Two weeks with Dad

There are a lot of hard, stressful things about teaching, but holidays are not one of them.  We have been so blessed to have Jason all to ourselves for the last two weeks.  Everything is more fun with Dad around.

The second week of our break, this past week, was our time to rest and relax.  We got to do several fun, new things.

1.  We drove around and looked at Christmas lights.  This is been one of our past traditions.  We couldn’t tell if Amos really appreciated this year or not, but next year he’s going to love it.

2.  We had a few dance parties.  Amos has got some new bending moves that he loves to try out while Dad is singing.

He had a big finish, going down on his knees.

3.  Bones Marathon has been in our plans like September, so we definitely made that happen!  Amos enjoyed spending time on our bed, NOT watching Bones.  We brought lots of toys for him to play with!  He also started doing pull-ups with his bouncing chair.  I think he may of outgrown it!

Laying

Pulling up!

4.  We had to pause Bones when Amos broke out into laughter at Dad’s duck quack?  This is a new found laughing trigger.  Also Amos loved playing with some of his new toys!

Play or eat, its pretty much the same thing around here.

5.  I celebrated my birthday early with my parents and was given my running stroller.  I’ve pretty much wanted one for about 2 ½ years.  Way before we even knew we were pregnant.  Needless to say, we took advantage of the beautiful weather New Years Eve and went for a long family walk.  Amos loved the BOB!

  

                

Action Shot

This is a BIG smile!  Not a scared face.

6.  We celebrated the New Years with friends.  We even brought Amos along, but he spent most of the evening snoozing!  I was a party pooper and forced Jason to leave early because I was about to fall asleep while standing.  That may have been our last New Year’s Eve party for a while.  I guess we’ll just have to see what next year brings!

7. Lastly, we got up early on the last day of break (a practice early morning) and went to breakfast together as a family.  It was fun to talk about the previous year and look forward to the next!  I think I smell a new tradition!!!

The week was a great way to end 2011!  The best is yet to come!

Christmas 2011

Christmas 2011 was an exciting year for us!  Ever since Amos, Emma and Josie were born; everyone has been saying how fun Christmas would be, and they sure were right!

At the beginning of break, we were able to enjoy just Daddy, Mommy and Amos time!  It was fun having Jason at home all to ourselves!  Aside from finishing some last minute Christmas presents, we pretty much relaxed and enjoyed each other!

On Friday we headed to Altamont to prepare for Christmas celebration with my Mom’s side of the family!   Four new babies were added to the family this past year.  We had a ton of fun eating, playing, singing, and exchanging gifts!  

Uncle Joe and Amos had quite the time together!

                  

"I've got your nose, Uncle Joe!"

                

Wrapping paper was Amos' favorite present!

Grandpas with sleeping babies!

Intense game of ping pong!

Christmas Eve morning brought my family’s Christmas celebration!  A few slept out by the Christmas tree and we still woke my parents up by jumping in their bed while singing a Christmas carol.  Some traditions may never die.  Amos and Josie took intermittent naps during the 5 hour Christmas extravaganza.  Some how we always find a way to make Christmas last a LONG time!  This year’s gift exchange involved homemade gifts for siblings!  It was so fun to see everyone’s creative side emerge!  

Smiley Josie

Amos' first stocking...

My homemade gift from Audrey!
She combined two of my favorite things...Amos and coffee!

Audrey opening her homemade gift from me.

"Where'd all the wrapping paper go?"

After saying goodbye to everyone, we hit to road bound for Lebanon.  Amos chose to stay awake for almost the whole drive!  I guess he just didn’t want to miss any of the exciting scenery along I-44.  Jason’s family was excited to see us, especially Amos!  After the cousins got reacquainted, we enjoyed dinner and present opening! Keeping with tradition, we watched “It’s a Wonderful Life.”  

Amos got to see a lot of family that he hadn't seen for a while as well as completely new faces!  Everyone had at least one thing to say... "He looks just like Jason!"

Here he is with Great Grandma Musgrave

Teigan was patiently waiting the opening of presents.

Here he is with both Great Grandmas!

We saw a lot of this tongue!

The great part about having two babies is that everyone can hold a baby!