A Michigan Christmas: Traverse City (Part I)

So, rumor has it people don't really read what I write...they just look at the pictures. I guess I don't blame you--that's what I usually do when I go to family blogs too. Gotta see those cute kids! I often put off blogging because I just don't have those creative writing juices flowing. If it's photos that people want the most, photos you shall have! That part's easy. But, for posterity, I must write a little about our adventures via captions. It was another wonderful Christmas in Michigan!

Our 15-hour journey went remarkably well--this photo summarizes it well. The boys slept a lot. Hooray!

And when they weren't sleeping, they were usually content. For the few times they weren't, I squeezed myself between them in the backseat. 

Will requested to see Grandpa's train set right away. 

Patrick loves the trains too and says, "Choo choo!"

It snowed JUST in time for Christmas--on the night of the 23rd. The kids had fun playing in the snow on Christmas Day. Patrick would not stay still to be in the photo...or maybe he wasn't outside. I don't remember. This is Ella (6), Jack (9), and Will (3). 

We did a little last-minute shopping at my a favorite place of mine--Gap Outlet. I always find such good deals there. Will loved riding on Uncle Tim's shoulders...and his grip on Tim's forehead helped soothe Tim's headache. Helpful Will!

I aspire to be even half the cook my mom is. Yum.

It was a joyful Christmas Eve!

Not enough light, but I had to get this in here even with our demon eyes. Three generations of Maloneys.

Enjoying Grandma's delicious Christmas Eve tradition--lasagna! 

Sweet cousins

Grandpa, Tim, Kerry, and Jack enjoying the feast.

Freshly bathed and ready to open one gift--another Christmas Eve tradition.

Will's contemplating how to handle his disappointment that this package seems to contain clothing. (And it did--his Christmas outfit for the next day.) Mommy's so practical!

Will's a careful gift opener!

Patrick seemed happy with his Christmas outfit and used it to play Peek-a-Boo!

Blurry Christmas Eve revelry. 

Pirate Will.

Posing Patrick. Love!

Daycare Christmas Party

This past Monday was the annual Christmas party at daycare. Santa visited with Mrs. Claus and an elf. Will loved Santa this time, Patrick wouldn't go near him. They got some great gifts! 

Ugh.

We're ready for vacation in the Sorenson household. First it was me with pneumonia and then it was Justin with an injured knee (bursitis and cellulitis--ouch!!!). Between the two of us, there's been a lot of solo parenting going on around here. And, trust me, taking care of these two hooligans (I mean that in a loving way) is a tag-team job. Well, ideally anyway. ;-) Needless to say, taking photos hasn't exactly been my first priority. But the boys are still cute and are still growing like crazy right before my tired eyes. So, I have a paltry offering this week, but at least it's something. We can't wait to get to Michigan on Friday night. WOO HOO!!!!!

Our dapper young man.

There's been a lot of PJ time around here and more television ("toons," as Will would say) than I care to admit.

Turns out Clifford is SUCH a big red dog that I couldn't even manage to get him in the photo. Will had lost every last bit of his patience by this point...he was a trooper in the Scholastic book sale...but he was too cranky to even care much about this giant Clifford. The truth is the cart starting rolling so I had to ditch my attempt to get the picture centered. :-)

Patrick loves to mimic everything we do. Except I don't usually suck on a paci while I type. Not often anyway. ;-)

You know you're from Michigan when this is how you decorate a mitten sugar cookie. This is my homage to Traverse City. The Pentwater cookie was consumed.

An impromptu tree photo session

I took my iPhone and tried to get a few pictures of the boys by the tree. I could not get them to sit together with much success. I tried to get Will to pose. It was hilarious (and you can see). I think I'll try again later with the regular digital camera and some M&Ms as a bribe. 

Christmas Tree 2011--Part I: The Acquisition

We took our annual trek to White's Tree Farm in Jericho, Vermont yesterday afternoon. We had to get out of the house so some bathroom tile work could happen without us being in the way. Leaving at 12:30 meant we had to drive around for 1.5 hours so as not to interrupt the naps (both boys fell asleep immediately upon getting into the car). The car ride was actually very  relaxing for Justin and I. It reminded us of old times when we first moved to VT and took random rides to explore the area. Once both boys awoke from their vertical naps, our tree seeking adventure began!

It took about three minutes to find the perfect tree. Here a picture taken in the first two minutes of our "hunt."

Patrick was quite taken by the tree. I think he slept through this whole experience last year!

Our Daddy is SO strong! Wow! :-)

Daddy's little proteges! 

Free candy canes!

Contemplating the scene and sucking on sugar.

Me and my little boys...we're all in our down jackets. You can probably tell I'm still not 100% after having pneumonia--I'm SO tired! But it was a great afternoon nonetheless.

Hot cocoa and candy canes--a nice combination!

Peso is very thrilling to Patrick...he left the excitement of the tree to go dance and shriek while running around Peso. Will helped Daddy cut the bailing off the tree.

Smiles...I love it!

A regular Betty Crocker...

Ha ha ha! I hope that title enticed you, because "a regular Betty Crocker" I AM CERTAINLY NOT! But, we've been doing some very easy baking/cooking together recently, and Will/Patrick absolutely love anything that involves having a treat at the end. So making muffins and cookies fit that criteria. The muffins were from a mix and the cookies only required that we spread them out on a tray and put them in the oven! Perfect! I do think we will actually do some "real" baking in the coming weeks. Will loves the idea of making and decorating cookies. I can handle that. They also regularly "help" me in the kitchen when I cook, because COOKING I can do...just not BAKING. :-) Here are a few photos of my culinary cuties.

Mix, mix, pass the spoon! Blueberry muffins ala Pillsbury!

Patrick SOMETIMES will smile on command! :-)

I came home to little Paddy here working in the yard with Da. Seriously--doesn't he look like a little Irish lad!?

Get out. Even with mud on his cheek, this dude is HANDSOME! His deadpan/model look cracks me up!

We arranged those cookies beautifully for even baking! This was just the beginning. ;-)

Yum!