Thursday
We ran errands in the morning and went out to lunch. In the evening we made it to church! It was the first time in a looonnnggg time. The service was short and sweet. Bennett loved it because it was mostly singing. Joel said he was rocking out to the music. Caroline couldn't sit still for a minute, so we were out in the lobby walking around a bit. At least she looked super cute:

Friday
The evening before, we set up the wonderful electric train 'from Santa.' When the kids were awake in the morning, Joel went downstairs to turn it on and video their reaction. At the top of the stairs, we could vaguely hear the train making noise. I asked Bennett what the noise was, so he ran downstairs and his mind was blown. He didn't notice the deer sitting there for quite some time. Caroline noticed after a few minutes. She'd walk over, point to it and make some noises, then scoot away because she was scared. She did that a few times before Joel picked up the deer to show her. It wasn't until Joel picked up the deer that Bennett said, "A buck!"

She was pretty amazed by the deer and couldn't stop pointing and talking about it.

The kids got to open their stockings. There wasn't much wrapped in the stocking, but Caroline didn't have much interest and Bennett would stop after each item, wanting to play with it. We had to take the toys away from him as he was getting them, just so he'd keep taking things out of the stocking. But he'd pull out a package of glow sticks and want to open them. And we'd have to tell him, "No! There's more in there! Look at what else there is!" Then he'd pull out a pack of sticker and want to open them. So I'd open them and give him one, so that he could pull out another pack of stickers. But everything he pulled out, he wanted to play with. I guess it's good that he's grateful for each gift, instead of wanting more, more, more, and racing through to see what he got.

After stockings, the kids changed and we ate breakfast. Then it was time for the main event: presents! We managed to take a picture of the kids in front of the tree, but they weren't dressed in their Christmas best and we forgot to take a family photo!

After presents at home, we went to Grandma and Grandpa's to open gifts:

We finished off the night by going to the Gam's for their annual party. The kids received a few gifts, which was sweet. Bennett got all the fun toys: a bus, cars, things that move and make noise. Caroline got stuffed animals and blankets. Poor thing. Quite a few times she looked longingly at Bennett's awesome gifts, probably wishing her's were more fun.

Saturday
We spent the morning getting things ready and packing the car to go to New London. Caroline was a little clingy at first, but soon warmed up and both kids were running around, playing with cousins. Caroline liked to play with the little kitten, who, quite a few times, wanted to pounce Caroline with claws out. I don't know who I felt worse for: Caroline who didn't know the cat wanted to rip her head off, or the cat who Caroline kept chasing. 

Caroline got pretty crabby during presents. She really didn't understand the point of presents. I'd help her rip off the wrapping paper, and then she'd just walk away. Bennett got some great vehicles, so he was in heaven and didn't want to leave. Plus he loved being around his cousins.

First day of Christmas break for these kids. First up was feeding time, at the zoo (yes, they both know to sit if they want to eat. It's pretty cute):

Thursday

Friday

Spice art. They were painting with a special edible glue and spices. Her teacher said she'd eat it and get mad because it didn't taste good... Her spices were mustard and curry. 

Saturday

Bennett had a sleepover with August. 

And Caroline slept with mom

Sunday

For the longest time Caroline wouldn't eat bananas. Mushed or cut up she'd gag and throw up when eating them. But now they're her favorite food. 

Then she saw this headband and insisted on wearing it even though it doesn't match her outfit. 

Monday

Grandma brought over giant 3 lb lobsters after work. 

Caroline looked at the lobster and moved a few steps away. 

Bennett was funny at dinner. He was talking about hamsters and I asked him if a hamster was bigger than a horse. He said no. We went though a huge list of animals, asking if the hamster was larger or smaller and he always answered correctly. Then I asked him if a hamster is bigger than his cup, which is pretty small. He said no, the hamster is smaller. And I said, "actually, they'd be about the same size," and Bennett smiled and me, nodding for a few seconds then in a sing song voice says, "but they're nooo-ooot!" It was too funny and I have to give him credit in voicing his opinion nicely. 

Tuesday

Wednesday

Caroline started off her day with a book and cake:

Bennett and his classmates pretended to ride on a tour bus:

Bennett made this gingerbread man at daycare. The pompoms are nipples... Yes, that's right. He told us himself.