Christmas 2009 Pictures

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genetics

I think one of the things that I find most fascinating about having 3 kids or just genetics in general, is how unique each sibling's personality is in comparison to the other. Here we have 3 kids that are seemingly being raised the same way, under the same general time-frame and all have the same gene pool.

Well, let's talk about Will today. This child is the most expressive of the group, I think. When he's happy, you know it (clearly seen here). When he's not happy, YOU KNOW IT. As my mom says, we will never have to wonder what he is thinking, because he will tell us what he wants. Will is extremely vocal about his needs, including when he is hungry, when he is tired, when he is bored of being in the car seat, when he is hot or otherwise not satisfied. But he also has one of the loudest laughs and biggest smiles that help smooth out the balance.

Here is a picture of both Will & Matt in their bouncy seat. My pediatrician/friend Judy, asked 'why in the world do you still have the bouncy seat out?'
Well, because it is so much fun to see them both get in it at the same time :o) but also because that is where they get their night-time breathing treatments.

White Christmas

We had an awesome snowfall Friday & Saturday. I think 15 inches!!! This is early Friday night when we went to check out the 1st flakes.

Saturday, out sledding with our house in the background! It was great to get out and meet our new neighbors! Charlie loves the snow (until his gloves are wet through and through). He enjoyed getting out both Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday, Will & Matt made it out in the snow for the 1st time. We went out for a Christmas party, while they visited with Grandma & Papa Wood.

Christmas Outings

We've had a great week. Made it out Tuesday night to kids night at Champs Stony Point. We met friends and then headed over to see the "snow" fall, as it does every night at 7:00 during Christmas!
Last night, we decided to make the trek to see Santa Claus. Santa Claus visits Bass Pro Shop at 5:00 during the week, so we thought we'd be there a bit before 5:00. Well, the line was wrapped around the building! So, we decided to do a little dinner and after all being fed, we were a little more prepared for the wait. It actually moved fast and we had our 1 minute with Santa. Charlie was thrilled. Matt was curious. Will was extremely skeptical. But all in all, a good time!

Before and After

Our barbershop was open last week for a brief period. Matt's hair has grown very fast and done in his eyes, a haircut was absolutely in order!

Before:
After:

Wood Christmas

Will riding his new pony from Great Uncle Joe. This kid loves, loves, loves riding. He really enjoyed this, he has a jumpy zebra and a caterpillar. He could stay on for hours. Well at least 20 minutes and who are we kidding, that is hours in 1 year old time! Let me know, what does that mean he will be when he grows up? A horse rider? A race car driver? A cowboy?

Matt checking out the new pony as well - um, not quite as emphatic about riding.

Cousin Carly Sue

Cousin Stacy Ann

Loving the 1st round of Christmas Presents!

Santa Charlie distributing gifts

Cousin Bailey and Charlie

Stacy and Will riding away!

We had a really fun weekend. Celebrated Christmas with the Great Aunts & Uncles & Cousins. I love that we all get together each year to celebrate. This year, we celebrated at Mom & Dad's house and had all the cousins together. When you take that picture of the "great grandkids" together, you really wish that Clo & Robert could see it. Well in person. You know they are watching.

Willy

Will hanging out!

Thanksgiving, catching up!

Matt doing romp and roll on Greta's beds

Turkey #2!, yes #2

Bike riding with Grandpa Wayne
Matt: Who needs a plate!

Bright eyed beautiful Stacy Ann

Pre turkey bubble blowing

Welcome all Hokies!

Chef Charlie

Lots of pre eating festivities including Art with Grandma K

We did have a great Thanksgiving! it was so fun to have everyone here and enjoy the new space together!

bye bye boxes

Well, it's been 2+ weeks and we are really making progress. Our recycling man may not be happy with us, but we have put out huge piles of boxes 2 weeks in a row.

A few of our parting pictures from Marilea...

Matt pushing Will out of the box
Will's turn in the box...
Matt packing...
Our last morning together in our wonderful, blue, tiny kitchen...
Our big moving truck! Charlie got to get in the back and the cab. How cool!