December

Jack really enjoyed playing in the snow that we have been getting this month. He especially likes to eat it, we try to remind him to not eat the yellow stuff!

For Jack, December was a long month of waiting for Santa and Rudolph to come to his house. However, he was ecstatic to get drums on Christmas morning which were "just what he always wanted!" He immediately began wondering how Santa fit his new drum kit in his sleigh, though. Jack got his fill of being with the family and of toys and presents!

Jack also celebrated Christmas at his school and was in his first play! He played Santa (sorry, Mr. Claus, as Jack reminds me) and wore his costume for many, many days after the play to spread Ho, Ho, Ho's and presents to anyone who would listen. (That firefighter coat has sure come in handy!)

Daddy has been playing with his band on weekends again and Jack says that his Momma has been "staring at the potty all day long because that baby is growing!" and now professes that he wants to be a baby doctor (when he is not being a firefighter, rock star, airplane pilot or "worker guy")

November

Another month of lots of work for momma! But Jack and Daddy always have plenty to do. Squire is no longer with us, but Jack (and Daddy) somehow managed to get two new kittens (brother and sister) which we (Jack having the final say) named Lennie (after John Lennon) and Lizzie (after the movie, CARS). He is learning how to be gentle with them and doesn't seem to respond to the cat's clawing protests and squirms.

We also found out that we will have a new addition to our family this coming July. At first Jack wanted a girl, but changed his mind and thinks that two boys (him and the baby) would be better.

Jack learned about Pilgrims and Indians in school. He made a very good Indian and also made a great centerpiece for our Thanksgiving dinner with Grandy, Papa, Nana, and Pop pop.

October Flew By!

Busy, busy October. We did so many things and Jack was a firefighter for almost the entire month! We started the month off with our last camping trip of the season. Fishers, Moyers, Leshers and Joe, Tracy and Neener, Neener (the dog) joined us as we celebrated Matt's birthday weekend (it actually lasts the whole month, but who's counting!) We are so sad to put the camper away until next season and Jack even cried today as we were winterizing it.

Of course we did the Topton Halloween parade again and our little firefighter was mesmorized with the lights, music, sounds, and anything with tires until he realized that he wanted to throw his candy at the kids (which he did several times.) He also dressed up with his friends at school and was excited to have a day off from school because of the snow---already!

I have been busy traveling for work so Matt and Jack have been spending alot of quality time together having lots of Fall fun around our house!

We did visit a local farm together and after much, much, much delibration, Jack found the perfect pumpkin. That same weekend, Jack went to his first musical show. With Nana, Pop pop, Aunt Jo, Momma and Daddy, Jack saw Rain: The Beatles Experience. He was the youngest one in the crowd and was singing at the top of his lungs...not to mention playing drums on Matt's legs the entire time!

We also made the trek to see the Smiths at the end of the month. We realized that this was his first actual neighborhood trick or treating experience. He was a little behind the curve and learned fast especially when he saw that his candy bag was filling up! Matt got to play with Jeff's ATV and Jack got to play with Robby and even be part of Robby's birthday party at Home Depot.

Finally, Jack had his last soccer practice. On the way to the last practice, we told him that there would he would be no more soccer this season and he cheered, "Hooray, I don't have soccer, I don't have soccer!!!" Not sure if he will be signing up for Spring soccer club! He did get a certificate and was pretty proud of that, though.

September

A month of firsts. Jack started pre-school two times a week. While he says he doesn't like it (with a smile), he is learning a lot (sign language, making farting noises, mixing colors, and computers). He also started soccer practices. Jack's favorite thing at soccer is falling down (at least he is musically inclined!)

We are sad that summer is over and the camper is going into hibernation, but we had a lot of fun and spent alot of time together as a family since our work lives permitted us. We are very lucky, we know.

At Disney

At Philadelphia Zoo

Camping and The Outdoors!

What a Long Strange Trip Its Been

The best place to start would be from the beginning, the day our lives were shook up, spun around, and spit out! That was April 22, 2005. The day Jack was born-- with no instruction manual. It's been a challenging, but fun and rewarding 3 years and we wouldn't change a thing!

And, he grew....





And grew....

Its Only The Beginning

Thought we would finally find a way to keep the family and friends, who are spread far and wide, up to date (especially with our ever growing guy, Jack). Selfishly so, we wanted to find an easy place to keep "our life" organized. With much love.