american idol

(Macon is to blame for the shaky camera work and the accompanying grunting, which I'm sure the grandmothers call cooing.)

happy four weeks!

Macon works on his tai chi moves, plus a sneeze and a smile:

bless you!

contemplating the smile

is that a smile at the end?

or a yawn or a search for food?

more christmas pictures

on Christmas Eve, our little bear is ready to head over to a neighbor's for a glass of Christmas cheer

Christmas morning

Macon can't take anymore action.

family time

Camille (daughter of Sarah's cousin, Tammy) shows off her baby-handling skills.

Tim and Jed play with Thomas engines

Papa, Uncle Jim, cousin Jeff, and Grandma

tool time!

Jed and Grandma get to work with Jed's new tool bench.

Thanks, Grandma and Papa!

Jed works on dinner in his new kitchen.

Thanks, Uncle Brian and Aunt Dara!

Winston approaches hopefully but soon realizes all the food is wooden.

more from today's snow

Jed emerges uncertainly.

not a fan

warming up to the idea

If you grew up in North Carolina, snow is for playing.

If you grew up in Michigan and Maryland, the sight of untouched snow activates your shovel gene and you're obliged to work.* You cannot help yourself. No walk shall remain uncleared.

*But tomorrow, when all unshoveled surfaces are slick as all get out, I'll be so thankful that someone in our family possesses the shovel gene!

Jed's snow fireman.

And by "Jed's," I mean Mama's.

wow!

I know Grandma and Papa love us, but do they like us?

We'll certainly find out now because I don't think they'll be heading home today as planned.

And speaking of liking, how does everyone in our house feel about toast, mustard, orange juice, and canned tomatoes? I hope they feel great because that's about all we have to eat.

merry christmas!

happy three weeks!

it's beginning to look a lot like christmas

On Saturday, we finally got a Christmas tree, and by yesterday afternoon, we had it loaded with ornaments, just in time for a visit from Greg, Stephanie, and Penny.

Greg, Stephanie and little Penny

They brought Jed a fabulous new truck for Christmas!

It makes all kinds of noises and it was the first thing Jed asked about when he woke up this morning. He even forfeited most of his breakfast in order to spend as much time with his truck as possible.

This morning, we went to the grocery store, but it's pretty brisk outside, so other than that outing, we're mostly house-bound today.

And yes, Jed's sweater is handmade, but I got it at a consignment shop, so I don't know who made it, or, more accurately, who had their hard work tossed into a bin of hand-me-downs.

Leaning in for a kiss.

Ready for the store, thanks to the snuggly warm bunting from Dorothy!

Plus an extra layer made by our neighbor and occasional dog sitter, Kim.