Santa 2007

Tell me, has this ever happened to you.

All week long David and the twins have been talking about making a trip to the mall (one place I really hate going), and seeing Santa. They all had their lists memorized, swore they would sit on his lap, and smile beautifully for the annual Santa Clause photo.

We attempted to go to the mall on Sunday, as a family, but Mr. Kringle decided to take an hour break after we had already stood in line for a half hour. We chose not stay since it was already 1 hour past nap time and the gang would never be happy by the time he returned.

Daddy decided that he would take all three kids, by himself, to the mall on Friday. Crazy man!!

The Santa schedule online stated that the big dude would be available at 10 AM, so we all decided to hit the mall by 9:30. We got there, and guess what? A line. About as long as it was on Sunday, and still a half hour wait. Figures.

The kids were excited, could not wait to see him, kept arguing about which one would get a knee and who would have to sit on the arm of the chair. The excitement was mounting, the line began to move. Yahoo, soon we would be able to talk to him.

The first family had 9 kids and wanted individual photos of each. Darn scrapbookers! Sorry honey. Then finally the second in line only had 6 kids - another scrapbooker. A dad can always tell the scrapbookers. You know, they are the ones that have to get that perfect shot and all individuals pictures for every individual album they have ever started, but will most definitely never finish.

Then all of a sudden the line really started to move. The 3rd finished, then the 4th, 5th and 6th. Finally we were next. All three of my beautiful angels, looking all pretty in clothing that I picked out for them all by myself. (This is a big deal as Mommy usually sets out everything for me, I need Ger-animals).

Could it be? It is! We're NEXT!

Mia Rose runs to climb on a knee. David runs to get on the arm of the chair. And Micah runs to have Daddy hold him.

Daddy painstakingly prys Micah off and onto David's lap. David has to forcibly hold Micah's hands down. And all three kids are totally star struck and wont smile.

2 quick pictures and the photographer says, "that's the best I can do! NEXT!" And we are sent

away. No time time for me to say, "But, but, my wife is a scrapbooker!"

So this is what we ended up with this year.

A bad picture with a great story.

Now that's what makes a good scrapbook page.

Play Date

Today the twins had a play date. Hope came to visit while her parents went to the doctor to check on her new baby sitter, who is expected to join the family in April. Way to go Andy! and April, too. ;-).











Hope and twins play together as if they were triplets. Hope's mom, April babysits the twins often. It is really nice to have such a good friend and playmate for Micah and Mia.



Look here! Toby is breaking the no dog in the living room rule, again.























Thank you Andy and April for letting Hope come today. We look forward to our next playdate.

Gifts from Japan

When Pat's mother, Masako was alive, much anticipation was felt awaiting the arrival of the annual Christmas gifts from her sister, Tomoko, in Japan. Masako and Deryl would send a box of gifts and goodies to them and in turn they would receive a box. Pat has continued this tradition with her Aunt.

Now, our own children can't wait to receive the "Box from Japan". We always open this box and all of its' contents immediately upon arrival.

December 2007 Ice Storm

We haven't been hit nearly as hard as our friends in nearby cities, but I was able to get some awesome shots.

Distructive, but beatiful. The photos really don't do it justice.






























Our first casualty.

Artisitc

David and the Twins have spent the last few days building this snow/ice fort. David is really hoping the ice will fill in the gaps, leaving the beautiful iglo he has in his mind. Imagination, what a wonderful gift.

David had his 3rd meet and guess what? SECOND place again. This was a huge accomplishement as the competition was much harder at this meet.

Scores:
Floor - 8.70
P Bars - 8.50
High Bar - 8.20
Vault - 9.40
Pommel - 7.90
Still Rings - 9.00

Here, David shows off the tons of medals he has won over the years. We are soooo proud of him.











Here, Mia is proud to get the opportunity to wear a few of David's medals.





I wonder if she will follow in his footsetps and earn a few of her own?

Finally, here is Micah. He wouldn't wear any medals, but still wanted to get into the blog. Its nice to see that he is developing such a natural smile.

Pig Tails?

Here is Mia showing off her cute pig tails.

First Sledding Experience

I believe this is the first time Micah and Mia have ever experienced sledding by themselves. The only good thing about having a steep driveway in the winter is the ability to sled in your own yard. That coupled with a slow moving ice/snow storm and you have a wonderful recipe for tons of fun.

First snow of the season

Kansas is not known for its' snow, so every inch counts. Today we probably got 1.5 inches tops, which meant Dad had to use the snow blower and the kids had a blast playing outside. Here are a few shots of their first day in the snow.

2nd Meet of the Season

David's second meet of the season was held at GAGE (Great American Gymnastics Express) in Blue Springs, Mo., on Saturday, November 30, 2007. Grandma Sandvig and Daddy accompanied David to the meet. Mommy and the Twins stayed home as this was an evening meet beginning at 5:30 and lasting till 8:30.





David's scores were good, staying to that of the last meet. He was a little disappointed because he forgot a swing in both High bar and P-Bars. This mistake cost him a full point. Even with the errors he was still able to earn 2ND place in the all around category.





He is hoping to remedy these mistakes soon, as his standing will definitely be affected more harshly in the upcoming meets

New Arrivals

Every year, Pat buys each of the kids an ornament which reflects what they are interested in at the moment. This year Micah got Mickey because he can't pull himself aways from his Mickey DVD. Mia got Pooh as that is her favorite character and David got Jack Sparrow since he absolutely loves the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.

Mommy and Mia Rose make it perfect.

Thanks to Mommy and Mia, the tree turned out beautiful. The boys lost interest about half way through the job.