Christmas with Amy's Family

Christmas at the Carlson house was as fun as always. Check out this rocking horse that Amy's dad built for Jack!

He's ready for the rodeo!

Jack got an awesome activity table, too!

Here he is talking to some hot babes on his new phone.

He also got lots of fun, safe things to chew on- like sharks...

...and battle-axes!

Here's a video of what Jack and I got together from Santa. We were both really excited!

This should give you an idea of why I was seriously considering a U-Haul to get home.

After such a big night, all three of them were tired.

But Amy still found time to get together with some of her girlfriends!

McGuire Christmas

Since we were headed to Washington for Christmas, my family got together the Sunday before.

Jack's highchair in this picture has been in my family for many, many generations. My dad just got done refinishing it and it looks great! It also collapses into a rocking chair.



Jack and my mom sporting their finest Christmas reds.


My mom knitted this stocking to match ones that we had growing up- very special!



He got a tambourine noise-maker: "yay..."



...And a squeaking rubber chicken! (See the video below)








No, this is not a present wrapped by Jack- my dad actually claimed responsibility!

Our Christmas

Before we had Christmas with all our extended families, Amy and I decided to do a calmer celebration with just the three of us.

I'd like to believe this expression is nothing short of bewilderment.

And this picture pretty much confirms it!




Future American Idol? Jack's new performing stage.

Uh-Oh

So Jack decided to start climbing the stairs the other day...

This was VERY naughty of him...

So I got mad...

And then I got even... THE END

Getting Ready for Christmas

I'm pretty sure this will summarize Jack's first Christmas.... "Who cares about the presents when they come in really great boxes?!!!"

Look Mom - it even has swords to chew on!

Every year we walk down Christmas Tree Lane on the night they close it down to traffic. Jack was all bundled up and ready to face the lights and cold.

Look at his face - he could not BELIEVE all of the lights!

Kristina, Momma and Jack (still in amazement)

Family photo in front of the lights.

Jack and Luigi playing tug.

Tonight, Jack received his first Christmas present from his Godmamma and Godfather. It specifically said to open prior to Christmas.

Look at him trying to stand up - we are in trouble!

This paper stuff might be better than the box.

Jack's awesome "Little People" Nativity Scene - thanks Godparents!!

Jack is Back

Ryan's Valvoline Franchisee meeting was back in the Bahamas at Atlantis this year. Originally Jack and I planned to go but after a difficult airplane trip in September we decided this was too much for Jack. We decided to fly up to Tacoma and do some visiting instead.

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Hmmm... Christmas is coming... I wonder if those presents are for me?

Jack and Macy became fast friends.


Come here little doggy!

Ha Ha - I've got you now!

Really I just wanted this dog bed.

Jack and Grandma Jean get some much needed snuggle time.


Cousin Matthew came to play

Jack was so excited to show off his monster pajamas.

I've got cousin Ryan right where I want him now...

ZOBBLERS on the belly!

Cousin Ryan is sooooo much fun.

Some more snuggling - this time with Aunt Kathy.

Jack and his Auntie.

Having some fun with Great Grandpa and Grammie

Having some fun with Gramma. It was a good trip!

Mid-Morning Nap

I put Jack down for a nap this morning. He played for a while in his crib, then did the usual round of whimpering and finally was quiet. Later, I walked by the monitor and glanced at it. Jack was totally passed out and this is what I saw:

I wish I could sleep like that!

Apple Cup

For Apple Cup this year we went to Bakersfield to hang out with Bre and Kirk Johnsen who were in town for Thanksgiving to celebrate with Kirk's family. Apple Cup, for those who don't know, is a big football rivalry between the University of Washington Huskies (yay!) and the Washington State University Cougars (boo!). It was a high-suspense game in which both teams played valiantly. The Huskies won 30-0.

Here is Bre feeding Jack for the first time. It didn't go too well until Dad showed her the benefits of doing airplane noises. Bre's airplane proved to be worthy and Jack did not go to bed hungry that night.

In honor of Apple Cup (and Huskies vs. Cougars), we decided to run an experiment and find out if Jack thought it was more funny to mock dogs or cats. Here he is laughing at Bre's dog, Indie. While he thought the dog (Husky) was funny to laugh at, the next video shows him laughing at a cat (Cougar) which he clearly has less respect for.

Jack and Itchy

What My Life Has Become: Amy bought a "Snuggie" tonight... pink... from Wal-Mart... The End.