Grandma Rice turns 60

Anthony has been practicing singing happy Birthday for a few days now. First he wanted to blow out the candles too soon. then He decided it was time to grab the candle except it was still on fire. luckily aunt Pam was there to grab it real fast. Check out the surprised look on grandmas face when he grabs the candle.

Time for the park on Sunday morning. New park to us in central fort Myers off mcgregor. Older park but he had a good time.

New mower.

Thursday Anthony visited grandpa Dennis at work and had so peanuts

Lunch visitor at work. Good excuse to show him off at WINK.

3 Days of Christmas

Wow. This was a fast few days. Lots of family to visit. Started off on the 23rd for Lunch with the Tennison side. Uncle Mike, Aunt Joyce, Cousin Kate, Julia and Kurt were down from North Carolina and Michigan. It has been a few years since the entire family was together. This was a pre christmas with just food. (Julia and Kurt wouldn't be there christmas day).

Later in the afternoon it was time for the Dennis Christmas. Usually every year they go out into the woods and chop down a tree. This year it didn't work out (first time in since I have known them) So a fake tree was put up. The favorite gift was for Grandpa but the kids loved riding it. It was a hand dolly.

From Christmas 2012 Dennis

From Christmas 2012 Dennis

From Christmas 2012 Dennis

The 24th...
Just one event today.. the Rice christmas. Anthony was happy to hand out gifts during the yankee swap. A tradition started a few years ago. Very fun. Steve was the big lotto winner cashing in $109 dollars.

From Christmas 2012 Rice

Great Grandma and Cousin Vincent

Steve and Vanessa got Anthony a Thomas the Train Hut. Anthony wanted Grandma to get in it with him.


The Big day...
We had been telling Anthony about Santa Claus coming soon. Leading up to the day, each night we played christmas music and sang along while looking at the christmas tree. The lead up was pretty good. We turned on the tree when we heard him moving around and talking about Santa in bed. About 630 he got up and walked in to the living room. He loved opening gifts. We didn't go overboard since we give in throughout the year and buy stuff. Too hard to say no. So we got him a few small things. Mainly so he had lots to open. Pretty sure Candy Canes are the favorite (and stickiest) gifts this year.
Late we went for the Tennison Brunch and Christmas. Great food again.  Eggs, French toast, waffles and fruit.
Can't wait until next year. I am sure the excitement will be doubled.

From Christmas 2012 at Home

From Christmas 2012 at Home

From Christmas 2012 at Home

From Christmas 2012 Tennison

All the kids are waiting. Actually Patiently.

From Christmas 2012 Tennison

3 Weeks ago he was scared of this Santa.

From Christmas 2012 Tennison

A little help from Cousin Sabrina

From Christmas 2012 Tennison

Arts and crafts time

He likes to do crafts. This is Laura's thing. He started with always wanting to paint. I don't have the patience to paint/clean with a 2 year old. Too messy.

Dressed and ready for the Pajama Jam Party at school

Monday night was time to work on the christmas tree. Anthony helped with lights and them with the star. everyday when he gets home, he walks in the room and wants us to "turn on lights"

Tuesday was time to look at lights. So we went to a retirement community to visit friends and took a ride on the golf cart. Our friends son drove us around the park. Anthony had a great time.

Breakfast with Santa

Pancakes with Santa. Great morning. Anthony had a great time. He is ok with Santa thank goodness. The dinosaur was a little iffy but he pretty much got over being scared. He kept saying "bite" after he saw the teeth.

1st Christmas Program

Big Friday night. His first Christmas program, with his 2-3 yr old classmates. He sang...well actually just ran around with the rest of the kids. Great time. All the age groups performed. Video to come. Santa was there with candy canes . Surprisingly he wasn't scared at all. My grandmother has a large stuffed Santa at her house and he doesn't like it ?

Sick day

I stayed home with Anthony thursday. Another week, another cold. He went home early Monday and stayed with the grandparents. Then they got sick (related illness ?) So I stayed home. He felt fine and was happy but he can't go to daycare if he has had a fever in the last 24 hours. So we went to Publix, Walgreens, lowes, played Legos and chased Sasha. Pretty nice day. Friday night is he first Christmas play. Well the are singing two songs. Can't wait .we have been practicing alot.