Christmas 2009

We had an exciting Christmas this year.
First Zoe and I made cookies and decorated and Max looked on longingly to get his hand on one of those cookies. He would not have helped decorating.
This was Max's second Christmas, but the first that he was able to do some, or destruct some. He helped decorate Gramma and Papa's christmas tree.
And of course Zoe did too, but she didn't need help with the ornaments. She is reaching higher and higher on the tree.
Opening presents at Gramma and Papa's on Christmas Eve. Yes, Max is wearing Santa pants, we tried the top, but it was too small to wear a second time.
Uncle Dave made for a wonderful seat to check out a new calendar that had pictures of food.
Uncle Steve, Zoe and Max having some play time in the front hallway to release some of that extra energy that always seems to come around Christmas.
Zoe got to play the piano on Christmas with her Aunt Stephanie at Grandma and Grandpa Lytle's. Max joined some as well.
The perusal of all the stuff under the tree. Where to begin?
I think I need to make happy faces and show mommy and Grandma my new spikey ball. Mommy will be keeping a close eye on me with this one since I have a ball like this at Gramma's. We'll just say that Mommy found a surprise in my diaper one day.
And the two little ones, just happy.

Scootering

One of Zoe's new favorite Christmas gifts. She has been scootering around in the house( good thing you can go in a circle in our house) for practice, but we where able to go outside for a little bit the other day so she could open it up...

Christmas Card

We sent out our Christmas Cards out this past week and a few people have received them. The picture is of both kids very happy screaming and laughing looking through Max's barn that he got from his sister for his birthday. Instead of including highlights of the whole year in our card this blog is the best place to look. Some of you have already checked it out and do so regularly, and you get e-mails automatically sent to you when we make an update. If you want you can become a follower of our blog or just check-in periodically. We try to be regular about our postings

We've all had a good year and are healthy. We wish all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Zoo Lights

We went to the Columbus Zoo lights last Friday. It was a little nippy, but we had fun. Zoe had a green lollipop on the way to the zoo and ended up with green lips and tongue.
This was one of Max's happier moments.

When we got to Santa, well, Max christened the evening with the first wailing child. He never stopped. Zoe was a little worried for her brother.

And we also got to enjoy some really cool lights. We learned when a good time to go is and I'm not telling because I'm selfish like that. We were actually able to enjoy the lights as we walked from the back of the zoo to the entrance, instead of watching for the people who like to walk in front of strollers. 60+ pounds of kid in a double stroller does not stop on a dime.

Max's First Birthday

Our little guy turned 1 on November 12th. The family was over a couple days later for his birthday party. Some observations from his party. He didn't really care about the gifts he just like all the people because it meant that if wanted "bup" he would get it. He liked the boxes most, they were good for climbing on. The wrapping paper and tissue paper were nice, but the boxes were better.
My sister Zoe gave me this really cool farm. It has lots of animals and buttons to push that make the animal noises and doors to open and close. It is the best thing ever.
He really does love it and it is the one gift that he is still playing with all the time. Others get there time as well, but this one has ranked number 1. He knows which ones are the sheep, or as they are called in our house, the baabaa sheep. He knows the black and white one and has been known to do an army crawl holding 1 or both of them.

My papa carried me around some. You can see the streamers and the balloon that I got also. I probably chased him down so he would carry me.

And then my mommy gave me this little cake with a candle on top. Zoe and mommy blew it out for me and then she just gave it to me. I smeared it all over my face, put some icing in my hair, and they just let me do it. So I kept doing it.

It was the best day ever

Halloween

Yes it is the christmas season, but we've been pretty busy the past month with work, Jen has been slammed, Max's birthday, and Thanksgiving. So we are finally getting caught up on some photos.
Zoe was Malicent for Halloween. And for those of you who don't know who she is, we didn't either, she is the witch Malificent from Sleeping Beauty, but made nice. She lives at Gramma's house in the bathroom behind the towels. Zoe created the whole costume and she made her staff with help from Mommy, and Steve.
Max was a puppy dog. This was Zoe's first costume, for her second halloween. It was very appropriate for him since he started pointing at all of the puppy dog's on walks shortly before this, and said "oof off" We did get him to bark once with the puppy outfit on.

Gramma and Papa came over for the beginning of Trick or Treat. Gramma dressed up also, and Papa, is the chauffeur.

Zoe counting all of her loot from the night.

And finally a montage that Scott put together. Really this picture was not set-up. Zoe was standing there and happened to do this when Scott took the picture. It just set itself up for the phrase "I'll get you my pretty".