The Christmas Picture

After many attempts to get a picture for the Christmas card, I gave up and used the one where Ben had a mouthful of raisins.

Pie Dough

Now is the time of year that we begin to channel Granny and her wicked baking skills.  I think Granny would approve of these baking babies!

Ben and Prince charming are getting into the pie making action.  In case it has not been noticed yet Kate is in her fake smile stage.
Kate showing off her fabulous apron.  A must when making pies.

Benjamin

Ben is just a few days shy of being 20 months.  He continues to amaze us each day.  He can climb anything, holds his own with his sister and her buddies, does puzzles and then looks to us as if to say "that was so easy...why are you clapping?"  He is also starting to say lots of words.  His newest is "cheese" which means "please get me some cheese and I will take one bite and leave it somewhere around the house for you to find later."

Ben at a recent outing doing some arts and crafts.
Finding a way to get out his energy while trapped inside during the wildfires.
Apparently, his lunch was so good he fell asleep.

Dress-up Dance Party

Each night before bath Kate and Ben like to have a dance party.  It sometimes takes place in Kate's room and other times in the room with the computer so they can dance to the music on the computer.  Tonight, it turned into a dress-up dance party.

Kate as a witch, bunny fairy.  Doesn't every fairy wear a football jersey?
Ben as a pretty flower.  He thought this was hilarious!  He danced around like a ballerina.

Different Baby, Different Goggles, Same Age

Kate in the tub on 12/5/05.  At 20 months.  Just a few teeth.
Ben in the tub on 11/13/08.  At 20 months.  Many more teeth than his sister.

Dress up

Looks like Ben likes dressing up as much as his sister!

On the road

Looks like the kids might be planning a vacation without the parents...or an escape from the House of Crazy!

Looks like Ben will be driving.  He is a good So Cal boy and wears his shades to protect his eyes.
Kate is his trusty assistant and will navigate for him.  Just an FYI her face is painted like a leopard.  My friend and I took the kids to LA today to see their favorite kids singer Steve of SteveSongs where they got to do arts and crafts, get their face painted, and see the concert.  Kate and Ben both danced the hour away.