Holiday Wrap Up

Happy New Year!! I can't believe we are already into 2007 (9 days to be exact) and I'm still struggling with a bit of the holiday letdown, I'm not going to lie. This year was so much fun as the kids were both interactive, both excited and Santa was oh-so-good to them.
We did an early Christmas with just our family of 4 before we headed down to New Orleans to spend a week with MeeMaw and PopPop.
We had a great week - hanging out , enjoying the company of friends and family. We started a new family tradition of reading the Night Before Christmas (well, I have to admit that we didn't make it all the way through - the attention span isn't quite there yet).
We came back to Dallas for New Years and spent it at home, nothing exciting and rousing here.

As for milestones and other excitement in our lives -- Jack is getting more and more verbal and fun to interact with every day. He sings his alphabet (ok, he hums a tune that sounds VAGUEYL like the alphabet song), says "sister," "bye," (clear as a bell), "kitty," "dog" and many other words that seem to be escaping this slacking mother's brain...I'll get back to you with those.

Meg is such a powerhouse personality - I mean, she is just a joy to be around. There are times that we really wish she had an "off" button (like at 6am) but all in all it just shows how smart and engaging she will be as she grows. Meg has started Spanish and Computer classes and really enjoys them both - what a smart little cookie!!
She adores her little brother and now each time he cries her response is "don't cry, Jack...I'm here" - yes, Meg, I'm sure the only reason he's crying is because he was missing you. Well, anything's possible I suppose.

Other than that, we are status quo around here - Me working and trying to travel less (the year isn't off to a auspicious beginning as I already have 2 trips scheduled in January), the kids, Jim and I hanging out on weekends - trying to recharge from the week. The kids look forward to school each Monday, so that is definitely showing their love of education....or maybe just their love of their friends, teachers and the fun activities they do. Who knows.

I guess that's it from Larkin Land. Love to all, and wishes for a healthy, happy and exciting 2007!

Christmas Eve with my Christmas Angel 

Now, Mommy???? 

Another view of the mass of presents that Santa delivered  

Christmas Morning....someone's very excited! 

Larkin Family - Christmas morning before opening gifts...hard to hold the attention of Miss Meg who's ready to tear into the gifts. Jack just wants to be free!!! 

Jack reading his newest book...The bump on his head courtesy of the collision he had with the patio outside :( (clearly, he's still a genius)! 

Meg and her new ride on toy - FUN STUFF! 

Here's the aftermath of Christmas morning - the tornado (aka: our children) have done their damage! 

Are these two twins or WHAT!? 

Daddy hanging out with Jack, Meg and their new toys 

Meg climbing over Jack to see what else is hiding over there... 

Mommy, Jack and Meg at our Christmas at home before heading to New Orleans 

Meg making sure her brother is dressed as the true "gift" he is 

Jack with his friends Alexis and Michael - eating all the cheese puffs they'll give him...he's happy - although he looks a bit like "Gulliver's travels" in this particular high chair. 

Hey Daddy - look! I'm going to put some cookies in my napkin to save for later... 

Meg laughing at her friend Ethan and his dad - and did I mention that cheese puffs make ANYTHING better?? 

Our little helper for her Christmas party at school - so proud of handing out her red cups!