Archers

Today Ben gave Jack his first lesson in archery.  He is getting the hang of it, and the pictures are ADORABLE.

Explaining how to hold it.

Assisting his grip

Twang!  Look at the joy on his face.

His first shot! Gotta get the arrow.

A real look of determination now.

Love this.

I love how scrunched up broth their faces are.

All on his own now, no grip assistance from Dad!

Twang!

Christmas Review

"This is the BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!"
-Jack, repeatedly

Christmas Eve.  Pizza dinner, Brian joined us.  We watched the Muppet Christmas Carol while I did some last minute embroidery to label our $1.00 felt stockings. 




The stockings are hung, milk and cookies in place.


Jack made this Santa over Thanksgiving break and told the Mall Santa that he was going to give it as a gift.  I helped him write a note so Santa would know to take it with him.  It reads "SANTA THIS CRAFT SANTA." Of course the jolly elf left a thank you note with his empty plate in the morning.  


Christmas morning!  Sam woke at 6:30 per usual.  Jack was snoozing but quickly woke when we all went in his room.  The boys took a few seconds to figure out there piles, then dove in. 





Ben and Jack both received bows and arrows for Christmas. 










Sam tuckered out around 9 AM.  We put him down for a nap and finished opening all the presents.  Everyone was exceedingly generous this year.  Jack started to get frustrated with opening because he wanted to play each thing right away!

Ben and I cleaned and we all noshed on sweets and breads and fruit.  Snow started falling midday.  By the time Amanda, Mom, and Dad made it over the mountains we had heavy snowfall.  I'm glad they made it safely and had time to visit!  Of course they had gorgeous handmade projects to share. 

A nativity puzzle made by Mom.


A personalized family peek-a-boo book for Sam from Amanda.






I made a shawl for Amanda, she made me a lovely tote. 


Sam and Jack both chugged their egg nog.




We got to see them again this morning for brunch before they scooted off to their flight to NYC.  Jack FINALLY got to make snow angels in the yard. 



What a wonderful Christmas!

HO HO HO!

Primary Treats

Today was our last lesson with the 8-year-olds we teach in church Primary class.  We almost never bring treats so today's cupcakes were extra special.  I brought in a sample Rudolph that they could copy . . . "or whatever."  They went with "whatever."  :-)

Public Transit Adventure

Jason's post about a faux German Christmas town gave me the craving too.  I researched but only found Denver's Christkindl market.  It's a little sad.  But it's all we have, so I convinced the family to come.  To make it more exciting, we took the light rail into town and rode the 16th St shuttle to get to the market.  Denver has been expanding their light rail service over the last couple years but we had yet to try it out.

The train was definitely the highlight of the trip for the kids. 








The market was pretty and had the right kind of products for sale (beeswax ornaments, roasted nuts, giant pretzels, cuckoo clocks).  Jack was quickly fed up with the place when we refused to buy him an over-priced book "For Sam for Christmas." 


We tucked into the covered pavilion to hear the brass band play, but Jack's whining drove us out before we heard much. 


They had more fun playing out on the steps and listening to the violinist play, which eating giant pretzel. 


After a surprisingly calm lunch at the Corner Bakery across the street we reversed the train ride home.  We all had fun and we learned that Denver has changed a lot more than we thought it had.  We didn't even recognize Union Station when we reached the end of the line.  I look forward to the Arvada Gold line opening so we can do this kind of trip more often from a closer station.

Pajama Day

Friday was the last day of school before Christmas.  Can you believe it?  Jack's preschool had a party and pajama day to celebrate.  So. Much. Fun.


So much sugar, so much goofing around.

SamSpeak

Sam's babbling is starting to take form.  I keep meaning to report on his talking, but then I delay and he adds more and more skills!



As you know, he's been saying "Mom" since I can remember him making any noise.  Over the summer he clearly said Mamama and Dadadada for each of us. 



Next, early this fall, he started using consistent sounds like Da for dog and Ba for sheep (baa baa they say) and ball, mum for nursing, that sort of thing.



This December he started saying "Day-doo" whenever it would be appropriate to say thank you.  So cute!  This week I asked if he was all done and did the usual sign.  He signed back along with "Al-da!"  That same day he signed his "please" and said "eez." 

What a champ! 

Sam's first haircut

It's time to cut the mullet!

The luscious before pictures:

My heart breaks with each snip!  Good-bye baby!

Handsome devil: