He practices very hard to get a nice sound to come out while he bows.
Keep up the good work, Noah!
So, 3 and a 1/2 is a neat age. We see Noah maturing before our eyes. His imagination has come to life - he loves to pretend and dress up as a doctor, a fireman, a cowboy, or a chef. He loves to play with his tractors & trucks. He still enjoys reading & now even "pretends" to read those books that he now has memorized from us reading them over & over. He's quite the little chatter bug. Curious George is still his favorite cartoon. Duck & blanket are still "must-haves" before going to bed, although Woody has joined the regime. It's fun seeing him now enjoying a bowl of tomato soup with his grilled cheese sandwich. He often asks for bologna & cheese (which I find disgusting) but seems to be one of his favorite things for lunch. He's also a pasta lover --and also enjoys meatloaf. It's just neat to see his little personality bursting out. He's kind, loves to snuggle, and is quite the "politeness police" when it comes to his sister using her manners correctly. I love hearing Noah pray before every meal, and to clear his plate after excusing himself from the table. It's certainly not because of all these little manners he's picked up so well - but because of simply who he is. It's a pleasure watching you grow up, Noah - and somedays I get sad knowing that it goes by too quickly. What I do know, is if this is a glimpse of the man you will all too quickly be - you will be a fine gem. I hope you always snuggle with me & always have the joy for life that you currently have. Love you, Magoo!
Noah & Norah's cousins: Luke & Dylan in front of all the presents. Jeff's oldest brother's family wasn't able to make it - as they were sick with the stomach bug.
Papa J. was holding the youngest, little Maddie - only 2 months old:
Jeff was holding Norah...while she would sit still, anyway. She was enjoying all the food:
As was Noah:
Norah always finds someone's shoes to put on...here it was Val's mom's...
She was just too cute in her Christmas dress...
Ah ha - found the Chex Mix...
Later, we went back to Jeff's parents to spend the night & the kids got in their jammies.
Noah loved cuddling up with Ra-ra J.
We got up on the 25th - the kiddos came downstairs with The Chipmunks music playing! Santa ate his chocolate chip cookies that Jeff & Noah made & left only a morsel. He drank his milk & took the carrots for the reindeer. Noah said, "Look, it's all gone...except this crumb!" and put it in his mouth.
Noah went quickly to his stocking.
A pez dispenser! (his first!)
Norah wanted to do her stocking, too!
Norah's 2nd Hallmark Ornament to add to her collection.
And bracelets (which quickly fell apart & got returned!)
We got the kids their own table - they both LOVE it.
Buzz & Woody were unwrapped & Christmas came to a screeching hault! He was SO happy.
Norah got a purse...which she loved.
I have to laugh, because Mary, is the tall girl in blue, standing behind Noah (as Joseph).
I think Noah liked singing much better than being Joseph, besides --he got to ring his own bell.
Yummy, indeed.
"Mama, we're wrestling!" (Just want I want to send in the Christmas cards...)
I thought we'd try some in front of the tree...Norah found her bunny much more interesting & Noah wanted his blanket...
Noah decided to say, "Cheese" but Norah still would not pay attention...
This year Jeff's parents had given us their village & we decorated the mantle with it. 
Some older bulbs, along with my Hallmark ornament collection adorned the tree.
And the kids' favorite: the train under the tree. The train, alone, entertained them for days - and hours upon hours.
We had found a train whistle in our travels for a souvenir for Noah over the summer. He was constantly blowing his whistle & yelling, "All aboard!"
Norah enjoys "Cocoa Time" too...with a bottle & lots of marshmallows.
"It's delicious!" Noah tells me - and I fully agree.
Noah liked looking in the store-fronts & seeing this Santa at Fisher's Pharmacy.
