Goodbye's

Always the hardest part.  Pops made it off the boat just in time to take us to the airport.

Restrooms... a strategically important part of travel with kids

In Birmingham

We spent Christmas in Birmingham with Aunt Ashley and Oma.  We had a great time until the chicken pox struck.  We only had one victim, Seth, but it was an itchy affair.

Here are some photos from an afternoon at a beautiful park. 

 

 

 

 

Christmas, Crafts, Family, and a Secret Agent Mission

We returned to Elba for a couple of days with family.  Our big family gathering has always been Christmas Eve, and I love it every year.

This Christmas Eve also held the Second Annual Secret Agent Mission, designed by Dad/Uncle Craig.

Craft Time at Gee's

Agents ready for mission

disclaimer:  no real weapons

A little guidance on how to attack the red ninja with silly string

Got him... turned him back to the good side

Lake Martin

Lots of fun at Lake Martin too... roaming, exploring, a little swimming in December.

A birthday waffle

Boys at play

Ohhhh... coldy

Mud is fun

Hunter's orange... walking in the woods

 

 

 

A beautiful sunset

Farm Boys

My boys love Uncle Bubba and his farm.  It is kid wonderland... giant animals, giant machines, and freedom to explore.

 Max really wanted to get closer and pet them.

 Seth was there too but not interested in being quite as close as the younger ones.

Our first stop

We headed back to the States for most of December.  While Craig worked in DC, the kids and I worked through a bit of jet lag in Elba.

Vic got his third birthday celebration, this time with lots of family.

Cousin fun in the mini Mini Cooper

Seth showing off his new skills for the Elba folk... by the way, summers are hot in Alabama, but a winter day in short sleeves is great.

Max showing the big boys who's boss

Sweetie

PJs + boots

PJs + boots, again.  Did I inadvertently document sibling taunting?

Vic's Birthday

December 1st Vic celebrated his birthday with some morning adventures. 

First, the boys came to the kitchen to find that there had been a battle over birthday brownies.  Only one small crumb seized by the villains

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We had a pumpkin left over from October that became Vic's little birthday pal. 

Then, birthday pancakes made into fun and colorful shapes and sizes.  Oh, and as of Max's 1st birthday, Craig added crazy hats to our birthday traditions.

Finally, the real adventure.  We had a string tied from a balloon outside the boys' door on the second floor that went throughout the house, through the basement, and into the yard.

Along the way were little tasks, like this one, that both boys had to complete to continue on the string. 

At last we reached the end of the string and Vic's new balance bike.  His hand-me-down from Seth was beyond repair, the fate of many, many miles.

For those of you who check in, I'm back.