A cheetah came too...

We got out Luke's Little People Nativity set this weekend and I had to show you his version of the Christmas Story.  :)  A cheetah, an elephant, and a farmer came to see Jesus too.  

Clyde

We decided to start the "Elf on a Shelf" tradition this year and I already LOVE it!  I heard about this last year but figured Luke was too young.  After reading a little more about it, I decided we had to start it this year.  The package comes with an elf (we named him Clyde) and a book that explains why an elf comes to live at your house from Thanksgiving through Christmas. The short of it is that the elf flies magically to your home each morning and lands in a new spot. He watches the children throughout the day and flies back each night to the North Pole to report to Santa.  

Some of Clyde's hiding spots so far...

Luke has had a blast finding Clyde each morning, and he's on his best behavior in hopes that Clyde gives Santa good reports.  :)  

Here comes Santa Claus...

Although Thanksgiving was a bit of a bummer for the Merrick household since Michael had to work we made the most of this weekend and got in the Christmas spirit.  We live down the street from this cute part of town called Gaslight Village and on Friday night they had a Christmas kickoff type thing.  It was complete with s'more roasting stations, reindeer petting zoo, carriage rides, and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.  Michael and I had recently talked about how much fun this Christmas is going to be with Luke because he's at such a fun age and I think we were right.  He is SO excited about everything!  Having kids really does make everything just as magical again.  

 Langley Grace was a trooper in the COLD

 Biggest marshmallows we've ever seen

I realize this picture is blurry but I had to show you...am I the only one who didn't know there are real reindeer?  

He sat on Santa's lap and told him what he wanted (a Buzz Lightyear scooter is at the top of the list) and after we took the picture he didn't want to get down.  Much different from the last two years.  Too cute.

We're still here

It's been a while since I've gotten on to blog.  Not to worry, we're doing fine.  Had a happy Thanksgiving even though Michael ended up working most of the day (he was on-call).

Just thought this was cute and wanted to share.  She's already got a lot to say.  :)  Funny girl.

  

Playroom fun

Recently we pulled out the Bumbo seat to see if Langley was ready for it and judging by the picture it looks like she was although this happy face only lasted about a minute!  

Luke on the other hand thinks all of the baby toys are for him.  

 

And yesterday Luke called me into the playroom to show me that he had lined up all of his cars for a "race."  They spread all the way across the room and were all facing the same way.  I think we have an anal little bugger on our hands.  Just thought it was cute and had to share.

Dance Party

Lately instead of wrestling when Michael gets home from work Luke has wanted to have a "dance party" upstairs.  It all started when Michael showed him how to find the Alvin and the Chipmunks and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Pandora stations on his iPhone.  I have to admit it's pretty funny to hear the chipmunk voices singing songs like "Single Ladies."  Here are just a few clips of Luke's stellar moves.  This shouldn't surprise most of you if you have seen the "moves" Michael and I have in our repertoire.  Maybe our kids will be blessed with some rhythm but I'm afraid it won't be from either of their parents.