy than sleeping kiddos’–\u00a0 our final family Christmas awaiting us the morning.<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
  26. Ready for One Last Very Merry Christmas.<\/strong><\/span> David took a photo of the clock at 6:45 when three boys woke Muma (they’d already been up for quite a while) for the day to begin.\u00a0 When Alexander saw his store he was all a-giggle and… just for a moment– forgot there might be something else to unwrap.\u00a0 Our Christmas was mild and laid-back.\u00a0 I don’t know if Aidan unwrapped anything at all but played so happily with whatever brother unwrapped to give to him.\u00a0 David and I exchanged our packages and we also opened kind gifts from family afar.\u00a0 Most of the day was set aside to play and let kids explode all their excitement (and new toys) wherever they pleased.\u00a0 We probably ate a dozen ‘ice cream cones’ (both wooden and play-doh) did quite a bit of store set-up, hopped amongst train tracks, truck and car routes, built a couple of designs on the lite-brite, read books, stuck stickers, doged cranes, trucks, and more diggers; and around noon Nana brought over some brunch so Muma (fighting a cold- probably from too many yummies) didn’t even have to cook!\u00a0 During kiddos’ nap we figured we should neaten things up a bit for our Schaper family coming over, so we attempted to make things at least presentable :).\u00a0 It was a casual evening of catch-up and conversation over Nana-made chili, bread, veggies & table snacks.\u00a0 Alex and Aidan showed off their toys and tricks, bopped about between laps, or whoever would play with them, and maybe for a moment- even on their own.\u00a0 After farewells and tuck-ins, we wrapped up the day with a bit of MarioKart and time to chat… about Christmastime, and baby boys, and\u00a0 the week ahead, and things that will disappear all too quickly…<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
  27. Just a day to chill and play<\/strong>.<\/strong><\/span> We didn’t worry about much of anything today, the house looks like a toy hurricane ran through it, but such is vacation, no?\u00a0 We played with the kiddos, or our own ‘toys’ or lounged on the couch.\u00a0 We ate leftovers and snacked and munched as we pleased.\u00a0 Even the boys got their share of holiday treats including vitamin boosts so they don’t catch our mild colds.\u00a0 For dessert after lunch we let the boys eat the gingerbread train.\u00a0 Alexander didn’t care for most of the candy, but just enjoyed the tear-down process.\u00a0 But Aidan went right to it… super sugar, extra crunchy?… yummm!\u00a0 In a final act of boyish fun Papa tossed the train up up up into the air and boys watched it fall with a crash and crumble onto the snowy patio.\u00a0 Muma thought it looked kindof sad out there and made Papa sweep it up later.\u00a0 “Christmas treats for birds!” said Alex.<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
  28. Holiday dinner with Nana and Aunt Nancy<\/strong><\/span>.\u00a0 We considered today the last day of our holiday ‘vacation’.\u00a0 Last day for snacking and sweeting as we pleased, lounging till noon in jammies, and hurricane house.\u00a0 In the afternoon we ran some errands and ended up at IKEA for Papa’s long-coveted POANG chair.\u00a0 An Ikea wind-through is one of David and my favorite little things to do together, though it always turns out to be just a touch too long for boys.\u00a0 We arrived home a bit later than planned, and boys took a quiet hour in their beds while muma started supper and Papa helped clean the hurricane house for dinner guests.\u00a0 Then boys got to help Papa put together his chair and play in the basement before family arrived.\u00a0 It was a nice supper with everyone, with some playtime afterwards and boys to bed on time.\u00a0 Grown-ups had some good wii fun to round out the evening– <\/em><\/span>a bit o’ fencing demonstration from Papa and Muma, <\/em>wakeboarding with papa showing off his super-stunts while everyone else tried to figure out what was going on (that was Nancy’s idea)<\/em>, and archery with everyone including Nana who was very good (she took a class<\/span> back in the day).\u00a0 I think we’re feeling ready to get back to routine…<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
  29. That friendly house with the rainbow lights.<\/strong><\/span> Another quiet day at home– we just can’t get motivated to get that grocery shopping done!… so Aidan went one more day asking for pears all day.\u00a0 Though we did start Quiet Time with Aidan today…\u00a0 an hour of room-time in the morning that we used to do with Alexander for muma’s quiet reading or Bible Study time and to train baby to a)play by himself (though Aidan does this pretty well already); b) use a whisper\/quiet voice (definitely not something Aidan has learned yet in church or elsewhere);\u00a0 c) obey by not going out of the room, or not climbing out of bed should he have to have a time-out there.\u00a0 It went remarkably well, so well, in fact that Muma is wondering if this scenario will teach him anything at all–\u00a0 we shall see. Boys took a solid nap and we jaunted to Nana’s after supper to visit with Nancy a bit before she departs in the AM.\u00a0 It wasn’t a long visit, but we played more topsy turtle, and opened one last present from Nana for her house- a little tent with tunnel!\u00a0 How fun.\u00a0 Coming home, we did one last jaunt around our neighborhood to look at lights and ended up home with Alexander’s favorite phrase… “Let’s go check out that friendly house with the rainbow lights… do you think they will let us come in?\u00a0 let’s go inside and see…”<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
  30. Lights before Christmas<\/a> at Toledo Zoo.<\/strong><\/span> After much hemming and hawing earlier in the day, and boys waking up from nap at just the right time, we decided to join Mills friends in what we’ve concluded is to become our annual tradition– visiting the fantastic lights display at the Toledo Zoo.\u00a0 We arrived at supppertime, and with boys’ full bellies embarked upon our twinkling adventure.\u00a0 Alexander remembered remarkably some of his favorite displays and Aidan was pretty giddy (especially when he got to get out of the stroller) at all the “ite ites!”\u00a0 With literal “wooo!”s and “look look look, Muma\/Papa!”s we strolled down the paths in balmy 45 degree weather wrapped in hats, mittens, snowpants (for boys), coats, and layered sweaters that we eventually peeled off by the time we got back to the car.\u00a0 Alexander’s favorite he told us when tucked into bed was dancing with the lights that blinked to music– with Muma, with papa, with brother and friends all around.\u00a0 Aidan’s favorite was either walking the ledge around the icy pond (HUGE grins and giddy stomps), or the big train display beheld with mesmerized stare and the occasional reaching out of hands “have!! have!!!”\u00a0 We’d forgotten what a fun outing this was.\u00a0 Alexander was nearly in tears when we told him we couldn’t come back tomorrow night (the last showing), but we’ll definitely be back next year.\u00a0 Thanks Mills Buddies for the grand idea!<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
  31. A Familiar View.<\/strong><\/span> A busy but uneventful New Year’s Eve for us.\u00a0 The morning bustling with preparations for Sabbath.\u00a0 A mid-day repose for sleepy Aidan, ‘delights’ catch-up for Muma, and a grocery outing for Alex & Papa.\u00a0 We headed to church to transfer our things out of the old SS room to the new one (a large permanent space!!!), and came home for light supper and welcome Sabbath.\u00a0 We turned on The Nativity Story this evening for M&P while boys played, but Alexander watched the whole thing with us, (with commentary by Muma and edited for content), and Aidan popped up and down from lap to lap.\u00a0 After bathtime, a last Baby Jesus worship, and “see you next year!”s, boys are snug in their beds, bulletins are printing, Papa is wrapping up his SS study to teach tomorrow, and Muma waits for him by finishing up ‘delights.’\u00a0 It’s been a fun project, but one that I am happy to see complete.\u00a0 Alexander really got a kick out of looking at the calendar and completed pictures though today.\u00a0 Remembering some of his favorite holiday memories with big smiles, and enthusiastic re-telling of this or that event or detail.\u00a0 What beautiful memories in 31 days of December.\u00a0 What innumerable blessings<\/span> in 2010.\u00a0 Happy New Year!
    \n<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Boys watching the first snowfall of the season. Played Sleigh\/Carollers\/Christmas Party, Watched Cedarmont Kids sing Christmas,\u00a0 Muma sewed Alexander’s wiseman cape, Wrapped 2+ presents, Alexander decorated his little tree with garland and ornaments & stayed up late with pumpkin bread, Shepherds & Temple Chapters of Christ Child Worship book… Aidan’s Continue Reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/winklerworldonline.com\/sda2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1018"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/winklerworldonline.com\/sda2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/winklerworldonline.com\/sda2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/winklerworldonline.com\/sda2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/winklerworldonline.com\/sda2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1018"}],"version-history":[{"count":58,"href":"http:\/\/winklerworldonline.com\/sda2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1018\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2260,"href":"http:\/\/winklerworldonline.com\/sda2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1018\/revisions\/2260"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/winklerworldonline.com\/sda2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1018"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}