Winter Wonderland

On Christmas day it began snowing in Richmond for one of the first white Christmases in 50 years. That night we went on a walk to take in the holiday spirit.



The next day it was still snowing and had covered the ground with several inches. We wrapped the kids up in a mish-mash of winter gear to have fun in the snow!



We decided to get out the toboggan and take a spin around the backyard.


But with no hills we quickly moved on to bigger and better things... the front yard! First ride for Jeekbo.


Post-ride and disembarkment from the sled


Trying to get up the hill.


After taking a tumble, Jack backs down the hill, meanwhile Sydney fails as a sled dog.


Playing in the ivy.


Clara joins the fun.


Both kids try riding with Lucy!


And now for the time honored comparisons...
Sledding with Uncle Jack


Sledding with Lucy


A few days later we walked up to the playground Tuckahoe Elementary still snow-covered.

Daddy and Clara on top of the world.


Pee-pie Liz and Jack.


The gang just hangin' out


The Jacks


Lucy & Jack on the tire swing.


Later back at the house, a few last pictures from the holiday.

Jack and Clara playing with Alphie the robot.


Jack with his new spinning top. This was his favorite position to sit and watch in spin.


Jack and Dy


Clara atop Uncle Jack


New Year's morning with an extra special guest - Alex!

Christmas day and Presents

Merry Christmas!

Santa Claus came! Clara's presents: kitchen set, Alphie the Robot, Princess Tiana baby doll, fancy shoes, Superman book, and kitty cat towel!


Jack's new trampoline topped with some stacking blocks, a new book, guitar, and tractor trailer truck.


Clara opening her beautiful Snow White doll from Nay-nay & Pop-pop.


Clara plays with her new magnet dolls from Luke.


Jack and Daddy


Clara inspects her new Princess Tiana doll.


The kids have really enjoyed the trampoline. Here are a few times we caught them on video enjoying it.

Visit to Santa, the Director's Cut

Way back on Christmas Adam, I described our visit to see the legendary Santa in Richmond, Visit to Santa. Here are some more pictures, videos, and memories from the occasion.

We were "lucky" enough to stand in line while Santa took his 10:30 break to "feed his reindeer". The upside was that we got to watch him come down the chimney when he returned. Here are Luke and Clara catching their first glimpse.


In line waiting for the big event...


The only aunt to make an appearance - Anna Z!


Carrie and Luke


Tatti and Anna


Best picture of Memo ever - her eyes are open and she's smiling. It's a Christmas Adam miracle.


Smile!


The scramble to get a picture. Clara warmed up and asked Santa for "a doll and some surprises and some bowling pins for Jack".


The Schaeffers - Luke and Anna








Hmm, who was more tired by seeing Santa? :)

November Extras

Before we get to December, I couldn't leave November unfinished! Here are a few videos that slipped through the cracks but warranted a mention. :)

The kids enjoy talking to each other (or relatives) on the phone.


Lucy is having some fun with the kids on the Saturday after Thanksgiving - the rest of this post can be found here: Thanksgiving


Nay-nay and Pop-pop rock the see-saw on our trip to the park while we were in Richmond. (Remind yourself about that here: November trip to Richmond)

Last but not least, Jack in his element - a jump, a twist of the knob, then back again. :)

February Is the New January

And for that reason after a quick highlight of the last 2 weeks, we'll get to the Christmas posts. :)

Loves to be pantless.


Enjoying some delicious poppin' corn a la Daddy




Hanging out on the changing table.




The laundry just piles up.


The past week the kids have been battling runny noses and coughs. Jack's unfortunately developed into a double ear infection that really zapped him. On Monday he climbed up onto the changing table and promptly fell asleep. Poor little guy.


Now though, 3 days into a course of antibiotics, he's a changed boy. Tonight he was trying out some new footwear around the house. And last night they felt well enough for a little impromptu dancing session.

North American Snowman in the Outback!

We had a really nice Christmas holiday in Richmond. Over our time there we got to visit with many family and friends.

For the first time in most of our memories, it snowed on Christmas day! This lead to lots of fun in the days to follow. Clara really wanted to build a snowman, but amazingly enough it was too cold, and the snow just wasn't packing. Finally several days later Daddy and Uncle Jack took on the project and gave the snowman a real life story.

What a find - a one-eyed North American snowman in its natural habitat. Listen on to hear what the experts have to say...


Uh-oh, the explorers are getting a little too daring.


The specimen


Profile shot


A little too close for comfort


Posing with their discovery.

Trenton Bound

We're back!

Before we embark on Christmas catch-up, I wanted to report on our recent sojourn to NJ to visit Great-grandmother Margaret. Also there were Uncle Denny and Aunt Jan. The kids got lots of quality time with extended Carrig family. Here are a few pics of our time at Grandmother's...


The obligatory "Pop-pop lying across everyone" picture


Four generations of Carrigs!


Jack and Pop-pop


Clara and Jack hangin' with Aunt Jan and Pop-pop