Snow Day

We had a snow day on Friday, so Stephen finally got to use his new snow boots to explore the front yard.

Stephen was bundled up, and with special equipment in hand for his winter expedition.

Surveying the area.

Testing out the spot.

Enlisting some help from the natives.

Collecting samples.

Back home, poor Rockam was feeling a little left out. He had to content himself with playing with Stephen's shoes and waiting for him by the door.

And what will I be eating for my next course?

I recently discovered that Rockam likes Mac N Cheese and broccoli :-)



Morning exercise

Rockam has joined his brother in the ritual of pulling all the books off the shelf. Also, he's learned to smile when I pull out the camera.

Physics and peek-a-boo

Fun with Shapes

Christmas, day two

Stephen was so excited to see my cousin, Kiana Tilsch, again. The three little ones played together nicely.

Also, Joe and my hearts were made glad when we saw Stephen going out of his way to make Kiana feel welcome, offering her trains from his beloved Thomas set.

After a couple of hours, the cousins were quite comfortable with each other.

We don't get up to Chicago very often, but it's such a treat to spend time with our family!

Christmas in Chicago

We enjoyed Christmas weekend at home with my parents.
For once, we got some nice shots of the four of us as a family.

There was lots of bonding going on. Here Rockam is all comfy-cozy with his Gramps on the couch. Not long after this photo was taken, Rockam fell asleep on my dad.

Stephen flops on Grammy and Gramps.

If big brother can do it, so can Rockam!

Rockam also got to know his mom's cousin Jon... who happens to be very good with little kids.

The Wong cousins with the Parrinos.

I made a flurry of curly scarves this year for presents.

Brothers in matching pjs.

It's the simple things in life that make us happy.

And, boy, did we eat well! That's spinach salad, korean bbq wings, puerto rican pasteles (like tamales, but with green banana instead of corn masa.) This plate is actually from the day after Christmas.

We also had guacamole, hummus, lasagna and broccoli salad. And, though I didn't photograph it, we ate our Swedish feast on Christmas Eve, complete with limpa, pickled herring, Swedish meatballs, lingonberries, potato sausage, smoked salmon, and pickled cucumber salad.

Stephen loves his Grammy and Gramps!