Christmas Morning

New boots...
and an umbrella!

Madeline

Look - all my teeth are in!

Do I need to tell you who this is?

Stickers!!! No need for a sticker book.

Ok, no more photos.

Holiday Photo-Ops

We had plenty of photo-ops over the past several weeks.

Ready for a Christmas party.
Christmas Eve.

Christmas Day.

Going out.

No More Wall...

...but lots of dust!

Construction Update

After only two weeks into the project, they finished digging out the basement, poured a new floor and framed the walls. The snow storm delayed the electrician a few days (snow plower?) so the contractors decided to keep the momentum going and jump ahead to Phase II of the project (see below).

Phase II is a new kitchen. The original back of the house separates the kitchen from the dining area. We're removing the wall to make it a more open floor plan. Here, they removed the first layer of brick and installed a steel support beam to prevent the back of the house from falling down. Yes, this makes me nervous. Tomorrow, they plan to remove the second layer of bricks and install another support beam. Then it's back to the basement.

After the Big Snow

A view of our sidewalk after 24 hours of snow.
Walking to the local diner for breakfast.

My first snow ball!

The snow is taller than Viv in some places.

Attempting a snow angel.

Woops! Snow in the face!

Ok, get me out of this snow.

The Big Snow Storm

Yesterday we had a BIG snow storm. Almost 23 inches total. Yesterday morning, with only a few inches on the ground, we took Viv out in the snow.
She liked it.

Good thing the snow suit fit!

Exploring the snow.

Last night we walked to our friends who had a party complete with Santa. Viv agreed to sit with Santa so long as I came along.

Balloons

Last Saturday Viv went to another birthday party. The party had lots of balloons. Viv hearts balloons.
These are just a few of the balloons she dragged around the party.

After the party we went to visit Graham. Viv allowed Graham to play with her balloon and Graham let Viv play with Clementine, his new kitten. It turns out Clementine likes to play with balloons too.

Progress

Two weeks ago Viv refused to go near Santa. Sunday, Santa made another appearance at a party and Viv agreed to sit for a quick photo. This coming weekend, Santa is schedule for one more visit to our neighborhood - maybe we'll actually get a smile.

The Big Dig Begins

This week we started The Big Dig, the first phase of a 12-week (they say) home renovation project. After several weeks of purging to empty the basement of everything we collected over the years, the contractors finally started their work. Phase I involves digging out 18 inches (by hand, with buckets) and finishing the basement for a new TV room/home office -- no small task for a home over 100 years old. So far, we haven't found Jimmy Hoffa.

Stay tuned for Phases II and III.

A Family Tradition

The weekend after Thanksgiving, we took Viv to the Christmas Light Show at Macy's downtown. This is her second year.
The Light Show has been a tradition since 1956.

Good thing she has her own good seat!

Pretty.

Last of the Fall Photos

These photos were taken a few weeks ago. Here's Viv in her latest sweater. I think it will fit her for the next year (and yes, I knit it).
Viv and her friend Harry enjoying the sunshine.

Tommy

Nana has a cat named Tommy. When we were at Nana's house over Thanksgiving, Nana and Viv spent some time grooming Tommy.

A Social Weekend Continued

Sunday Viv had her second birthday party honoring our neighbor Leo. This time mom and dad knew enough to bring a camera to the party.
Circle time. The birthday boy in on the far right in the red shirt.

Having some fun.

Viv loves to hang upside down.

She also loves cupcakes. Happy Birthday Leo!

A Social Weekend

Saturday night Viv attended her first official birthday party. She loved seeing her classmates, playing in the gym, and eating pizza and cake. Here she is on the way to the party.

First Haircut

Viv had her first haircut yesterday at the Beehive.
Waiting patiently.

Checking out the results.

Happy Halloween!

This morning we carved the pumpkins we picked last weekend.
Viv did a great job :)

Its the Ladybug Fairy! Here, Viv is wearing her balloon ladybug bracelet (made for Viv at the local street fair this morning).

Viv carried the Trick or Treat bag she made at last week's craft fair.

Viv and her pumpkins. She helped to distribute candy.