Snow and More Snow!

We got hit with a ton of snow! We did extreme prepartion for about 30 minutes before heading out to enjoy over a foot of fallen snow on Monday. And Jude spent about the same amount of time actually out in the snow before deciding it wasn't really his thing.
He wore this face the whole time until calling it a day.
Callum, however, was ready to go. This is probably the first year that he was really into it. He's read enough books about snow to be eager for all the snow experiences like making snow angels and having snowball fights. Though, in the end, he wanted only mama to make a snow angel and our 'snowball fight' was throwing snowballs onto the ground. Always a practical kid!

Our Holiday Festivities

We did our best to match the holiday enthusiasm of a 3.5 year old this year. We had gingerbread house making both at home and with friends. And, we also took a trip with friends into New York City to see Rockefeller Center. How is that for holiday magic?


Jude didn't take the trip into the city (this year) but Callum and Mama did. He wasn't too impressed by the tree but was thrilled to see a Santa Clause ice skating!
He was also impressed by the tall buildings...
but wasn't excited to be pulled from the action in order to take a picture! Bahumbug, mom.
The best part, however, was running into Elmo and Grover. Who could ask for more?

Merry Christmast to All!

2 & 3-Word Sentences and 1 Huge Crush

Oh Boy! There has been a lot happening and fast with our little man. His personality is really shining through and it has become clear that he is a little feisty Irishmen! He has no fear and will say NO! to anyone, even older kids. He regularly gets so upset that he ends up flailing on the ground but just as quickly picks himself up and is running around laughing. Oh, the mood swings!

He's started talking in two and three word sentences. One of his favorite games is to say to mama "Mama. Sad" which is followed by quick pats on my back to 'comfort' me and then he says "Shhh. Mama" while putting his finger over my mouth. He is also a great cuddler and lover...full of hugs and kisses and quick with a joke.

Some of that passion is directed at a younger classmate at his daycare. He talks about her all the time! If we mention her name he tilts his head to the side and slowly drawls out her name. When we are driving somewhere he will talk and talk and talk about the cars and trucks we see and then suddenly slip in her name. He often expresses concern for her discussing how she fell and is sad or is happy. She is a truly adorable girl and we often spend time with her and her family. At which point, of course, our little guy gets extremely shy and mostly ignores her. Ah, the mystery of love.

Trimming the Tree

We got our tree! Last week we headed to a nearby tree farm and Callum ran around saying "I wonder how many Christmas trees there are!", which is a line from a Curious George book that he loves.

Jude enjoyed and was simultaneously scared to death of the farm chicken that, for some reason, still wanted to be outside.

We brought it home and had a blast decorating it. For the most part, Cal parked his step stool in one spot and brought ornament after ornament up to the tree...it gives the tree a pretty inconsistent cover of decoration. In fact, some parts of the tree of completely void of ornaments at all and other branches are perfectly packed. Welcome holidays!

Let's Go Fly a Kite!

And why not? Papa has been on a dedicated search for a kite for months so when we finally stumbled across one, some kite flying was in order. Pronto. Thankfully, Grandpa Steve was here to help out.
Never mind that it was pretty cold. Of course, for Jude who doesn't really understand the kite flying appeal, the cold weather was a greater concern.

Callum, on the other hand, was so excited he could hardly stand still!
And, as you can see, Papa was pretty thrilled too.