Christmas 2010

Right before we flew out to California to visit with Adam's family for the holidays Jonathan had his final day at New England Montessori. We decided that the obscene about of money and driving that going to so this wonderful school required was not going to fit into the 5 person family lifestyle. We found another good school not even a half a mile away from our house that will be just fine but not quite as wonderful. Here is Jonathan saying goodbye to Miss Melissa and Miss Karissa.

On Dec 16th we and 7 suitcases were dropped of at Logan Airport to begin our trek to CA. We were very pleasantly surprised to not run into a single travel problem on the two flights across country. We made it home with all our luggage and luckily all of our kids.

Very soon after arriving the boys attached themselves to Grandma Jan-Jan and followed her everywhere whenever we were at her house.

Jonathan's favorite activity was to help with cooking.

She also took them outside to help out in her garden. Unfortunately, it rained nearly every day the first week that we were there. But it was way warmer then MA so it didn't bother the boys in the least.

Grandma had all sorts of activities planned, including gingerbread decorating.

He was so proud of his designs.

On Christmas eve, (well actually we had x-mas 2 days early since we traveled on x-mas eve) we had a rock and roll party with Janice and Darrin.

We got everything ready for Santa.

Christmas morning started out with stocking, which were stuffed to the gills.

Followed by under the tree. This really was such an amazing day for us. We opened presents, ate yummy food and played all day.

Jacob gave us another gift of sitting up for the first time unassisted. 5 months old and he is so big already.

On Dec 24th, we drove up to Galt to see Janice's sisters and mom and their families. We had a bit of a late start due to car trouble. In the end, Adam and I ended up renting the smallest little compact car (all that was left). With help from Uncle Darrin we were able to get up to Galt without being to stuffed.

Adams Grandmother got to meet both Jonathan and Jacob for the first time. The last time she saw Alex he was Jacob's age.

We got a rare photo of the whole family.

The following day we drove to Jackson where Adams Aunt Carole and her husband lives. They have a ranch so we got to see all sorts of amazing things. The boys ran around the goat barn chasing the babies around. Even grabbing a few of them. Alex got really good at it; Jonathan need a bit of assistance.

Uncle Dan then let the boys drive his scoop. They actually got to raise and lower the scoop. It was like Bob the Builder day and they loved it.

The house is actually built into the hill. It was very beautiful and of course, the boys loved running around on the roof.

After leaving Jackson we headed over to Angel's Camp where we stayed with Grandpa Allen and Carol at a condo resort. It rained most of the time but one day we were able to go up to sled. Jacob stayed in the car while we took turns take the bigger guys down the hill. I was able to get a great shot of him and Grandpa.

Uncle Darrin joined us and had a great time too. I must say that if it weren't for him this trip would have been even more difficult then it already was. He basically made it so we had 3 people helping to take care of and entertain the boys, rather then just 2.

On the rainy day we played a lot of Wii. I mean, ALL DAY. For someone who doesn't like video games it was interesting.

We returned to Sunnyvale to spend the rest of our vacation with Janice. More on that in the next post.

Thanksgiving 2010

This year we were completely blessed to have my parents and brothers visit for Thanksgiving. On Thursday, my parents drove 6 hours and my brothers drive 18 hours to get here. We woke up bright and early Friday to hang out and eat all day.

There were games.

Cuddles and Grandma lap naps.

Crafts...Thanks Uncle Mike.

Lazy chats.

Jacob got to meet his uncle DJ (Dwight Jacob: where we got the Jacob from)

There was talk of a walk but we just ended up at the clubhouse.

We played some pool and hung out by the fire.

Jonathan got lots of time with his fav: Uncle Andy.

Lots of Jacob cuddles.

This was the best Thanksgiving in a long time. I think the guys were here for only 36 hours but it was great. We really appreciate all the driving everyone did. Also, the willingness to sleep on blowup mattresses squeezed next to a wiggling boy. However, whoever taught Alex and Jonathan to hit all the buttons on the elevator and then run will be getting a nice little chat with monster mommy.

Firefighting Academy

Our homeschooling group got to take a trip to the Firefighting academy here in MA. Surprisingly, both boys listened the whole time.

They got to try out some equipment.

Jacob had fun too.

As we were waiting for them to set the building on fire the boys got to climb around on a truck.

Unfortunately, the burn that was supposed to happen occurred about 10 minutes before the group was outside. So we missed out on that excitement. The boys still had a blast.

The Life Saver

I got out the Jumperoo a friend gave us today. This is the best invention ever. It is a mix between a johnny jumper and an excersaucer. Most importantly: JACOB LOVES IT. This will save my back and many a burnt dinner.

Mommy's trip to Colorado

My sister, Michelle, flew Jacob and I out to Colorado this weekend so that we could introduce Jacob to her family. This was so exciting for me. I barely ever get to see my nephews. It is hard to believe that Kevin just turned 10. I remember vividly being at his birth. And Zach is already 6, I helped for 2 weeks after he was born.

Here is Jacob playing on their floor.

Seconds later he rolled over for the first time. I caught the second time on tape.

Just too cute.

Here is my nephew Kevin. I was lucky that the boys had their school performance the weekend I was there. I got to watch them sing and dance; it was great.

Zach loved to hold Jacob. As you can see, it became pretty apparent that Jacob was growing out of the 3-6 months clothes. His pants had to be loosened most of the time.

Here Zach is playing with his cousin again.

And Kevin again.

I had a wonderful time with my sister and her family. I can't wait to go see them again.