First Dental Visit

Yesterday, we went to the dentist for Emily's winter visit and Everett's very first visit!  After Emily's teeth were clean, Everett sat on her lap and leaned back to watch the movie on the TV above.  It was really cute, but I only got a picture when he decided to get up.

As we passed time waiting for the dentist to arrive, the hygienists showed Everett around and took turns picking him up to give him a squeeze.  They said they just COULDN'T resist!  I totally understood.  :)  Then Everett showed them how much he knew about brushing teeth...

and was cracking up whenever his patient chomped on the toothbrush.

He did such a great job, he had a second patient request a cleaning too!

Next up, was a quick smiley picture for Everett's permanent file.

And finally, his check up.  Emily loves our dentist and Everett feels the same way, it seems.  As I held him on my lap, I gave Emily the camera so she could capture his first cleaning.

It was about this time that Dr. John started remarking about what a committed photographer Emily is....

and everyone chuckled and cheered her on as she stuck the camera right in the mix.

Of course we had to visit the photo booth on our way out!

(Emily's crown wasn't a prop by the way.  It's the prize she chose from the shelf after her cleaning.)

One other thing that happened as Emily was getting her cleaning, was a hygienist let Everett pick out a new toothbrush.  He chose Woody.

He brushed in the office for a very long time, and hasn't slowed down.  He is a brushing machine. 

But he is totally willing to share if you need a brush!

*Another glowing report from the dentist - hooray!

"Thanksmas" Vacation - Christmas Day!

November 24th was the last day of our vacation.  And, what better way to end our trip than by celebrating Christmas?!  That morning, Emily wrapped a present for Uncle Adam all by herself.  Well, she did request a little video assistance from Mr. Noodle (an Elmo's world clip she remembered).  

Then she UNwrapped a gift that Nana sent down to Mimi...

while Everett watched for everyone to arrive.

When the crowd did start to gather that afternoon, we ran out to take a few more family pictures...

including Mimi and Papa this time.

Well, mostly.  Their photos were crashed by their self proclaimed "favorite child."

Back in the house, Victoria was dancing Everett...

and Emily around the house...

while Liam looked for something fun to do.

Then, the party really started...

 when we opened gifts.  We got the boys matching shirts, but getting a good picture proved more challenging.

Everett was all about posing for pictures that day though, so he made his rounds...

before he and Liam hit fast forward through a few holidays and played with Easter eggs!

(Emily always finds and pulls out Mimi's Easter eggs when we visit.)

Finally, it was time for our dinner...

and our family "Christmas picture"...

before Emily made a big impression as she marched into the family room to share her "GREAT IDEA" with everyone.  Her idea was for everyone to take a bathing suit picture before getting in the spa.

So, of course, they did.

Everett and Daddy were already out in the spa during the picture, and Everett only lasted a little while before he was ready for his bedtime story and bed!

After all, we DID have to get out of the house by 4AM to make our 6AM flight.  Papa was kind enough to get up with us and wedge himself into the back...

(and hold Everett's hand on the ride)

and drop us at the curb for check in.  Which was a good thing because it was cold and CROWDED...

and we barely made our flight home.  Thankfully, we DID make it though, and after 16 nights away from home... the kids slept soundly in their own beds.

"Thanksmas" Vacation - complete.