Stocking stuffer

Who knew one simple stocking stuffer could be SO entertaining...?

Twinkle

One of the things the girls enjoyed most about the holidays this year was our house elf, "Twinkle."  He arrived shortly after Thanksgiving, and stayed until Christmas Eve.  He was Santa's personal helper, keeping an eye on the girls, and occasionally being naughty and playing tricks.  Every morning, the girls jumped out of bed to see where he was.  Here is a sampling of his most famous "hiding" places this year:

OMSI

While we have some time off, we have tried to take the girls out and do fun things we wouldn't normally get to do.  Last week, we attempted to go to the new Portland Aquarium.  After arriving, and seeing the line wrapped around the building, we abandoned that plan, and headed to OMSI.  We haven't been in ages, and we stumbled upon the "Grossology" exhibit, which of course, the girls thought was hilarious!  It's all about the gross stuff that the human body does, so you can only imagine the jokes that ensued all day...

 Aubrey traveling from the esophagus to the stomach...

Camryn and her unending potty humor...

Playing a giant game of 'Operation'

Picking a humongous nose...  

We also explored the other areas, where we build arches, developed a watershed, looked at bugs, and played engineer with tubes, balls, and blowing air.  Let's just say I took my fair share of hits that afternoon!

Christmas Day 2012

Santa came!!!  And boy, did he bring a lot of stuff!!!  Camryn got her "computer" (sort of).  He actually brought her a Kindle Fire, so that she can play games, read books, and listen to music.  Aubrey got her LeapPad2, and her Merida dress.  All in all, they were giddy.  :)

After presents, cinnamon rolls, and some playtime, we headed to Grandma and Grandpa's for some more of the same!  We spent most of the day, opening, playing, eating, laughing, and basically hanging out.  What a fun Christmas!

Christmas Eve with the Semkes

As per tradition, we traveled to Uncle Tom's on Christmas Eve to spend the evening with the Semke side of the family.  There was much food and laughter, silliness, and even a visit from Santa to round out the night! 

The girls ate, played, and partied, until they were completely pooped.  When we got home, we did manage to remember to put out milk and cookies for Santa, but after that, it was straight to bed to await his arrival at OUR house!