Holiday Cheer

We celebrated the 2012 holidays with our ever growing families - first with Dad's side, followed by a hop,  a skip, and a jump (and a plane) to Mom's childhood farm. We had barely recovered from the boys' birthday extravaganza before we were buried under the Christmas loot. We had a wonderful time with all and look forward to many more family moments in 2013.

Cousin Julian sleeping through the family photo shoot.

The three merry mischief makers - Max, Addalyn, and Wyatt

 

 

Max doesn't have to share his Thomas the Train blanket with Wyatt anymore!

Max's picture-taking face over the past few months has become more of a pained grimace than a smile!



 

Hanging out with Cousin Christian

 

 

Birthday Boys

December's a big month, and even bigger since both boys celebrate their birthdays. Max turned a very grown-up (according to him) four years old, and Wyatt caught up a bit by turning two just two weeks later. Chocolate frosting was a must (which meant the boys didn't care whose birthday it was as long as they got their own cupcake with a candle...).



After Max's but before Wyatt's birthday, the neighborhood had its second annual "holiday kid crawl." Max lasted until the parties ended, but promptly conked out at dinner.

Wyatt's turn!

 

We had to keep the candle a good two feet from Wyatt because he kept blowing it out before we could start singing "Happy Birthday."

Despite having his own cupcake, Max had a meltdown because his didn't have a candle.

Fall Fun

See you later, Fall.

Forget raking! Wyatt does it dad-style with the lawn mower.

The oh-so-sad tantrums are getting more common these days (This one was triggered by Max holding on to the rake).

Fall means cookies with orange frosting...

...and leaves....

...and playing with Cousin Julian at Thanksgiving!

Gobble Gobble Gobble!

Family = Best Babysitters

Mama and Papa came out for a fall visit in October, where they had a few firsts. They were here for their first Halloween with the boys, and experienced their first hurricane (which spared us for the most part, but didn't stop us from making multiple runs to stock up on supplies). Their timing was perfect - the boys enjoyed being cooped up with the grandparents, and Mom and Dad appreciated the helping hands. (And thanks to another great family babysitter, Aunt Stephanie, who stepped up recently in a bit of an emergency!)

Getting picked up from daycare on Mama and Papa's first day here.

 

 

Looking at the moon.

Hanging out with Papa (while watching The Weather Channel).



 

What better way to wait out Hurricane Sandy than to do a big-boy project with Papa in the garage?

Uh, it's getting kind of windy out there.

Mama at Wyatt's Halloween lunch at daycare (pre-costume).

Saying an early morning good-bye to the grandparents!