Christmas Family Fun...

On Sunday, we had our annual Family Christmas with Mommy's family.  We watched the Patriots game which didn't start well but ended with a big win for the Pats!

 We watched uncle Gary's shoot off some rockets into the sky (that went really far up!)

 We opened some presents - the kids were so excited!  Alexander loved opening presents and got so many cool/wonderful gifts.  He truly is a lucky little boy!

Family Christmas Bash...

We had our first ever Christmas Bash with Dan's entire immediate family - Grandma & Pop-Pop, all the kids & their spouses and all of the grandkids! Even Uncle Tony & Aunt Fran joined us for some holiday celebrations!

It was the first time all of us have been in the same place at the same time! And it was a good time for everyone! We were able to get good family shots - one with Grandma & Pop-Pop with all of their grandkids; another group photo with everyone!
Grandma had a moment and gave out ornaments to each of the kids and each of her ornaments was specific to each kid. She asked "which kid likes to go fishing with Dad?" And Alexander raised his hand matter of factly as if to say "yeah, that's me"...it was pretty funny.We had craft time for the kids to help keep them entertained/busy. They made Christmas crafts for Grandma & Pop-Pop. Then it was time for presents (aka - chaos)!

Family Time...

Grandma & Pop pop from NJ were up visiting for the weekend. The boys had some football games and then we were all going to hang at Steve & Carolyn's to spend some time together.

Alexander was exciting to go to Steve's house because he wanted to see Bella the cat, however once we were there & he saw Bella he was afraid of her. He needed someone to hold him or he would be a bit scared. Thankfully he did warm up to her and by the time we were leaving he was walking up to her on his own, patting her tail.

He got to play with the boys and then we all had some lunch. It was great! Alexander had some pepperoni, salami, cappacole, and lettuce. He did very well eating some antipasto salad. No PBJ for him!

We also got to celebrate Michael's birthday (he'll be 3 on Monday) by singing Happy Birthday & enjoying some cake! Alexander was all excited for the cake but ultimately did not have one bite.

Grandma gave him a cool pair of pajamas along with some Halloween cookies! Alexander had a blast hanging out with everyone, he also stuck to his tradition that when around Grandma she's the only one who can change his diaper.

Family Time...

Today we went over Steve & Carolyn's house to celebrate Nick's birthday. This year was an even bigger reason to celebrate as uncle Paul & cousin Charlotte were visiting from Seattle! This was the first time Paul, Charlotte & Alexander got to meet one another, so it was very exciting!

Charlotte & Alexander played well together on the playset, although at first Alexander did not want to take turns using the steering wheel. Eventually, they came around. Charlotte is giving Alexander a hug, and not squeezing him. We promise!

Alexander also got to visit with Grandma & Grandpa, Steve, Carolyn & the boys, Uncle Matt, Laura & Michael... it was quite the family afternoon! Alexander even showed off his cast, new haircut and how he drinks from a water bottle without a straw!

Family Fun...

We had a family gathering at Elizabeth & Dave's house. The weather was extremely cooperative as there wasn't a cloud in the sky!

Alexander played in the fish pond, played ball, hung out with cousin Sarah, looked for ants on the porch, ate lasagna (which he couldn't get enough of), walked to the beach & threw stones in the water... he loved throwing stones but loved getting them in the water more. We also took a couple pics of some of the cousins - unfortunately not everyone was there, including Alyson.

Chest Bump...

This is the fun Sean & Alexander had...

Low-five

High-five

CHEST BUMP!

Family Fun...

Sunday, we went over Steve & Carolyn's for Nick's confirmation party. Alexander took a very small nap and was a bit fussy at home so we were curious/worried to see how he would do with everyone poking and wanting him to play.

But he was really good, no meltdowns at all. He ate lunch, he played with his cousins, & went outside on the swings.

He didn't get a chance to play with Bella, the cat, which was what he kept asking for all day. Next time...

Christmas Gathering...

The last of the Christmas Gatherings for the 2008 Season was upon us...we were getting together with Dan's family on Saturday to exchange gifts for the kids and spend time with each other. We all gathered at Steve & Carolyn's house, Dan's parents were up from NJ and Matt & Michael came over. Unfortunately Laura had to work but she was missed...

Alexander had a ball playing with the boys, especially going up & down the stairs. He did very well and getting the hang of it. He was, however, paranoid of their cat. It was a love/hate relationship. As long as the cat sat in one spot, he wanted to pet her and scream with excitement at her. But if she got up and walked around, he would freak out! I think it's because he got freaked by Toby the dog at Christmas (both animals are mostly black fur, so they're mysterious).

Folks would ask him where was Michael and he would put up his hands and say "don't know" but then start to say "Miiichael" and look around for him. It was very cute. He did excellent at dinner eating all of his pasta and still wanting more. He had some meatballs and even a few bites of garlic bread. Then it was time for presents!

He was so excited! Every time he got a present, he would shake with excitment. I asked him to give the boys their gifts and he walked right over and gave them the presents and then came back and had this look on his face like "okay, so where are mine".

Watching him open them was priceless as he got mainly trucks & Elmo gifts. He got so excited with the Elmo doll/book from Uncle Matt & Aunt Laura he just screamed and screamed. Every gift he opened he would shriek with glee, it's moments like that where you know that's what Christmas is about. After he was done opening presents, I told him to go give everyone a hug and say Thank You. It was classic - he went to every person and gave them hugs & kisses!

We had a great time visiting with everyone and sharing the last of our Christmas celebrations...and to top it all off, Alexander had a ball playing with his cousins and opening presents!

Jersey Shore...

Alexander took his 2nd trip down to the Jersey Shore. Since we were in NJ, we wanted to go visit Joan (Dan's godmother) for a birthday/Thanksgiving visit. She has all sorts of stuff in her house that Alexander could look at/play with. The thing he liked the most was a singing frog - he just lied there and listened to him sing.

It was very nice to see her as we don't get to see her all that often because it is such a long drive...but she was very happy to have us over, even if it was for a couple of hours. I'll ignore that she fed my child chicken nuggets since it made everyone happy & he actually ate. Plus, I didn't have to feed him so it worked out well...

Family Fun...

We went down to spend the weekend with Grandpa & Grandma C in NJ to celebrate Thanksgiving. Catherine & DJ were going to be there so we thought it would be best to be there when we'd get to spend time with others as well.

Alexander napped a bit in the car & then a bit that afternoon, but around those naps he played blocks with Grandma, colored with Daddy, showed Jen how he takes pictures, and played ball in the kitchen with Daddy & uncle DJ (and had so much fun that he lost his breath a few times because he was laughing so hard)...

Sunday...

On Sunday, Grammie & Grampie came over to hang out with Alexander for a bit so Mommy could get some stuff done around the house. They went out to brunch and then after he took his 2 hour nap, they went outside to play.


Playing with bubbles

Helping Mommy clean (he loves the vaccum)














Taking a bath and showcasing his new shark towel

















Resting on a makeshift bed as he threw pillows on the ground