Christmas Came and Went

Christmas always goes by so quickly. Michael and I flew down to Atlanta the Saturday before Christmas, and JD joined us by car on Wednesday (he was supposed to come on Tuesday but had car trouble, taking him an extra day to get there). Meanwhile, Michael and I spent a lot of time with both families, trying to stay quiet and to have a more relaxing vacation. It worked, mostly. I don't think that Michael was put down the whole week! Now that we're back home, we're having to re-train him to spend some time playing by himself. :)
The Pond Christmas tree:
Lindsey and I got awesome vests from the Ponds! Now I'll fit right in with Illinois girls.

Michael got dressed up in several adorable Christmas outfits.

The boys.

We also enjoyed our annual holiday tradition of decorating gingerbread houses. I guess Michael will join us next year...

The Francesconi Christmas tree:

Everyone got hats for Christmas! We joked that JD looked like he was kidnapping the baby.

Now we're spending the next week unloading the ridiculous amount of toys that Michael got from his grandparents. So much for the sticks and rocks we had planned for him!

Christmas Is a'Comin'

School days are counting down (tomorrow is the last final exam I have to give), and it's so cold, we're only leaving the house if we have to. But Christmas is almost here, and we're preparing with friends through gift exchanges, Christmas cookie parties, and Michael's first visit to Santa. He was a very good boy and waited until the moment that I lifted him from Santa's lap to spit up.

First Snow!!

The first snow of the winter has arrived, and it was beautiful. Fat white flakes swirling down made it feel like we were in a snow globe, and when it all finished, we were five inches deep. We tried to get Michael excited about the new weather experience, but he was so bundled up that he couldn't move. Maybe next year will be a bit more eventful...

Constitution Trail in Normal.

Gizmo, now an outdoor kitty, braves the snow and the 21 degree high.