What's New at Chez McGuire?

1. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

The kids have jumped right into the Christmas Spirit the minute the turkey leftovers were put away! We had to decorate the tree and the house immediately (or as soon as I pulled it all out on Friday) That means I will be needing to adjust some ornaments a little higher and around the garland they couldn't wait to be added to the tree. 

2. Angels we have heard on high!

The putting of the angel bear on the tree is a special tradition Marty started with the kids awhile back. This year Hanna remembered she did it last year so it was Haley's turn. Each night they say good night to Angel Bear. Even the littlest McGuire likes to do this, too!

3. Simply having a wonderful Christmas time!

Brady is loving every thing about the season this year! The snowmen, Rudolph, and HO HO (aka Santa) are being moved about the house all day long. I think he thinks all the decorations are his new toys. Does that mean Santa doesn't need to leave much?

4. You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch!

We were excited to see the Christmas cartoons are starting. We watched Shrek the Halls and then The Grinch. No Hanna isn't acting out a scene from the movie. She sometimes thinks there is a meanie that lives here, too. One who makes her pose for pictures when she doesn't want to and one that doesn't give her ice cream for dessert everynight! I think he was here on December 1st!

5. On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Counting down the days until Christmas is torture when you are 9,6,and 2 so you definitely need a little encouragement along the way for being patient, finishing your school work, and not driving your mom completely nuts! We were all excited to see our new advent calendar hung up next to our new shelves Daddy hung up on Sunday for us. I have been stuffing little treasures in the pockets each day for the kids to find. Today, after schoolwork was completed, Hanna couldn't wait to find out the "snack of the day!" (I think she watches a little too much Rachael Ray!)

6. O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, your branches green delight us!

Our little free spirit loves to take care of the tree! Although he prefers to spend most of his time without his Sunday best on (or Monday thru Friday best either), He sure makes sure the Christmas tree looks it's best. He moves the ornaments from branch to branch and even spritzes water on it to make sure it stays hydrated! I guess artificial doesn't mean a thing to a 2 year old!

7. Rockin' around the Christmas Tree!

We weren't allowed to start Christmas music until after Turkey day according to Daddy. So now we have it on all the time! We love Pandora, a free radio that you create who and what is played on your station. Cool! Brady is picking up on the tunes and can sing a few bars of Jingle Bells and today was practicing his Rockette kicks with Haley!

  

8. Merry Little Christmas

After the business of Thanksgiving and the past year, we enjoyed family time the past few days being together, decorating, crafting and making gifts, and embracing the magic of the season!