I Like Polar Bears

I'm happy to report that although I could not participate in the annual Polar Bear Jump, my children stepped up to the plate and took one--in Warren's case, several--for the team.
One of these things is not like the other...apparently Warren missed the memo to take your shirt off and leave your pants on for the Polar Bear. He had a blast being repeatedly dipped in from the waist on down.
(p.s. In case you are wondering why so many posts just to get through Christmas day, Blogger/Picasa will only allow me to post 4 photos at a time. Hmmph.)

 

More Christmas morning...

One of my favorite things about Abigail is her propensity to sit in my lap whenever it is available. She just fits so well! Since Avery was being held by Andy, she took full advantage of the opportunity.
So cute of Andy and Avery just looking at eachother.
Abigail's favorite Christmas song? Jingle Bells. Here she is singing to her own accampaniment. (Note my favorite hat)
Did I mention that Abigail really likes Avery?

 

Abigail's Christmas Morning

Did I mention that Abigail had croup on Christmas and the surrounding days? I think this picture perfectly captures the sleepy-eyed confusion she felt that morning.
It wore off quickly.
Some background: at the very beginning of December, the kids got to make marshmallow menorahs. Each candle was stuck in a large marshmallow, then the mallow was glued to a foundation with frosting. Fast forward 3 weeks: the menorah is on the table and falls off to where we are sitting opening gifts. Abigail, with her perpetual sweet-tooth, of course can't pass up a marshmallow and bites into it. Her reaction is next.
"That was gross. Maybe the candle-wick and wax taste better." The funny thing is, she kept trying the other marshmallows to see if she could get a soft one.

 

Warren on Christmas Morning

So Christmas morning for Warren began with us having to remind him what day it was. He straight up just walked out of his room like it was any other day. He quickly snapped out of that as he saw his stocking, which had previously been empty, was now full.
I love that look in Warren's eyes: pure delight. The greatest thing about it, was that whether he was opening underwear or seeing his sandbox for the first time, he was so excited.
This was Warren and Abigail's gift from Grandma and Grandpa Blake. Isn't it great that we have concrete floors?
Trying it out and having a blast.

 

'Twas the week before Christmas

We found the ultimate Santa visiting spot at Pollack Investments, right here in Mesa. He is accompanied by his wife, his balloon-twisting elf and over 500,000 lights. Did I mention there was also no line and no charge? Andy and I loved that, and Warren loved Santa, happily jumping right into his lap.




















Yes, we took Avery along. The people that arrived just after us asked, "How old is your baby?" I sheepishly replied, "4 days." We did have her bundled up very well, though.

I love these snow-people sweaters the kids have on. I esp. love that Abigail's hat matched the snow-woman's hat on her sweater. That was Abigail's hat of choice through out December. Isn't Warren handsome? (Just like Andy--don't tell Andy I wrote that...)
Jennings Family tradition is to gather at G-ma and G-pa Jennings' house on an evening before Christmas. Those who have spent any time in the toyroom/bedroom in the back will recognize the pillows that make up Warren's "Tunnel Fort."