McTuri NYE

We. Like. To Party. We like. We like to party.
Until 7pm.

Portrait Hour

M&L came to say their goodbyes before they headed back to CA.  Stoopid California.  Harumph.

HA!

Another Lakehouse Afternoon

I seriously need a crash course in how to use my camera and not use the flash.  It takes SUCH nice photos when the conditions are just right.  I missed an adorable moment here that mirrored the Christmas Eve moment with Talie only with more climbing and less cuddling. :o)

Rockaway Christmas

Last time we were in New York, Elliott asked if next time she could please come by herself because when we come with her, we only stay for a few sleeps and she wants to stay for NINE sleeps. She was OK with us accompanying her this trip but NOT pleased when we didn't stay for nine sleeps.

It is never too cold for a playground date with Nana, Mia, and Pop Pop!

Someone liked her first taste of whipped cream.

"Do you see this stuff on my eyes?!? It's makeup!" - Mia

She leans in and goes: "Awwwwww."

Cristian thought it would be a good idea to let the girls take pony rides on his back ...

Maybe not?

FIERCE toy-building competition.  I should have brought out my big camera -- these photos aren't great.

Uncle Zach tickle torture!!!

Trying (unsuccessfully) to calm these two wild animals down.  Elliott was up until almost 11 -- later than us!

Suspect of Uncle Dylan ...

Our new travel strategy has been to put the girls in the car at 7pm and drive home while they sleep.  It has worked twice.  This shot was when E told us: "do you know why I can't fall asleep? I have all these sugarplums dancing in my head.  The green ones are Irish Step Dancing."  She proceeded to pass OUT.  Tired, tired girls!

Christmas Afternoon

We aren't heading to Rockaway until tomorrow so we had a quiet afternoon here at home.  Having the big meal on Christmas Eve really extends the holiday -- it's hard to believe that it's still Christmas Day right now!  We had a fabulous holiday.  It was a lot of activity and excitement for the girls this week so they are both cooked.  I think a long car ride tomorrow will do them good.  Happy Holidays to all my loyal readers (Hi Grammie!  Hi Meredith!).  :o)  My life is wicked fun.

Opening everyone's presents is tiring!

Snow shoes!!

 

Christmas is exhausting when you're a baby.

It's pretty tiring for the parents, too.  :o)

CHRISTMAS!!!

Waking up all the adults in the house!

She found the Christmas pickle! And Santa brought her baby birds and a mama bird in a nest!  

Elliott really loves to give presents.  It's really very sweet.  She gets SO excited for everyone else!

She wanted to get Jas footie pajamas so he could match!  HA!

I really think they've worn these nightgowns a dozen times since I bought them.  And they'll wear them 8 dozen more.  Hee hee.

Another example of excited gift giving (we had to block Scout out so we could eat in the living room).

Another example of Uncle Matt love!

Talie loves her Santa gift!

"These clippy earrings are like hairclips for my ears!"

We had Dee Dee and Pappy on the iPad all morning!  They went about their morning and checked in every once in a while.  It was like they were there!

About a year ago, my mom friends and I set our husbands up on a Dad Date because we thought they'd get along.  Best idea EVER because they've been hanging out pretty consistently and they conspired to give us a girls-only VACATION!  The three of us are going to the BAHAMAS NEXT WEEK!  WHAT?!?!?!?  BEST HUSBANDS EVER!!!!!!!

Late Night ...

Lauren is still 5 at heart.

Ladies and gentlemen ... the love of my life, the father of my children. JM.

Group nerdering.

Christmas Eve

Sometimes we all look just alike but this year not so much?  We need to make Matt laugh during pictures.

She LOVES her Uncle Matt.

 

Little Miss Ringleader made everyone give her 400% attention all day and made Dee Dee hold her hand during dinner.

As per usual, Legos.

Uncle Jay!

E had a chocolate cream puff for dessert, can you tell?

I spent too much money on those nightgowns so as you can see, they've been wearing them almost every night. :o)