The Rest of Christmas Vacation

Jack started at his new school after New Years. I worked that week but didn't have class yet so Jack was able to ease into his school. He cried when I'd leave him the first week but I'm sure that it was more upsetting for me than for him. He's a bit dramatic...one day he dropped to his knees and held his head in his hands while he cried because I was leaving. We've moved on from that and he's really excited to go to school now and is enjoying getting to know his new friends.

One of my Christmas presents was a family membership to the Children's Museum and the zoo. We picked Jack up on a Friday afternoon from his new school and spent some time at the museum. Jack enjoyed getting to play on some of the big kid toys that he didn't get to play with when he used to go with the old daycare.

I'm not sure football is going to be his sport, and I can't tell you how relieved I am!

Jack really enjoyed playing in the tractor!

We had a visit from Bill's family on their way back from Holdrege. It was a lot of fun to get to spend time with the girls and Bill. They stayed a the Embassy so we enjoyed the many perks that came with their room.

Jack enjoyed swimming but it was kind of late so he was a little tired.

Jess really enjoyed playing with his nieces. Jess finally got a chance to hold Anna. There was no one but me and her older sisters to share her with, so he took advantage of that opportunity. He did say he was worried about breaking her.


Jack thought he was pretty cool getting to hang out with Jess and I so much over the break. He thought he was pretty funny taking Jess' stocking cap and running away.

And... while we were in Holdrege our new babies were born!!!

This is Jack's new BFF (Uncle Jimi's own words) James Parker Pearson. He was in no hurry to come out but finally arrived on December 23. He's a lot of fun and changing already. Jack thought he should try out the swing we set up for James...just to make sure it would work.

Baby Claire was born while we were gone too. I don't have a picture of me holding her yet, but she's really sweet. She was born December 27, in a slightly dramatic fashion. She arrived a mere seventeen minutes after Drew's water broke. My wimpy friend had to give birth without any pain meds!!! Way to go Drew! We're really excited that she's here too.
This is the outfit Claire wore for her first lunch date with me.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Right before we came home to Holdrege we had a "play date" at Thea's house. We had a wonderful time together.

Jack and Thea had a good time climbing on and off the sofa's.

They tried to practice sharing his pacifier.

They also practiced driving.

They had a nice hug until Jack knocked Thea down...something we need to work on a bit.


We went home the day before Christmas eve and had a great time with Steph and Cori. Steph made enough cookie dough to feed the entire town of Holdrege so we made a million sugar cookies. Steph was a woman on a mission, and I was an occasional assistant.

We went to a wonderful candelight service at our church Christmas "Eve"ning. After church, we came home and had a feast of soups and bacon wrapped appetizers. We made sure to put cookies for Santa before Cori went to bed (we had plenty to choose from).

Look at the excitement on Jack's face as the kids finally got to enter the living room to see their presents!

I think Cori was a little confused by the cookies for Santa thing.


Jack got some really great things for Christmas. He had a lot of fun with the first round of opening presents, he kept saying more while I opened his presents.

After the first round of presents and breakfast, we went to Osborn's.

Grandma wanted to make sure and get a good picture of him by her tree.

And she got a goofy one too.

He has not figured out how to make his top go yet.

He was pretty tired from all the present action so he cuddled up with the dog and then with me while we waited for Christms dinner.

He did a fair amount of cuddling with dad too.

Since it was a bit of a white Christmas, Jess and Casey helped Rod get his 4-wheeler with the plow hooked up. Jess got his first 4-wheeler ride that afternoon. I was back at Mom and Dad's when he went for the ride and appearantly he enjoyed it more than this picture shows.

Jack had a fun time playing at both Grandparents' houses. His favorite toy at Osborn's was his wagon. Apperanty he pushed it around and around. Mom and Steph have not e-mailed pictures of all the fun we had, so there are none to show you.