Staying warm and fun inside..

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNTIE RIRI!
During the Holidays we were blessed to have auntie Riri visit us. Did travel, got sick, ate out, watched lots of movies and had fun.. But she had to leave us again. Samuel was very sad, and the next three mornings he kept asking if she was back.. We miss you and also wish you a Happy Birthday!

Finally, we made time for Ginger Bread Houses! It was the first time for both of us, Samuel and I.. He was soooo excited, I helped with the structure, and making sure the candy and crackers would stay; however, he was the one who chose where the candy would go.The first day he wanted with a roof and the other without it. On the second one, he wanted toys and people and furniture.. a lot of detail.. besides a garage.. it was great! Yes, we ate a lot of the candy.. but was worth it. Of course, Benjamin wanted cracker and candy like any little one, so after we started we had to stop and wait for Benjamin's nap time to actually do it. And the result.. After Christmas, Samuel has been wanting to fix everything in the house with his tool box. I am so glad I got the actual box so that all the pieces can be boxed up and easy to carry. Naturally, Benjamin always wants to see and do what big brother is doing... so he helps. One day as Benjamin was finishing his snack, Samuel decided his little brother's high chair needed some repair.. and although now is banned to do any playing under his chair while Benjamin is still in it (safety) he was looking very serious and determinant on his work. I love seeing them play together, especially when fighting is not involved. My favorite time was when they were trying to fix (or break) the baby gate. Although, I think they had a unified reason to do it.. for what the gate means to them..

Before Grandma took down and put away all the Christmas decorations, I tried taking some shots of the kids in their Santa outfits.. But when one smiles the other looks away.. so we just have fun taking a bunch of them waiting for the winner shot.

And the winner is.. Although Samuel is not looking at the camera, I loved what was happening on the picture.

After those by the tree, we tried in front of the fireplace.. but they were done.. so I could only get one. Still cute, although Benjamin had his eyes closed. This winter in Omaha has definitely hit a lot of records for coldest.. with low temperatures of -11F plus windshield making a -30sF temperatures Alaska freezing to go out of your house. So we have spent a lot of time inside.. funny story, the children come up with creative ideas.. like Samuel playing Cook baking under the table (oven) with a wood puzzle (cookies in tray).. I admit I really get into some of this pretending like another child.

The other morning after breakfast Samuel was excited to see how happy I was that Benjamin finished all his eggs. And to approve my happiness, he decided to hi five Benjamin and pound it as well.. so cute.. just watch..

Basket ride time.

Benjamin loves to get in and out of boxes or baskets, especially when laundry is being done.. But daddy had a fun idea.. basket ride! Samuel joined in too.. what a cute moment..