Professional Photos

We are lucky to have some talented family and friends.  A few weeks back, we had our friend, Amy, take some photos and the girls weren't overly cooperative, yet she still got some good shots.

 

Vivian is into saying "Ho ho ho."  She loves singing Christmas carols, which mostly means she yells a lot while Christmas carols are playing.  She had fun with cousin Maggie and Aunt Annie got in some great looking photos too.

Nina likes making up stories and reading them to us.  Most stories include a mean guy that changes his attitude.  It's hilarious to hear her use our own phrases back at us; yesterday she told Kara, "A week is not so long."

San-sa!

The girls have had several fun-filled days with grandparents while Barb was on vacation.  Coloring and puzzles with Nana all week, cars and dominoes with Grandma and Grandpa over the weekend, and getting to even see Annie and Maggie for a bit, too!  The girls helped decorate the Christmas tree and they seem to be in the holiday spirit, chasing the elf on the shelf all around the house.

Listening (and dancing) to the Carolers

Vivian is still a good communicator and one of our new favorite phrases is when we ask her what book she would like to read.  She always says, "ummmm, dat one" and points.  Nina has been working on her letters and likes to write her name.  Sometimes it turns out better than others, but it's still fun to watch her learn.

We got geared up to see Santa at Holidazzle this weekend and so we tried to prepare the girls.  We asked Pip if she would sit on Santa's lap, she nodded and then did the following:

The practice must have paid off, because Vivian held in the tears and Nina answered his questions somewhat audibly.  When Santa asked her what she wanted for Christmas, she replied with, "presents."  

We had only planned on seeing Santa and skipping the parade since it was so cold, but the cold actually worked in our favor.  As we stopped to grab a bite, the streets weren't clogged with people so we could see the floats go by from the counter.

Happy Thanksgiving

The Naks made it down to Nebraska for Thanksgiving and have been enjoying a relaxing time away from work.  The girls were pretty good in the car and spent time reading, coloring, and dancing.  Vivian continues to cheer for Nina after she sings a song.  Both girls love singing along to the Chipmunks' "Christmas don't be late."

Fun with Ella

 

Nana and Papa have Candy Land!

Nina wanted to dye Thanksgiving Eggs?

Before we left, we had a chance to volunteer at an event at Midtown Global Market.  The girls colored and made cards for other children.  They also got a chance to play and dance.  

Coloring at Barb's        ----         Our little puppy

photo booth

Nina still loves using the photo booth on our computer and here are some of the recent winners.  She gets a good hearty laugh out of most of her own poses, which makes Pip laugh too.  It's pretty funny to see all the expressions she can make and she can really get sassy on occasion.

Sixteen Months

HD link

Vivian is getting old and she has plenty of personality.  She likes making funny faces these days, especially her surprised face.  Any time she gets a kick out of something and laughs, she will say, "funny."  She still likes to bug Nina, make animal noises, and tell the dog at daycare "Down!"  She spends time playing with legos, musical instruments, games, dad's phone, hiding in the curtains, singing, and reading books.  She babbles a lot of the day and we love to hear when she uses her tiny voice.

YAHTZEE!