George

Jack did this watercolor painting of George at school during "famous people" week.

I think it is pretty fantastic.

- S.

Ice Skate

On Friday we took Jack to a local rink for his first try at ice skating.  He did pretty well and really seemed to enjoy it.  Jack also enjoyed sitting on the bleachers after coming off the ice and watching the zamboni and then seeing the "hockey guys" come out and play for a little bit.  

When Derrick suggested to Jack maybe going to see a hockey game sometime Jack responded, "I don't want to watch hockey, I want to PLAY hockey!"  Although Derrick's heart may have exploded after that statement, I think we will take it slow and try going to the rink a couple more times so Jack can practice actually skating and see if he maintains an interest.

- S.

Snow Day

We enjoyed the after effects of the ideal snowstorm today.  Ideal because it snowed overnight on Saturday and we had no important plans on Sunday, only 3-4 inches of snow so it was easy to clean up, enough for Jack to play in, Derrick got to use the new snowblower, and warm enough to stay outside for a couple of hours. 

Year-round construction site here.

Sledding around the neighborhood.

Hot chocolate…slurp.

 "Ahhh…"

- S.

Windows

Jack checking out window options for his possible porch-turned-playroom.

- S.

Strandbeest Exhibit

We recently went to the Peabody Essex Museum and saw the Strandbeest exhibit right before it closed. Jack seemed to enjoy it and talked about it for at least a week afterward, even making his own version of a "beast" out of parts from his tool kit.

They had two samples which people could power themselves and Jack wanted to give it a try as you can see below.

Checking out one of the pieces hanging in the main lobby. 

Learning how the beests propel themselves when there's no wind.

If you're curious to know more, here is the website: http://www.strandbeest.com/

- S.

Library

Scooby Doo puppet show.

 Jack can now reach the water fountain all by himself.  

It was not long ago that he needed to be picked up to reach it.

It is that time of year where we find ourselves at the library much more often due to yucky weather.  Jack categorizes the local libraries by his favorite toys at each one.  Peabody has the trucks, Salem has the school bus, and Danvers has the train tables.  

- S.

Christmas

Waiting patiently to tuck into the gingerbread house on Christmas Eve.

Christmas morning

Took a long time to notice other presents while playing with the tower crane.

Finally, truck crane.

The gift Jack actually asked for, a white board and markers.

 After Christmas celebrating with family.  Pedal dumper from Grampy.

 Trying it out with some help from cousin Adam.

Christmas week was a whirlwind, but amazingly Jack did not get an ear infection or any other considerable illness this year.  We had a pretty quiet and relaxing New Year's Eve/Day and now are working to get back into our regularly scheduled programming.  

- S.  

Pre Christmas

Jack took it upon himself to gather all the red ornaments and cover the Charlie Brown tree with them.

The heavier Jack gets, the more interesting the star placement gets.

Making cookie dough.

Eating cookie dough (not Mom approved).

Our first gingerbread house kit.

 Had a little trouble with ice dams, but fun nonetheless.

- S.