Winter Wonderland

We had a big snowstorm yesterday that created a beautiful scene around our neighborhood with the way the snow stuck to everything. It's hard to capture, but we tried to get some pictures. The trees were particularly beautiful! Of course, Kim and Adam enjoyed the comfort of the warm car while Paul braved the cold to take the pictures.

Old McDonald

The other day Adam surprised us with his latest trick. We really don't sing the song Old McDonald much and we've never tried to teach Adam the words. So, when he joined in with Mommy's singing we were pretty amazed. It was also great that Adam performed the song again so we could catch him on video.

Dance, Dance, Dance - Part 2

Back in June, we posted Part 1 of Adam's dancing abilities. Since then he has been working hard to improve his technique. Whenever Adam hears music, he starts to jive. The other day when we were in Walgreens, Adam passed by a display with Christmas figurines that sang carols. As soon as the music started Adam stopped walking and began to dance. He did get a bit shy when the other customers started laughing at him, but when no one was watching he would start right back up again.

Christmas Morning

This was our first Christmas in Wisconsin. (In previous years we have flown to Utah or Idaho to visit family). Although we missed seeing everyone, we had fun spending the day together and starting some of our own Christmas traditions.
When Adam woke up this morning, he was very excited to see the Christmas stockings and toys set up on the coffee table.

Besides reaching into his stocking, Adam also had fun playing with his new "Gazoobo." He is really good at matching the keys to each colored door. Also note the 3 Musketeer in the picture. Adam was very excited to find the treat in his stocking. He carried it around with him all morning.

It didn't take long for Adam to find the M&M filled candy canes in Mommy and Daddy's stockings. Three were much more fun to carry around than his one.

The fun didn't stop there, Adam loved opening all of his presents. This year he didn't require any help from Mom and Dad, he knew exactly what to do.

Daddy's Helper

After Adam managed to slide his toy card into our vent, Mommy had the wonderful task of removing the vent cover and reaching her arm into the dirty, spider-web-filled cavity where the toy had landed. Yuck! Unfortunately, she was unable to get the vent cover back on. (No, it was not due to her lack of knowledge about tools. The screws were actually stripped and we had to buy new ones). With the new screws, Mommy's helpers succeeded in resecuring the vent cover into place. We just hope Adam didn't have too much fun. We would hate for him to slide his toys in the vent again just so he can be Daddy's little helper.

Icicles!

Over the past few days the icicles in our front window have grown until they attached to the base of the window forming large ice pillars. This made it a bit hard for Adam to watch the cars out the window since half of it was covered with ice. Daddy had the task of removing the obstruction. Knocking down the icicles was the easy part. Getting rid of the 4-inch thick ice shelf that had accumulated on the window sill was a bit more difficult. With the use of a shovel, hammer, and good balance Paul managed to remove it all.

Adam was fascinated with the entire process and was very excited when he could watch the cars again. Thanks Daddy!

All Politeness

Adam surprised us one day after we gave him his drink. He went to our cabinet, opened the drawer, pulled out a coaster, put the coaster on the coffee table, and put his cup on the coaster. It's now a habit for him. Whenever we give him his drink, he runs to get the coaster.

His good manners continued. After Adam finished his drink, he made sure his camel got a sip, too.

Sugar Cookies

This was Adam's first experience making sugar cookies. He loved using the cookie cutters.

But his favorite part was stealing tastes of the dough when Mommy wasn't looking.

The fun continued the next day when Mommy frosted the cookies and Adam got the job to add the sprinkles.

Christmas Party

We had our ward Christmas party tonight. It was a "Night in Bethlehem." Thanks to Grammy and Granddad for the great outfits. They were perfect! Adam especially had fun dressing up with Mommy and Daddy.

At the party, each family was given a bag of money to buy dinner at the market. Adam tasted olives for the first time and Kim tasted figs for the first time. They are both still trying to decide whether they liked them or not. :) After dinner, we watched a Christmas program that retold the story of Christ's birth. Adam danced to the music and got excited when he realized there was a baby up on the stage. All in all, we had a fun evening.

More Snow!

We had a big snow storm today. During breakfast, Adam kept pointing out the window at the huge snowflakes falling from the sky. He loved it even more when we went outside to play. With the help of our neighbor, Cassandra, Adam made his first snowman. He didn't quite understand what we were doing, but he was very excited to touch and play with the big snow "balls."

Early Christmas

Christmas came a bit early at our house. Two packages arrived in the mail today. First Adam received a special surprise from Grandma and Grandpa - his very own nativity set! Adam especially loves to push the Angel to hear the song "Away in a Manger" and he of course dances every time. The fun didn't stop there. Adam loved opening his early Christmas presents from Grammy and Granddad. His favorite part was tearing the paper and he was even able to open them all by himself! His new winter clothes arrived just in time for our cold weather. Adam sure has great grandparents!!!!!

Adam's Bear

Adam has decided Baby is not enough any more. He now wants to sleep with his bear too. For the past few days he has been sleeping with both of his toys. Mommy and Daddy don't mind because once again his sleep seems to have improved with the addition of his new friend.

Let it Snow!

When Mommy told Adam to get his boots so he could go outside, he was very excited! (He loves to wear his boots). This was the first time Adam has ever played in the snow though. He loved every minute of it! He liked to put his hands in the snow, walk in it, and jump in it. He also had fun watching Mommy throw snowballs. In fact, every time a clump of snow fell to the ground, Adam would point at it and say "ball."

Feeding Time

He looks like an expert! And yes, you may have noticed Adam is a lefty. :)

Mommy's Helper

When Mommy came in the house with more groceries, Adam had a surprise for her. He had started unloading the bags already. He was very proud of his accomplishment (notice his smile). Mommy was impressed that he had arranged the food in a straight line. Maybe his parents' organization habbits are rubbing off on him. :)

Christmas Tree

Our Christmas tree is up and decorated. It now has 4 ornaments (one for each year since we've been married). The rest of the decorations are homemade. Surprisingly, Adam has followed directions not to touch the tree. He likes to look at it, and occassionally gives it a light touch, but he hasn't pulled any ornaments off. He did try to decorate it with one of his own toys, but that has been it.

This is our new Christmas ornament for the year. We have always liked the S'mores ornaments. The hard part for us was choosing if we wanted a S'more sledding, snow boarding, ice skating, skiing, golfing, cooking, etc.