Christmas Tree Weekend

On Saturday, the Showalters joined us on our trip the Christmas tree farm to find a tree. First we gathered at our home for cinnamon rolls and presents.

The kids opened their presents and we happy to share...or they will be soon.



George just enjoyed ripping the paper.

Then we ventured out into the freezing rain to find our tree. First we rode a wagon pulled by a tractor which the kids loved.






After the tractor ride, Mike lead the troops in the hunt for the tree.


George was great, he didn't cry once. We didn't put him down at all either.

Becca and Emily hold hands.

This was our pick. We might have been more selective if the weather had been a bit nicer.

All the "older" kids took a turn cutting down the tree. Patrick got to go first.

Becca and Dad.

Pia's turn.

Now its Emily's turn.

The kids were able to help decorate it this year and they loved it!


Poor George was told to not touch a lot. He must remember because he's been really good since.

Here is the finished product. And despite our rush to pick, I think the tree turned out beautifully.

Then we got some shots of the kids with the tree.

What a ham!


I included George's new toys into the Nativity scene.

I failed to mention that George finally got a tooth in my last post. If you pull down his lip you can see the top of his first tooth and I think he's working on the one right next to it. He's dealing with the best he can and I'm proud of my little guy. He's also been working on walking. I don't remember when he took his first independent step but I think it was right after Thanksgiving. He doesn't trust himself to stay up by himself but otherwise he'd be good to go.
We're off to the Sullivan side of the family this weekend. We get to meet the newest members of the clan which I'm totally excited about. (Lauren, I get that baby for at least 5 minutes!) So come back next week for more pictures and I'm sure crazy stories from the Hattons.

Fun in the snow

We've had a busy week full of great stories. George finally had a tooth break through his iron gums and the second one is working hard to catch up. Here the kids are in the newly refurbished yellow chair.

We also got decent amount of snow and ventured out to play. The Becca and Pat had a great time going down the hill.


However, George was not a fan of the snow. If you look close you can see that he's crying.

I ended up holding him most of the time.

More fun in the snow.


Here a couple of videos of the kids sledding.



Funny Story: Becca was sent to her room for hitting Patrick. Before she went upstairs, she looked right at me, seemed to say "What the hell!" in her head, and wacked him on the head as hard as she could before taking her punishment. It was hard not to laugh

Thanksgiving

We started the festivities at preschool where the kids treated us to show.

Patrick beamed with pride.

Here are two videos of the kids singing. I'm not sure if they're going to work but here's hoping.

This song is great but George is crying through most of it.

Then we got in the car and drove up to Wisconsin to see the Hattons. Justin, Annie's friend, had no trouble fitting in and was warming welcomed by the harshest of critics, the kids.

The kids attacked Dad just like always.

It wasn't long before Pat and Becca found a lap and several books to read. Thanks to everyone for being so obliging.

Becca treated us all to a dance.

And Super Shootzie showed up.

George did his part to keep laps warm as well.

What is Thanksgiving without some cooking!



And an up-close shot of George with a tear in his eye.

Some more reading.

Then we made the long trip home.



Patrick took this wonder shot of me as well.

George's Baptism

Our first guest was Aunt Pat who flew in from Philadelphia early Friday. Becca, George and I picked her up at the airport while Patrick was at school.


A special thanks to my sister Pat for all the extra help she gave us this weekend. The kids loved having the extra time with you and I enjoyed having another adult around to talk to.

Aunt Pat brought back this hat for George from London where she just spent three weeks. As you can see, George was not very excited about the hat at first.

George found a comfortable lap to sleep in.

It should come as no surprise that Becca found a book and Annie at the same time.

Teddy not looking so happy.

Some happy faces from church. First Patrick.

Then Becca and Brittany.

Don't forget Jake.

And George and Mike.

The baptism party.

Deacon Paul blessing our little angel .


A good soaking of holy water...

...which he was not all together happy with but he hung in there like a champ.

Anointing with oil.

George and his Godparents, Elizabeth and Harvey.

Thanks Kanka for being our photographer for the day.

Yesterday we opened all the new toys. Becca got her princesses right to the castle.


And Pat needed a shave.

George sitting in the heart of the play area.


George has learned to like the hat just a little which makes his Mummy very happy.

If you have some pictures you'd like to share feel free to e-mail them or send the prints. We'd love to have them.Thanks to all of you who made the trip down to see us and my apologies to all of you who got sick. Many of you have told me you will not come to another baptism at this house since we seem to spread disease when you do and I don't blame you. I guess that shows how lucky we are to have such a wonderful family and friends.