Jackson

During our Polar Express trip, we spent some time in North Conway and Jackson, New Hampshire.  Although we were both born and raised in New Hampshire, Lee and I were completely blown away by the beauty of Jackson and the surrounding towns - it is truly God's Country.  Indeed, it was so picturesque that even the girls were awestruck - they were so busy oohing and ahhing that they forgot to complain about the amount of time that they were strapped into the car!  Below are just a few of the many, many pictures that I took - although I was completely incapable of capturing the beauty that surrounded us (for more photos, click here).

Saco River covered bridge (near and far).

Downtown North Conway.

Jackson covered bridge (far and near).

Silver Cascade.

Gingerbread Houses

On Friday night, Elizabeth and I made Gingerbread Houses at her school.  There were two one-hour sessions and I couldn't believe that we could possibly put a house together in one hour.  We didn't - the amazing "Three Grammas" that ran the program made the houses in advance - so all the little ones had to do was decorate them.  Elizabeth decorated her house all by herself - I just watched and assisted if she need me to hold something for her. Her house came out beautiful and she had a great time hanging out with her friends!  More pictures here.

Such concentration!

 

Madison and Victoria

The finished product.

Victoria, getting ready to eat some frosting....

Madison and Elizabeth

Why lick the frosting off of your fingers when you can squeeze it directly from the bag into your mouth?

Elizabeth and some of her buddies from kindergarten.

Through the Eyes of a Child....

Our family was first introduced to The Polar Express when Elizabeth received the book as a baby gift and we absolutely fell in love with the story (so much so the Santa left an authentic sleigh bell under our tree for Elizabeth last year).  Last year, we watched the movie for the first time, which the girls loved, and since then, we have watched time and time again as a family.  The book continues to be a favorite with the girls and we read it throughout the year - its message is simple and beautiful.  Several months ago, Lee and I decided to book a package that included a three day stay at a resort in Jackson, New Hampshire and tickets for the Polar Express (train tickets are by lottery only and are extremely difficult to come by).  We kept the trip a secret from everyone for months - in fact, until the day before we left, only two people knew that we were going - our friend Janet, who went with her family last year, and our friend Adam, who dogsits for us.  The drive to northern New Hampshire was long and snowy, but completely set the scene, as the girls exclaimed with wonder about the beauty all around them.  Indeed, we were in the car for so long that Elizabeth actually asked if we were going to the North Pole.  When we finally arrived at our hotel, the girls each received a special surprise - a personal letter from Santa, inviting them to take a ride the Polar Express - and they were beyond excited!  The next day, we were able to get a glimpse of the actual Polar Express train and by the time the girls put on their new pajamas (everyone wears pajamas on the Polar Express), they could barely contain themselves!  We were lucky enough to get picked to ride in the dining car; we drank hot chocolate and munched on chocolate candy with nougat centers ("just like in the book!"); met hundreds of elves (including one named "Icky" (we think) and one named "Teacup"); and finally, met Santa himself.  From beginning to end, the trip was simply amazing and Lee and I are certain that the girls had the experience of a lifetime.  Living life through the eyes of your children - especially at Christmas - is truly what being a parent is all about.  We are blessed.
Below is a movie that I put together of photos and video clips from our trip - it really captures the experience (in fact, Lee and I both got a little misty-eyed when we watched the finished product).  If you are familiar with the movie, you will recognize the music.  Be on the lookout for Elizabeth's facial expressions...

Couldn't Resist

I couldn't resist posting this picture, which Sheila took over Thanksgiving weekend.  The last time we all got together at the Crawford's house, it was Memorial Day Weekend 2007 and Emily was just shy of her first birthday.  Among the children were two little babies, neither of whom I held for more than five seconds because every time I picked one up, Emily freaked out and made a beeline for me.  Jealous does not even begin to describe the situation!  Flash forward 2 1/2 years - I was holding baby Annabelle when Emily wandered into the room - she walked over, patted her gently on the head and gave her a kiss.  It was so sweet and so loving - and I was so proud of her!  Sheila did a great job of capturing the moment.

And the Christmas Countdown Begins

This past weekend, we Lee decorated the outside of our house.  Reason number 279 that Lee is a great husband is because he absolutely hates decorating the outside of the house for Christmas yet every year, to make me happy, he does it.  The only thing I really have going for me is the fact that the girls like how the house looks decorated, so really, he is pleasing all three women in his life!  Anyway, I'm happy that our house is at least starting to look festive and I'm really looking forward to putting up the tree!

Hanging the icicle lights off of the porch.

Elizabeth works on the small trees (a new addition this year).

Checking to make sure that everything is working.

This year, we hung red and gold bells from our plant hooks.

The almost-finished product.  We still need to break out the window lights.

Tec and Newci (aka Icky) Visit

Over Thanksgiving weekend, Alison and Seth and their boys (Newci and Tec) paid us a visit.  The last time we saw the boys, they were pups that fit in the same crate together.  They are pups no longer and did not fear our boys, Elliot and Rudy, this time around.  I think that the dogs all had a good time - and Newci earned a new nickname.  For some reason, the girls kept calling him "Icky."  We are looking forward to seeing Alison and Seth again in just a few short weeks.

Newci

Tec

The boys.

The girls with the boys.

Girlfriends Reunite

Over the holiday weekend, Elizabeth, Emily and I traveled up to New Hampshire to meet up with my high school friends and their children.  By some Thanksgiving miracle, this has become an annual tradition which is impressive considering that Sheila and her family live in Arizona.  On Friday night, the adults had a nice evening out while the grandparents graciously babysat.  On Saturday afternoon, we brought the little ones together at the Crawford's house - not only did us girls get the chance to chat and catch up, but our children got the chance to continue where they left off this summer, after spending the day together at Sunset Lake.  I am so lucky to have such great girlfriends; we are all so lucky that we have stayed close over the years; and our children are lucky to have such great little friends!

The kids playing while Mr. Crawford supervises.

Owen

Emily takes a turn on the much coveted rocking horse.

Introducing the newest addition to the crew - Annabelle.

Elf on the Shelf

On Sunday morning, the Elf on the Shelf arrived on Clover Street.  After some deliberation (Scott was in the running for a while), the girls decided to name him Nick.  For those of you unfamiliar with the tradition, Nick watches the girls all day and then journies to the North Pole each night to report to Santa about their behavior.  He returns each morning before the girls awake, always in a different location.  So far, he hasn't caused the girls to be more nice than naughty.  But he has provided endless amusement for Lee and I.  As soon as they wake up, the girls race around the house to find him.  If he moves (falls over) during the day (because of the endless jumping and running in our house), they get quite distressed, fearing that Santa will think that they touched him (which is a big no-no).  And when Emily cries, Elizabeth warns her "Emily, Nick is watching......"  It is all very funny.  You can follow Nick's adventures with the LeBlanc Girls by clicking here.

Nick

Elizabeth telling Nick what she wants for Christmas from Santa.

Emily telling Nick what she wants (it was a bit incomprehensible).

The girls open the book that Nick brought to them as an early Christmas present.

Happy Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with Grammy and Grampy.  We have so much for which to be thankful, we are truly blessed.

Our table, set for our Thanksgiving feast!

Elizabeth and Emily made the beautiful place cards.

Elizabeth, Maureen and Emily - Lee's favorite girls.

Our turkey

Apple pie a la mode....mmm, mmm good!

Watching "Merry Madagascar" with Grammy and Grampy.

Kindergarten Thanksgiving

On Wednesday, Lee, Emily and I were invited to Elizabeth's class to watch their Thanksgiving program of songs and poems put on by Elizabeth and her classmates.  They did such an amazing job, singing and reciting all of the songs and poems that they learned over the last few weeks.  They made great little costumes (Native Americans) and really enjoyed themselves.  Below are some pictures and a few videos of the songs and poems (Elizabeth selected them).  I volunteered in the classroom all morning and I have to say, I was not only amazed by her teacher, but at how well most of the students listen and work.  Kindergarten is such an amazing place!

All lined up

Singing "Gray Squirrel"

"Little Acorn" (a variation of the song that Emily's preschool sang).

The Native American and the Pilgrim.

"Gray Squirrel"

"Tiggy Tiger"

"The Turkey on the Farm"

"November"

"Thanksgiving Day is Here"

Turkey Bingo

Last Friday night, Elizabeth's school had Turkey Bingo.  Like all things school-related, she couldn't have been more excited to go.  Some of her friends were there, as well as her teacher, which made things even more exciting.  And after finally winning a game of bingo, she and Emily had a great time playing with Jasmine, Madison and Victoria - Elizabeth's friends are such great little girls and are always thoughtful enough to include Emily in everything they do!

Welcome to Turkey Bingo!

Serious bingo player...

Finally!  A winner.  Elizabeth (with Emily in tow) goes to collect her prize with her kindergarten teacher.

Jas and Elizabeth - best buddies.

Emily "won" these beautiful jewels (after Woody graciously gave up his winning card for her).

Thanksgiving Brunch

On Thursday, Emily's preschool class celebrated Thanksgiving with a short performance and a nice brunch.  Just getting a bunch of three year olds to stand in a row was a hefty task, never mind actually getting them to sing the songs!  It was, however, quite cute, as you can see from the pictures and video below.

Singing "I'm a Little Acorn" and knocking on her head (see video below).

"Praise Him"

Emily and Marie.

"I'm a Little Acorn"

"Praise Him"

The Dancers....

This is pure talent, no doubt about it......