Merry ChristmasWe celebrated Christmas four separate times this year. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but I think when January rolled around, we were happy to start thinking of something else. Jack will be turning 2 in March, and he's still not quite sure what to make of the holiday. He liked the tree, with its star on top ("ishtarr"), liked the songs (yelling" "jingle-all-a-way - HEY"), and likes all his new toys, he's just not getting what the rest of it is about.
Jacqui's Mom visited us in early December to celebrate here. We got to exchange gifts, and she got some quality TuTu time with Jack. As you can see in the photo above, she got him his first red wagon. He's begun to figure out that you can ride in it AND stuff it full of things. His uncle Jimmy got him a jet ski which he's scooting around on. For some unknown reason, it plays the theme song from T.J. Hooker. He won't let go of that football though, so his steering isn't too good.
We also did some traveling to visit relatives, making stops in Mesa, Arizona to visit Jan and Curt (Jacqui's dad), and to New England to visit the Lyons clan. While in Mesa we went for a hike in the Superstition Mountains along the Lost Dutchman trail. A great hike with lots of cactus and rock formations to look at. As you can see here, Jack has decided his nap is over and he's ready to get out of that back pack. While he's asleep he's 27lbs of heat, which in Arizona, makes for a bit of a challenge. When he's awake, he might swat me on the top of the head, throw his hat, or yell for some attention. No worries, they promised some cold beer when we return.
Once back in Arkansas we celebrated Christmas day with some light flurries, and showed Jack what Santa and his Nana and Pa had for him (no coal this year). Among
his favorites: a tricycle, a firetruck, a dump truck. Also currently obsessed with a basketball hoop that his godmother Michelle Callahan got for him. If any scouts are listening, JT can dunk!After opening gifts we quickly dressed and threw the bags in the car for a quick ride to XNA (Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport in Fayettville) and the flight to New England (via Chicago). Had just enough time for a good lunch at Tuscany in Chicago's Terminal A, and to change Jack, before boarding the next flight. The northeast was preparing for a blizzard (the snowpocalypse of 2010) when we arrived. Made a quick stop to load up on liquor and food, but sister Chris and Ed had planned well in advance with lots of fire wood and great food and drink. Chris shows us she's still got the toddler skills by playing this made-up game with Jack for about an hour. Jack did get to go out and play in the snow a bit, but blizzard means high winds, and he wasn't much of a fan of that. The snow was fun to throw in the air, but he really didn't like it pelting him in the face on its way back down.
We celebrated with Nana and Pa and the grandkids and had some laughs with the annual theatrical show. I can't tell if the kids plays are getting shorter, or if all the yelling and sugar high makes it go faster. Jack seemed to like the attention of the stage, and got his first experience to run from behind the curtain to see "the audience". Just like Spiderman on Broadway though, the show was cut short due to injury and hurt feelings. Better luck next year.
We celebrated with Nana and Pa and the grandkids and had some laughs with the annual theatrical show. I can't tell if the kids plays are getting shorter, or if all the yelling and sugar high makes it go faster. Jack seemed to like the attention of the stage, and got his first experience to run from behind the curtain to see "the audience". Just like Spiderman on Broadway though, the show was cut short due to injury and hurt feelings. Better luck next year.Jack got to spend some good quality time with Uncle Tommy who agree to sit while we went out for dinner (Persian food - awesome). Nana and Pa took alot of sitting duty too, though Jack may have worn-out that welcome when he took the sacred statue of Mary out of the Manger and threw her accross the room. Sacrilage!
All the snow had us thinking we'd like to go skiing and we decided a nordic experience would be good, due to the wind. Jacqui picked an inn in the woods up in NH (see photo below) that had a trail system leading up to a mountain overlook near Mt. Sunape. We packed some gear and headed out, and with the exception of a few deep snow face plants, we had a great afternoon on the trails.
Back home, Jack was developing a bad cold which turned into sleepless nights, fever, coughing and lots of snot. By the time NYE rolled-around, our plans for celebrating were shot (though I did get a chance to step out and have dinner with my friends from home, thanks Jacqui).
All the snow had us thinking we'd like to go skiing and we decided a nordic experience would be good, due to the wind. Jacqui picked an inn in the woods up in NH (see photo below) that had a trail system leading up to a mountain overlook near Mt. Sunape. We packed some gear and headed out, and with the exception of a few deep snow face plants, we had a great afternoon on the trails.
Back home, Jack was developing a bad cold which turned into sleepless nights, fever, coughing and lots of snot. By the time NYE rolled-around, our plans for celebrating were shot (though I did get a chance to step out and have dinner with my friends from home, thanks Jacqui). Dinner was at a local favorite, "The Olympia" and its famed Zorba Room. The restaurant is featured in the Oscar nominated movie "The Fighter" which tells the story of a couple of local boxers, (Micky Ward and Dicky Ecklund). We saw the movie while we were in town, and though it doesn't paint a pretty picture of the area and its inhabitants, I'd say Christian Bale's performance was pretty close to a spot-on impersonation of Dicky, who I once had the displeasure of meeting.
Dinner turned to drinks and dancing back at 
Pete and Kathy's home. In the photo below
I think Kim is showing us some karate moves but I can't explain the antlers on Kathy. Had some good laughs and still got back home to kiss Jacqui to begin a happy New Year.
