Happy New Year

Well so much for our New Years resolution on updating this blog once every few days. We got so wrapped up in the holidays and then Paul's vacation and ALL this ice and snow we are getting, we never seem to get here. Brooke REALLY enjoyed Christmas and got more and more comfortable with the idea of Santa. He made a surprise visit to daycare the week before Christmas and Brooke actually sat on his lap and almost smiled.

Merry Christmas Santa

Paul and I thought this would be the year that we might have trouble with Brooke and Santa. She actually loves to talk about him and find him in books and ads, and even enjoys his presence ..... from a distance. We attended a Christmas Party on Saturday night and Santa made a visit with an early gift for each girl and boy. Brooke was happy to take her present from an arm's length away, but was NOT interested in sitting on his lap or standing any closer for a photo. OH WELL!! Thanks to Greg, Tina, and Gregory for a really fun time!

"Look at the pretty snow, its beautiful"

That's what Brooke said when we took her to the window this morning to see what had fallen after she headed off to bed. We were able to get her to wait to break out the sled until AFTER church. Brooke, Daddy, and Storm had lots of fun playing in the yard. Brooke repeatedly told Daddy "hurry, hurry, hurry" I guess he wasn't going quite fast enough with that sled!

The Reading Room

Brooke decided to take a few minutes the other day to review the Target Holiday Toy Catalog. Already she is a multi-tasker. Don't you love the snow boots with her PJs?

The last few weeks ......

Brooke continues to have great success on the potty and loves to work on Mommy's 'puter. We all got flu shots last weekend and she was VERY brave. She was rewarded with a trip to Wendy's for chicken nuggets and mandarian oranges (she always chooses the oranges over the fries)

Don't forget to Vote

I left to vote about 10:20 this morning and for the first time ever I was not able to find a parking spot in the lot and the line extended outside the building. The poll workers said that the line formed at 5:30 am and has not really stopped. It is exciting to see such interest. Perhaps this is the silver lining in the plummets on Wall Street - generating voter enthusiasm.

So, bring the newspaper to read while you wait - but Don't forget to VOTE!

Happy Halloween

Brooke had a costume for school and one for "formal" trick or treating in the evening. She was a cat at school and a Dalmatian at night. She seriously is NOT a morning person and was not in the mood to pose for a picture before heading off to daycare.
She had a great day at school carving pumpkins, having special snacks and getting a big bag full of treats! She was excited to put on her doggie costume and we started the rounds. This year was our first real Trick or Treating door to door in a neighborhood. We met our friend, Heather, and spent over an hour on the streets. Brooke and Heather went to each door, Brooke exclaimed "Trick or Treater" and then ended her visit with "Thanks, See ya later, Take care" It was a HOOT!