Christmas Vacation - A Post of Pictures

Frosty the Snowman

Sadie liked looking at the snow but did not like walking or playing in it. 

Ben sledding down the hill in Grandma Doris' backyard.

Sadie and Logan look on.

Family picture on Christmas Eve.

Sadie and Cousin Jadyn.

Sadie on Christmas Eve.  

Sadie and me on Christmas Eve.

Ben and Sadie looking for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.  Sadie just loved it!

Jax on Christmas morning.

Grandma Cliffie and Jax during present opening.

Sadie enjoying the tea set that Santa brought her.

Jax helping Sadie open Christmas presents.

Jax and Natalie looking at the new book from Kurt and Des.

Sadie just loves to open presents.  

Grandma Cliffie and Jax again.

Sadie and her snowman on the morning we left. 

Sadie loved the above snowman in the front yard, too.

Merry Christmas to all.

Six Month Stud

Jax shown above at six months.

Jax is half way through his first year of life.  I imagined the first six months were going to be so difficult, but I'm so happy to say that it's been a total delight.  He is such a easy going, pleasant little guy.  Boys are just so different than girls.  I actually think these next six months and a year are going to be the more difficult time.  He's becoming so active and anxious to explore his surroundings.  I'm starting to think he's going to be a pretty active little toddler.  Time will tell!

To celebrate his half birthday we went out to Steak and Shake.  I realize it's not the healthiest or classiest choice in food but it just sounded so good to Ben and me on that night.  And so we went.  Both children fell asleep on our drive there and I was tempted to just turn around and put them in their beds.  But, with some encouragement from Ben, (he was really hungry; he had skipped lunch) we decided to wake them up and enjoy our evening out....and enjoy we did!  Both kids were so cute and happy.  We had a great time and we are so grateful for our six-month studly little guy!

This is so like Jax - he is always reaching and grabbing for Sadie.  He is absolute in awe of her!

Sadie giving her brother a birthday hug. 

A Boy and his Walker

Jax is getting incredibly mobile thanks to his trusty walker.  He is even becoming a little mischievous.  He pulls the Christmas ornaments off the tree multiple times each day (it's his favorite place to play), and the other day he dumped out a bag of trash I had sitting on a chair at the kitchen table.  We're thinking we won't be able to set up our Christmas village this year because he will definitely pull it down unless we find some sort of gate-contraption.  He'd probably ram the gate until he could get in, though.  He's very patiently persistent!  I didn't expect to have these problems given he's only 5 1/2 months, but it's so cute to watch him explore his world and it sure keeps him busy and occupied.

I took 3 videos but couldn't choose a favorite.  I like them all for different reasons so I posted them all.  Don't you just love those chubby little legs?

Sadie Strikes Again

Sadie likes to decorate her brother.
Jax doesn't seem to mind; he just loves her attention.   

Meet James Phillip

My new little nephew was born yesterday.  I was able to meet him last night and he seems like a very sweet little thing.  Joe and Julie seemed so happy and proud.

As a side note, his color looked very normal in person.  Whenever I download my pictures to blogger it always shifts my colors a little.  It drives me nuts!! 

My parents watched the little ones outside while Mike, Sarah, and I were up in the hospital room with Joe and Julie.  They were having so much fun picking leaves and presenting them to my dad.

Joseph held tightly to this balloon the whole hour and a half we were there!

Thanksgiving 2010

Oh how I love holidays!  The food and family and naps and help and extra time with Ben and all the recreation - it's just so great.  I don't even really like Turkey, stuffing, or mashed potatoes; but I love the holiday anyways for all the fun it offers.

This year we celebrated Thanksgiving at Mike and Sarah's.  They were excellent hosts and we had a delightful time.

Smoochie, smoochie!

Kimmy, Christy, and I stayed at the house 'babysitting' my mom most of the week.  It was pleasant to just play with the kids and chit-chat.  They are such great aunts!  My life is so much easier when they are around!!  I hope I can return the favor one day :)

One afternoon we went to the park for some baseball and tennis.  We had the best time!  It has been years since I've played Joe at tennis.  We're both extremely competitive.  The problem is he has talent, too; and that's something I'm lacking.  I tried to put up a good fight, though.

Julie played a little tennis, too.  I thought it was going to put her into labor.
 Her due date was yesterday.  Still no baby, though.  

These two totally love each other.  This was a candid moment I caught.

My dad is so good and helpful with the grandkids!
He's always offering to help!  Thanks Dad :)

I have officially decided that Thanksgiving is a man's holiday.  They play football and then watch football while the women cook.  Where's the justice in that?  Well, I decided the payback comes the day after - Black Friday.  I have never dared to go shopping on Black Friday but this year my sisters, Dad, and I headed down to Ellenton Outlet Mall where we had a blast and tons of success.  It was so different to shop without having to stop to change diapers, make bottles, and control meltdowns.

But, before we went to Ellenton we stopped at Fort DeSoto for a sunrise photo shoot.  The sun rises between the two center spires of the Skyway Bridge twice a year and it happened to be on Black Friday this year.  It was great fun!    

Oh how I love holidays!