Christmas

I started this only a couple weeks after Christmas if that counts for anything.

Christmas is so much more fun with kids.  This was the first Christmas that Annabelle really had an idea of what going and we could feel the excitement leading up to it.  We were lucky enough that she didn't wake up early and had to be told that she could get into her stocking.

Annabelle getting into her stocking

Hudson's first Christmas

After stockings we had breakfast and enjoyed the stocking fillings before diving into the presents.

Magnifying glass from her stocking

Opening the first of many presents

The kids were beyond spoiled.  Annabelle received things for her kitchen, and Hudson got  a lot of cars.

Passing out gifts

Annabelle and her "breakables"

Food

The rest of the day was spent in our pajamas playing with new toys and games, enjoying family, and eating good food.

"Baking Cookies" with her new kitchen wares

Candy Land

Hudson playing doctor

Learning Backgammon

The Ball Pit
(Thanks Uncle Andy and Aunt Jen)

We couldn't have asked for a better day.

NYC

While my parents were visiting we decided to spend Christmas Eve in the  big city.  My dad wasn't feeling well that morning so he stayed home while my mom, Sam, the kids and myself took the train to Grand Central Station.

Waiting for the train in Norwalk

Riding on the train

Grand Central Station

Getting organized before heading outdoors

Was glad Annabelle wanted to ride in the backpack.  Taking a toddler to NYC made me nervous.  Also happy about the adult/child ratio.  We started our day by heading down Fifth Avenue towards Central Park. 

Excited to be in New York

Crazy car (behind taxis) along Fifth Avenue

Edge of Central Park

Despite the weather reports for a warmer day, the wind made for a very cold one.  So with one freezing little girl we headed to a Sturbucks to warm up while my mom explored the park.

As soon as we hit the warm air of Sturbuck she was out

He had been out for a while

After a short nap and a some hot chocolate we were ready to get back to seeing the sights.  The wind died down and we were able to enjoy our walk.

Ran into some of Annabelle's favorites



Big "Cracker Nut"



Our next "destination" point was Rockefeller Center. 

The Tree
(The camera does add some pounds, looked much smaller in person)

Having worked up an appetite we headed for a street vendor and got ourselves some hotdogs and a pretzel.  From there we headed to Times Square.

Lunch Time

Huddy's eyes were covered most of the day

Had to stop at the Disney Store in Times Square

After Times Square we made our way back to the station and then on to home.  Looking forward to warmer weather and more trips to see all that we can of the city.  Since the trip Annabelle cannot stop talking about "New York City", any city skyline she sees is NYC if we see/hear a train it is on its way to NYC. 

After getting home and settled Annabelle was allowed to pick one present to open. 

It was the perfect pick for the night, movies

Watching Toy Story 3 and eating holiday popcorn

Huddy having his own snack

Snow Day

While we have had snow this winter, it didn't really stick until mid December.  Annabelle could not wait to get out there.

Attempting a snow angel
Impossible to keep her still too long

First "taste" of snow

Having snow much fun

Happy Girl

Photo Op

Just Chilling

I didn't last long out there, so with a promise of hot chocolate Annabelle came in.  Since we have had more snow, more time playing in it, and many more pictures.

Day with fishies

Earlier on in the month the kids and I were invited to spend an afternoon at the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium with a friend I made through MOPS.  It was great to see Annabelle's reaction as we wandered through, this was a first for her.

JAWS

Looking at the Sting Ray- were able to put our hands in the water here

Getting up close to the Flounders

Sharks

Meerkat Tunnels

Giant Penguin!!
(The most talked about thing from our visit)

Had a great time with friend and kids; it was a wonderful way to spend a very cold afternoon.  Looking forward to warmer weather and trips to the area zoos.