Snowmaggedon 2012

Christmas Day 2012 was the first time in 85 years that there was actual snow on Christmas!  It started out as rain, then sleet, then freezing rain, then finally the snow started around 7 pm.  It covered everything really quickly. 

I don't know what it is about snow that's so exciting - even as an adult.  

This is what I feel like...

Brent laughs at me for doing this, but I love my head wrap thingy.  

This was what the roads looked like Christmas night on the way home from dinner.  It took us 30 minutes to go 4 miles.  

The next morning, we woke up and was amazed that everything was covered in white.  Jackson had seen snow sometime earlier this year, but this was the first time he could really play in it.  

After taking a few pictures when we got up, we went back inside to play with all of the Christmas toys.

But after naptime, we bundled back up and headed outside to build a snowman and throw snow balls. 

Somebody would NOT cooperate with me to take a picture.  

Around 1 p.m., the satellite quit working, so Brent had to go knock the snow off of it.  Luckily nothing was broken in this venture.

This was a semi-snow angel - we pretty much just threw him in it.  ha! 

And here's a real snow angel.  I literally fell back into the yard - the snow was so fluffy and deep.  Unfortunately I didn't get up as gracefully.  And it was cold.  And wet.  

Mr. Snowman had a humble beginning...

Our unscientific measurements resulted in an average of 8 inches of snow.  The drifts were much deeper - some places went up to just below my knees.  

The mister got brave an ventured out into the drift but he didn't like it. Don't worry - we rescued him from the snow pit.  

We loaded up the car and headed to Mimi and Pops' house.  My little house was starting to close in on me from being cooped up since Christmas night.  Thankfully we did keep electricity the whole time, although several friends were not as fortunate.  It was a really bad storm and there are a lot of broken trees on power lines.  We're going to take it easy the next few days and let Brent and Pops go hunting, and Mimi and myself will go shopping and visit Nannie.  

I really can't believe the holidays are almost over - it's been a fun one and I'm sad to see it go.  

Christmas Excitement

This was the year for new traditions, so on Christmas Eve, we headed to Aunt Sarah and Uncle Josh's house to celebrate Christmas with them, and Mimi and Pops.  We had lots of playing, eating, and laughing together.  Oh and of course opening presents is always fun.  

Someone was really excited to see his Mimi and Pops.  

I just love his belly laughs.  Don't mind the drool on his chin.  

Here's a semi-decent picture of the three of us. 

We had a lovely dinner of steak and lobster tail, with brussel sprouts and pesto mashed potatoes.  And don't forget the homemade red velvet cake.  It was so delicious!  The perfect new traditions dinner.  

Jackson snacked on lots of cheese and crackers before dinner, so he didn't eat much except for a roll and more cheese. 

After dinner, it was time to open presents. 

Jackson helped Aunt Sarah pass out presents and he did a great job.  He knows who everyone is and took the presents right to them.  

But then it was time to rip it! 

Oh and he needed to help Mimi open hers too. 

Aunt Sarah got some new glasses! 

And he had to help Pops open his too. 

And Mimi again...

And then back to Pops. 

After presents, it was time for cake.  My Pa always gave us ice cream after dinner, so Pops is carrying on the tradition.  Jackson is a fan of anything sweet. 

Around 9 pm, we headed back to Cabot to await the arrival of Santa Claus.  It didn't take him long to find us after we got home, although he didn't get any cookies this year.  He didn't mind - he'll get some next year I imagine.  He brought Jackson a rubber horsey that bounces (we call it El Burro) and a basketball goal. 

These are my homemade stockings that nothing would fit in.  Santa filled Jackson's up with Elmo slippers, a book and bath stuff. 

Jackson woke up around 8 a.m. and came out to see all of his goodies.  It was so fun watching him open all of his stuff from Santa, us, and Aunt Kelly and Caitlin.  He did lose interest after a while, so that's when Brent and I took turns opening stuff.  

Checking out the new books that Caitlin sent. 

And here is the aftermath of the storm.  Kinda crazy. 

We had to take a few minutes to check out the farm that Mimi and Pops gave him. 

Daddy's big present this year was a basketball goal to go on the pole we already have in the drive way. We'll be playing lots of basketball this next year. 

I was looking through the guide on the TV and found this flashback that I just had to call and tell my sister.  It was a movie called A Christmas Toy and it was made in 1986.  We watched it just about every year because my mom recorded it one year on VHS (Kraft commercials and all).  It's the same concept as Toy Story, but with Jim Hensen puppets.  

Christmas morning was a little overwhelming for all of us, and this one kinda wigged out on us around noon.  He was in desperate need of a nap, but we waited until Mimi and Pops got there so he could play with them more.  He finally passed out around 3 and slept for a little while.  

All morning we had listened to the rain, then sleet, and by lunch time it was getting serious.  We were under a winter weather warning, and very close to the blizzard warning.  I just didn't believe it, but it was definitely doing some winter precipitating outside. 

Despite the weather, we still headed over to Brent's family Christmas dinner, although it was an abbreviated group and dinner didn't last as long.  We didn't throw the fireball because of the weather, and by the time we got ready to leave around 7:30 the ground was covered in snow.  

Jackson has teenage cousins who just love him to pieces - it's a shame he never gets any attention when he's there.  ha!  This is Madi and Micah. 

I'm so thankful for an extended family who also are Christians and love the Lord. 

This was Jackson's second Christmas and it was so special.  He enjoyed opening his presents, but also helping pass them out as well.  He learned who Santa Claus was and that he says "ho ho ho", and he didn't mess with the Christmas tree at all.  I keep thinking about last year and how little he was, and can't believe this time next year he'll be even bigger.  Time really does go by fast.  We enjoyed the entire season with family and friends, and we're looking forward to a fun 2013!