5 Days of Christmas

This year for Christmas we stayed in Florida and spent the holiday with our little family. We were sad not to be with our families. It was hard being States away and knowing that all our family was together. Yet, we did enjoy skyping our families, hearing of their adventures, and receiving fun presents/cards. Leif got a total of 5 days off during Christmas break so it made our not seeing family a little easier. We enjoyed being together as a little family, and had a lot of fun. Warning... this post is LONG... it is 5 days long...a lot happened.... but if you are my friend.... you will read it ALL... right?

Our fun started on Christmas Eve. The babies and I went for a long bike-ride, while Leif worked out. We then got ourselves ready for Christmas Eve by making Santa Sugar Cookies. Savannah and Micah truly loved decorating along with eating spoonfuls of frosting!!! The end looked like real modern art.

That evening we went to a Christmas Devotional at a Methodist Church down the road. As we walked in, each person was given glow lights. The twins had a lot of fun dancing to Christmas Music with their lights!!! I brought a bag full of activities for them (in case they got board) but never had to use it. I would say that this Devotional was a lot like a Christmas Concert.
Our new family tradition is Pajama Pant!!! Each year Leif buys me pajama pants and I buy him a pair. It's fun to see what we pick out for each other. And this year my sister go the twins a pair of Santa Pajamas. We each have a Christmas Tin for our PJ's and we get to open it on Christmas Eve. We then read the Nativity from Luke and use little figurines to act it out. As a night song we sing Away in a Manger and then fall asleep in our new PJ's.

Christmas morning started early. Grandma and Grandpa Kanooth got a Red-Radio-Flyer-Wagon for the twins. Leif and I set out the wagon by the Christmas Tree and put presents inside. Together we feed the kids their milk and changed them in their room. We then let them free to see their presents. Micah ran right to the Wagon and tried climbing inside. Savannah looked around, watched Micah, and then ran right to the handle. She started pulling the wagon with Micah inside!!!
We let them each open one present (a purse and a truck) before having a nice breakfast of Waffles, strawberries, whip cream and eggs. Both Savannah and Micah insisted on eating with their new toys, and wouldn't let go! We then opened our stockings and presents. It was so fun watching the twins get excited about each present. They loved the excitement and we loved watching them.


We then went to Church and had a really nice service. After church the twins took a nap while Leif and I enjoyed ourselves. After naps we headed over to the Reese's Home for Christmas Dinner. We had a really nice Turkey Dinner with mashed potatoes, stuffing, salad, pees, rolls, and blackberry pie. After dinner Jefra gave Micah a Christmas Haircut. We then talked, ate pie and enjoyed ourselves, while the kids played well together (look at the attached picture). It is really nice to have friends, when family is not around. Jefra has become a really dear friend who is willing to do anything with me. I appreciate her friendship.
On the day after Christmas we played with our toys!!! We even went to the park with "the red wagon". Leif pulled the wagon all around the tennis court and the kids loved it. Leif and I then played a match in tennis with the kids as our ball-girl/boy. After tennis we took them to the park and played until nap time. While the kids slept Leif and I watch a movie (Takers) and then enjoyed our Christmas Meal all over again. On the day after-after-Christmas (Dec 27th) we used our museum pass and went to the John & Mable Ringling Museum along with the G-Wiz Museum in Sarasota. The Ringling Museum was awesome!!! John Ringling had an Estate with his Mansion, rose garden, secret garden, and art gallery. There was also a building with original cages for animal, train, posters, and photos. There was a huge tent full of fun circus memorabilia/videos. There was a miniature figurine exhibit of a train circus. There really was a lot to do. The kids had a lot of fun running around Estate. I learned a lot about circus in the 1930's and would have loved to see a show back then. ( Oh the G-Wiz children's museum was fun too).



On the day after-after-after-Christmas (Leif's last day off) we relaxed! The kids and I went to story time at the library in the morning. After naps Leif and I use one of our Gift Cards and went on a REAL DATE (meaning without the kids) to Red Lobster. It was really good food. We didn't order dessert, but got a gallon of ice-cream from the store. After the kids went to bed we watch The Help and ate our ice-cream. It was a nice and relaxing day. THE END!!!

I love Story Time

I thought the library system in Kansas City was great, but the library in Largo is SUPER GREAT. They have the best story times ever, with the sweetest ladies. There are reading programs where the twins get tokens for reading and then get prizes. You can check our Toys, games, puzzles, and movies at the library. Every month they have a special event for kids. And they have an awesome on-line check out system.
I love our Library. I love Story time!! I love the special activities they put on! I love the play area for kids! And my kids are starting to love books!!!
The pictures below are at a Christmas Singing Book Time and a Nature Story time at Weedon Nature Center. I love these Programs.

Micah & Savannah's First Run

I have always wanted a husband that would run races with me. Well, after 6 years of marriage I realize it is better for him to cheer. So now my want is for Micah or Savannah to run races with me. And I hear that the sooner you start the better!! Saturday Dec. 17 Micah & Savannah ran there first 1 mile race (OK... I push them for 4/5 of the race). They DID run down the finish line and cross with a time of 21:00 minutes. Way to go Twins.

I talked 3 of my good friends into running this race with us. I was so happy when they all said "yes". Two of them brought their little boys that are almost 3 and 5 years old. It was so fun to watch their boys run the whole way. Both Cannon and Dylan were so proud of themselves. It was so precious. My other want is to turn all these girls into runners!!!

Santa

My dear sister sent the twins their Christmas gifts early. When I opened the gifts, I smiled with delight seeing a Santa & Mrs. Clause outfit. That night was our Ward Christmas Party, and the twins were a hit. They looked so cute walking around and waving at members (they love waving and saying bye). I was truly excited for Santa and thought the twins would be too. Well, they weren't. Both Micah and Savannah were so scared of him. They wouldn't stop crying, but the picture turned out cute anyhow.

The next night we tried Santa again. A church in Clearwater had what was called "Winter Wonderland." I dressed up the twins again and again tried to get a Santa Picture. Savannah didn't cry, but she was NOT happy. Micah cried. I am starting to feel bad for Santa.Our Library is having Santa come on Monday, so maybe third time will be the charm. The rest of the evening was fun. We went to a petting zoo, decorated Sugar Cookies, danced to music, went done slides, and waved at Santa on our way out.

Gift Exchange

I truly enjoy living in Florida, but there are times that I miss Kansas City. Holidays is one of those times. I miss the Plaza Lights and the snow!! And I also miss Angela's wonderful Christmas Party. So this year I decided to start the tradition here in Florida, and throw a "First Annual Gift Exchange." And I am so glad that I did. It was so much fun stealing gifts and eating treats. I made a hot Cranberry drink and everyone helped bring treats. We therefore got to take home our gifts and a bag full of Christmas Treats. I do miss my friends back in Kansas City and enjoy the memories I have with them. Yet, there are so many wonderful girls here who are becoming my forever friends.

Thanks girls for coming it was so much fun!!!!

Anniversary Trip

December 17th is Leif and my 6 year anniversary. In these 6 years we have been through a lot! There have been trial we have overcome, trips we have enjoyed and memories we have shared. We have lived in 3 different states, throughout the US. We added two little bundles of joy to our family. It has been a wonderful 6 years!!!
Leif had to work on our real anniversary so we celebrated during the week. On Tuesday the 13th we packed up our car (and the babies) and headed off to Orlando. Our first stop was the temple. And it was then we realized that our temple recommends were expired. So plan B was having a picnic on the temple grounds and walking around.

6 wonderful years

We then headed off to our hotel and enjoyed the rest of the evening. Our hotel was really nice and was right next to a YMCA that we could use. We played tennis, went swimming, worked out, sat in the hot-tub and watched TV (this was exciting because we don't have a TV right now). We then went to eat at CiCi's Pizza. It is an all-you-can-eat-buffet and well worth it. The kids loved walking around and eating bits of pizza. Leif and I enjoyed our deep-crust-pizzas and ate 2!
Wednesday we had planned to go to the Orlando Science Center for the day. Well, they were closed!! So we reverted to Plan B (again). We used our Museum Pass and visited 2 Art Museums in Orlando. On the drive home we stopped in Lakeland and visited Explorations V Children's Museum. Even though it wasn't what we planned on doing; we had a great time. After coming home and eating dinner we ended our night by going to the Christmas Lights. The twins LOVED the colorful lights. And we loved watching them. It was a wonderful Anniversary trip. I am very thankful for my wonderful husband and darling children. It was so nice to spend quality time together.

I love Leif

Parents in Town

I haven't posted in a long time because we have been busy with visitors!!! My parents and dear sister, Kjersti, visited for 18 days. 18 days might sounds like a long time... but went by really fast. It was nice having my family here for Thanksgiving. It was nice spending time with my dear sister who just returned from a mission. It was nice for Micah & Savannah to get to know their Grandparents. And it was nice being a tourist in my own town. It was nice having fun together. All-in-all their stay was really nice. This post is therefore going to be LONG, as I try to condense their trip the best I could.
Tuesday November 15, 2011 - My parents and Kjersti flew in around 7:00 p.m. We came home and played with the twins, talked, hugged, and got reacquainted.
Wednesday Nov 16 - We went for a walk at Eagle Lake Park in the morning. At the park we saw turtles, picked grapefruit, and played in the playground. After walking home... we were hot. Kjersti hadn't swam in 18 months so she really wanted to go swimming. Our pool in NOT heated and cold. But due to Kjersti's persistence we went swimming. Mom & KJ ended up swimming for about an hour. I sun-tanned with Daddy. After swimming and the babies nap we went to Largo Central Park where we play botchy and Frisbee.
Thursday Nov 17 - Dad rented the coolest ORANGE minivan and we headed off to Myakke River State Park. We had a great time hiking and sight-seeing at the park. We spent the afternoon going on a Canopy Walk, bird watching, alligator watching, and eating alligator stew. That night we ALL stayed in a log cabin and ate Taco Soup. We played a game and all feel asleep in our hard beds. It was a great day!!

Friday Nov 18 - We got up and ate breakfast (pancakes & eggs with no pam spray!!) After breakfast Kjersti and I went running while Leif and Micah played with spiders. We then went on an airboat tour. We saw lots of Gators and birds on the Myakka Lake. After the airboat ride we drove to Sarasota and visited the Mote Marine Aquarium. The twins loved the sharks and penguins. We then finished the night playing Rummy.
our cabin The airboat ride Next 3 pics is the aquarium
Saturday Nov 19 - MY FAVORITE DAY!! Kjersti and I went running in the morning and found a fun run to watch, along with a group of people doing boot camp. We then ran home and got ready to go to Farm Days at Heritage Village. There we all enjoyed going back in time to the 1800's where we got to make butter, make ice-cream, squeeze orange juice, make potato stamps, and pet goats. After Farm Days we headed up to Tarpon Springs know for its Sponge Dock and Greek Food. The highlight while on the dock was having a true Greek Man sing to Savannah and eating true Greek food. We all enjoyed our Greek Evening.
Sunday Nov 20 - We went to church, had home-make bread & soup for lunch and then headed off to another park. We spent the evening in 75* weather laying out on blankets and playing with the twins. Monday Nov 21 - KJ & I went for a run in the morning (we were preparing for a Thanksgiving Run). We then came back and lifted weights in our gym. My mother has been biking every morning and my Dad watches the twins. After our work-outs we headed to the beach. We drove down to Treasure Island Beach. Over the weekend they had a "Sanding Ovations" contest, or in other words, a sand sculpting contest. Some of the sculptures were amazing. I am sad that I didn't take more pictures! That night Kjersti went to FHE with our Bishops son while Mom & Dad got a hotel. I put the kids to bed and cleaned house!!! Tuesday Nov 22- KJ and I went running in the morning on the Pinellas Trail (susprised??). My parents came home and we drove to St. Petersburg for a Museums Day. For Christmas my parents got us a museum pass. It gets up into most of the museums in Pinellas Country. It was a wonderful gift and went to use 2 (almost 3) times today. We first visited the Museum of Fine Arts, then the Pier Aquarium and the Salvader Deli Museum. We were on our way to the Holocaust Museum, but they were closed. So we came home made dinner and played games.
Wednesday Nov 23 - Kjersti and I did not go running!!! Instead we all drove to Taylor Park and walked the mile trail around the lake. In the afternoon we went shopping at Salvation Army (Wednesday is 1/2 off days) and bought groceries for Thanksgiving. We also went to the Clearwather Aquarium and saw Winter the Dolphin. She is the famous dolphin with a prosthetic tail who is in the movie Dolphin Tails. After the visit to the Aquarium my dad said, "I didn't think I would enjoy that, but I did!!!!" It really is a neat Aquarium.Thanksgiving Nov 24 - Kjersti and I ran our Turkey Run. My goal was to run each mile around a 7 minute pace , and I did. I finished 83rd place with a time of 22:36 which makes my pace 7:17 per mile. I got a mug for being in the top 100 and lots of yummy treats. Kjersti ran the fun run with Jefra and came in around 30 minutes. I got to run the last mile with her. It was a fun morning. I love races!!! We then came home and started cooking our Thanksgiving meal. Mom taught to how to make a turkey and Dad taught me how to make his special stuffing. It ended up being a great meal. I am thankful for my family. I am thankful they came up and visited me.
Friday Nov 25 - Today was the day we returned our orange van. It was sad to see it go. Yet, we still managed to have fun without the van. Dad, KJ and I went and played tennis with the twins. The weather was perfect, and the twins enjoyed chasing the balls. Tennis was fun, but I have to make a confession.... my 58 year old day beat me in a match. In the evening Mom and I made Turkey Noodle Soup and worked on Christmas Presents. We all then went and saw Christmas Lights at a nearby Botanical Garden. It was beautiful. Yet, I am still getting use to the idea of Christmas lights on Palm Trees with 70* weather.

Saturday Nov 26 - Today was a very relaxing day. Everyone (including Leif) went to the beach. We brought a foot-ball, Frisbee, soccer ball, snorkels, and sand toys. The twins had a lot of fun being buried in the sand and playing in the waves. Mother had a lot of fun snorkeling in the ocean. Father had a lot of fun watching the fishermen and his grandkids. All-in-all we ALL had fun-in-the-sun!!! For dinner Dad made us all sweet and sour shrimp. It was really-really-really good. We then ended the day playing games.
Sunday Nov 27 - Today was another beautiful and sunny day. We went to church, played in the park behind our house, ate Turkey Noodle Soup, and enjoyed our last night together. Kjersti went to the singles ward in Tampa. And the twins went to Nursary for their fist time ever!! They look so little compared to the big 4 year old, but they managed. Monday Nov 28 - Friday December 2 - My parents left for a 5 day cruise on Monday while Kjersti stayed with me for the week. We had a long list of things to do BUT we didn't get to do much. During the week the twins had a Dr. appointment, a wic appointment, and Micah got sick!! Kjersti was so sweet and took care of little Micah while he was sick. In return Kjersti got sick and spent all day Friday over the toilet and on the couch. And in return Leif got sick and spent most of Saturday in bed. YET, we did manage to go to MOSI, go shopping, go walking, attend book club, and roller blade. I love my sister Kjersti.
Saturday Dec 3 - Today I picked my parents up from their cruise, and we headed home for one last day with the family. We spent the morning riding the train at the park and playing on the playground. The twins had a lot of fun with their Grandparents and Aunt Kjersti. It has been a very nice 18 days. I have truly enjoyed having my family here with us. I wish we lived closer to family. Thanks for coming to visit. I love my family. I love my Family