Now that Santa's....back in town!

He made it to the frigid windy city once again! Welcome back!

And look at what beautiful and exciting gifts you brought for the kiddos! They'll be bursting with excitement come morning!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Always Be Prepared...for the worst!

So, remember that catnap Paul took earlier on Christmas Eve? And remember that motto the Boy Scouts live by? Well, we needed both tonight for the Christmas Eve Construction nightmare, also known as Isla's Hello Kitty Bike.

It started out so promising, as you can see by the smile on Paul's face. He has a beer and the confidence of a father somewhat seasoned in assembling special Christmas gifts.

But then, it came time to put the front wheel on. And that's where the wheels fell off (sorry had to say it.) Actually, the wheel wouldn't go on. And it still wouldn't go on after looking in the book, forcing it, looking in the book, looking online, looking at me. You get the idea.

Then we reached out to the trusted car expert in the family, Poppy, because we knew he'd have some way to get this wheel on or we would have one devastated little woman in the morning.


After digging deep into our super-parenting strength, possibly tearing our biceps and straining our back, the wheel was on and Paul continued the battle with this bike.

What was supposed to be another quick and easy assembly was probably worse than the kitchen he did for Isla a few years back. But, knowing that Isla will be beyond excited in the morning makes this late, late night totally worth it!


Yes, he's smiling and you can't hear the string of blog-inappropriate expletives through his teeth.
Great job, pk!

Don't EVEn tell me I have to wait to eat those treats: Part 3

The kiddos fixed a plate for Santa and his reindeer, but Gannon felt he needed to make sure everything tasted just right for dear old Santa. Especially that beer.

Gannon really couldn't help himself although he really wanted to help himself!

Hands off, buddy!

"Don't I at least deserve one extra cookie tonight? I am giving up my sooses so I can get an awesome truck from Santa! I'm sure he wouldn't mind if I helped him get a jump on this plate of food."

Sorry, Mr. Man. This is the official plate for Santa, beer, sooses and all. An empty plate and basket will make for very happy kiddos in the morning!

....a brief pause for a word from our sponsor...

These lovely and delicious cookies were all made during a lovely afternoon by Isla and her YiaYia especially for Christmas. Thank you, YiaYia, for everything you did to make this baking day possible. Amazing!

 

Still can't EVEn wait: Part 2

What's this? Looks like Santa's elves stopped by to let us know the jolly old man is on his way! (Finally!)

 

Isla: "I knew those elves were gonna come again!"

Those elves sure do know how to pick books. How can you go wrong with a unicorn and a gingerbread man on a firetruck!

Can't EVEn wait for Santa: Part 1

The night that Santa finally arrives is here and the kiddos can hardly contain their excitement or sugar intake. Keeping with tradition, we headed down to Gammo and Grampy's house to start the holiday off right.

Presents in our stocking is a step in the right direction! Look at those cozy feet!

Gannon is either drawing up plans to a) sneak and see Santa b) take his sooses (pacifiers) back before Santa gets to them c) construct the ultimate train train bike d) all of the above.
See answer below.

"No, I won't touch anything or open these gifts back here, Gammo. That is not the sound of ornament falling or paper ripping. You're hearing things."

Sleeping now because he must have a premonition about the long night of present assembly ahead. (Stay tuned.)


Happy little family! Either I'm doing my best "SuperMom" impression or stabilizing my hips to hold my almost 5-year-old.

Thank you Gammo and Grampy for another wonderful night to get us ready for Santa!


Answer from above: D ( I think.) You never really know what's going on in that big brain of his!

Always Be Prepared

Sounds like words to live by. It's a motto that has worked for the Boy Scouts and could apply to most any situation, including the assembly of Christmas presents. So, on Saturday night (12/21), Paul decided to get a head start on the regularly scheduled Christmas Eve late night projects.

Project #1: Gannon's "Train Train" Bike (yes, Gannon says it that way, and it's cute so we don't correct it.)

Out of box and unwrapped. Minimal parts to assemble. So far so good.

A little tinkering here and there and...

Complete! Looks great and only took just over 30 minutes. This "construction season" will be a breeze. Ah, don't get ahead of yourself. Remember these words...always be prepared.

A Perfect 10

Another Sunday in October, another marathon in the books. (Paul's 10th Chicago Marathon to be exact.) ZAB put it all out there again and tackled that course in 3:08!


He's really letting all of this marathoning go to his head...


The loyal ZAB-ites were ready to cheer!


And we're so glad Iron Mike could hold the ZAB sign again this year...looking strong 9 weeks post-surgery and loving ZAB's bib number. Just so happens those numbers are his birthday, 1-5-45!



Great job today, pk! You're amazing, inspiring and totally awesome, in ALL that you do. Can't wait to do this all again for the next 10!
We love you!




PS: Congratulations to my cousin, Elliott, for completing his first marathon with a time of 3:42! Promise us you'll be a little more prepared next time and "officially" train? ;)