Let it snow...Finally!

 The day after Christmas it finally snowed!  Unfortunately, the snow was too heavy to build a snowman but the kids enjoyed sledding down the driveway and making snow angels.  Notice, Sage's fashionable pink boots.  I guess that's what happens when you have big sisters!

 Angelic Emma

 First time sledding for Sage

 Kate tries out the saucer

Snow cute!!

Weatherwax Christmas 2012

The girls were so excited for yet another Christmas.  Grandma and Grandpa gave the kids one of their most talked about gifts, Dream Lites.  The kids wardrobe always stays up to date with Aunt Bec as their personal stylist, all of their new clothes are so cute.  We spent the day together, had a wonderful dinner and continue to be humbled by our generous families.

Grandma and Kate read Cinderella whenever they are together (often multiple times) so Kate gave Grandma a new copy.

Grandpa and Emma having cuddle time in Grandpa's chair

During dinner, Kate helped to feed Sage. 

Earlier this month, the girls went shopping with Aunt Becca to buy gifts for John and me.  They went shopping, out to eat, and had a slumber party.  It has become a fun tradition for the girls.

Our Christmas 2012

 The kids set out cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer.

 Every single night, I check in on the kiddos before I go to bed.  Here is Sagie Boo sleeping on Christmas Eve.  I love to see babies sleep with their bottoms up, but I can't imagine that it would be very comfortable. 

 On special nights like Christmas Eve, the girls get to sleep together.  The girls went to bed around 9:30, and when I checked on them around 11:30, Kate was still awake.  I said, "Kate, Santa is waiting for you to go to sleep so he can come and visit,"  Only Kate would reply, "Well, why are you still up Mommy? He's coming to see you too." 

 Our best effort for a group shot before we opened presents.

 Stompeez!!!

 As you may know, John loves taking care of his lawn.  Emma drew a picture of Daddy cutting the grass in the fall, we had it framed and Emma gave it to daddy for Christmas. 

 Emma striking a pose with a new princess dress.

 New Tonka Trucks for Sage

 My favorite gifts!

 The finale of our Christmas was a big box.  When the girls ripped the paper off the box, Mickey, Minnie and Princess balloons popped up.  There was a sign that read "We are going to Disney World."  We will be heading to Orlando in February.  At this point, the kids are more excited about the airplane, but I can't wait to see their faces once we get to the "Most magical place on Earth." We were anticipating this grand response (just like the commercials) but I guess its difficult to wrap a concept for a five, three, and one year old!

The holidays are always a great opportunity to get together with friends and family.  Above are some of our friends from ONU.

...and some of the children.  Sage and Owen were already in bed when this picture was taken.

Zinser Christmas 2012

We headed to Milford December 23-24th for Christmas.  Our holiday started by attending "Amahl and the Night Visitors" at Xavier University.  The kids sat and enjoyed the hour long play.  I remember watching this play as a young child, and its always fun when holiday traditions come full circle.  On Monday, we had our Christmas.  Just like everyone else, we have far more than anyone could ever wish for, but we're so appreciative to all that we received.  One special gift that I got (besides the amazing Dyson slim) was a bracelet made from 2 forks of my grandparent's flatware.  I love those special and meaningful gifts. 

Cousins by their stockings

 Zinser Family 2012.  Grandma and Papa got an iPad.

 The girls got a balance beam.  Go Kate Go!

 Sage loved unwrapping his gifts this year, almost more than his gifts.

 Aunt Kim got Emma an Easy Bake Oven.  This past week we made some cookies, from what Emma says they were delicious.  I decided to pass on the timeless confection :)

 Mini-Milford Reunion 2012

Emma's 1'st Piano Recital

Tonight Emma had her 1st piano recital.  Emma started taking piano with Emily in August.

 It was amazing tonight as I watched Emma.  My heart started beating and I was nervous for her.  She did a beautiful job and she wasn't nervous at all.  This was the first performance of many to come in her life.  As a mother, I couldn't have been more proud of her.  There is something comforting about Christmas music that brings everything full circle.

 Emma and her teacher Emily.

 Grandpa and Grandpa Weatherwax and Grandma Zinser were there to watch. 

 Emma and her fellow performers.

Jingle Bells

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas

Polar Express 2012

 All Aboard!  We boarded the Polar Express in Connersville, Indiana for an exciting ride to the North Pole.  The kids wore their pajamas, enjoyed hot cocoa and munched on cookies.

 The conductor punched Sage's ticket with a "S." 

 Once we arrived to the North Pole, Santa boarded the train.  He sat down and visited with each family asking each child what he or she would like for Christmas.  This is our best shot at a group photo with Santa Claus.  Sage wasn't too thrilled.

The Zinser Family - Christmas 2012

Santa Claus is coming...to Dublin!

 Grandma and Grandpa Weatherwax hosted a wonderful holiday evening!  They had a pizza party with some of their favorite friends and a very SPECIAL guest!  The kids colored, played in the basement and ate yummy pizza!  

 The children sat on the couch for a group picture.  The Bowman's, the Turnipseed's, the Beatty's, the Weatherwax's and Carson!  While the Children were on the couch, the doorbell rang and in walked Santa Claus!  The kids were so excited.

 Santa asked the children to sit down so they could tell him what they'd like for Christmas.  Note Nicholas Bowman on the left (not even one) and Sage on the right participating.  You have to love the magic of the season!

 Emma with Santa

 Sage with Santa

 Kate wanted multiple pictures with Santa, including this one at the end of the night. 

The Weatherwax Family - Christmas 2012!

Screaming Sage

The girls have been doing this screaming thing with Sage for a little bit.  Too funny not to post.  Enjoy

Santa at the Zoo

This was our 2nd year attending the dinner with Santa event at the Zoo.  The girls enjoyed having their faces painted, seeing some animals, watching the magician/juggler and of course, seeing Santa. 

,

 Kate wanted Frosty on her cheek!

Our family with Santa.  Sage wasn't too interested in Santa on this outing, he started to cry when we tried to put him on Santa's lap.  A few minutes after this picture, Kate sat on Santa's lap and she was so proud of herself. 

Adorable picture that captures the spirit of the holiday.

The girls and their buddy Carson.

Emma, our performer.  I'm not sure where she gets her moves from, maybe The X-Factor?

C is for Christmas Cookies!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  Ahhhh Christmas!  You have to love the holiday... the shopping, the decorating, the parties, and the music.  I can't think of anything that I enjoy more about the holidays than seeing the excitement in my children's eyes.  They wake up first thing in the morning and they can't wait to go see where "Starburst" our elf is hiding.  Each day they take off a link from their "Countdown to Santa", then they eat a piece of chocolate from the Advent calendar from Grandma Z, and then they get to open up a holiday book (Thanks again to Aunt Kim...only a teacher would get us 25 holiday books). 

This past week the girls spent some time with Grandma W baking sugar cookies.  They made the dough on Monday and then they got to decorate on Tuesday.  Sage prefers to just eat the cookies these days.