home for the holidays

We were home for almost 3 weeks and there's so much went on that I was only able to capture a few precious moments...

The first week we were back I got to spend my days with Jamerson.

1. multi-tasking -- seeing what's buzzing on the TV while climbing aboard his rocking horse.

2. testing out some finger puppets at The Nest Egg in Fairfax Corner.

3. watching the train go by (while I took a pee break) with Smalls at Reston Town Center.

Post-vaccinations, Fens cuddled up to her sister and took a little siesta. 

1. Smalls snapped this charmer while James and I rode the merry-go-round.  You should see the video she took...

2. I love waking up to this face.  Whenever I'm home he comes down the hallway to the guest room I'm in yelling "Kaaaattteeee" in his Irish accent.

3. foot in the face -- need I say more?  This boy is beyond in love with his aunt.

4. great story here.  We went to my mom's work to visit her / show James off to her co-workers/friends. He was super clingly to "CC" (what he calls my mom) and wanted her to hold him the entire time.  Right before we were leaving she felt something wet on her shirt.  Low and behold he had peed so much it had come out of his diaper and onto her shirt.  After being stripped down to just his top half of clothes, he finally passed out for about 10 minutes before we got home.  I could eat those thighs.

She will sleep anywhere, anytime, just like her mama.

The fam went to Zoo Lights at the Washington D.C. zoo.  I thought it was super neat, despite my feet going numb and Smalls having to literally run to catch me as I raced to the car to get warm.

The biffs got together for a little Christmas exchange.  Lo was such an amazing hostess, treating us to fruit on a skewer, capri salad as an app and wraps for dinner.  Not to mention the delicious punch she made -- nonalcoholic for Kristen and I and loaded with alco for her and Kathryn.

More shots for this little angel... and this time there were no reactions!

Cautious and caring older sister Fenway took some time to sniff where Cali got her injections, just to make sure all was well.

More snuggle time beneath the Christmas tree.

This year I switched it up with the wrapping paper-- plain tan or plain red -- both with red and white striped twine and adorable tags from Target.

Meagan took this belly shot at 19 weeks.  The best part was she didn't specify it wasn't her after posting #6packbabybelly.  People were calling her boyfriend asking if he was expecting, and he had no idea about the post.  Ah-mazing.

Pops and James were ummmm.. enjoying? the creepy Panda while the two preggers were getting a snack before the walk of the lights started.

That's right, James is looking at me because he loves me that much.

Making his first gingerbread house together was hysterical.  He copied everything I did (including sticking goldfish on the side) and got beyond excited for every piece that stuck.  Ahhh, the small things in life.

I gave us both some staches and pretended to be Santa Claus.

We got to see snow!!

Casey and Jess finally announced (via Facebook) that they're expecting their second charmer.  Despite James looking stunned, he has started going around the house yelling, "Bobby!"  We shall see...