Trans Siberian Orchestra

This past weekend, I went to the Trans Siberian Orchestra at Conseco Fieldhouse. If you're unfamiliar with TSO, they are Progressive Rock Band who's musical style incorporates classical, orchestral, symphonic, and progressive elements into hard rock and heavy metal (thanks to Wikapedia for that fabulous definition). They are simply amazing. They are a full band, complete with pyrotechnics and an amazing laser light show.

The first half of the performance included songs from their Christmas album. My favorite, being "Hark How the Bells." They put such an interesting twist on a delicate classic. The second half included songs from their more traditional albums, more of what they're famous for. I'm so glad I got the opportunity to go to this concert! In my opinion, it's a must for a music lover.

Circle of Lights

Instead of going out with all the crazies on Black Friday, Andy & I decided to bear the cold and head down to the circle to see the lighting of the world's largest Christmas tree.  And let me just tell you...I don't think we'll be doing that again!  After all that hype and waiting out in the cold with two youngins, we were more than excited to get back into our nice, warm car!  It was exciting for about 5 minutes, when Santa Claus came out, and then when the lights actually came on....but really.  We could have created that excitement at home.

At least we got some cute pictures out of it.  I mean, how cute is Drew?!?

Thanksgiving 2010

We celebrated Thanksgiving this year at our house, with the whole crew in tow (minus Karen, who had to work).  With turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, corn bread pudding, mashed potatoes, rolls, and the "Swickheimer Snowball Salad", I think it's safe to say that no one left on an empty stomach!

The Swickheimer Crew

 Not sure why this picture won't rotate...but here's Emma's "Turkey Princess" outfit that I made for her.

Mr. Man enjoying his first real Turkey Dinner. 

Ann and J.D.

 And here's a close up of the skirt...

...and a close up of Emma's shirt...

 ...and last but not least, Drewbie's shirt.



2010-2011 School Pictures

The kids got their pictures taken at Kid's Kastle for the 2010-2011 school year.  Emma's turned out fanstastic (she's so beautiful!) and Drewbies?...well, let's just say that I'm saving to use this one as ammo, come senior picture time!  Mawhaaaaa.

A Letter To My Babies

I'm feeling rather sentimental this evening, so I thought it best to put pen to paper (er, fingers to keyboard?) and write a letter to my two babies.


My Sweet Little Girl Emma,

In just 4 short years, you have developed into such an amazing little lady.  Your wisdom, character, and wit keep me laughing every single day.  The things you say just blow my mind.  Not only are you the funniest little girl, but you are quick!  Your sharp wit keeps me on my toes...how the heck does a 4 year old know the things you do?!?  Oh, you're just amazing.

Funniness aside, you are one compassionate girl.  The way you look out for your little brother makes my heart melt.  Just today, as I turned off the kitchen light to go downstairs...you got all upset because Drew was still in the kitchen and you didn't want him to be left alone in the dark for even the 2 seconds it took me to turn around and pick him up.  And then later on, when tucking him in bed...after saying my usual, "Goodnight my little man.  Mommy loves you."  You say, "Goodnight my little Drewbie.  Sissy loves you."  Oh, it makes me tear up just thinking about it again.

You are my sweet little girl, Emma.  I love every ounce of your sweetness AND sassness.  You are one of a kind, Missy Lou.

~Mommy


My Sweet Little Baby Drew,

Oh, I love you so.  You are my little man with a cuddly heart of gold.  Although you are ALL boy--with your grunting, love for destruction and all things that roar--you are the sweetest, most loving little boy.  You make my heart melt from the moment you wake up until the second you fall asleep. 

Perhaps the one (and only) thing my genetics have passed along is your love for doggies.  You've loved them from the moment your pupils could focus.  You literally shake in excitement at the sight of any furry animal.  Oh, it is just the cutest thing!  Often times I feel guilty that we don't have a dog here for you to enjoy....but then I just get out your pillow pet and let you go to town on cuddling and rolling on the floor with it!  Again...the cutest thing!

You're now 18 months.  I keep begging you, on a daily basis, to PLEASE stop growing.  You're my baby boy, Drew.  My sweet little man Drewbie.  I love you more than I can express.

~Momma

The "Ghoul" House

I've mentioned before that Emma's obsessed with "ghouls."  Ghouls, meaning anything that's scary.  There's this amazing house in our neighborhood that really does it up every Halloween.  People even drive into our neighborhood just to experience this house; it's just so cool.  Here's just a few pictures of some of decorations they had this past year.

Halloween Video 1

Trick or Treating 2010

Emma and Drew went trick or treating dressed as a mermaid and a doggie.  Emma was super-excited to go trick or treating this year.  And she completely had it down this year; you scream "TRICK-OR-TREAT" really loud, then you say "Thank you"...then you RUN off to the next house.

It was so much fun to go with her.

Drew only lasted about 15 minutes or so.  He loved the crunching noise that the leaves made under his feet.  He could care less about the actual point of the night...but that's okay.  He's only 17 months.