Sledding

Three of my favorite things....a new camera, snow and Dawson!  With a perfect snowy day, we went to my brother's house to get in some snow fun.  There's always a boy around that house willing to play outside with Dawson!

First comes a snow angel.

 Next, comes the work to build a snowman.

 Some final touches.

 And the final project.

 When the snowman work was done, they headed to the backyard hill for some sledding.  This sled went crooked a lot so she shared her cousins sled instead!

 A neighbor friend came over to join in the fun!

 Dawson and her cousin Alex...keep in mind, he is 18 and still having a great time with his little cousin!

All three of them headed down the hill and boy did they go fast!  It was a great day filled with so much laughter and a ton of smiles!!!

SANTA WAS HERE!!!

Santa came and left a special sack for Dawson.  Was she ever surprised when she saw a big red sack filled with presents for her!!!  She really has been a good girl this year!

 It didn't take long to dig in and find out what all the presents were in the bag!

One of her favorite gifts....Chubby Bunny!

(named by Dawson)

An Ariel doll for Dawson and Alice in Wonderland doll for Bella.  

I wasn't sure which one Dawson liked better?

 After Santa presents, breakfast and some play time, we headed over to my mom and dad's house for more XMAS.  Here are all of the grandchildren together!

 Presents, presents and more presents!

Finally, another favorite...Butterscotch.  Santa forgot to bring it but, Grammy and Papa came through!

Merry Christmas 2012.

Santa's Visit to School

Santa made a visit to Dawson's kindergarten class this year right before the holiday party.  Did you notice there are no tears this year?  This was as close as we got to Santa this year!

 After his visit, the holiday party began.  I volunteered to be a room parent this year which was super fun but, I found it impossible to catch many pictures.  

I found a great game that every student loved...which is hard to do in kindergarten!  I wrapped a package of candy canes 22 times.  Like musical chairs, I played the music and when it stopped, that person opened one layer of wrapping paper.  Instead of being sad when the music stopped, the kids were so excited to tear off the wrapping paper!  In fact, they were looking for a pattern in the wrapping paper!

 I have to admit, it did take forever to wrap the same present 22 times but, the excitement and happiness of the kids paid off!  The loved it!  The last child tore off the paper and in the box was.....a candy cane for each child!

And lastly, there was a small, school singing program downtown in conjunction with a banner unveiling.  Unfortunately it was windy and rainy so they kids sang inside a large warehouse.  There voices still sounded wonderful!

Gingerbread Houses

This weekend we were off to the Botanical Gardens to enjoy some beautiful trees, plants, flowers and gingerbread houses.  

Usually a green place, the gardens were filled with red, white, green pink and gingerbread houses.  It was really turned into a Christmas spectacular!  

Recognize this place in Cleveland....the Westside Market!

I only caught a few pictures of Dawson and when I transferred them to my computer, only one appeared.  Something strange is happening with my camera lately!  This was a moving window display behind her.  Very cute display.  Makes me remember the windows in NYC and downtown Cleveland.

 

A few more gingerbread houses.  Aren't they amazing????  I did get a few good ideas for our little one we make every year!