'Twas the Night Before Christmas....

 

.....and all the Falvys set out to visit Aunt Wendy and Uncle Joe on Vashon Island.

Miles had to give the ferry a thorough safety inspection.

But everything was A-OK, so we set sail.

At Aunt Wendy's, Leo was quick to get into the Christmas spirit....

... and he entertained everyone with his crawling skills.

We were happy to see Lisa's nephew Nick back home after a tour of duty in South Korea.

Then we we rushed back across the Sound in time for the Annual Lutefisk Feed at Uncle Jay's.

  

As the party wore down, Miles gave Santa a call and prepared to report for the night shift.

NW Pole

Leo was getting into the Christmas spirit.

But he didn't want to wait in line to see Santa.

So we headed up to Swanson's Nursery in Ballard....

... where we got on the fast track to see St. Nick.

 

 Naturally, we had to put in a little reindeer duty.

Family Snowshoe Adventure

It took the better part of the day to mobilize for our first family snowshoe trip of the year.

But the result was just like a Christmas card.  In fact, it was our Christmas card.

Mommy and Leo stayed snug.

Daddy was not to be outdone.

Miles was surprisingly sure-footed on the snow.

He made sure Daddy didn't get lost.

Mommy was happy in the snow.

Leo assumed ever vaster dimensions in his snowsuit.

Miles was feeling mischievous.

Leo was back in the saddle.

Catching Up With Miles and Leo (November Edition)

Riding the birthday circuit with Paloma.

It wouldn't be a party without Leo.

Miles is beginning to earn his keep in the yard.

Mommy spent some serious time in line to get the boys a bit of H1N1 vaccine.

But, of course, they're worth it.

 There's nothing like a leisurely family breakfast.

 Leo is not exactly camera shy.

 At the Little Gym.

Miles' Birthday (Kids' Edition)

Becoming one with the cupcake.

Thanksgiving

We were excited to spend our first set of holidays at home with the boys.

When Thanksgiving rolled around, they were dressed for the occasion.

 

Daddy and Leo couldn't wait for some turkey.

Miles had his served à l’orange.

 

Mommy prepared a sumptuous feast.

 

Grandma Margee verified that Leo is indeed well-fed.

 

Miles saved the last dance for his friend Zoe.

Miles Turns Three

It's hard to believe it's really been three whole years since Miles made his startling debut in our lives.

 

He's come a long way from his rough start in this world.  Even since his last birthday, the changes are simply remarkable, starting with the big mop of hair he now sports on his once shiny-bald head.

Miles is certainly clued into the concept of the "birthday" like never before.  He's been to plenty of birthday parties, including two of his own, but this time he really put it all together in a way that clearly delighted him.

This was Miles' first birthday party, properly speaking, in our house.  His first birthday was spent in Neuschwanstein and Munich (although there was later an "Adjusted Birthday" party after our return to the states).   And last year, of course, we marked his second birthday with a party in Lisa's hospital room, where she was working on a remarkable present for Miles, a little brother.

 

That project turned out pretty darn well.

 

And so did Miles' big third birthday!

The Day Before November

The carving party.

A boy and his pumpkin.

This year's champion.

Fireman Miles, ready to save the day.

A sweet little skunk.

Trick or treat.

Ready to reel in the candy.

The family pumpkin effort on display.

Stomping through the puddles on Halloween night.