Griffin, Vivian and Georgia's Lives: 2009

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Vivian and Griffin had lots of fun with Memaw and Papaw during our Christmas visit.

Vivian loved it when Papaw helped her 'run.'

Griffin loves playing with all the cool toys Memaw has accumulated for the grandkids.

Play time.

Papaw served as Vivian's human bed for a lot of the trip, since she wasn't too fond of sleeping in their swing. Apparently he makes a perfect sleep surface.

Oh my stars!

Vivian observed Christmas-present-opening action from Memaw's lap.

Then Memaw made specially shaped pancakes, yum.

Papaw helped Griffin assemble his Christmas loot from Santa.

Papaw and Vivian watched the snow come down Christmas day. Griffin was very disappointed that it was always too wet or snowy to jump on the trampoline.

Asleep at Nanny's Christmas party.

Memaw snuggled in between Vivian and Griffin's car seats for the ride down to the airport when we departed.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

The Tuesday before Christmas was a big travel day for us.

We started with a drive into Daddy's office, where we parked and caught the metro to the airport. It had been a while since Griffin was on the metro, so he was excited.

This was Vivian's first metro ride and she did very well.

Due to some unforeseen delays, including Griffin getting a special security screening due to his light-up Christmas shirt, we got to the gate just a few minutes before boarding. Griffin hadn't flown anywhere since the spring, so he was thrilled. Vivian did very well on her first flight, fussing just a few minutes as we held eating off until we started ascending.

Little traveler!

Happily for everyone on the plane, Vivian conked out. Her chosen nap position cracked us up.

Uncle Jad was kind enough to pick us up at the airport and Griffin thought it was so cool to ride with Paige & Drew in the back. Vivian seemed to like that she could see them while facing backwards -- usually she just looks at the seat.

Vivian was a bit more fussy on the flight back and then had a total meltdown on the return metro ride, but overall she did pretty well. Griffin was heartily disappointed because our seat assignments got mixed up and we had to sit in the back row of the plane on the way back -- where the window was totally blocked by the engine. Bummer. But we were happy to make it home safe and sound and on time.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

We had a great week visiting Mommy's family for Christmas, but now it's back to the real world. More pictures to come when we get settled back in...

Monday, December 21, 2009

Just to make things exciting, we had a packed social schedule the day before we had to leave at the crack of dawn for Christmas. We were supposed to have the day to pack and get things organized while the kids were at school/day care, but they were both closed due to the snow. So instead Griffin and Mommy went to the movies and then we headed out in the evening to see friends.

Daddy and Baba at Silver Diner.

We met up with Mommy's former coworker Jess for dinner. I love the look on Vivian's face as she is entertaining herself blowing raspberries.

Then Jess joined us for a party at Anna's house. Grad school friend Anja, her husband Geoff and 14-month-old Calvin came too -- we hadn't seen Calvin since he was tiny. It was so nice to catch up with everyone and enjoy Anna's lovely holiday hospitality.

Jess was a champion baby-holder. Vivian loved her!

Vivian, Griffin & Calvin.

Griffin wanted to hold Vivian, too. What a fun night. Now on to Christmas!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Let it snow! On Friday night and Saturday we got about 20 inches of snow! That's the most in the 7 years we've lived here. Griffin was beside himself with excitement.

First thing Saturday Daddy and Griffin trekked out in the snow. It hadn't reached full depths yet. Griffin played with the neighbors down the street, Kelly & Jackie, and sledded in their yard.

Unfortunately, unbeknownst to us, Griffin's boots had filled up with snow and he got really cold, so he had a total meltdown when he reached his freezing point. He had to warm up with some snuggling in bed with Mommy, his robe and blanket. He finally warmed up enough to eat.

After getting to such a freezing point, Griffin wasn't sure he wanted to go outside again. But after watching Mommy shovel through the window that afternoon, he decided he wanted to come help. He spent quite a while clearing off the front porch with Mommy.

Then it was time to play glacier explorer and make snow angels. He had a total fit and didn't want to come inside at dinnertime.

He was all suited up and ready to go bright and early today. The sun was so bright that shades were necessary.

Griffin was happy that Daddy played with him in the snow too.

The snow was so deep they could just fall back into it.

Jackie came over to play and she and Griffin liked tasting the snow.

Vivian made a brief appearance and enjoyed some time with Miss Karen, Jackie's Mom. Daddy took a break from his marathon shoveling session to elicit some smiles from her.

Since we were stuck at home and couldn't spend all our time outside due to Vivian, etc., we had to find other ways to amuse ourselves. We hadn't played the Wii since before Vivian was born, so we enjoyed some DDR Dance Party. Griffin has also proven to be very good at golf and bowling.

Griffin also reached another milestone today, he learned how to button his clothes. He was very proud of himself!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Here's a random assortment of photos.

Last week Griffin wrote his name for the first time! He'd been practicing letters at school and knew how to spell his name, so we put two and two together and worked on the letters he hadn't learned yet. He is SO excited about this development.

Griffin loves to have cuddly baba time.

Happy kids!

Griffin's ultimate sign of affection is to stroke your face with the hand on which he is also sucking his thumb.

Vivian is starting to grab him back during cuddle time. Half the time he likes it, half the time he tells her to quit grabbing him. The crib continues to be the cool place to be.

Have to wear all those cute holiday clothes! This outfit belonged to cousin Paige.

For the first time this week, Griffin sat on the chair alone to have Daddy cut his hair with the flowbee. Usually Mommy holds him on her lap, but Griffin decided he was big enough to do it himself. This was nice, so I could get a chance to take pictures!

Vivian watched with high interest, wondering why in the world Daddy was vaccuuming Griffin's head.

Friday, December 18, 2009

What a nice day today. The kids and I were at home and this morning we pretended our bed was the train in the polar express and had all sorts of adventures (no picture),

built lots of fun stuff with play doh, and had a rockin' dance party where even Vivian danced in her seat (also no picture). Thank goodness Griffin doesn't really listen to lyrics yet, because my dance playlist is full of hip hop songs with inappropriate words.

In the afternoon was Vivian's 4-month doctor appt. She's 26 inches and 13 lbs, 10 oz and doing great.

Griffin begged to come along and was very good at keeping her entertained. It was good he came, because both he and I got our swine flu vaccinations. (Even though he already had it, they recommend the vaccine.)

Tonight was Mimi's Christmas party. Here are the kids singing a song and pretending to sleep.

Griffin was still included in the gift exchange and gave Connor a present. He got a really cool batman car that he absolutely loved from baby Caitlin.

After her shots this afternoon, Vivian slept through the entire party! She finally woke up just as we were about to leave. No one even got to see her cute party clothes!

Griffin, Vivian and Georgia's Lives