Christmas in Door County

I had to work on the 26th, so we visited Grandma and Grandpa Sucharda in Door County from December 27th through the 30th. We were lucky to get a few inches of fresh snow which made for some beautiful landscape and fun in the snow. Liam went sledding down an actual hill for the first time, other than just being pulled on the sled. He squealed in delight after the initial uncertainty. We had a great time relaxing and came home a few pounds heavier from Grandma's delicious Christmas cookies that cannot be resisted!

Santa Pays a few Visits

Santa was a little too good to Liam this year. Favorite gifts included a Mickey Mouse Doctor Kit, lots of books, Sesame Street K'Nex, Elmo Live (which stayed at Grandma Kathy's house to maintain our sanity), a road rug for his cars, a slot car track (given to both Daddy and Liam as a combined gift - good Lord!), a ride-in Fire Engine, and a fire engine playset complete with firehouse, engine, firefighters - sort of a doll house for boys. And that was just the favorites... Next year, we will be writing Santa a letter to pack a lighter load to our house.

Liam and the Snowmen

Liam has been cracking us up with these goofy snowmen we have in the house. He likes to place them strategically in different positions all over the house. The first picture is, unprompted, a "snowman timeout." The second picture, he is demonstrating "snowman go for a ride." What a character.

Chicago Trip - December 2008

We went for our annual December trip to Chicago. Liam had his first train ride on the Amtrak Hiawatha and loved it. We tried to hype up the Santa visit, but as you can see, Liam was not into it. He wouldn't even look at Santa until we were walking out and he said, rather loudly, "Bye Santa!" At least there were no tears, but I couldn't get him to sit with Santa by himself. We did a lot of shopping, visited the Kristkindl (sp?) Market (a German Christmas market), swam in the hotel pool, and had yummy Chicago pizza and ate sushi another night. Liam loved this huge stuffed dog placed in the hotel lobby, so he had to give it a hug every time we passed by. The concierge told me they wash the thing every week, but I kinda doubt it!

Liam Enjoying the Snow - December 2008

Liam's 2nd Birthday - November 2008

Liam's 2nd birthday had an "Elmo" theme, complete with a homemade birthday cake by yours truly. (Not recommended unless you know what you're doing). Favorite gifts included matchbox cars, a little fold-up playhouse, a huge dinosaur to sit on, along with assorted other great toys from family. Liam got to see his cousin, Will, who's just about 6 months, here. We kept the party to only immediate family, hence, a little less chaos.