Lovely Miss Lulu

Lulu went to heaven this week. She was a very special kitty and will be dearly missed. I have never known cats could be so fun until Lulu. She would go on walks with us and follow us around like a puppy. She was a cuddler and was Maggie's constant companion. And, she probably killed more mice and rabbits than a cat that lives ten years.

She was so amazing, they named a toy after her- the FurReal Lulu!

Keara & Lulu when we brought her home.

Maggie & Lulu getting acquainted...

and then she showed Maggie who was boss and took over Maggie's blanket! Eventually, she let Maggie back on that blanket so they could cuddle together.

She would join us everywhere and when Keara and Easton would play on the swing set, so would Lulu!

She was the proud Mama of five kittens.

She joined us camping in the backyard!

She followed us on every walk we took. This is from one of our last spooky forest walks.

Farewell, Miss Lulu.

Christmas at Home 2009

With the Christmas Blizzard of 2009 going on outside, we managed to have a fun Christmas, all nice and cozy inside.

Family photo after Christmas Eve Mass. Keara and Easton sang with the Preschool Sunday school class at Mass.

Easton and Allen hate taking pictures. So, this is for their benefit!!

Opening some presents on Christmas Eve.

Trying to carry on a tradition (since someone else isn't...huh-umm)!

Presents for Lulu and Maggie!

Maggie cuddling with her toy!

Leaving cookies for Santa!

Waiting to be Santa!

Easton and his toys!

Keara and her toys!

We had a lot of fun this Christmas. Keara and Easton are really starting to get into the fun of believing in Santa, understanding the nativity, and counting down on the calendar. Kringle, our elf on the shelf, came to stay on Dec. 1, and left candy in our advent calendar everyday they were good. Well, they got candy every day, I don't know if they were good everyday! We had questions on how Kringle got here and how did he fly and why doesn't he talk. And, one day, as I went into a long explanation of how Kringle flys and that Santa told him not to talk, Easton looked at me and might even have felt a little sorry for me and said "maybe mommy, maybe Kringle just a decoration".

We saw Santa on several occasions and by the time we saw Santa the third time, they claimed they already talked to him and he should know what they want. We made a list and memorized it! When Santa brought Keara Barbie clothes and a puzzle, she looked confused and told me, "I didn't have these things on my list, hmmm, that sure a nice Santa!"

So, needless to say, opening presents was Keara and Easton's favorite part. I would have to say, watching them open presents was my favorite as well.

Preschool Christmas Program

Keara and Easton singing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star at their preschool Christmas program (I don't think Easton will have any ADHD as he gets into school, and yes, he is using his Christmas star to shoot people!!!)

Santa Visit

Every year Allen's work has a family Santa day . This is the third year we have gone. This is the first year Easton has willingly sat on Santa's lap and even carried on a conversation. In fact, the smile in the photo is the first genuine smile we have been able to capture on camera for a long time. Keara sat on Santa's lap and smiled, but she wouldn't even look at his face. Even when we told her to talk to him, she just looked out the corner of her eyes without turning her head!

Ready, with our lists!

Easton & Santa

Keara & Santa

Deck the Halls!

Decorating the house for Christmas...

Keara even dressed up! She was my decorating fairy. "Look Mommy, that look nice here." Needless to say, a few things got rearranged after bedtime!

And, Easton loves the 'BIG ladder'! We cut a deal with him- he is able to go up as many rungs as he is old. He was pleased!

And, of course, decorating the tree!

Happy Birthday Allen!

December 7, 2009