White Christmas

We were lucky in St. Louis to have a white Christmas and also lucky enough that it did not ruin travel plans or create major disruptions. Jacob got to enjoy some time in the snow thanks to Daddy.

Here's Jacob playing in mommy's vest.. obviously not going outside like that
Waiting for Daddy to get ready so he can go outside for his first time in the snow! Jacob was pretty sick last year so we never let him go out but this year he's ready to go! He got the boots and snow suit for Christmas.

First time in the snow.. so far so good! Mom is watching from inside the house.. too cold for me out there!

Jacob going sledding for the first time in the sled he got from Uncle Andy and Aunt Sandy last Christmas!

Not so sure he likes being pulled in the sled

Daddy and Jacob sledding down a small hill in our backyard.. we knew we bought this lot for a reason.

Climbing up the hill ready go to back down with dad. Per Matt Jacob liked it much better when he sled with him.. sure dad, it's okay if you want to sled too!

Several people have asked about Jacob's health this year. He is doing fabulous! In fact, we have not been at the doctor for Jacob since his 18 month appointment in July!! That is certainly a record for him. Obviously we still have lots of doctor interactions because of Brenna so we don't completely lose face time with Dr. Bob. Brenna is also doing better and other than a winter cold she's been doing well also. We are very thankful for every one's health as we enter 2011!

Christmas Day 2010.. Santa came!

SANTA CAME!

Jacob really didn't understand Santa this year but he liked the presents he brought! On Christmas Eve we would ask him who was coming tonight and he would say Nonna. However, he knew Santa says "Ho, Ho, Ho" and would repeat it often over the holidays.

Santa came and he's ready for Jacob to wake up

Jacob walking down the stairs on Christmas Morning.. not quite sure why mom is greeting him with a camera.
Found the scooter Santa brought. He loves it!

He likes his tent too. Now, if I could just figure out how I'm going to get it out of my family room.

Looking up at Daddy

Daddy and Jacob opening presents. Jacob loves to open presents and got lots of practice opening everyone presents too.

Brenna on Christmas morning.. little stinker slept in until we woke her up at 8am.

Mommy helping Jacob open a present. Check out that tongue - just like Great Grandpa Bayerl.. always sticking out!

Round 2 of Christmas Day with Nonna and Uncle Ryan. Opening MORE presents!

Officially ready for nap time but still more presents to open. Jacob got a drill set and he loves it!

This was one of Brenna's gift but Jacob is 'testing' it.. there's that tongue again!

Jacob helping baby sister with her binkie. He has become a great helper!

Jacob holding Brenna .. he's so happy when he can help

Christmas Eve 2010

Christmas Eve was spent with the Bayerl side of the family. We went to Great Grandma and Grandpa Bayerl's house as we do every year for dinner.

Jacob with some of my cousins.. of course he wouldn't look! He has a blast with them though!

Daddy, Jacob and Brenna getting ready to open presents
Daddy, Great Grandpa Bayerl and Jacob. Jacob is playing with his 'computerlaterlater'. Every time Jacob says computer we all laugh.. he just keeps saying laterlaterlater at the end!

Great-Grandpa Bayerl and Jacob


Jacob playing with Kyle - these two were cracking up over this toy. Jacob was laughing uncontrollably with Kyle would get his finger 'stuck' in the top.

Brenna with my cousins Kayla and Alex

Cookie Making with Nonna

We spent the Sunday before Christmas with Nonna and Uncle Ryan (who is in from Nellis Air Force Base) baking cookies! As you can tell Jacob loves cookies.

Eating a little cheese before starting the cookies

Uncle Ryan and Brenna

Starting the cookies - Nonna, Uncle Ryan and Jacob

Uncle Ryan and Jacob

Nonna showing Jacob how to do the sprinkles.. silly Nonna, Jacob is an expert sugar coater!


Hmm... Why is one missing? What's in Jacob's mouth?

GUILTY!

Playing with the pots while one sheet bakes

Brenna sleeping while the cookies are baking

Beffa Family Christmas 2010

The first of our holiday celebrations was the Beffa Family Christmas. We take turns hosting and this year was our turn. There were 13 of the 15 (soon to be 16) Beffa grandchildren in attendance and it was controlled chaos as you can see in the pictures. We missed Uncle Andy, Aunt Sandy and cousins Kyle and Grant who spent the holiday at home in Texas (they came in for Thanksgiving) and Uncle Matze and Aunt Terri who were waiting in Germany for grand baby #16 to be born!

Jacob watching his cousin's play with their sister's new guitar

Controlled chaos gift opening..

Still somewhat organized gift opening.. we eventually lost all control and it became a free-for-all

Jacob loves the "doodle" he got from Aunt Michelle and Uncle Pat

AND likes his Nebraska pj's he got too!

Santa's Coming to Cottleville...

We recently took a trip with the kids to visit Santa. To be honest Jacob had seen Santa already once this year with Nonna. He did great the first time and was not scared at all so we didn't expect any issues this time around.. not so much! Jacob walked right up to Santa and climbed right up on his lap. However, the second Santa touched him, Jacob freaked out. I think Jacob thought he wasn't going to be able to get back down. You can see the terror in his face in the picture below...

Brenna did not mind Santa at all!

Jacob's 1st visit to the Magic House

Last week we decided to take Jacob for a special day out with just me and Matt. Brenna went to Miss Kim's house for a practice day. We had such a blast and I almost even forgot it was my first day without Brenna.. almost! According to Miss Kim, Brenna did great and it's a good thing because I go back to work 2 weeks from tomorrow (sniff, sniff)!

Jacob and Daddy getting ready to go into the Magic House for the first time ever - Jacob has no idea the fun he is getting ready to have. For those of you out of town, the Magic House is amazing.. if you are ever in the St. Louis area with kids, it's a MUST DO! http://www.magichouse.org/

Jacob driving the trash truck
Having fun playing with the gas pump for the hybrid car

Jacob loves the water works room.. trying to decide what to do next.

Going down a big slide by himself for the first time ever!

Jacob loves to buckle up.. here he is practicing his skills. It's also the first thing he says when we get in the car "buckle up, mom".

Jacob and me waiting for the big kid parts of the House to open.

Here was his favorite part by far! He LOVED playing in the construction area. Too bad it was a high of 28 the day we went and we couldn't spend much time out there. We will definitely be returning for Bob the Builder in the spring.

Last stop was the grocery story.. Jacob had a great time playing grown up!

Thank you Miss Kim for making it possible for the three of us to have this special day!