hanging at GG's house...

We were able to spend a lot of time at Great-Grandma Callihan's house this visit. Of course she has many treasures that the girls admire (and try not to break...)

I love seeing Emi on this recliner --- my grandparents had it since I was very young (obvious being avocado velvet, huh?!?) and I have many great memories rocking about on it! 

they are playing with GG's porcelin cats and dogs

Emi playing with my late grandpa's cane -- making a cute little shepherd!

hanging out with the Gillerans

We spent Sunday evening playing with Luke and Colin -- we had so much fun!!!

enjoying time in Michigan

We're so sad there's no snow here :( We are having fun playing with Oba and Sofu and GG, though!

Emi showing off big sister's cowgirl boots and headband with her snowman jammies

 yummy breakfast at Mom's diner after church

 playing Legos with Sofu

 taking over the recliners

 feeding the birds some extra toast from breakfast

 cuddled up and watching the Lions v. Packers game

a Callihan Christmas

Cora, Emi and I were able to fly up to Michigan for the long weekend to attend an early family Christmas party. The girls were so excited to see some cousins and open presents, of course! 

Cora ate 8 shrimp! Great-Grandpa Callihan would have been so proud! 

playing with her new puppet

GG, Oba and the girls

all lined up and ready to open gifts (these girls had patience as the youngest started - Emi - and she was in NO hurry!)

perhaps her favorite thing -- a ribbon with a bell (hope she's always this easy to please!)

Lil'st M at 27 weeks...

With chubby cheeks and what looks like more than a button nose! But still super cute, we think :) 

Christmas Program

So we're having trouble getting into the Christmas spirit, probably because it was a balmy 76 degrees outside today! BUT the girls' Christmas program was today at school and it was definitely worth the attendance. We're not sure if the abundance of little boys in clip-on ties with Christmas sweaters (many of whom were crying -- our bet because they hated their outfits) or the insane parents who knocked each other down to film/photograph the 20 minute program was better! 

 The narrated nativity (love, love the donkey and lamb!)

 Proud Cora marching in

 Emi riding in style -- we were waiting to see her throw some gang signs from the "drivers seat"

 Emi's class rang bells to the songs, but her teachers told us that Emi actually sang along to every song, knowing every word (definitely thanks to big sister Cora!)

Playing at "Cora's Kindergarten"

On weekends we love walking over to the elementary school where the girls will one day attend. Their playground is tons of fun for us all...

Cora climbing up the "hair ladder" (it looks like one of her curls)

 Emi has to try everything her big sister does

 Cora excitedly points out the moon rising

 Emi hangs

 Slide in motion...