Happy New Year

We were scheduled to drive to Vermont for New Year's. A storm front developed causing us to cancel our trip and stay home. We were disappointed, but it turns out that this was a very good idea! We got at least 2 feet of snow, here in Maine and VT even more. In preparation for the storm, I went grocery shopping (along with everyone else in the area) and also bought 2 sleds. We took Jacob sledding for the first time and it was a huge hit. We thought he wouldn't like it, but he surprised us both and said, "Jacob want to do that again!".

The sledding hill is just down the street from our house. I'm sure we will go again soon.

Holiday JOY

We had a JOYFUL holiday season around here. Olivia celebrated her first Christmas and it feels like she has always been a part of "us", this family. Jacob is just adores her and says things like; "Olivia's my sister" and "I love this baby". He also says to me, "Mommy, you are a great Mommy". And, NO I don't have to prompt him! He is a very loving boy. We spent the holiday hanging out at home and just enjoying our family time. Granna and Pop were here, which made things special for us all. A much needed break for Mommy and Daddy (sleeping in until 10 AM, WOW) and endless playmates for Jacob and Olivia.

Here are some of my favorite photos from the holidays:.

Here Comes Santa Claus

We paid a visit to Santa this year. Last year we skipped it, as I knew Jacob would freak out. He did OK after he warmed up a bit. He got close enough to let Santa touch him and to tell him very quickly "I want Cranky the Crane and a Water Tower for my Train Table". Literally as fast as he could get the words out. Olivia sat on that strange man's lap and was quite patient with me. I wanted a photo of them together. As soon as she looked behind her she began to cry. Of course I rescued her, but I had to snap the photo first!

Here is our Christmas Tree Adventure:

We walked through the lot to find just the right tree!

And here it is:

On the way home, Jacob reached out and said, "Livi, hold my hand"

THE NEXT DAY:

OUR FIRST SNOW

Jacob loves to play in the snow. It is going to be a fun winter!

Trick-Or-Treat

Jacob, Olivia and some of their friends getting ready to Trick-or-Treat.

That's an Owl next to Olivia (her mask scared all of the kids)

We celebrated Halloween this year with good friends. We hosted a little get together with food and then ventured out for some Trick-or-Treating with the kids. Jacob and Olivia were both not in the mood for such an event and I seriously considered just putting them to bed. However, once we were outside and on the go Jacob realized that all he had to do was go up to a neighbor's door, knock and say "Trick-or-Treat" and he would be given candy, he was unstoppable! He led the way with no fear and after receiving his candy at each door, turned to me and said, "Jacob eat this". Most of the time, I gave him a nibble, just to keep him interested. The next day, he completely forgot about all of the candy, and has yet to mention it...where did it all go anyway?

Here are some photos that captured the event!

Jacob was Diego (for those of you who don't know he is Dora the explorer's cousin)

Jacob looking, less-than-excited about the whole thing!

Olivia, a baby bumblebee!

I don't even want to be a bumblebee

Jacob running to the next house, so that he can be first.
I guess he's competative by nature!

Our New Blue Bed

Here is a picture of our New Blue Bed!

We are so excited (Mostly, I am) to finally have an actual frame for our bed.

I guess now I'm truly a grown up.

Messy Life, Happy Life

Things are a bit messy around here lately. But when I look at those faces. The smiles and the laughter. I don't want to take the time away from my kids to clean it up. The kids will grow and someday very soon tell me to leave them alone, or "put me down". When that happens, then I will have a tidy home...until then, bring on the mess!

It's nice to meet you

When we traveled to VT, my Aunt Naida met Jacob and Olivia for the first time. She shook Jacob's hand and said, "it's nice to meet you". Jacob thought that this was the greatest thing ever and now does it all the time! Just the other day, I was pushing the two kids in the jogger and Jacob took Olivia's hand and started to shake it while saying "it's nice to meet you, Olivia".

He's so full of it!