A Merry Christmas!

I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10

Part 2: Christmas in Iowa. It's been many years since everyone in the Capper klan has been together for Christmas.

From Capper Christmas 2009

We were all very fortunate to arrive safely and escape hazardous travel conditions, even with icing and freezing rain in the forecast. AND everyone remained healthy, aside from Tator (my parents' dog), who seemed to have a little stomach issue the day after.

Henry adored spending time with his big cousins and being included in some of their games and stories. There were lots of chasing games and "exploring" in the dark closets (with new flashlights in tow).

From Capper Christmas 2009

Christmas morning was filled with excitement charged by the little ones this year.

From Capper Christmas 2009

The Holiday Fun begins...

Part 1:  Nicholas visits Madison after a year (plus) long stint living in South Africa for work.

Henry has had a great time getting to know Uncle Nicholas.

From Nicholas in Madison 2009

From Nicholas in Madison 2009

Christmas Excitement

Henry's face is a little washed out in this photo, but I think you can still see how excited he is about the Christmas tree, most especially the lights. This Christmas has taken on a whole new meaning as we "see it again for the first time" through Henry's perspective.

O Christmas Tree

After barking out in 'ol front wheel drive sleigh, we made our way to Summers Christmas Tree Farm in Middleton for what is hopefully the first in a tradition of getting the Leydon Family Christmas Tree. Out with the second hand plastic tree, and in with a real Scotch pine tree. Lots of fun. Just have to remember a sled or tarp next year. Not that it was hard to pull the tree, but more importantly, something on which to drag the child. He either wants to be held or get down and - well - just stand there, since he doesn't do much walking in 16 inches of snow. He was quite warm, all bundled up (like this kid)
Us by the tree to be

I feel like Clark Griswold - the snow was just as deep in in this clip...

and snow it begins

Winter in Wisconsin has arrived...A Snow Day! Even for George!

St. Nicholas Day

Happy St. Nicholas Day!

Though we don't regularly celebrate this feast day, this year we had a good reason to give Henry a gift. I ordered Henry his very own nativity set so he could learn more about the Christmas story. And mine can (hopefully) stay safe and sound.

snow time like the present

Our chimney repair is complete! Just in time for Santa to use it for easy access to the Christmas tree. It was a long week of "bang, bang, bang, on the roof" and shouts of "more mortar!" (a phrase Henry quickly picked up and repeats daily). However, we feel much better about approaching the impending winter weather knowing the chimney will not be causing further leaks in the roof. And, as you can see, we got a nice dusting of snow the other night.

That means Henry has been quite curious about this new stuff. When we saw Papa pull the car in the garage, he pointed to the snow on top of the car and said "sand" -- ha ha -- we convinced him it was much colder than it looked!

We bundled Henry in his new winter gear (more for the icy temps than the amount of precipitation) and let him explore. It was funny to see him toddle around like a giant blue marshmallow, walking the typical skier's limp in his new boots. But, he loved it. And, of course, is thrilled with the idea of letting dumper haul loads of snow.

tis the season

For some post-thanksgiving activities, we enjoyed visiting my hometown downtown for a few early Christmas events. Here we're taking a ride on a horse drawn wagon. Henry was brave, and patted the team, "Marge & Molly," after our trip around the block.

The main event for the evening was the parade. Each participant had lights and music. Henry's favorites were, of course, the firetrucks, the utility trucks, and the motorcycles. For the adults, I believe the parade pick would have been the singing Elvis who was doing a fabulous impersonation, complete with an original music lip sync. A kid is a magnet for candy, so we raked in a lot of loot.  The photo is a "special delivery" where one parade goer said "hold out your hands" to Henry, and promptly filled them with candy. I don't think he knew what hit him until much later, when he got to sample the goods!