Christmas with Amelia

The Cronin boys exchanged gifts with their girl Amelia.

Evan was kissing her and singing to her the whole time. "AMELIA, AMELIA, I LOVE YOU. I LOVE YOU!" Noah just eyed her suspiciously. Perhaps a little jealous? Don't worry little Noah. You are mommy's baby. For now. But be ready to be the middle child, poor little guy.

She can't help being so cute!

Amelia makes an effort, "Aw, c'mon kid!"

Noah makes a run for it...

And flies into the comforting arms of Daddy.

Noah was much better on Amelia's next visit. He played with her at the kitchen set and in the playroom.

The Newest Little Cronins

Meet Court House and Roxy!

You should've seen the afternoon of Christmas Eve when we brought them in the house. Our Christmas gift to the boys. Two silent little boxes with holes in them. Both boys reached down to shake each box and Mike and I were like "NO! er... just open them!" And out jumps our kitties! They came out like they owned the place. No scurrying off under the couch as cats are known to do around kids. I wish we captured the look of joy on Evan's face or Noah's happy dance. But instead I have this...

Mike loves them too...

But he pretends he doesn't.

Puppet cat hangs out too. Brittany got him for Noah and we put him here so Roxy and Court House don't miss their orange brother back at the shelter too much.

They are the sweetest cats you have ever met. Mike and I hung out with every cat at the shelter and these two found us. Court House (the one with the distinguished mustache) jumped into my arms and purred and purred and purred. He had 2 other brothers - one was orange and 1 sister. All 4 cats had similar personalities, but we took the girl too who was a little more laid back. Turns out she's the most lovey. Actually, they're both lovey. You can't sit in a chair without a cat jumping on you to snuggle. Court House lets Noah lay on him, try to pick him up by his head, water ski from his tail. The cats are saints. They love the kids no matter what. They hang out in the middle of big crowds of people at our house and playdates - they love everybody. They're awesome. Except for one thing. They fart. A lot. They also try to jump up on the dining room table. That's when I have to squirt them while yelling their full names, "Roxborough Marie Cronin!". Just kidding! They don't have full names. Hehehe - I'm not that crazy.

Christmas Tree Decorating!

We went to the Christmas tree farm we went to last year, thus starting a new Cronin tradition. We went at dusk on an unusually warm night. They had a huge momma pig with all her little piglets. Noah met a baby friend wandering around with his mommy and daddy.

Noah likes to control the tree lights.

Lights on.

lights off.

Lights on.

Thanks, Noah!

This was the first year that Evan was REALLY into decorating. The boys and I went all out decorating the house this year and Evan was so proud. He said, "Mom, it looks so CHRISTMASSY in here. We have the most Christmassy house I've ever seen!"

Evan put ornaments on.

And Noah took them off.