Annual Christmas Shirts

Once again this year Ross's grandmother, Gigi Merc, made Ross and all of his friends Christmas shirts. Last week, we got the kids together to try to get a good picture for Merc as a way of thanking her for her kindness. Even with two cameras flashing we didn't succeed in getting a picture with all three of the older kids looking at the camera at one time, but we did get some cute shots anyway.

My favorite of all three four... right up Luke's nose

Jack checking out what his friend thinks of this picture business

Smile from Luke

Decorating cookies

Hard at work

Smile from Jack

Snow Day!

I'm certain that Jack doesn't remember last year's snow even though he experienced piles of snow and bitter cold in Minnesota last Christmas. He was too little to remember the cold so biting that he refused to open his mouth even for a brief smile at the camera. This year, snow and cold have made quite an impression even if they cannot compare to the snow and cold of Minnesota. 

When John took Jack outside on Sunday after he woke up from his nap, Jack just looked around in disbelief. Our yard had been transformed into a snowy wonderland while he was sleeping. 

Jack waved at Mom before getting on the sled that Grandpa bought him the night before the snow started falling. As you can see, Jack thought it was lots of fun! John took him up to the top of the hill and let him sled down many times before they both got cold. Only the promise of hot chocolate could convince Jack that he should get off the sled and warm up inside. 

Jolly Old St. Nicholas

A year later it still cracks me up to see this photograph from our visit to Santa in 2009. Jack was terrified. Santa expected the same reaction this year. As soon as he saw Jack he started talking strategy with me; something about taking Jack out of the room and telling him Santa was going to feed the reindeer and then Santa popping out from behind the chair. To me that sounded scarier than what I had in mind. With a little coaxing from Mom and his brave little brother going first, Jack was fine saying hello to Kris Kringle. 

Jack even informed Santa that he should be saying ho ho ho. Meggie taught him that last night on Skype. When Santa asked Jack what he wanted for Christmas, Jack's answer was his infamous, "hmmm..." Luke had even less to say. All in all, I think Jack and Luke showed Santa that they have indeed been good little boys this year.

Outsmarting Mom

Jack only gets his pacifier in his crib for naps or bedtime... unless he outsmarts his mom. To prepare for a day at Grandma's, Jack packed his backpack with all his favorite things. Blankie, stuffed cow, pacifier. When I saw him put his pacifier in his backpack, I attached it to the backpack strap so he wouldn't get it out while he waited for Grandma to arrive. I walked away for a bit and came back to see this. He outsmarted his mom this time. 

Kiss, Kiss

Jack spent the day with his grandma yesterday. I know he had fun, but I do think he missed his baby brother.