Christmas & New Years

We had another great Christmas in 2010, our first one as a family of four! Garrett really "got" the whole Santa thing this year, which made things really fun. We got to see Santa in early December and both boys sat on his lap without any major meltdowns (a first for Garrett!). We put on our tree (with fewer and non-breakable ornaments), listened to Christmas music throughout the month, and talked about Santa. At school during Santa's visit Garrett told him that he wanted "cooking stuff" and that Ezra wanted a fire truck.

We spent Christmas Eve at Oma and Opa's house and had a great time. We spread the "reindeer dust" in the front yard when we got home that night and hoped that Santa would come. Garrett work up around 8:00 (after both moms were waiting patiently for him to wake up), came upstairs and said in the most geniune, innocent voice "Merry Christmas Mom, Merry Christmas Mama, Merry Christmas Ezra!". I just about started crying right there! He was concerned that Santa did not come, so we hurried downstairs turned the lights on, and sure enough - he came! It was a great Christmas day that we spent at home together all day long. Santa brought the boys a duplo lego table that doubles as a car table, which they both loved. Garrett also got some playdough (which was a big hit), and Ezra a variety of cars. We ate Christmas Dinner at our favorite neighbor Hal's house and it was delightful! We spent the day after Christmas at Grams/Great Grams house with the Crane family.

We rang in the New Year at a party with friends. Well actually we rang it in at 8:00pm, and then went home to bed! Later in teh weekend we went to another party (a bowling party) with more friends. Garrett has become quite the bowler and loves to be around his friends!

Ezra has just about beat his runny nose after a week of dealing with a cold. Since he took his first steps back in November, he has been doing more and more walking. He's not quite a full time walker, but certainly he is a "part time walker". He has developed quite the sense of humor and loves to make everyone laugh, and he loves to pretend to take naps by putting his head down wherever he is. He has been enjoying pushing his brother around in his fire truck around the house (with surprisingly good ability to stear around the corners).

Santa did come!
Brothers on Christmas morning

The family 2010

New hats!

Helping Ezra open his present

New bathrobe

Christmas at Grama Donna's

Playing with Oma and Kennedy

Playing at Oma and Opa's house

pretending to take a nap in Zoe's bed

Bowling party with friends on Sunday

December 2010

Keeping up with tradition, we made a "cookie house" in December. This year was a little less tricky than last year, as we didn't have to make too many repairs to the structure before the decorating began. Garrett was really into it this year, no surprise as much as he loves anything cooking or art related! (the candy factor didn't hurt either).

The finished product.


Garrett and Mama went on a "football date" in December to see his first Lion's game at Ford Field. Garrett was super pumped about going to the game, had a fun time watching the Lions play, and of course the popcorn was a highlight for him too. He only last until the second quarter, but hey, he's only three. Unfortunately this was a game that the Lions actually won and they didn't get to see the victory in person!

"go blue team!"

Garrett in front of Comerica Park and the Tiger in his Carhart after the football game as the snow was really starting to come down.

Chef Garrett making cookies with Mama, another favorite family tradition.

Showing off his big smile and teeth - there are five now!

professional family photos

In late October we had professional family photos taken by the talented and lovely Melissa LaRue. It was a first for the boys (and us) and they did great, thanks to the Melissa's awesome skills! enjoy....