Christmas in Railroad Town 1897

This afternoon, we continued our Christmas celebration by going to the museum for their Christmas Past and Present display.  We took the boys last year and it left  mark on Sean, as he still talks about it.  Although it was colder this year (much, much colder), it was still a wonderful time.  Since there was snow this year, we were able to go on a smooth sleigh ride instead of a bumpy wagon ride.  The boys participated in crafts as we visited several homes (including the Fonda house), the hardware store, the school, the Mercantile, boarding house (we sang Christmas Carols), the telephone operator's house and others.  I had to keep reminding myself that all of the welcoming people were in character.  In first house we visited, the lady of the house was telling us about how her son got married last summer.  I thought maybe Tony knew him.  It wasn't until she told us about him working at the university that the nickel dropped!  A little slow today, I guess!

We are so thankful, that people are willing to donate their time, so that families can enjoy this wonderful holiday experience.

Enjoying a bobsleigh ride

Making paper chains in the school house.  The paste was flour and water.

Sugar cookies with LOTS of frosting!

Wait for us horses!  Okay, so I'm a little out of order...whatever!

Decorating the tree in the Fonda house.

Heading up the path...whatever will we do here?

On the bobsleigh

"Look Daddy, choo choo!"

After checking out the outside of the steam engine, we went into the dining car.  There the conductor read us a story and gave the boys bells.  Very Polar Express.  They loved it!

Playing house in the main part of the museum. Notice Ryan diving into the bed.  We were waiting for pictures with Santa to be printed.  Ryan was a little skittish today. When we went to the mall he sat on Santa's knee for the longest time, today he wouldn't go up at all.  Instead he would run around the corner, stop, yell "Santa!" and run away again!

Making an ornament in the grey house.

Sanding an ornament after drilling the hole in it.

It's A Very Staab Christmas!

As you know, the Staab's head north for the holidays each year.  As a result, we made an arrangement with Santa a couple of years ago.  Santa visits our house on the Sunday before we leave.  Sean understands that it is would be difficult to  bring so many gifts back through the airport.  He also remembers seeing lots of other boys and girls at the airport and knows that Santa makes arrangements for them too.  We understand that Santa has held a few things back for Christmas eve at Nana and Papa's house...we'll see!  Last night, we left (freshly baked) shortbread cookies and milk for Santa.  We also read "T'was the Night Before Christmas".  Sean and Ryan both did a fantastic job going to bed so Santa could come and do his work.  As usual, Sean was in our room at 6:00am, but waited patiently to see if Santa had come until 7:30 when little bro woke up!  What a great kid!  Now we are sitting by the tree, watching the boys play (and argue) with toys, daddy is watching football and I am playing with the MacBook that Santa brought me!  I must have been good this year too!  This afternoon we will head to the "Christmas Past and Present" display at the local museum.  Sean still talks about this trip from last year.  All of the old homes are open and kids get to do Christmas crafts from the period, visit Father Christmas and Santa Claus.  So, watch for updates soon.

Decking the Halls, Ryan in the Box & The Great Train Race of 2007

These were all taken about a month ago, I just didn't get around to uploading. It wasn't actually that warm the day Sean decorated his tree, but he wanted to wear his engineer shorts because Ryan was wearing his overall. I told him it was too cold. He told me, "that's okay Mommy, we aren't going anywhere anyway." How do you argue with that logic?

Serious "pipe" addiction developing. He is going to be harder to break than Sean. Way too strong willed! He thoroughly enjoys being "inside" the busy box!

The boys decided that Thomas and Friends were more fun without the track. When Daddy got home he organized races that lasted for an hour (at least). They had such a great time, it was a lot of fun to watch.

Sean Staab PI

Last week, in a brief moment of insanity, I took the boys to the mall. We actually went to see Santa. Since he wasn't there, and the dress I wanted was, I figured why not. At some point Sean "borrowed" my camera from my purse. I think Tony put him up to it, to document my spending habits while he was away! Fortunately, he didn't start snapping until we were out of the dressing room!

No, I didn't buy that pair...I found another somewhere else!
Ryan, browsing in ladies wear.

Paying for my dress. Yes, I bought it!

Ryan's Lovin' the Snow...the Mitt's...Not So Much!

Winter has officially arrived! Ryan loves playing outside. He didn't bat an eye the first time out...he did like he does with everything...he dove right in. Unfortunately, I can't get him to wear his mitts. The last time I tried he threw it in the snow, Stanley found it and turned it into a toy. I rescued it and washed it. In the meantime, Stanley found the mate and ATE it! Oh well, I guess Ryan wasn't using them anyway!

The other day, Ryan donned his fire fighter's hat before leaving to pic Sean up from preschool!

Okay Mommy, I'm ready, let's go!

While Mommy's Away, Ryan Will Play...In the Dirt!!

While Sean and I were at hockey yesterday...

Ryan had a great time! Notice Stanley's look of I didn't do it...I was just laying here!

Thanks to Daddy for the great clean up job. I didn't know until he showed me the picture.

Speaking of pictures...we had our family picture taken for our Christmas card tonight. Yes I procrastinated, but I'm very happy with the results. They should be out in a few days.

Ice and Frigid Temps Won't Keep the Staab Boys In!

We had an ice storm in our area yesterday. Not so nice yesterday, but very pretty today. Despite the freezing temps (20's) the boys were bundled up and outside playing. Sean always loves this. Ryan seemed to take to his first experience in the snow too. Unfortunately, he isn't into wearing mitts yet. How cold do one's hands have to be before caving and accepting mitts?

Notice the pipe. Since this last round of being sick, Ryan has developed a full on addiction.

Ryan's Big Boy Bed!

Ryan's new furniture arrived yesterday (despite the ice storm). He (knock on wood) transitioned from the mattress on the floor to the bed no problem. He did wake at one point last night and called out for me, but he settled back down right away. I think he might have been a little confused during a natural waking point. Had the room been the same, we probably would never have known he was awake.

Helping Daddy set up.
Extra rail on the bottom. Since he is still so young and rolls like crazy, better to be safe.

He climbed right up without hesitation. Just doing what he does on Sean's!

Testing it out! Notice the trains...still lovin' the trains!