Christmas Parties, Pageants, and Preparations!

December 11th, Mommy gives Nina a big kiss for good luck! See this image larger.

Grampa Dave and Grandma Marcia drove all the way across the state to see Nina stand completely still and stare at the crowd while the music played. In the previous weeks Nina had been belting out fully-memorized songs louder than Whitney Houston could have managed — so I promised them quite a show. But stage fright and a 3 year old do not always allow for proper delivery. :-\ See this image larger.

Ian begs for a little attention on a Nina-filled night. See this image larger.

Nina spots Daddy in the audience. See this image larger.

Yes, you’re cute. See this image larger.

But speaking of cute! See this image larger.

She got a lot of the hand motions correct! Ah well, thanks for making the drive, Grampa Dave and Gramma Marcia! See this image larger.

December 12th, my first good opportunity to show the difference in boot-prints between little girl, and little boy. See this image larger.

Ian drew this at school, it is a picture of something we build in Minecraft! See this image larger.

December 13th, he can look so little yet so mature at the same time! See this image larger.

A sea of blonde kids. See this image larger.

I’d have to check the video to know what song this is, but Ian had the hand-motions down pat! See this image larger.

I think this part was “…it hurts their brains, when our parents get stress-related migraines.” See this image larger.

Ian’s class — he’s in the lower right. See this image larger.

December 20th, Ian’s Kindergarten Christmas party! See this image larger.

Ian the elf! See this image larger.

If Santa got stuck in my chimney? Ian responds: “I would shove him up the chimney.” Good call, buddy! See this image larger.

“What do you want for Christmas, little boy?” See this image larger.

*Well, Santa, I want a particular rocket that no mortal human could possibly get here on time for Christmas. Which is why I’m relying on you to do this for me. It’s all I really want.* (paraphrasing.) See this image larger.

Class picture again! Ian’s in the back by Santa, smiling. See this image larger.

And in this one he’s making a face. See this image larger.

My beautiful wife helps Ian with a project! See this image larger.

December 21st, while at Nina’s party, we spotted some pics on the wall. Here’s a snowman they put together! See this image larger.

Hmmm… that’s a little sour tasting. See this image larger.

This little girl was quick to make sure Nina got her present. I sometimes think Nina basically rules this room. See this image larger.

Aw, she’s SO cute! See this image larger.

Here Nina tries to share from long distance. See this image larger.

And then she leans in so she can really share! See this image larger.

December 23rd, Nina used our wine rack as a parking structure! See this image larger.

Christmas Eve, and Nina’s ready to run outside! See this image larger.

What are we doing outside in the freezing cold? See this image larger.

Dumping reindeer food. Because, you know, whatever helps your chances, I guess? See this image larger.

Another attempt at a photo-shoot… Ian looks a little pained, probably had reindeer food in his eyes. See this image larger.

But nothing can stop the excitement! See this image larger.

Ian looks like he’s about to punch me for being too much of a paparazzi. See this image larger.

Next: Here comes Christmas, and the craziest nation-wide tour you’ve ever seen!