New Year's Eve

Jonas stayed up New Year's Eve until 10pm to watch the ball drop in NYC. The latest he has ever been up. We also sang Happy Birthday to him as well. He was getting excited for his special day!

Winter Park Christmas trip

We had the opportunity AGAIN to head up to Winter Park for 3 days to relax and enjoy the mountains. Thanks to our wonderful friends whom let us stay at their beautiful condo. Jonas called it "Tom and Corine's Cabin in the mountains".

The first day we went sledding downtown Winter Park where it's perfect for little kiddos like ours to sled down. Jonas and Silas thought it was a blast!

Silas rocking mommies shades. His eyes are so sensitive to the sunlight. Where did he get the blue eyes?

Jonas tugging the sled behind him again and again. He reminded us that he can do it himself.

Coulple of videos of sledding. What fun times!

Walking at sunset. Breathtaking!

Night swimming at the condo's pool. The temp outside was 20 degrees and the pool was 87 degrees. It was tough getting the boys out of the pool but the hot tub enticed them for a bit. They are such fishes when it comes to swimming.


Hanging out at the condo. What a refreshing and relaxing place!

Skiing time! Jonas skied 2 days for 2 hours each. Before we headed out, we watched a ski movie at the condo. Jonas said "I'm ready to ski but I don't want to jump". I borrowed some skis and hopped onto the magic carpet with Jonas. What a magical time!

He did remarkable! After the first day(which was too close to nap time so a few meltdowns) and 5 runs, Jonas told me to let go and said "I will do it myself mom". Wow!

We treated Jonas to hot cocoa from Starbucks after his proud moment of skiing. He enjoyed that! Now he thinks every time we go skiing he gets a hot cup of cocoa. Well, I guess it could be a special tradition.

Christmas Day

We woke up to a house full of excitement and loquacious chatter about when can we open presents. First we had to fill our tummies with our famous family recipe of Sweet Rolls.

Opa and Oma's gifts were a hit.

Then came the Lego Fire Truck that was hidden for the scavenger hunt. Which Matt and Jonas worked on building it for an hour.

Drove to Grandmom/Grandad's house to celebrate more.

And the final surprise was Thomas the Tank Engine tracks.

What a glorious day of remembrance and time with family.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

First thing we did on Christmas Eve was go on a hike. We had to indulge in the warm weather and get some Vitamin D. Jonas hiked for 3 miles without 1 complaint. What a trooper!

My three loving boys!

Jonas making treats to leave for St. Nick tonight. He enjoyed licking every spoon and bowl.

Wrapping gifts for family members. He was so proud to cut and wrap Silas' gift.

After a beautiful Christmas service at church, Matt and Jonas put out the luminary. A Christmas tradition that has been in the Robinson family since I could remember. We used sand instead of snow this year and the candles stayed lit for most of the night. Yeah!

Another tradition Christmas Eve night, opening a gift that are PJ's to wear for the night and Christmas morning. Jonas received Thomas the train PJ's and Silas got dogs.

Cookies and milk were put out for Santa and carrots for the reindeers. Christmas morning, Jonas woke up and was so amazed that the cookies/milk and carrots were gone. Santa really came!:)

Snowboard Couple

Matt and I were able to get out for the day and snowboard at Winter Park. Thanks to Grandmom/Grandad for taking care of the boys and our friends that gave us lift tickets for Christmas. We had a blast together and reminisced the days of snowboarding. It was surreal!

Winter Solstice Celebration

The Lookout Mountain Nature Center put off an evening of activities for us to celebrate the first day of winter. A moonlit stroll along the banks of Bear Creak at Lair of the Bear trailhead, a crackling campfire and sung Christmas carols. We also learned about winter solstice celebrations, such as the yule log, and the many traditions around this day in different countries. We finished off the night with cookies and cider to stay warm.

Matt and Jonas grilled out before we left. It was a balmy day...60 degrees. And it's winter today?

Jonas enjoyed the night hike and campfire. What a great tradition!

St. Nicholas appearing

We heard Santa came downtown Denver tonight to meet children and ask about their holiday wishes. So we headed down with some friends and experienced for the first time, a pleasant visit with Santa. Years past, Jonas would cry! Jonas and Silas were both elated to see and sit on his lap.

Jonas was enthralled with Santa and just starred at him for a few minutes. Then Santa asked him what he would like for Christmas? Jonas said "choo choo train". Santa asked if he likes Thomas the tank engine and Jonas said "oh yes, and James, Percy, Henry, Gordon, and all the freight cars". It was so adorable.

Silas loved seeing Mrs. Claus too.

Afterwards, we walked downtown to see all the festive lights and came upon a horse and carriage. Jonas had to pet the horse.

Our last stop was the county building all lit up. Jonas and his friend, Haakon, enjoyed being together looking at Christmas lights.

Shepherds

My 2 little boys practicing being shepherds or being completely silly.

We are enjoying our nights together as a family. Lots of fun and laughter! So happy that Matt is on Christmas break for 2 weeks.

1st snowfall...FINALLY

It's been tough getting into the Christmas season when there hasn't been snow and the weather continues to be in the 50-60's. Yesterday it reached up to 70 degree...record high since 1888. Today it finally snowed an inch. That's Colorado for you!

Jonas was up at 6:30am and looked outside! He said "it nosed"...aka snowed. He hurried to get his coat, hat, and boots on over his PJ's and said "going outside...where's my shovel?" He diligently shoveled the back porch for 45 minutes and worked up an appetite for breakfast.

After breakfast and a few hours of playing in the snow, it had melted and we came inside to bake cookies for the rest of the morning.

We pray for snow every night. Why isn't it here?

Christmas crafts

Continuing with our 25 days of Christmas activities, we have been working on making crafts to hang up around the house and ornaments for family. Jonas looks forward to handing them out on Christmas day.

Jonas has learned so quickly how to use scissors and loves it.

I took the boys to the nature center, that we go to monthly for activities, and made animal track wrapping paper,...

snowflake greeting cards, Christmas tree sun-catchers, and

reindeer ornaments. What a fun free event for all of us!

Jonas helping little Si walk. My 2 little elves!

30 dozen cookies

Laura, Matt's sister, hired me to bake 30 dozen cookies for her coworkers at the hospital. I agreed and enjoyed every minute of it. We used up every single cookie but the one Laura is eating in the photo. She was delighted to taste one.

We had Gingersnaps, Carmel Cashew, Pumpkin Choc Chip, Malt ball choc, Peanut Butter dipped in chocolate, and Blow me a Kiss. They were all big hits! Might need some little elves next year to help me.:)

Gingerbread Train

Aunt Mo came over for her annual gingerbread making with Jonas. This year was a train. Thanks Margaret for hanging with your nephew. He loves taking off one candy a day to throw into the tender behind the locomotive.

Thomas the tank engine was finally blown up outside on our yard. Jonas loves it! Thanks to Tim and Sarah Holmes! We watch it blow up every night...so magical!

Brothers unite

There are so many precious moments of our boys together that I had to capture a few of them. Jonas is really becoming a big brother to Silas. He said to me"I make Silas happy". He sure does, Silas looks up to him and wants to mimic everything Jonas is doing...as you see below.

CBS Christmas performance

I have started going to Community Bible Study 2 weeks ago and all 3 of us are loving it. The children's ministry is amazing and Jonas adores his teachers and activities. They sing songs(worship), Bible story, craft, play, and lunch. Both Jonas and Silas are in wonderful care and I have a few hours to really listen to God and study the Bible again.

The video is of Jonas performing the Christmas performance 2 days in advance. First time on show ever! I think he did a great job and was so cute!

Silas 14 months old

Sila is fascinated by how things work and is getting better at grasping and manipulating things. He started using utensils to eat his food and loves to sip from his REI camelback water bottle...just like Jonas. Some things have been challenging for him and doesn't come easy at first, so he goes from smiles of pride to tears of frustration. Sometimes, Jonas runs to me because Silas bit him...all 8 teeth marks on Jonas' skin. Crazy!:)

Silas was wearing slicky pants the other day and enjoyed the sound of it when he walked...and the sense of touch.

Meal times are messy. He loves to spread food all over the tray and then dump his bowl out. Jonas was the neatest(still is) baby I ever have seen. They continue to show me such different individual personalities. I love them both so much!

Silas is the talker. In the car or at the dinner table, Matt and I have a tough time talking over him so we usually just let him babble. "Da,da...ma,ma, hi, ball, na" and hums a lot.

I enjoyed breastfeeding Silas for 13 1/2 months. It's a bittersweet thing...it was tough to quit but now I am not thinking all the time what I am eating and not eating. He is growing up and loves cow's milk in a sippy cup.

My sweet pumpkin, Silas...affectionate with open mouth kisses and snuggles right into the crease of my neck.

Decorating our tree

As Jonas pulled out all the ornaments, Matt hung them up. I enjoyed sitting back and watching with a glass of wine.

Jonas commented "this is fun!" One of his favorite statements.

Cutting Christmas tree

Few weekends ago, we headed up to Wyoming with our good friends. They had a cabin to stay at and a place in the national forest to cut a tree. We had an enjoyable time.

Jonas making a snow angel and laughing. Last year, he didn't want anything do to with snow angels.

The 2 families together out looking for Christmas trees.

WOW! Silas blue eyes were entrancing with the blue scarf(made by Grandmom) and hat.

The family of 4. Jonas wanted to wear his Santa hat from last year.

The tow up to the top of the hill for sledding. Asher in the back and Jonas in the front.

The after math...Jonas was covered with snow and laughing. Asher had a few snowflakes spray on his eyes and crying. It was comical!

Jonas loving the snow! We haven't had snow yet in Denver. It's been very disappointing...it's hard to get into the Christmas season without it. Today(12/13) was 66 degrees...WHAT?

Charlie Brown tree for our little abode.

An evening out walking to see lights in the community.

It was a winter wonderland!

Silas loved the snow as well. First time touching and playing in it.

Jonas and Silas made a snowm and and called it "Commi" ???

Walks in the sled.

Silas fell asleep sitting up in the sled.

Our drive home was 3 hours and the boys made sure to keep each other happy. Brothers forever!