Sucker

He did this to himself.December 2009.

Post Christmas kitchen adventures

This year we decided to break with tradition. Instead of decorating holiday gingerbread men, we made holiday Rice Krispies Treat Houses. The boys took this project very seriously.

However, they did squeeze in a little time...for mid-project snacks.

Ryan's finished house.

And James'.

December 2009.

A very Snuggy Christmas

What's that? A Snuggy? Seth is not impressed.

But the boys are...

as snug as bugs...

in rugs!

December 2009

Santa's coming tonight, tonight

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.Make that a white Christmas!

Christmas rat.

Christmas brat (this is James' imitation of an old man walking with a cane).

Two brats and a rat.

December 2009.

O Christmas Tree

Yesterday we made our annual pilgrimage to the Christmas tree lot.As we entered the premises, I reminded the kids that money is tight and we might want to think about getting a smaller tree than usual. Always cooperative (ha!), James immediately made a beeline to this little tree.

Ryan tends to believe that bigger is better. He bypassed the little trees without a second glance and went right to the tall tree row.

Poor Ryan. I told him $50 or less. His first choice was $2.95 too expensive.

Looking, looking.

Ryan began to get irritated as all his selections...

were too expensive!

More looking.

Hurray! James has found a winner!

On the car...

and in the house. Who's going to come over and help us decorate?

December 2009

It's too cold

I think everyone should stay in bed until this is over.

Still the best

November 2009

Dear Santa

This is the first draft of James' Christmas wishlist. I'm sure there will be several revisions.
November 2009

Wishbone wars

Breaking the wishbone is Ryan and James' favorite after feast activity. Pull!

Pull harder!

Snap!

The thrill of victory.

The agony of defeat!

November 2009

James is thankful...

And so am I!

Ryan's BFF

Ryan saw the pictures of James and his BFF and insisted I take some of him and Cinnamon. I think this is the tough guy look. Is it possible to look tough with a rat on your shoulder?

November 2009

BFFs

James says Basil is his BFF. October 2009

Handcuffed

Seth has re-purposed some of our old childlocks. This is what happens when you can't keep your hands to yourself.November 2009

Field of pumpkins

Mazzotti's Farm has a huge pumpkin patch. Everyone went their own way in search of the perfect pumpkin.

Eeny meany miney mo.

Seth wandered the furthest.

I was intrigued by the odd shaped pumpkins.

You never see pumpkins like this at Safeway!

Ryan made his selection first.

Then James.

Seth carried our pumpkins to the road.

One last look to make sure we chose the best ones.

Waiting for Dad to bring the car to the pumpkins.

October 2009