The Holidays

The holidays were busy, but great! We all enjoyed spending time at the Welch's and the Ryan's. Jake, of course, made a haul. We have all had a blast playing with all of our new toys. The weather has not stopped Jake from riding on his Gator. He was a little aggravated at first because it doesn't ride exactly like his tractor and he couldn't control it as well. Just like with anything else, show him once and he's got it. Josh took him for a spin the other night and he made it all the way around the block. We'll keep working on reverse!

Jake LOVES his new baby cousin, Ryan. He wanted to hold and kiss him as much as possible. Ellie is a great big sister. Jake picked out a green lizard as his gift to Ryan. I don't think Jake or Ellie let Ryan go anywhere without it. At one point the kids placed it on his stomach while he was sleeping. I guess the lizard was playing protector.

Sending his letter to Santa-Christmas at the Zoo

Cousins

Christmas Morning

Let It Snow

Jacob has become very helpful around the house. He has now mastered the snow blower and is an expert at shoveling. Having a boy does have its perks.

We are all gearing up for the holidays and can't wait to see Jake with all of his gifts. It should be entertaining! The magic of Christmas has finally come back with all the little ones.

Making a Mess

Nana and Bumpa came over this weekend. We all had fun watching Jake make a mess of the kitchen.  He made a whole tray of cookies and loved decorating them. Josh was in Florida with his parents for a car race; which they did very well in. One of their cars got 6th place! Jake was very excited to have Daddy home. Last night they put together a gingerbread train and Jake again showed us his great decorating skills. This morning he was insistent on having it for breakfast. I finally convinced him to eat hash browns and oranges.  I'm sure we'll have the same argument this evening at dinner time. 

He concentrated so hard

He is taking Christmas orders, if you're interested

Working with Daddy on his Choo Choo

Still a work in progress. He hasn't added his finishing touches-sprinkles

Weekend

We had a very nice Thanksgiving with the Welches and a productive weekend decorating for Christmas. Jake enjoyed picking out the tree, but was ready to go inside where it was warmer and get some treats. He loved decorating his little tree and helping mommy put the lights on the family tree. Maybe next year he can do it so I don't have to! Josh was in charge of the outside lights and they look great. Jake made me take him outside three times last night to look at the lights. He was equally amazed each time he saw them. Oh, to be 2 1/2 again. Enjoy the pictures below.

He loved putting on his ornaments

Coming in from the cold at the tree farm.

                                                                             One cool dude!

A Chef at Heart

Saturday morning waffles

Jacob has really taken to the idea of cooking. He loves doing anything that involves helping make a meal. Sometimes he "helps" a little too much, but at least he's interested. Josh took Jacob to his second Colts game the other weekend. Jake now wants to watch football all the time and is a huge Colts fan. Of course this pleases his father to no end:0) Below are a few photos from the last couple of weeks. Have a great Thanksgiving!

Me do it, Mommy!

Headed to the game

Cashing in my McD's gift card from Nana and Bumpa. Life is good!

Trick or Treat

Jake had a full weekend. It started off with a fall party at school and continued on from there. Nana and Bumpa came over so Bumpa could do his anual pumpkin carving. It turned out great. Jacob loved his pumpkins this year. Nana brought over a cake for our birthdays and we have now done candles and birthday cake a total of three times since Friday. He shouts out, "Happy Birthday to you, Daddy!" Then of course he is the one to blow out the candles and lick the icing off them. We used the last of the candles last night, so the birthday celebration is now officially over.

Jake was somewhat into trick or treating. We went to our old neighbors and then just stopped at a few houses. The people next door and Josh set up a tent between our houses and we all just hung out there and had a nice time passing out candy.

Jake at his school party. It was pajama day as well.

Bob the Builder

Daddy's pumpkin

Bumpa's pumpkin for Jacob

Happy Birthday.....again!

Our Little Pumpkin

My apologies. This blog update is over due. We have been so busy and time is just flying by. The basement is finished and Jake loves playing down there. The bounce house is officially out of the dining room. We have new neighbors around us and have enjoyed getting to know them. Josh and I aren't sure we are ready for the 5 year old stage. We have a few of those near and they NEVER stop talking.

Below are some newer photos. One is from the race Welch and Wilson sponsored. The family came in town and we all had a great time together. The others are from our adventure to the pumpkin patch. Jake is obsessed with pumpkins at the moment. He laughs and dances around the front yard each time we light his. It's cute. Grammie got him some Halloween pajamas. We have a feeling he will be wearing those through Christmas. They even glow in the dark.