The Past Week

We've all been under the weather for the past few days and Clara has decided she doesn't like to sleep for more than 4 hours at a time at night. But we're still having fun!  On Thursday, both Mom & Dad were off so we decided to take a little trip to Easton, PA to visit the Crayola Factory.  It's not really a factory, but they do show how many of their products are made and more importantly, it is a very "hand's on" place to play for kids of all ages.  Below are a few pictures...including Mommy's favorite pastime (shopping).

We also had the opportunity to visit Santa.  The beginning was fun for Annalise (fake snow and all!), but meeting Santa...not so much.  Clara, I don't think she really knew what was happening!

For those of you that got my last email and didn't see the Swanson Singing & Dancing Troupe, click here.  For those that want to peruse 200 or so pics of November, click here.

A Little Bit of Christmas Cheer

From all of us here in Mendham...hope this makes you smile!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Thanksgiving and such...

A belated happy Thanksgiving to everyone.  A few days late, but know that we thought of all our family and friends during the past few days.  We had the pleasure of enjoying Thanksgiving dinner cooked by Nana Rindos...oh so delicious (and lasagna the next...we're a bit gluttonous...at least the last couple of days.)  Friday morning (Black Friday??) was spent getting and putting up the Christmas trees...yes TREES.  It seems that we spend most of our time upstairs and little in our living room..thus two trees.  Upstairs is kid friendly (note the help we had below) and downstairs..still to be decorated...will be whatever is left! 

Annalise also had the pleasure of staying overnight with Nana & Pop-pop Friday into Saturday.  It gave Mommy a lot of time to study and Daddy time to play and work. 

Below are a few pictures of the past few days...enjoy!

The Rindos "Famous" Turkey pictures (note that Annalise was napping and woke up after Daddy cut the turkey..how convenient!)

The Rindos Cousins...my what good friends they are going to be in a couple of years!

Annalise being her typical self (recently finding out how good candy corn is too!)

Our Christmas tree decorator...when she first saw it her words were, "Ooooh, pretty!"

Clara's Firsts

Clara has had quite a number of "firsts" over the last few weeks. From smiling, cooing, and any other of numerous things she's doing, Clara has been a neverending supply of new things (as has her big sister). Today was a new first....her first day of "school."  Although it was difficult for all involved (except maybe Clara who slept through the entire morning drop-off) including Annalise (who didn't understand why Mom, Dad, and Clara were dropping her off at school), everyone survived. Next week is Day #2 and then full time starting in December.

Our Little Princess(es)

Mommy took Annalise to a "Princess Breakfast" at a local children's museum today. It wasn't exactly as advertised, but our little Princess did say she had fun. Clara spent the morning lying next to Daddy. Other than that, the week at the Swanson household has been uneventful. Annalise loves to say "I do it" for everything...she's becoming Miss Independent for sure. Unfortunately, Mommy's "vacation" home with the kids is coming to an end this week. Clara will spend Tuesday with Annalise at school.

Here are a few pictures from this morning:

Annalise wasn't sure to make of it at the time...

Clara at her best!

A Day at the Park

While Annalise & Clara's Aunt Cindy & Shari & Uncle Jeff were in town, they took Annalise & Clara to the park to hang out on a beautiful November day (Sunny & 60's beautiful?). Lots of sliding, climbing, and other park fun was had (as well as a nice slumber by the lone baby of the group). Just a few cute pictures here...

Birthday Party

A great time was had by all at Annalise's 2-year Birthday Party. Aunts Shari & Cindy and Uncle Jeff flew in from Minnesota and Nana & Pop-pop Rindos, Aunt Ree-Ree, Uncle John & Cousin Madison came over too! Here are a few pics of the happenings!


The Birthday Girl


Opening the wonderful gifts from everyone


Clara: "I want some cake!"

Aunt Shari & Annalise with the Nemo cake

The family gathering

I'm TWO!

Two years ago today Annalise Grace Swanson came into this world. Our lives are all the better for it. Happy Birthday Annalise!

Guess who's turning 2 soon!

Annalise went to Pre-K today (that's the new & improved term for daycare I guess) and brought cupcakes to celebrate turning 2 on Saturday. Here's a short video of her decorating them with Nana last night.

A Busy Week...

The last week and a half have been busy in the Swanson household..thus the lack of postings. Dad had some research to do down in Charlottesville so the whole family took a trip. Six hours and several Dora episodes later we made it without much difficulty. We were able to stay with our good friends Chris, Brooke, & Austin. Austin & Annalise had a lot of fun together.

We also had the opportunity to take part in the yearly tradition of Halloween on the Lawn. Neither Austin or Annalise were really thrilled about Trick-or-Treating (but notice how cute Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia look together!).

Clara slept through most of it (is it hibernation time for penguins?) but was still adorable and a good baby!

Annalise & Austin actually loved giving the candy out that night as other kids came to the door. It was a good example of giving rather than receiving!

Thanks again to the Arnold's for the hospitality!

For some other pictures from the month of October, click here!

Halloween Preview

Annalise & Clara were invited by their cousin Madison to a Halloween parade in Rutherford, NJ today. It was a chance to try on their new costumes and see what everyone else was wearing. We had a good time and Clara won a trophy for "Best Baby Penguin"....she was happy to share with her win with her cousin & sister though!

The Family!


The "Best Baby Penguin Award!"



Madison was Nemo...but much cuter!

Our own Princess Leia...do you think she looks like the original?

Happy 2 Month Birthday to Clara

Our "little" cutie pie...2 months old yesterday!

The Best of New Jersey

Michelle & I never thought we'd live in New Jersey, but here we are. The best thing about New Jersey, not one of the best, but The Best, is having Pop-pop and Nana Rindos around (as well as Aunt Ree-Ree and Uncle John!). Last night, Annalise spent the night at her grandparents and although she woke Nana up at 5:30, had a good time. Here are some pics of them with the girls.


Nana, Ree-Ree & AGS in the pool!

Nana & Clara


"No Pop-Pop" this is how you do it!

A proud Pop-Pop

Sisters

So here are a couple of pictures of the girls at 1 month. Can you tell they're sisters?

Annalise - 1 month Clara - 1 month

Grandma & Grandpa Swanson Come to visit

Grandma & Grandpa Swanson recently came from Minnesota to come and visit for a week. Annalise really enjoyed getting to play with another "Pop-Pop" and "Nana." We were able to go pumpkin picking, visit a farm and go on a couple of walks, but otherwise enjoyed quiet time (or not so quiet time) at home. Here are a few pictures!

Pop-pop "resting his eyes". A very happy new baby!

Helping Pop-pop read the paper on Sunday and watching the farm animals with Nana

Who's walking who at the farm?