Monday, December 21, 2009

Snowblind

Snow! Snow! Snow! We have been enjoying Snowpocalypse 2009, close to 2 feet of snow! Lily has been having a blast, she has been sledding in front of our house and playing with neighbors, went sledding on a big hill with Dad, and sledded for about 3 hours at Grandma Gail and Grandpa Tom's today. Jack is very enthusiastic about getting on all of his snow gear, but once he gets out there, he is a little hesitant. He just gets swallowed up by the snow. He had fun on Sunday with a shovel and bucket although he wants to keep taking off his gloves, and has gone sledding a few times.

We are gearing up for Christmas - Aunt Tracy, Uncle Stan and cousin Casey managed to drive into town on Saturday and Aunt Kelly arrived last night!

Merry Christmas!!

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Working on an art project on his new desk a birthday gift from friends Meredyth and Shellie.

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At her last skating lesson.


Jack rocking out. That is him yelling Rock Star at the end.

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Just another dinner around here.

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Jack and his new Cabbage Patch Kid - Pat. A gift from Cousin Emilie.

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Pat is a big kid.

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Lil showing off her new cd - a gift from Cousin Emilie.

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Ready to face the snow.

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Covered in snow.

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Recovering from the snow by painting Hanukkah cookies sent by Aunt Donna and Uncle Stephen.

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Sledding on Sunday.


A quick trip down the hill at the local school field.

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Hiking back up the mountain with Aunt Tracy and Aunt Kelly.

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Jack coming back up the hill with an assist from Grandma Gail.

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Just hanging around.

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Lily at the front of the train.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Each Small Candle

We have Jack's official stats in, he is 26 lbs, 3 ounces (25th percentile) and 35 inches tall (75th percentile) - he is a tall, skinny fella - we told the doctor it is because he only eats two meals a day, usually preferring to skip dinner, but no fear he is getting plenty of nutrition in the all the fruit he eats and milk he drinks! He also loves the gummy vitamins! He was healthy and the pediatrician said it was such a pleasure to examine a 2 year old who did not scream and fight her.

Hanukah is in full swing...Lily had her Hanukah party at school where she learned all about the menorah, dreidels, and Macabees - she already knows a lot from all of the books we read, but always nice to have a refresher. On Friday, Mom, Lily and Jack went to dinner with friend Sarah - this was Jack's second time dining at Spices in DC and he was not much better than last time, he really enjoys touring the restaurant and thus it is all about eating and running. We rushed home from dinner to light the candle for the first night of Hanukah, and the kids opened their first of eight gifts courtesy of Aunt Donna and Uncle Stephen. Lily was very excited to open her American Girl pjs, she and Julie now have matching pjs (see below).

On Saturday, we headed to Grandpa Maurice's and Grandma Phyllis' for Hanukah dinner - we ate some latkes and Dad even made some kugel. G&G gave Lily a Nutcracker book and jewelry box, while Jack got a book about his name and some funny magnetic acrobats. They are enjoying their gifts!

On Sunday morning, while Mom braved the cold and rain to run a 10K, Dad held down the fort and took Lily to her last swim lesson. She has officially graduated to the next level which will start at the beginning of the new year, she loves swimming and she is making grand improvement. Next, it was off to The Nutracker Ballet at the Warner Theatre in DC with Hayley and Ms. Michelle - we had great seats and the girls loved the show. Dad and Jack hung at home, watched a little football, and Jack got in a good nap.

Tonight, we celebrated the fourth night of Hanukah - the kids love lighting the candles and opening gifts! Happy Hanukah to everyone!

In closing, special wishes to Bubbie who is feeling a bit under the weather. And many thanks to Great Aunt Donna who is working hard to take care of her!

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Checking out her new snowman.

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Learning that it lights up!

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Trying on some new mittens.

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Opening some presents with Grandma Phyllis and Grandpa Maurice.

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Is that Lily or Julie - it is hard to tell them apart.

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Sugar plum fairies.

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Working on a painting.

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A masterpiece in progress.

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Checking out the menorah.

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Monday, December 07, 2009

Tea for Two

Happy Birthday to Jack! He officially turned 2 today after a weekend of birthday activity. Jack loved hearing people sing happy birthday to him over the weekend and loved singing it to himself.

On Saturday, both sets of grandparents came over to celebrate Jack's birthday. Some of Jack's fun presents included little footballs from Aunt Kelly, a tool truck from cousin Casey, Aunt Tracy and Uncle Stan, a piano from Emilie, a cleaning cart from cousin Stephanie, a Matchbox car set from Grandma Gail and Granpda Tom, and Mr. Men books from Grandma Phyllis and Grandpa Maurice - Jack is very appreciative for all of his birthday gifts and wishes! Both Jack and Lily have thoroughly been enjoying the new toys!

Over the weekend we also enjoyed our first mini snow storm - unfortunately it was just a little too wet to really go outside and enjoy but it was nice to look at. On Sunday, Lily had swim lessons, and Mom and Lily went ice skating, she is getting pretty good at both.

Enjoy the pics and video.

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Checking out his new drill.

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Checking out his piano with his new Thomas backpack. Jack's new cleaning cart is in the background.

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Ready for dinner with some balloons.

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A portrait of the two year old and five year old! How time flies.


Singing.


Cupcake time ...


...

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Suffering through another Redskin's game and taking the edge off with a little milk.