I'm starting to chew...a lot!

I'm 4 Months Old!

We Made it Home!

We drove back to California straight through the night and were all glad to be home!

"What the deuce?!? Christmas is over???"

And things are (almost) back to normal now. Thanks for a great Christmas, everybody!

Lawler Christmas

Over the New Year's weekend, we were able to squeeze in one more Christmas celebration down in Chehalis, WA with the Lawler side of the family.

Jack and his Grandaddy starting off things with a smile.

This is a picture of Uncle Al after being scolded for sitting on Nathan's Boppy pillow. "But it's sooo comfortable!"

Nathan loves his Grammy!

Here he is with some of the Great Aunts. Although he was warned about the likely cheek pinching, I don't think he really understood what he was in for.

"More presents? Seriously?!?"

Scoping out the biggest one to be opened first.

But before that, Jack had to help Super Grammy with a birthday present. This was serious business!

Then he got a giant stocking!

First out of the chute was a real cowboy hat!

"Howdy ma'am! How 'bout I open some more presents?"

The complete ensemble: Jack-Man to the rescue!!!

Notice the reaction of the crowd as Jack was doing some gun slingin' with a loaded Nerf blaster.

Determining how the Bernoulli Principle applies to the workings of a slinky.

Jack gets a round of applause for another stellar performance!

Getting launched by Dad!

This is Nathan's quilt along with matching pillow and a Raggedy Andy doll (action figure) that his Great Grammy made for him. It's just perfect and really special!

"Thanks, Super Grammy! I love you!"

Reading a good book with Auntie Jan.

Auntie Elaine (with some behind-the-scene help from Uncle Greg) showed Jack how he could increase his cookie eating efficiency by incorporating his feet.

The super-secret napping area.

Reading a really scary book with Grammy!

And it even had a surprise ending!

More Quality Time With the Carlsons!

"Mom, I think I ate too much Christmas milk...I just don't feel right."

"Yep- definitely too much milk!" (Amy finally got a "fast" enough camera to capture the beginning of this very special moment.)

Nathan and his Great Grammie getting in some snuggling.

Carnivorous Nathan

Later, we went out for some frozen yogurt. This is one of Jack's favorite things to do in Tacoma and he really likes their chocolate!

Granny Franny raising the roof after too much yogurt.

Amy's Godmother, Margie, swung by the next day to check out our new little guy.

"Go ahead. Try to get me to sleep. I dare you."

Jack after frozen yogurt leftovers- before bed!

Gramma Jean and some happy little boys!

Nathan loves his Auntie!

This is Jack telling a funny joke so everyone would smile for the camera.

Advent Calendar

Jack loved the ritual of the advent calendar every morning. (No doubt because he got to eat chocolate for breakfast!) This definitely made mornings more fun, though!

Christmas Eve / Morning

After a big day at the Liebert's, Jack and Nathan were still hanging in there. As is tradition, the Carlsons get to open their presents on Christmas Eve. Those Carlsons have no patience...

Jack and his magical learning robot, Alphie!

And he got some new boots, too!

Nathan got little noise makers that strap onto his arms and legs. He loves making noise!

I don't recall what was so funny here, but it sure was!

Jack and his newest creation from Gramps: a Semi with a side-dumper trailer!!!

He also got a bin of pretend food. The birthday cake was his absolute favorite. We are still blowing out the candles two weeks later!

Sharing Christmas cookies with Mommy.

And with Auntie T.C.

Cookies and milk for Santa Claus with some carrots for the reindeer and a special note reminding Santa how good Jack has been at "using the big toilet" this year!

...The next morning... Jack was so excited that Santa had brought him the John Deere tractor that he had asked for!!!!

Santa also brought him some strange "straw glasses" to drink his cocoa. He might have objected, but there was some cocoa involved so it didn't matter.

Santa also brought Nathan the baby elephant that Jack has asked for on his behalf! Nathan was so excited too!!!

Jack couldn't believe that Santa came through 100%!