Another Great Christmas!

Christmas started at our house about 3:15am with Le wanting to get up. I was able to hold him off until 5:45am when Daniel got up. It looked like Santa hemorrhaged in our house.

6am snuggles!

What's Christmas Day without the Hirschbergers? This is Nick, Alex, and Dan getting some grub.


Here's Hans, Gabby, and Sandy getting some grub.

The weather was SO warm. We were able to sit outside while the kids played.

Le watched an entire move like this! I don't know how that was comfortable.

Dan's big gift from Grandma and Grandpa.

Le's big gift from Grandma and Grandpa. (Now he doesn't have to borrow Sandy's.)

Dan gets more snuggles.

Tinkerbell and Grandma.

why, Why, WHY?

Here's a simple question........Every school morning I have to poke and coax my children out of bed. They act as if it's impossible to wake up. Why is it that once they are out of school on a break they wake up as early as 5:30am?????

Daddy the gingerbread man

Today was the last day of school before Xmas break. One of the planned activities for the second grade was to make gingerbread houses. Daniel wanted Sandy to be one of the parent volunteers. I don't think Sandy knew all he was in for but he was a willing participant. Since Sandy arrived earlier than the other moms he was recruited to be a "sub" teacher in Mrs. Lewis' class for thirty minutes. Afterwards, he helped all the other moms set up then built a gingerbread house with Dan. I think they both had a blast. He's a good daddy. Sandy and the moms setting up.

Sandy in a sea of children.

Team work!

This is serious business.

Christmas Recital

Tonight was Le and Daniel's recital. I've uploaded it on to www.youtube.com
search "Le's Christmas Recital" and "Dan's First Recital" Sandy and I were worried about Daniel freaking out but he did great. We are a year and a half into guitar lessons with Daniel..........The jury is still out on regarding this choice of instrument. We'll let him keep plugging away as long as he enjoys it.

Thanksgiving in Rhode Island

Our first night in Tiverton Anne and Stephen had a great party with cousins. You would think I would have snapped pictures all night but I only took a couple! Here's one of Dr. Marks and Mrs. Carlson.

Le had a BLAST working with Howard and Grandpa Chace trimming the trees along the driveway. Howard allowed Le to drive the lawnmower to mulch leaves and use the wood chipper. (While this was going on you could find me a corner of the house chewing my nails while rocking back and forth. I had to just let it go and put my faith in Howard and Grandpa. They didn't let me down. My baby still has all of his fingers and toes.)

Thanksgiving day we took a hike with the Stephen Chaces. You can tell from the pictures WHO is from the south. Lori is sockless with short pants while Le and Dan are completely zipped up. We were cold!

Three Chace men. Do they look related??

The two in laws.

Four Chace birds in a nest.

Daniel Boone Chace surveying the horizon.

The kids table on Thanksgiving. Aren't they a handsome crew? Look at Grammy Jaye's pumpkin center piece. I wish I had taken a closer picture. She painted it herself.

On black Friday Grammy and Grandpa took us all out to eat. We were the ONLY people at the club. It was really nice. The boys were able to sit nearby and play chess while the adults were able to visit.

NY, NY It's a Heck of a Town

The Unibomber picks his Legos.

The Carlson's newest family member, Pucci.

These were SO COOL.

The Gang!

Ella and Dan

Le and Lilly

Nothing like breaking up the long drive to RI with a stop over in New York City. We've had such a great time. The boys have been saving their allowance for 10 weeks knowing we were coming. So, of course, the first stop was Toys R Us to rid themselves of the money burning a hole in their pocket. (You would think they would choose FAO but they think TRU has better Legos.) Scott, Michelle, and the girls met us at TRU and once again were the PERFECT host for the rest of our visit.

After a great lunch at Three Guys, The Carlsons took us to the New York Botanical Gardens. There was a train "exhibit" there. But, the trains were not the focus. There were miniature buildings of NYC created out of all natural products. While the kids were fascinated with the trains Sandy and I were fascinated with the building. I've included a picture of one of the buildings but the photo doesn't do it justice.

For Dinner The Carlson's took us to a wonderful Italian restaurant. The kids get along so well. We actually were able to have ADULT conversation!

Last but not least, everyone came over to the hotel and the kids went for a swim. WHAT A DAY!

Cub Scout Pancake Fundraiser

Fuzzy action shot.

Daniel was opening the door for people and check out his shoes! It was 37 degrees and he's out if flip flops!

Daniel supervising the cooking.

Le eating before the crowds start.

This morning we had a pancake fundraiser for Cub Scout Pack 3. It was a big success. It seems the boys spent a lot of time playing basketball but they really pitched in when we needed it. There was one thing I was very proud about. There was a man who came in to eat and he was by himself. I asked Le to go over and see if he needed anything, and I told Le I hated to see anyone eat alone. This man was sorta hunched over focusing on his food. Le sat down with him. You could tell it was hard for Le to start up a conversation with him. But he did. By the time this man was done with his breakfast he was all smiles and chatting. I was so proud of Le.

The definition of pig pile

I wish this picture had turned out better. Sandy went on a business trip last week. Mama came to help out while he was gone....................Oh, who am I kidding. She came to hang out and have a girls weekend. I came in to turn out Dan's light and I found a pig pile. In a queen bed there was Grandma, Le, Daniel, Tinkerbell the cat, and at LEAST ten stuffed animals. They were ALL dead to the world asleep.

All Hallows Eve

I wanted to include a picture of my pagan tree. I like the witches hat on the top. Sandy says the tree just screams white trash. Sandy was originally going to wear an Obama mask and when the boys rang the door ask the owner if he could come in and access what they have so he would know how to redistribute it once he became president. He settled on this t-shirt.

Indiana Jones rides a bike.

No crystal skulls in this bag. Just Snickers.

Master Obi-Wan keeping us safe.

Nah! It's just Dan.