The Polar Express

Libby with her special gold ticket.

Libby kicked off the Christmas Season on Saturday night with a trip to the North Pole aboard The Polar Express!  It was a special treat for her from Grammie and Papa Yandek.  Libby, Grammie, Papa, Mom and Dad boarded the train a little after six, and by seven, they were on their way to the North Pole!  Just like in the movie, Libby had her golden ticket punched by the conductor.

Libby giving her best HO, HO, HO.

On the way there, an elf read the story "The Polar Express" while other elves passed out chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate.  Then, everyone practiced their "HO, HO, HO" while waiting to arrive.  Once the train reached its destination, there were lots of holiday lights, reindeer, elves, snowmen, presents, Christmas trees and Santa and Mrs. Claus riding their own train and waving to everyone on board.

Libby meeting the Big Guy.

On the way back, Santa himself stopped by the car to talk to each of the kids.  Everyone got a special present--his or her own bell from Santa's sleigh!  Libby pulled on Santa's beard and told him he wanted Disney Princess Barbies for Christmas.  Of course, she couldn't understand why she didn't get one THAT VERY MINUTE.  Lucky for her, I have it on good information that the Big Guy will be bringing her not one, but seven Disney Princess Barbies!

The Pajama Parade!

After Santa's visit, there were lots of Christmas Carols and a pajama parade for all the kids to show off their Christmas sleepwear.  By the end time the train got back to the station, everyone was a little hot and the kids were pretty much passed out.  It was a great experience for everyone.  Libby especially loved it, although her favorite part of the whole trip wasn't Santa Claus or the North Pole or the bell.  It was the peanut butter filled pretzels Dad bought in the Concession Car.  A girl after Daddy's own heart!

Taking a break...

Not the Annoying Purple Dinosaur

Here, Libby tries to entice Barney to take a treat from her.  They actually get along really well.  Although, Libby has a hard time understanding that sometimes, Barney just wants to be left alone.  Even when he bites at her, she doesn't quite get the message....

Corinne and Libby cutting the rug at the Princess Ball.  Libby, Mom, Claire, Corinne, Aunt Lauren,  Aunt Reen and Grammie all went to the ball.  The girls dressed like their favorite princesses, got to meet their favorite princesses and all had a pretty good time in the process!

Mary has just started feeding herself.  It isn't the most effective food delivery system, but she seems to enjoy it.  Not sure if that's because she feels independent, or if it always leads to bath time...

Although Halloween is over and done with, Libby has managed to keep the Halloween spirit alive.  Everything else got packed away for next year, but the pirate gear is so popular, that we kept it around.  Libby will put it all on and walked around the house saying "Arrgh, Matey."  It's pretty awesome.

Mary has quite the fashion sense.  She loves sunglasses, especially ones that are way too big for her. 

Mary and Barney "playing".  For the first week or so, Barney wanted no part of the girls.  He would pretty much stay in the basement all day until the girls went to bed.  He warmed up to Libby first, since she will give him treats, pet him, play with him, and she doesn't try to smother him or screech at the top of her lungs EVERY TIME she sees him.  For those very reasons, it took Barney a little longer to get used to Mary.  Now, she follows Barney around the house with his "toy on a stick" and tries to get him to play.  Sometimes, he actually pays attention to her! 

Halloween Domination

Mom and Libby pose with the pumpkins.

After sorting through all the candy, we are happy to report that Halloween 2011 was a smashing success for Libby and Mary.  It was a week-long celebration of costumes, candy, family and friends that culminated in a night of trick-or-treats, ghosts and goblins, and lots and lots of candy!  It all started on Wednesday, with story time at the library.  The girls decided to dress as the Snow White twins, to rave reviews.

The happiest pirate you'll ever see!

On Saturday, the girls went with their official costumes for the season--Libby as Ariel and Mary as a pirate.  The day started with Rocky River Early Childhood PTA Halloween party.  There was a trick-or-treat village, snacks, crafts and a magician!  Libby had a ghost painted on her face and made a spooky necklace, while Mary pretty much ran around like a fool the whole time.  Both ladies thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Is it Snow Whites, or Snows White?

Then it was off to Aunt Reen's store for their Halloween Scavenger Hunt.  The girls especially enjoyed this, since Claire, Corinne, Declan, Grammie, Papa, Aunt Reen, Aunt Lauren and Uncle Jerry were all there.  Again, the girls got to run around in their costumes and picked up some pretty cool treats and toys.  It was a busy morning for the girls, but they were troopers.

The 2011 Halloween Family Picture!

The girls kicked off Halloween with a pajama party at daycare.  They came home with so much candy, they didn't even need to trick-or-treat that night.  That did not stop them, however!  After a quick visit to Grammie and Papa Hanna's, it was home to costume up for the big night.  Grammie and Papa Yandek and Aunt Holly came over to help pass out candy and to trick or treat.  Of course, they brought all sorts of goodies, as well.  Then it was up and down the street for all sorts of good stuff.  Mary only made it halfway, before she had to turn around.  Libby made it all the way up and down the block before ending the night with a cupcake and "Finding Nemo" at her friend Henry's house.  Plain and simple, the Yandek Girls dominated Halloween.  Oh, and they got a cat.  Barney.  But that's a different story...