Christmas Stockings

When the kids came downstairs Christmas morning, they were surprised to see the fireplace open, the cookies gone, and their stockings filled with presents.
Darth Vadar isn't so scary when he is filled with M&Ms.
Elena tried on her empty stocking to see if it would fit.
After opening stockings and eating breakfast at home, everyone brushed their teeth and headed over in their pajamas to the hospital to see what Santa brought.

Unwrapping Christmas Presents at the Hospital

Most of Santa's presents for Alex & Elena were delivered to Elizabeth's hospital room. This made Elizabeth very happy since this meant she got to watch them unwrap their new toys from the comfort of her ICU hospital bed.

Elena cheered as Alex unwrapped his first, very big present.
The Star Wars Tank!

Elena took her shoes off to try on her new bunny slippers. Her favorite doll Anna also got a matching pair.

Santa's big present to the family was the Wii. We were on the last families we knew without one. We told Alex he needed to learn to read first, which he has been very motivated to do the last few months!



Elena was excited to show Grandma her new pink engraved ipod. It came loaded with her favorite Laurie Berkner songs and books on tape, and will be nice to listen to at bedtime.
Alex was excited to see a Captain Rex figurine.

For sibling presents this year, we visited Borders Bookstore where each child selected a book. Alex picked out Olivia Acts Out for Elena, and Elena picked out a very cool Star Wars pop-up book for Alex. When Elena saw her book, she said "This is my favorite book ever. How did you know Alex?" and spontaneously gave him a hug. It was very sweet. Unlike this look a little later on.
After all the unwrapping excitement, the kids and mom were pretty worn out. Jeff and Liz packed everyone up and headed home for lunch and a nap. It was nice to spend Christmas together!

A Lazy Christmas Afternoon

The kids had a fun, lazy Christmas afternoon playing with their new toys.

Elena wore new pink cupcake pajamas from Grandma Sandy while playing with the princess make-up center from Grandma Liz. Her smile tells it all!
Elena loved painting her nails with her new polish, and was even allowed to paint Grandma Liz's nails green!
Now that the Wii is connected, Alex and Jeff have been working together to get to the next level on Lego Star Wars. Alex is pretty determined to beat the whole thing.

No Grumpy Santa!

Every Christmas Eve we read the kids a book about how it is important to be nice to Santa and give him cookies and milk so his grumpies disappear. The kids were excited to participate in this ritual once again this year.



However, they were not so excited when it was time to go to bed. :(

Sledding with Grandma Liz

There wasn't very much snow on the ground, but the kids were excited to play in it anyway. Grandma Liz bundled them up and headed to the back yard hill for a little fun.

Whee!Crash!
Again!
Top of the Hill
Elena Pulling Grandma Liz
Alex was very excited to give Grandma Liz and Elena a little push.

Grandma Day at Monkey Joes

While Elizabeth has been in the hospital, Grandma Liz has been in town from Michigan to be help with Alex and Elena. On Saturday, Grandma Sandy joined Grandma Liz and the kids for some fun at Monkey Joes, a local bounce house.
Alex going SUPER fast
Happy Elena having a blast
Surprise! The Robinsons were at Monkey Joes too!

Alex Lost a Tooth!

Alex has had a loose bottom tooth for weeks. He poked and wiggled it constantly but it continue to hang on by a thread. Yesterday morning, he woke up and his tooth was gone! We could not find it anywhere. Alex went off to school to share the exciting news with his classmates and teachers.

Since we never did find the missing tooth, Alex decided to write the tooth fairy a letter instead. This worked like a charm- the tooth fairy left $2.00 in quarters in place of the letter. Alex is very excited to buy gum with this money. Maybe that will make another tooth loose?

Sponge Bob Square Pants x2 heads to bed

Walker Day!

We had a combined celebration for "Walker Day" on December 9th this year. The 9th is the day that Elena officially joined our family. Alex's day, November 25th, unfortunately occurred over Thanksgiving while Jeff was in Michigan with the boys at their Annual Deer Camp. So we celebrated the occasions on the same evening at the kid's favorite place: Arni's. After gorging on yummy pizza, we ordered a super special dessert. Alex took his usual one bite and declared it delicious, but he was full and didn't want anymore. His ability to turn away amazing desserts right in front of him is a trait I wish I could adopt! He returned to coloring while Elena dug in. His newly missing tooth is slightly visible in this photo.
Elena's pleasure at the ice cream/ chocolate cake/ chocolate chip cookie/ hot fudge concoction was obvious to all sitting nearby.
She even tried to lick to bowl clean.
We are very blessed to count these children as part of the Walker family!

Santa's Lap

Every year we visit Santa at Keystone at the Crossing so that the kids can share their wish list with him.
This year, Alex told Santa he wants a Star Wars Turbo Tank and a Wii. Elena wants bunny slippers for her and her doll Anna. And really, really big stroller. I wonder what Santa will be able to deliver?

Trader Joe's Balloon

Alex and I went to Trader Joe's together today. As usual, Alex picked out a balloon at the end of the shopping excursion. When we got home, he had a little trouble reaching the balloon when it hit the higher family room ceiling. Never one to give up without a fight, he gathered pillows to help reach the balloon.

Not Quite...
Elena Helps Out
Success!