Here Comes Trouble...

Nothing. But. Trouble. I tell ya...

Meeeerrrrryyyy Christmas!

We got all dressed up for Christmas Eve at Uncle Jim & Aunt Stacie's...

Uncle Will actually wrapped his own presents...for the first time EVER.

The "big" kids *mostly* played nicely together...

Then, the moment we have all been waiting for...BRING ON THE CHAOS (aka gift opening)!

Making sure every letter is there...

Connor loved all his gifts!

However, when he helped me open this prized toy for KaAsh he said, "Who is that for, Mama?"

"Well, that is for your sisters." His reply: "Lucky!"

After we all went to sleep, Santa DID come!

All the loot in the wee hours of the am before our three-year old got a hold of it...

As it turns out Daddy's present was just as fun as the real toys.

A fun morning of trying out EACH. AND. EVERY. NEW. TOY.

Then, dolled up in pink tutu's for MORE Christmas at the Cunningham Grandparents!

Fortunately Connor, Kaia, & Ashlyn's parents both had a week off to recover from all the excitement.

Our Little Angel

Connor attended his first ever Christmas Program. His preschool set up a day where we could come see our little angels sing a few songs. Casey took the day off of work. Both sets of Grandparents attended. The actual "program" lasted about 12 minutes. Connor mouthed a few words. Like maybe 7 words max. Here is our little angel:
Notice how the teachers strategically placed the children who would sing and do hand motions in the front row. Connor is in the back row...mostly looking around, smiling. And truth be told I was proud that he was just willing to stand there smiling, mouth a few words, and call it a day. There was a time, not too long ago, that I am certain he would have been too shy to do even that. But after the concert was over there were happy faces, cookies, and a family photos by the big Christmas tree!

One Benefit of Twins

A week or two before Christmas (ya...I know I am a tad bit behind on the blog-o-sphere), our furnace quit working. On a Friday. In the dead of winter. So after the handy husband came up with nothing, we had to call the repair man. Their next appointment was going to be Monday night. NOT. GOING. TO. WORK. First, they asked if anyone was sick or injured. Ummm, no. So they declared that we were not an emergency case. After a few hours in about 55 degrees, we called back. Did we mention that we had infant twins at home? Who were dressed in many layers of fleece jammies, but still had freezing cold hands and red noses? Apparently the nice receptionist is also a mother, because she said, "Oh, my goodness. We will have someone out there in less than 2 hours." And they did. Thank God for twin babies.

Connor claimed that he was not cold at all, but did agree to wear his socks...eventually he got so warm that he wanted his hoodie off. Go figure.

Presents

As we prepare for the Holidays around here, I like to "Interview" Connor about stuff...

Me: Connor, what do you want Santa to bring you this year?
Connor: Handy Manny Tool Box. (A quick response. The boy know what he wants.)
Me: Ok. What should he bring Daddy.
Connor: Ummm...(taking a REALLY long time to thing)...I think Daddy needs A NEW SLED!!
Me: Yes, great idea. Daddy would love that. What should I ask Santa for this year?
Connor: I don't know, Mama. Maybe you can just share Daddy's new sled?
Me: Well, we'll see about that. How about your sisters? What should Santa bring them?
Connor: Nothing. They have everything they need.
Me: Really? You can't think of anything they would want?
Connor: Nope. They already have LOTS of toys and pajamas. (The boy speaks the truth, and well, let's face it they do wear their PJ's almost every single day because their parents are too lazy to dress them in real clothes that involve multiple pieces. However, they have WAY less toys than their older bro...but I guess that fact is lost on him.)

Although Connor is not shy about asking for what he wants this year, he is also quite grateful. Case in point: We wrapped some gifts & left them under the tree after the kids were asleep. When they woke up, Connor spotted them and started going through each one, announcing who each gift was for...

Connor: K for Kaia. G for Grandma (etc. etc.) Look! This one is FOR. ME!! Mama, you got ME a present?
Me: Yep, that one is for you.
Connor. Oh, Kank you, Mama.
Me: No prob.
Connor: Look! Another one for ME??!! Mama, you got me TWO gifts?
Me: Yes, there are two in there for you.
Connor: Oh, Kank you, Mama. I LOVE THEM!
Me: You haven't even opened them yet. You don't even know what they are.
Connor: Oh. I still love them though.

Zoo Lights

As is one of our favorite traditions, Connor and I headed out for a night at the Oregon Zoo Lights & met cousin Sophia. We were very thankful that it wasn't 5 degrees out like a few years ago, so Connor was actually able to walk around in his clothes/bundle this time. However, we were unprepared for the weekend crowds, and made some bad parking decisions* on our way there. But once inside the lights were just as spectacular as ever...especially for the people who were approximately 3. Connor was so excited to see the lights and show his cuz everything he saw. "Look, Sophia! A Monkey! Over there!" (Pointing frantically as if she doesn't have eyes of her own). He was also really big on holding her hand, although she wasn't really into it so much. Here's the duo with Connor's "natural" camera smile that he has superbly perfected.

* Note to self: Do NOT. EVER. go to Zoo Lights on a weekend again. It took us almost 1 hour to park. If the zoo lot says "Full" do NOT go to shuttle parking. It will not turn out well unless you enjoy standing behind 400 other people in the freezing cold waiting for the lone school bus that "shuttles" people to the zoo...at a snail pace through the same traffic that everyone else is sitting in. Finding an "illegal" parking spot at the actual zoo is a much, MUCH better idea.

A few gems

Just a few recent gems from our three-year old...

On our way to the OSU beaver game this past weekend:
Connor's Dad: "Connor do you want to be dropped off with Uncle Troy while we park the car?"
Connor: "OH BOY! Troy will be excited to see ME!"

While drawing a picture of yours truly:
Me: "Connor where are my arms & legs on your picture?"
Connor: "I don't know. Your head is just SOOO big. There's no more room."

In an attempt to get Connor to sleep in a bit later:
Me: "Okay Connor. Here's the deal. You can get up when the clock says 7:00. Don't get up before you see the seven."
Connor: "Okay, Mama. I willn't."

After Connor gets up, I hand him a sippy cup of milk...as has been our routine for ummm... three and a half years. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. One morning he replies: "OH! Kank you Mama!" as if I am the most thoughtful, most wonderful mom ever for getting him this super unusual, ultra special treat.