Hi Ho Hi Ho, It's Off to Work He Goes...

A Living Christmas Tree

Two weeks or so before Christmas, we had the pleasure of hearing a beautiful cantata at Tim's parents church, featuring both his parents. This cantata was quite unique in that all the choir members sing within a Christmas tree (artificial of course). The tree is adorned with thousands of lights that change colors throughout the songs. I can't imagine the work that goes into getting it all together each year! Micah was dazzled by the lights and loved seeing his grandparents up there singing.

Snow Shots

While I am sad I didn't get to watch the snow accumulate at home in Phoenixville (I hear we have 18"), I am very glad to be in Reading while Tim is away! We have about 6 inches here which is plenty enough for a toddler to play in. I don't know how Micah would have gotten around in the snow at home, because he has had a hard enough time doing so here! And I really don't know how I would have managed to shovel our way out on my own!

I was quite surprised by Micah's reactions to the snow. I expected him to be wild out there since he is so wild inside, but instead he was very mellow and quiet, just taking it all in. The boy barely made a peep the entire time we were outside! I think he was mesmerized. We did get some smiles out of him, especially when Dad showed him how to catch snow on his tongue...which was very cute. And while he didn't show much excitement on his face, he did say "More?" every time we got the sled to the end of the hill, so I think it is safe to say he enjoyed that as well.

I am excited for Tim to get home from CO tomorrow night and am looking forward to a family playdate in the snow on Tuesday! Maybe we can make a snowman this time that sticks around for more than 5 seconds...

getting suited up

tasting the snow

silly boy

Mommy trying to get Micah to tackle her

Poppy has a great sledding hill!

Death of a Snowman

Out in the snow..

1. Tim makes a snowman for Micah.

2. Micah smashes in snowman's head with pine cone.

3. Goodbye Snowman

Sunday Morning Photo Shoot

When Daddy's In Charge of Dinner...

Thanksgiving Fun

Thanksgiving was a lot of fun this year. I can't remember the last time my entire family celebrated Thanksgiving together. As my Mom predicted, it was "beautiful chaos." The three grandchildren were very entertaining and much more interactive with each other. It was so sweet to watch Liam and Micah (just 6 months apart) chase each other around and give each other hugs. Aidan spent the entire weekend playing with the Thomas train set my Dad got from a friend. That boy loves trains more than any other kid I know. The photo below captures his enjoyment quite well...he is too cute. After our delicious feast as a family, we headed to my aunt's house where we saw the rest of my dad's family. It was so nice to see everyone; it had been too long.

Friday involved lots of shopping deals (at 10am; we're not that crazy), dinner with Nana, Ron, and Aunt Tricia, and finally a trip to Christmas Village.  While the tickets are a bit overpriced and the hot chocolate is subpar, the half-million colorful lights, window displays (bizarre creations like "Christmas Beneath the Sea"), and indoor train set bring a smile to every child's face. Micah was the happiest I think I've ever seen him! He was ecstatic about meeting Frosty and Rudolph and he loved peering in all the window displays and proclaiming any words he was able to-- snowman, santa, elf, ball, tree,...  It was quite a night.

our beautiful chef

where's the turkey?

Poppy and the boys watching a train clip on the computer

Liam was very generous with hugs and kisses

Riley family photo

Christmas Village in all its glory

amazing

Micah was very excited to meet Frosty

Sean and Aidan

Dave, in awe of the (bizarre) window displays. Was this one of "Jungle Christmas"?

family photo with Santa

Dave and Caitlin, sporting her new Christmas Village hat

Nana as Rudolpha. Priceless.

indoor model train set

Micah loved peeking through the the face cut-outs

Aunt Tricia

Not so happy about the Rudolph nose. We are terrible.

Last Zoo Trip of 2009

Last Sunday was such a gorgeous day that we decided to drop everything and head to the Philadelphia Zoo for one more visit this year. We even picked up Uncle Jeremy to join in on the fun. Micah was more responsive this time around (last trip was in June), saying a lot of animals' names and reaching out for them. There were a lot less animals outside compared to summertime but we still saw a good variety and enjoyed the much less crowded paths. We ended our time at the zoo in the Avian Center which I think I can say is our favorite attraction at the zoo. It has beautiful walk-through habitats with over 100 birds from around the world; you're surrounded by birds with many up-close encounters. It really is amazing.

Outdoor Adventures

We have spent as much time as we can outdoors enjoying the beautiful colors and cooler weather. I just love the Fall! It will be sad to see it go soon...What do you do with a toddler all winter long???

Micah managed to get over this post and roll down the hill. He had a huge smile on his face afterward and tried to reenact his fall several more times. Crazy little boy...