December 2008

This one Becca took at Fantasy of Trees. Sweet Baby Aaron.

Group baths are fun!

Jackson was a camel in the Christmas pageant.

Ei was a lamb. You can't tell? That's because he took his costume off just before the pageant began and refused to put it back on. Notice here how the other kids are singing while he's playing with his girlfriend? I believe this was AFTER he threw the baby Jesus across the stage but BEFORE he hid the baby Jesus under the communion table during the Angels' Chorus. Oh, what a proud moment.

Like father, like son.

The Stair Family Christmas celebration (Dec. 23)

Standing: Papaw Stair, Uncle Marc, Aunt Jen, Uncle Andy, Ei, Daddy

Sitting: Great-Aunt Marie, Aunt Marla, Jackson, Aaron, Mama

Making our gingerbread train

Working hard

They were cooperating. It was picture-worthy.

The finished product (and gingerbread-covered faces)

Leaving cookies, milk, a letter, and reindeer treats for Santa

Santa ate the cookies and left us a note

The loot Santa left--yes, those are their stockings on the floor. Ridiculous, no?

Our Christmas tree

Ripping into the goods--the boots were a HUGE hit. Way to go, Santa.

Christmas pictures

Here they are. After 2 hours and much bribing, the results of our annual family portrait session. Enjoy!

And so it begins..

He's crawling. Let the babyproofing begin!

Oh, and he got his first two teeth (both on the bottom row) on Monday. It's been a busy week for our guy!

I really tried to get a picture of his teeth, but he got REALLY mad. So, here's a picture of him just being cute.

This month

Poor Ei. He is clutching a picture of Jackson here. We had just been told we had to stay a second night in the hospital, and he was so upset. He really wanted to see Jackson. I gave him a picture of him, and he held it and cried until he fell asleep. It was heartbreaking. They love each other so much.

Aunt Marie and Papaw came for a visit.

I can't explain this...

I put them to work.

Yup, he's sleeping on the stairs. That's Ei for you.

This is what happens when your 4 year old has too much time on his hands.

Thanksgiving wore us out.

I need to defend myself here. I do not ordinarily have giant inflatables in my yard. This was a gift from Mimi and Zoe. They were just sure we needed a giant Santa in my front yard. Well, the boys do love it. As you can see, Aaron was especially thrilled.

We went to Fantasy of Trees.

Yes, there are only 2 children in the picture. Ei wouldn't get anywhere near Santa Claus. I guess it is a little creepy to meet a strange guy wearing a big red suit who will break into your house in a few weeks after traveling the world accompanied by flying reindeer.

Russell with the boys

Aunt Becca was the only one who would go on this ride with the boys. They loved it. That night they told me this was their favorite part of Fantasy of Trees.

Jackson made a tiny tree. He was so proud of it. Ei did not make one. He had an orange soda and would not put it down long enough to decorate a tree.