Zechiel Christmas 2010

The little Bradley Party of Four spent a happy little week in Illinois with my parents and my brother's family.

While we were there, we watched football.

That is all.

Just kidding. Though there was a football game on the television pretty much anytime football was being played somewhere in the country. We also played games, visited with some old friends, played basketball and line tag in the church gym, ate lots of food, went on oh so many quick runs to the store, had a "discussion" about immigration, recovered from colds (my poor sniffly boys) and taught mom how to use all her little gadgets.

It's always wonderful to go back home.

Ginger

When I was younger, every Christmas we'd make a "gingerbread" house out of graham crackers. And every year, the dog would eat it.

I haven't made one in ages but my sister gave me a cute little kit with actual gingerbread walls! So Sean took a little break from his studies and built a house with me.

Check out those wicked icicles. I'm pretty proud. Sean's pretty impressed.

Check out that wicked snowman. Sean's pretty proud. I'm pretty impressed.

Pogo hasn't eaten it yet, but there's still time...

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Have a happy new year!

Christmas for the Four of Us

The nice thing about the cheap tree is that the branches don't start very low to the ground. So Liam can only graze the tips of the bottom row.

Yes, the gifts are sitting under the tree unwrapped. The Surprise Element isn't such a big deal with the boys right now.

I bet if given another month's growth, Dash would have enough leverage to yank the tree right over.

I see you under there, Mr. Liam.

We did wrap one gift for the boys to unwrap when we enjoyed our early Christmas present exchange.

It took the boys about 30 second to remove the paper, then took us 20 minutes to take all the toys out of the packaging. Those toy companies secure their toys awfully well.

Sean was all too eager to pause his studies to discover his new toys. Which were a couple cheese knives (by request!) and a digital video camera. I've had my gift for a few months, a new computer, but Sean still gave me a Regina Spektor CD and a movie. Which movie? I'll give you a hint.

"Welcome to earth." [punch]

'Tis the season.

First Fruits

Anticipating the applesauce.

Craving the applesauce.

Indulging on the applesauce.

Satisfied by the applesauce.

High Knees and Leaves

Lookit! Lookit! On his knees!

Dash and Liam are ridiculously close to crawling. They're scooting around like gangbusters. They're growing really buff triceps and calves from all the arm pulling and toe pushing said scooting involves. But recently they've started to get their knees under them (no belly on the ground!) and rock front to back. Sometimes Dash makes a frog-like leap forward that results in a nose-plant. But it's progress!

These pictures are from Saturday when we had the most perfect day. Temperature just right, gentle breeze, mmm. So the boys and I enjoyed a little yard time.

What's there to do outside? You can look at the fence.

You can look at mom.

You can look at the trees. Pretty cool. Yep.

"Can I please play in the leaves now, mom?"

Oh alright.

After removing approximately 47 handfuls of leaves before they entered Liam's mouth, I gave up.

I mean, they're not dry and cracking, they can't do much harm, right? RIGHT?

Meanwhile, I poked Dash with some pine needles. I'm a sweet momma.

Then I teased him by keeping it out of reach.

Whoops, he got it.

Just want to see what it tastes like? Alright, just be careful you don't---

Too late.

What supreme mothering skills.

(Now go look at these cute cute cute pictures again. I can't get over them. They make my heart sigh)

Double the Love

Picture a babe fresh from a restorative nap.

You walk in into his room and your eyes meet.

His face, which moments before was full of curiosity, erupts into a robust smile as his legs kick out in glee.

As you scoop him into your arms, he clings against you as if he never wants to be separated again.

Now, take that experience and multiply it by two. The love is almost overwhelming.

Proper

Cross your legs and tuck in your hands like a good little boy.

Tongue Talk

I think Dash likes the feel of his tongue over his teeth:

Once he started, we just couldn't keep that tongue in his mouth.

He moves it at super-human speed! See the blur?!

What are you all laughing at?

(photo credit goes to Sean!)

Now, in the name of equal time, here's a little Liam:

Park Swing

On a quick jaunt to the park while in Florida, we came upon the baby swing. Josh, after observing our tiny babies and the large swing, suggested we put both boys in one. Boy was that a cute idea!

Perfect fit!

Liam loves Daddy.

Daddy loves Liam.

Dash loves his fingers.

Oh look, there's Daddy-Dash love there in the background of Liam's extreme glee.

They could hang out there all day.

"Yeah, this way Liam won't steal my binky!"

They only bonked heads once and it didn't even phase them.

Other park pictures:

Swings are fun for all ages.

Slide: Family Style.

You want a good time? Try recycled rubber playground flooring. Mesmerizing.