The Year's End

With a couple of months of lingering sickness under our belts here, it has been difficult getting motivated to blog. Starting with the boys' bronchitis in October, followed by Oona's and my 6-week-long cold, and now Tim's walking-pneumonia, we've been dragging a bit. And on top of it all, as most of you already know, this summertime girl strongly prefers much warmer weather days.

Okay, well enough complaining- it is almost the new year! And, I've got so much to be thankful for and look forward to: A year with a toddler that is no longer a baby; a little person with a BIG personality! She understands almost everything we say and "signs" about a dozen words, laughs as she shakes her head "no," and plays imaginary drums whenever she hears a good beat. Then there are my two amazing, interesting, intelligent, and loving sons that are growing like weeds before my very eyes! I think Noah might pass me in height in the next couple years- crazy! They've both become really interested in typing creative stories on the computer, and drawing super detailed pictures. I'll try to get some up on their blogs soon. And how can I forget to mention Tim; our wonderful provider, loving Daddy, and my best friend. I'm looking forward to a new year where we can start sneaking in some date nights again.

I thought I throw in some Christmas pictures from our busy and fun-filled holiday.

Santa came a day early to our house. IPods were the big gift we gave the boys this year... let's hope they'll take good care of them!

On Christmas Eve morning, we headed down to Nonnie and Papa's for presents and good eats! Here's Oona sporting her first bow that stayed in for more than 10 minutes :)

Santa made a surprise visit! It seems one of their gifts had fallen out in his sleigh so he delivered it in person- The boys couldn't believe it!

Oona was a bit shy with the loud, bearded man drinking Grey Goose.

On Christmas morning, we headed back up to Nana and Da's house for more presents and a delicious meal.

Cousin Aodhan (who I got on video but not in a photo!) and his mommy and daddy gave Oona an American girl Bity-Baby. She loves how the eyes open and close.

And, more presents from Nana and Da!

Hope your Christmas was wonderful and here's to a happy, healthy new year! xo

Christmas Pageant

The night before Christmas Eve, the boys' school held their annual Christmas Pageant. Besides singing Christmas songs with their class, both boys had additional parts. In front of a jam-packed church, Noah and Ezra each performed beautifully. Noah had a speaking part, in which he narrated part of the Nativity- looking not a bit nervous and speaking so clearly. Tim and I were impressed! Ezra got the role of Joseph which he was SO excited about! I couldn't believe he got an acting role- I knew he wanted it so badly. He melted my heart. He took it so seriously and stayed in character the whole time- he even had to hold Mary's hand for a while :) Unfortunately, our video camera was not fully charged, but here's a cute clip of Ezra getting ready before the battery died:

Untitled from Tania Walsh on Vimeo.

New Bloggers

Noah and Ezra have new websites to show off their art!

Gingerbread People

My Girl

I took Oona to get her one year portrait taken. The photographer captured this one when I jumped in to help change her position. I'm so glad she did.

Holiday Happenings

Seems like we got into the Christmas spirit pretty early around here. Thanksgiving weekend, we picked out our balsam fir Christmas tree. The boys did a nice job decorating it. Oona sits by it each day making kissing sounds and waving at an Elmo ornament placed at her eye-level.

Last Friday night, Tim came home a little early so we could go to our town's holiday Zoo Lights. We got there 15 minutes before it opened and beat the large crowd that followed. The boys even got to ride the carousel alone.

First snow!

Creative space

Afternoon pick me up

New shoes

Thank you Bazan's!