Planning for Christmas '08 started back in the summer of '07, which is pretty early for us. If there's one thing you can say about a plan though, it's that you can't plan on anything (which could also be a good description for '08 in general, but that's another post). Despite black outs, snow storms, plane cancellations, and a whole lot of sickness we were still able to all be together on Christmas, and that's all that really matters.
Hi! My name is Julie and I just turned 2! Want to hear about my happy birthday?
Aunt Mindy, Grandma Terri, and Mommy decided to make me a cake. Look how nice they were to each other when they started.
But by the end, all three of them were covered in piggy-pink frosting.
I didn't mind because my cake still turned out looking so cute!
This is me showing off my pretty princess tutu.
I shared my new toys with Grandpa John but he's not a big princess fan.
Daddy on the other hand loved my new stuff.
Don't bother me, I'm an important princess!
I liked my piggy cake until they lit the candles and shoved the fire in my face.
Princesses and piggies that aren't on fire, what could make a two year old girl happier?
We definitely need to visit our Utah relatives during the winter sometimes soon because Jacob didn't last more than five minutes outside today!
Yes, this is the same jacket Julie wore last year when it snowed, but we did upgrade her from socks to mittens this time.
After he handed her a candy cane, Julie told Santa she wanted candy for Christmas. So I'm offically off the hook, right? Isn't it funny that we spend most of our time telling our kids to be careful around strangers, and then we shove them in Santa's lap? But I guess technically Santa ins't a stranger, especially this year.
Santa's helper (who might look very familiar to Peggy) told me that Jacob visited Santa a good three or four times. At least he stood in line each time instead of last year's cutting to the front of the line incident!
Now that you've heard Jacob's version, let me fill in a few details. I thought Jacob was down for the count, and decided to catch a few zzz's myself. Apparently while I was sleeping Jacob either answered the phone or decided to call the Riverbend Hospital.
Either way, someone at the hospital asked Jake to get me on the phone and he said he couldn't (smart boy, he knew that he shouldn't be on the phone and should be taking a nap instead). Since Jake said I couldn't come to the phone, the hospital lady thought something might have happened to me and sent over the cops to make sure I was ok - definitely not the funnest thing to wake up to!
4 he's a jolly good fellow, 4 he's a jolly good fellow. 4 he's a jolly good fellow, which nobody can deny! My first little baby is no longer a baby, or even a toddler. Four years ago, Jacob entered the world. Before his first birthday we knew he got his Mommy's hair and eye color but every day it becomes more and more apparent that his personality is just as outgoing as Daddy.
Sadly I missed out on pictures of one of the best parts of his day because I didn't bring my camera to the indoor playground. Anna brought brownies and had all the kids sing to Jake. She also gave him his super cool birthday hat which he insisted on wearing for the better part of the day.
Last night Jeremy said to me, "I don't think we could have done anything else to make Jake's birthday more special." This made me laugh a little at us parents who try and make special occasions so special even when it's a high probability that our kids won't remember it! I guess that's why we have cameras, right? (wasn't that a great tie-in to me showing off pictures of Jake's big day? haha)
Jakey wanted mickey mouse pancakes with sprinkles, and a "W" for his birthday breakfast. Isn't he such a good helper?
I'm posting this picture because I know Jakey will love looking at his "W" pancake and will let a huge "W!!!" squeal every time he sees it.
Daddy took Jakey out to Red Robin for a special birthday treat.
I could write a whole post about cherries that would be almost identical to my donut post. This is obviously the before picture, haha.
After much persuasion, Jakey decided it was in his best interest to share with Mommy. :)
Best buddies! (probably because Daddy doesn't make him share his ice cream!)
Grandma Terri and Grandpa John came down to help celebrate.
Julie's idea for new hats. I swear the girl is obsessed.
Jakey loved talking on the phone to all the relatives that called to make sure his day was special.
Jakey hugging the card he got from Grandma Grandma.
Grandpa John, Jakey, and Julie racing on the obstacle course Grandpa John built with Jakey's new outdoor toys.
With much effort, Jakey figured out how to blow his party favor balloon.
Julie's attempt at blowing up the balloon.It's hard for me to remember how a few months ago I was feeling like I was depriving Jacob and wishing that he could go to preschool. This thought keeps popping into my head on preschool days. Although it's not the circumstances I would have ever wished or dreamed for, I am grateful that Jacob is able to attend preschool. Today Kathy and I (and a few other Moms) got to stay and help their class with their feast. It was fun to catch a peak into their daily activities and routine.
It's also a nice reminder that Jacob isn't the only one that has his moments because they all do. I think as parents we tend to minimize other children's misbehavior while magnifying our own kids' problems. Overall their whole class did great and the minor hiccups here or there are just part of the age group. It does make me appreciate the patience of a preschool teacher though!
Everyone patiently waiting for the feast to begin.
Jacob's 3 yr old class shared their feast with the 4 yr old class so he was pretty excited that he got to see his fellow sunbeam Lindsay.
Me and my little man after the feast, taken by Kathy. I almost posted a cute picture of Kathy's family but then I realized I should probably ask her permission first so there might be an edit in here later.
It was Jacob's turn to be the helper today. He got to ring the bell for clean up, be first in line, and help Mrs. Bruce lead the good-bye song.
