flashback to September

Our friend Brian just sent over a batch of photos that he took way back in September when we were all in New Hampshire for a two-family camping and hiking trip. 

Photos that include both Steve and me with the boys are pretty rare, so I am especially grateful for this nifty family portrait taken at Square Ledge:

Included in the bunch of photos was this little gem of a just-turned-2-years-old Bear.  Look at those chompers!

Thanks Brian, and Kristy too!  Please again soon!

Happiest of Christmas Eve Nights

The Arctic Marauder

The Arctic Marauder by Jacques Tardi

Originally created by Jacques Tardi in 1972, this 2011 re-issue of his satirical, proto-steampunk adventure comic is a fantastic addition to any comics/graphic novel collector's library.  The Edwardian-inspired scratchboard artwork and page design are exquisite and inspirational.  The translation(from the French) feels a bit spotty at times, and the story is a bit wonky in the way that such period adventure tales tend to be; you sort of need to commit yourself to enjoying the ride even if it doesn't always make sense.  Unfortunately for this reader, the book ends abruptly, and I am not aware of a sequel, but it was very fun read and an extraordinary feast for the eyes and imagination.

Here are a couple of purposefully blurred photos of pages from "The Arctic Marauder" to give you a sense of what the artwork looks like:

Linked here is a comprehensive list of Tardi's other works, including the much loved Adèle Blanc-Sec series, "It Was the War of the Trenches," and "The Bloody Streets of Paris."

Bear's version of a Christmas classic

Upon being handed a jinglebell ring, Bear broke out in song:


What he currently lacks in enunciation he makes up for in volume and enthusiasm.

And I am re-posting this video from a bit over a year ago, because it bears repeating and is freakin' hilarious.  Amazing how time passes so quickly sometimes.

Big Slides

This morning we visited the newly opened Big Slides at Robbins Farm Park. It was a huge hit with the boys, who gladly ran up and slid down the hill at least 20 times each! 

Here is Rabbit doing a Backwards Belly Slide; note Bear's tiger mitten waving bye-bye on the left and a peek at Boston in the background:

Both boys down the hillside slide:

The photographer was knocked over with a two-kid tackle-hug once the boys got to the bottom.  Life is good.

Jingle Bell Run

Today I ran my first race in a very long time: the 5K Somerville Jingle Bell Run.  It was a seasonal 24° in the bright morning sun, and I had a great time running with all of the Santas, reindeer, snowflakes, Christmas Trees, driedles, giant snowballs(an Avalanche running team), and even Cookie Guys. 

It was an impressive crowd of happy people(note the heavenly-lit Santa): 

I was particularly impressed with a small herd of Reindeer who ran the race with a very loud Santa;  I think they sang for the entire race.

 

 

At the end of my run, this was a most lovely site to see:

Cookie Guy

When Bear asks for a "Cookie Guy," it is difficult to say no.

I usually give us all a Cookie Guy and chalk it up to Holiday Cheer! 

Camera bug

He is actually taking some great photos with this old camera! 

Holiday traditions

Each morning brings a new goodie to add to our Playmobil advent calendar, and the boys jostle to place it in the diorama and rearrange things around in Santa's post office.  It is not always as peaceful a process as you see here, but I hope that someday it will be as fond a memory for my boys as it already is for me. 

Jumpin' Jingle Bells

Rabbit specifically asked that I record him singing Jingle Bells this morning, so here you go:


We are not lacking for Holiday Spirit in our household!

something interesting

Seasonal recycling

To better extend a sleepy Sunday morning, I broke out last year's Playmobil Advent calendar set and put the boys to work on setting it up:

Steve helped too!

It was a surprisingly smooth project, with only minimal cajoling to share(a real achievement for the sub-5 set!).  The key to our success was seperating the set into two parts and giving each boy his own tub with critters, trees, food and stuff.  Rabbit got the Santa and Bear got the biggest Deer, so both were happy.

The Forest critters and Santa will enjoy another season of wonder and joy.

Anyone willing to bet on on how many tiny Playmobil bits go missing between now and the new year!  ;)

Paperbag Project

Aside from being the purveyor of such fine holiday treats as Dark Chocolate Star cookies, Trader Joe's also does parents everywhere a great service by printing craft projects on their shopping bags. We made a lovely garland with the side panels of the bags from our last shopping trip. Cut, color, sparkle glue(let dry), cut again, roll and tape: a great two day project for Rabbit!

Playmobil Advent Calendar 2011

 December First brings the start of one of our holiday household traditions: the daily popping-open of doors on our Playmobil Advent Calendar:

 This year we have a Christmas Post Office set, and we will be posting the photos each day(as we are able) to a new flickr set. 

Please join us as we find new goodies every morning until Christmas day!  The boys will be taking turns this year, which will be an adventure in-and-of itself!  ;)

We did this last year, and it was great fun for everyone.