Christmas Activities

It was so fun to have Sage join the crew during Christmas. We were lucky at how well all the babies got along, contray to what the picture portrays. The piano was the toy of choice.

Grandma Andersen capitivating the kiddies with her magical grandma powers.

Jackson's goal on Christmas Eve was to get as many people to feed him as possible.

You would think we never feed him by the way he acts sometime. He does a very cute and convincing role of the deathly-hungery-toddler.

Opening presents on Christmas with the Andersen family.

The big man himself showed up to checkin on the kids before making all the stops.

Jackson didn't like the idea of sitting by himself on Santa's lap.

Even Linus, my sister's dog, got into the Christmas Spirit.

More Christmas fun to come...

The Hogle Zoo, Christmas Style...

Mom and Dad Andersen took us to the lights at Hogel Zoo this year. They were amazing. Yes is was as cold as it looks. The babies were champs and enjoyed the lights and a carousal ride.

I was surprised by how active the tigers and snow lepoards were. For those of you who don't know I have an uncanny fear of big cats and to see them bouncing around all over the cage, well it was quite terrifing for the likes of someone like me. I pumped myself up to be brave, you know show your kid that you can enjoy things that you might be slightly---or largely---afraid of. I was very cautious while heading to the first cage. People were swarming the leopards as they jumped from rock to rock and peered through the 1 inch thick glass that separated us from them. And wouldn't you know just as I turned my head to talk to my mom, one of those leopards jumped right next to me---almost knowingly it seemed---just as I turned back I saw it staring right at me, just inches away and I let out a scream. Everyone around, including myself and my mom, laughed. The leopard contiued to play around as I was trying to grasp that it really wasn't that close. Embarassed as several onlookers stared at me, I quickly left the exhibit. It was however a very memorable experience.

I would highly recommend all animal lovers to see the lights at Hogle Zoo. I think I will quietly pass seeing the big cats next time.

Christmas Baking and Gingerbread House Making...

Every year my mom, Lauren and I bake the traditional Andersen Christmas goodies. My mouth waters every time I think of those yummy chocolate clouds, peanut butter cups, meltaways, caramels, and angel thumbprints. Sigh. If only the calories could bake out of everything...

Here's Jackson, proving that he does have a little bit of Andersen in him, as he sneaks his first peanut butter cup unbeknownst to everyone.

It's a lengthy process, but well worth it for all the family Christmas parties.

The Sunday after Thanksgiving, we kick off the season by decorating gingerbread houses...or trains.

The finished products: John and mine is on the left, Lauren, Dave and Wesley's is on the right. Grandma and Grandpa were helpful in entertaining the babies.

Ta-da, the happy helpers.

Sledding...

This was Jackson 1st time sledding. I felt it my parental duty to help him enjoy the snow after such a short, tear-filled intial experience. He was a little aprehensive, but he did loosen up by the end.

There wasn't much snow, so I decided to pull him down the hill after a painfully slow initial attempt down the hill.

His preferred method of sledding was on all fours. In the end we both had a smile on our faces.

I just love how snuggly he is in his snow clothes!

Three words: C.P.A.

We are happy to announce that after many, many hours of hard work, study and dedication, John has passed all 4 of his CPA exams!

Congrats, babe! We are so proud of you.

Santa...

Merry Christmas!

Jackson was a little nervous when we sat him on Santa's lap, as you can tell he practically pulled himself into my arms. The photographer was quick and caught this just in time! No tears this year.

Snow Day...

It snowed pretty hard last week and well, I decided that it was time for Jackson to experience playing in the snow. Although this activity lasted about 5 minutes, it was well worth the 20 minutes getting both him and I ready for the below freezing temperature that day. I decided that a box, spatula, cups and 2 spoons would be enough to properly experience the snow. Turns out we didn't need anything but the snow!

He is just like an Andersen and does this crazy face when you want him to be serious and take a cute picture with you.

Snow day was so fun...until he realized how cold snow is when you get it on your face!