White Christmas

Today we received a package from Grandma Sylvia and Grandpa Ned with presents for the kids. Jack promptly climbed into the empty box to play with the packing peanuts. He kept saying it was snow. He had so much fun playing with the "snow" and by the time he was finished the kitchen was covered in it. But he was having such a great time I couldn't stop him. Not only that, but it was a good lesson in cleaning up his mess. We managed to have a white Christmas in Ventura. Grandma's prediction? The "snow" will be his favorite present...I wouldn't be surprised.

Santa

Jack finally got to visit Santa last night! Needless to say he has been looking very forward to it for several weeks. He started a few weeks ago by going through all the toy catalogs. Then we cut out the pictures of the toys he wanted and glued them to construction paper. He brought his poster with him last night and gave it to Santa. They discussed his behavior and wish poster before Jack got in Santa's lap for a photo. I know he looks uninspired in this photo, but honestly I think he was totally in awe! He was stunned and amazed, completely star-struck! Lauren was less impressed...she woke up just long enough for this photo. Before we left, Santa gave Jack a book that he read the entire way through JC Penny on the way back to the car. He is still talking about it this morning. It's going to be a long haul to the 25th!

Happy Monday

If you want to know what to get for Jack this Christmas...money for future therapy! If his outfit last night is any indication I think he might have multiple personality disorder. He found a Santa hat at Lowe's (complete with Feliz Navidad on the brim) and so he wanted to be Santa. But he can't give up being Spiderman. The solution? Be SpiderSanta!

Lauren is 6 weeks old today. She is changing a lot. She smiled a few times last week, but this weekend she really let loose with some big grins. Of

course, that doesn't mean we can catch her doing it on film. She likes the doggy that hangs over her playmat and last night she was having fun in her bath (for a change). We'll keep trying to get a good shot.

Happy Anniversary

It's truly amazing what you can accomplish in five years when you set your mind to it. Happy Anniversary, Sweetheart. Thank you for the greatest adventures of my life, I look forward to a lifetime more. I love you!

Love That Dog

Jack loves Gracie. Gracie tolerates Jack. But she's warmed up to him more since the baby arrived. Maybe she thinks he is the lesser of two evils! After all, that baby doesn't share her food!

Thanks Given

We had so many reasons to be thankful this year. So the four of us piled around the table for the first time to recognize our blessings and share a feast. Let us say that more than one eye glistened with tears of joy over that moment. What a year!

After dinner we all changed into our jammies and piled onto the couch to cuddle and watch movies. It doesn't get much better than this! One love in each arm and another one behind the camera. We introduced Jack to his new favorite movie, Christmas Vacation. He has requested it twice sice last night!

Today we continued family traditions with Rob and Jack decking the house with lights, snowmen, reindeer, Snoopy and more! We might end up being the Griswold's this year, but Jack is loving it! We are looking forward to strolling the neighborhood tonight to see the first homes lit up for the holidays. We're going to bundle up after dinner, leftovers of course, and wander around the block. It is the most wonderful time of the year!

Aunties in the House

We had a wonderful visit today from Aunt Terry, Aunt Brenda and cousins Kelsie and Melissa. It was so great to get support from a couple of professional moms! And Jack is in love with his new found cousins! (Or shall I say Spiderman loves his cousins!) We chatted for hours, making up for lost time! Thank you Ladies for making time for the visit. Can't wait to see you all soon!