Busy and Fun December

December started with the SEC Championship which would end with the winner headed to the national championship game. We took the kiddos down for a little pre-game tailgating before our babysitter spent the afternoon with them so I could watch the game with Alex.

Pretty cute little Georgia fans. It was a super close game and although it wasn't meant to be but a great season none the less.

We enjoyed Hanukkah but Jake of course was the most interested. He loved everything about it particularly the presents, the gelt and lighting the candles. The only thing he wasn't so crazy about was the latkes.

We met up one afternoon at Central Market for the JCC's Hanukkah party at Central Market. There wasn't much Hanukkah-ing going on but we had fun with the Riemer and Rapaport kiddos.

Jacob, Avi and Jake steer the ship and Max goes along for the ride

The Central Market climbing tree

Forget it. I'll just sit here. 

Holding hands and walking together!

Shorts and sleeveless tops one day and heavy jackets the next. That's some crazy weather we're having!

Finally sweater weather

Jake's sweater that Bubba got him in Peru

Allie's sweater was one of my most favorite baby gifts she received

A ridiculously cute shot that Alex took of Allie at bath time. 

The following weekend Allie and I headed to Chicago and Jake and Alex had boys weekend in Austin. We got to the airport super early on Saturday morning only to be told that our plane was delayed until noon. At 5:30 a.m. that was about the last thing I wanted to hear. We got on an 8 something plane and managed to do pretty well at wasting time till the flight.

Hooray! Mimi and Aunt Judy picked us up at the airport and we made it to Great's house! There is so much to see here and so much to touch and so many breakables!

Hanukkah with Great, Mimi and Aunt Judy

Checking out the Chicago skyline.

Once when my grandma came to visit us in Eugene she brought an empty suitcase just so she could buy shoes with no sales tax, the woman can shop! So we headed out for a little retail therapy.

Sharing her shopping secrets with Allie

It was a quick but very nice trip. I tried to make sure we took a 4-generations picture but our photographer (the building manager) seemed to have never seen an iPhone before so this was the best of the bunch.

Meanwhile, the boys had a fun weekend in Austin. They went to a friend's karate birthday party and had some fun out and about the town. 

Haircut and an emergency sweatshirt since it got really cold, really fast.

Allie's new chair, a present from Bubba! She loves having her own after basically claiming Jake's for herself. 

Saturday morning silliness and one of my new favorite pictures!

We had a long planned visit from the Helfman-Adler crew. The boys had the best time playing together and Allie liked playing with Jon.

At El Aroyo

PJs and playtime

Don't really know what is going on here but Allie seems amused.

Lisa arranged for us to do something totally different while they were in Austin. We went rock climbing and it was totally fun!

No strollers here. New Ergo carrier!!

Drew (up top) and Lisa went first. 

Ready to go!

Almost at the top!

Jake was next and he was ready to go although I'm not sure he really understood what we were doing until he was actually on the rock!

He got a little ways up and decided that he'd done enough. I was really proud that he even tried it but was blown away when about an hour later he said he wanted to go again! Nathan (4) had the same experience and what a super great experience and lesson for the kiddos.

Alex's turn

Awesome!

I want to climb next time!

We had a quiet Christmas day, visiting with some friends and then hanging out at home. Clearly it's a good thing Allie is Jewish since at the holiday party at her school she wanted absolutely nothing to do with Mr. Clause.

I also have to share their school pics. Jake's is pretty cute because it's Jake (couldn't they have combed his hair and chosen a less cheesy background) and Allie's is kind of ridiculous!

With Jake off of school until January 7th, he spent time in both of our offices. He was perfect but how is it that he ended up in my chair and on my computer?

The next day after spending some time at daddy's office, I had visitors for lunch! They were delicious! It was fun to have them come and hang with me.

We had a great last weekend of 2012. The Riemers came over for dinner, wine and playtime which is always a very good time!

Max and Allie's dinner date

We couldn't believe how nicely (and how long) they all sat there!

Saturday was a birthday party at the Austin Children's Museum and Allie's first visit. She loved it!

Jake keeps a watchful eye on Miss A

With good buddy, Mia

Fascinated!

We finished the weekend off with Jake's friend Sam and his family coming for brunch and Uncle Gordon and Melissa (she'll be Auntie Melissa on June 1 when they get married in Scotland with Alex and I in attendance) coming for dinner. Fun weekend!

The last day of 2013 and this picture kind of sums it all up for me. It has been such an amazing year watching them both grow and change and to see us through the first full year as a family of four. The difference in Allie is obvious as she has grown from a baby to a diva toddler with definite opinions about most things and definitely shoes and accessories! Jake has grown so much too, he's turning into a big boy who thankfully still loves to snuggle with his mommy and daddy. I hope that they always love (and sometimes tolerate) each other this much!

Sweet big brother reads his baby sister a book.
Love, love, love!

Happy New Year and a wonderful 2013 for everyone!