Ho Ho Ho - Merry Christmas (and Happy New Year and Happy Valentines Day!)

Even I can admit that it's been too long between posts - sorry all. For 2010 - I pledge at least one post per month (excluding January obviously). It's been hectic here... we're planning for our second child, finishing up renovations, and doing our best to accomodate professional demands!

As a peace offering, and for your continued patience, I present you with a video that you won't soon forget...

And, we managed to snap a few pictures...

Snowpants? Check. Handsome? Check.

It almost looks like he got his tongue stuck to the tree, doesn't it?

Christmas (or the day the matchbox car garage arrived).

Holiday feast with Jacob!

Sonny likes to show off his abs when he's in Brooklyn. Six pack!

"Hey, no pictures before I'm dressed!"

Training for the 2014 Olympics - maybe 2018. This barely qualified as a hill.

Christmas antlers with Mommy.

Christmas ham.

Sonny, Uncle Kofi, Cousin Jacob, Mimosa?

The Chucks.

Santa train with Dad.

Christmas train with Aunt Sal.

Santa Train with Mom & Dad.

Now, this is a Santa Train!

Mom & Sonny on Santa Train.

Sonny, reflecting on his Santa Train experience.

"Boy oh boy, do I love trains or what?"

Oh Brother, Who Art Thou?

Aaaaahhh. I don't remember what this display was all about, but you cannot deny it's a funny picture. Was it worth the 2 month wait? I think so.

Sonny's friend Ocean was in from the west coast for a visit. Next time, we go to So Cal.

A duck?! That's right, and an adorable duck at that. Happy belated Halloween to all.

The annual costume parade around the daycare building. It's not the west village, but it has it's charms. Quack.

"Quack. Thanks for the candy mister."

Quack.

The happy family on our way to the Thanksgiving feast!

Grandpop Bob and Sonny, halfway down the stairs.

You wouldn't know it from this picture, but Sonny bumped his face on the edge of a table and got a fat lip at Thanksgiving. He needed many hugs from Mommy, but he survived and managed to act like a pretty big boy about the whole thing.

"Hey! We're going to have another baby soon!!"

Sonny will be a great big brother, no doubt - for he has set the bar pretty high.

Wow, that was quick.

Just kidding! From left to right: Sonny, Dad, Jacob (Sonny's first, first cousin). Pretty handsome bunch if I do say so myself.

Sonny turned two years old recently and we had a small family gathering. It was just about perfect, although we missed those who couldn't make it. Thanks to all for their presence and presents!

Aunt Meg (gift-giver extraordinaire) getting ready for a big hug.

For a very brief period, tissue paper appeared to be the highlight of the day.

Then there were the balloons, which he still loves.

Testing out the new toys before the supportive onlookers.

Cupcake eater and assistant. It's hard to tell which was which.

Mr. Frostingmouth telling anyone who would listen how old he is.

Someone managed to capture the moment right before I decided to change my shirt.

Happy Birthday, little buddy. Our lives have never been better.

Pumpkin Drublic

I couldn't help myself. Great picture, great album. Fun day with Daddy.

The pumpkins were for visiting friends Thijs and Rui, although we never got to carve them... the day turned out to be so nice we hit the beach for some grilling! It was great to catch up with Kees & Kaya too... we lose touch with too many solid people when the kids take over! Thanks to all four for making the trip.

Meat is dinner.

Clear!

Mmmm... cookie.

I'm still not sure what game this apparatus is for, but the kids fit in it perfectly.

"So, Sonny, ever been to Amsterdam?"
"No, and I'm not allowed to go until Daddy checks it out first."

Sonny also enjoyed a reunion with long-time friend Max, who has cooler toys than Sonny.

Shamefully, we hit a local pizza / siren / buzzer / game / brat hangout when we found ourselves with nothing to do on a rainy Sunday. Sonny loved the pizza, oddly enough, and the rides. We probably won't go back soon.

Other recent activities include drumming, running, burying the dog, and mowing the lawn. This kid's busy!

What we need these days is a leaf-blower!