Snow Day!

Though we didn't get nearly as much snow as the areas surrounding Seattle, we had enough to cancel school. The idea of a snow day was lost on Daniel--he was disappointed that his school was closed. We made up for it with lots of fun outside, and hot cocoa afterward.

 It took 30 minutes to get everyone all bundled up, but here are the boys, ready to go outside!

 Snow angel!

 Matthew promptly fell, and just sat there for awhile. Apparently it's hard to move with 5 inches of clothing on.

 I'm not sure what is happening here...

 Oh. Snowball fight.

 Yummy snow!

 Matthew tries to rake up some snow.

 Sled rides in the backyard.

 Our snow creature. (We took 20 pictures of this, trying to get everyone to look, smile, and keep their eyes open. This is the best one we got.)

 I want to believe Daniel was just trying to give the snowman a hug. This looks a bit more sinister, though.

 Matthew finally gets his "snow legs."

 Snow brings pure joy. He is definitely his father's son.

Back inside for some [warm] hot cocoa.

2 months?!

As of yesterday, Aaron is two months old. He is settling in well and growing and changing every day. He loves to smile, and is starting to laugh now, too. We don't have updated height and weight info on him yet, and if the weather performs as forecast, we'll be rescheduling his 2-month check-up this week. In the meantime, here are some current photos of the littlest brother.

 Has it really been 2 months?

 Nothing is better than a nap on Mommy's shoulder.

 What a ham.

 See previous comment.

 Cute.

 Already striking a pose.

Love this baby!

A helping....mallet?

Today Daniel was caught running towards his 1.5 year old brother Matthew with a mallet saying, "Hey Matthew, come here!  Let me help burp you!"

Bibles stories NOT to tell your four year-old at night

As I tucked Daniel in the other night, he asked me to tell him a Bible story.  I drew a complete blank.  For the life of me, I couldn't think of any quick, nice, uplifting Bible stories to share just before bed.

As I paused for a moment, the only story that popped into my head was the story of Job.  Really?!  Out of ALL the 1,001 stories in the Bible, the one I think of to tell a four year-old at night - in the dark - is the story of Job?!

Daniel took it pretty well.  I went light on details.

Squeaky

Daniel confessed today:

"Sometimes Squeaky makes me do things I don't want to do."

Well, this is definitely not the way I want to start a conversation with my 4 year old.  For those of you who remember, Daniel's imaginary friends have caused trouble in the past.

"Well, uh....what is it that Squeaky is making you do?"

I start dialing 9-1-1...

"Well, I really wanted to put the numbered magnets on the fridge but Squeaky made me put the alphabet magnets on instead."

Phew.  Dodged that bullet.

P.S.  For those of you who don't know who Squeaky is, he's a cute little mouse from Richard Scarry's Busy Town series.  He, apparently, is also quite persuasive.

Don't be fooled by his innocent look.  That's one mischievous mouse.

Robot skills

Today one of Daniel's teachers at St. Alphonsus commented to me that she was very impressed with Daniel's "robot speaking skills".

We're so proud.

Thanks and epic picture post

A big THANK YOU to all the family and friends who have given us dinners, prayers, babysitting, and support while we welcomed Aaron into the world.  You have all been so kind to us and given us so much.  We truly appreciate everything, and keep you all in our daily prayers.  God bless you, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

As it's been a while since we've posted, enjoy some recent photos over the past month.

Daniel, the working man.

Play time with the Stamschrors!

Aaron meets Brynn!

Crawl Race: Maximilian and Matthew

 

Aaron takes the Australian wonder-bed "Amby-Baby" for a test drive.  Thank you for the loan, Bernsteins!

Though the sun was out, it's surprisingly difficult to smile in 25F weather.

The family picture smile bribe.

So comfy.

Daniel drops in on one of Aaron's pictures.

It's the night of the big Christmas program at St. Alphonsus, and Daniel pays close attention.

The beautiful sound of 30+ preschoolers singing in unison.

Playing house at the annual Goff Christmas party.

Caitlin and Daniel playing "wedding" with bridesmaid, Cora, in tow.

Role Reversal: now it's time for Daniel and Cora to get married.

The big day with friends, Nick and Caitlin.

The annual kid Christmas picture at the Goffs...but sadly we forgot to take it until after the Marcus left.

Best gift ever: the box.

Daniel reads Aaron the book "Angel in the Waters".  If you have kids and don't have this book, get it.  It's adorable.

Daniel warms up for the big concert with his brother.

Gotta tune before you play.

Daniel and Matthew rock out on their "tu-tars".

Blocks are the best; courtesy Matthew's Godfather, Fr. Jordan.

Merry Christmas, Fr. Jordan!

Aaron grabs a nap on Uncle Victor.

Auntie Laura gets some snuggles from Aaron and Matthew.

Aaron's Godparents: Matt and Katie Eusterman.  Thanks again for making it out to Seattle guys!

Play-date with the Eusterman girls, Ellie and Cecilia.

Daniel and Ellie read together.

PLAY FORT!!!!!

Ellie and Daniel get ready for the Aaron's baptism.

Buddies!