Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!!!  I knew we were going to have a great day when Cora gave us her Christmas gift of letting us sleep until until 8:30AM.  Thank you baby.  Christmas was extra fun with Cora because we got to open packages with a baby toys and baby clothes in them.

It was a warm sunny day here in Philly, so we went for a long walk outside.  Later we had a feast of Chinese take out with our good friends the Paynes.  The rest of the day we were able to relax and watch a movie.  It was a very enjoyable day but was a little strange not being with any of our extended family.  We love and miss you all.  

Aunt Jana & Uncle Mufasa

We had to take advantage of Ryan's break from school so we went on a little jaunt to visit Aunt Jana and Uncle Mufasa in the most confusing city in America (aka Boston).  Really though, even with the use of a GPS, we took more wrong turns and did more U-turns in the three days we were there than I have ever done in my life. 

Cora did great in the car on the way there.  

   

  

Jana and Matt's apartment is small, but very cute.  Ignore anything Aunt Jana ever says about her cooking, she is a very good cook and fed us well.  Yummmm, german pancakes.  

 

   

 

We had fun on some slushy, icy, rainy, snowy walks around town.  Uncle Mufasa is an excellent tour guide.  We explored a little of Boston College, Harvard, MIT, the Italian District, the Boston Massacre circle thingy, the North Church, and much more.  Pinoccio's had some delicious tomato basil and spinach pizza right across from Harvard.  

Boston College

     

Harvard University

    

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Our trip home was a little more challenging.  Ten minutes into the drive home Cora threw up everywhere.  She was fussy the rest of the way home so we took lots of extra stops.  We pulled off the freeway in New Haven and visited Yale University.  We also took a break in a cute historic town in Connecticut.  We pulled into the first parking lot that we came to.  It was a cute old church and they were having a little thrift market inside that we walked around for a break.  I scored some awesome vintage wooden puzzles for 50 cents.  It was so fun to talk with a dozen or so little old ladies in the church.  These extra stops were fun but delayed us so much that we hit NYC at exactly 5pm.  It was ridiculous how bad the traffic was.

    

Yale University

 

All in all, $32.90 in tolls and 600 miles later, it was definitely worth the trip.  Boston was unlike any city I have ever visited.  Thanks Matt and Jana for letting us come and see you.  Cora loves you!  (We love you too.)

flash lights and candles

Christmas came early for Ryan.  He got a really really really expensive flash light (for school, of course).  I guess it's not just any flash light...he can see the back of my eyes from across the room.  He was so excited to check it out that it was hard to get him to look at me to take a picture.  I can only imagine that Cora and I are going to be his testing subjects for years to come.  

It is great living in the same city as my oldest brother, Krister.  We haven't lived this close to one another since I was like in 2nd grade or something.  We celebrated his birthday this weekend Anderson style with candles on a chocolate cake with unsweetened whipped cream and hot chocolate sauce.  I can't express how happy I am to have Krister and Sheri nearby.  I really do live in the City of Brotherly Love.  haha.  

it's official

Cora OFFICIALLY has her first tooth.  We couldn't figure out why she was so cranky the past few days until Ryan noticed a white thing sticking out of her gums.  Who knew she was popping out a tooth?  No pictures for proof though.  It is impossible to get a pic with her mouth open showing it off, so I just thought I would throw this baby-in-the-sink picture.  I can't wait until she grows a neck so it is easier to wash.  

Also, she OFFICIALLY can steam roll.  She can roll from front to back AND back to front.  I think she surprises herself with her ability to get around.  No video of that yet, but here's an equally entertaining video.  The camera is on the edge of the sofa and I moved the booster seat into the family room.  I am hiding behind the sofa and then jumping up to get her to laugh.  Cora is the best audience.  I love her little giggles and laughs.

cora bear

 another afternoon in the stroller....

us lately

Ryan had a some free time Thanksgiving week, so we met up my brother for lunch downtown.  It was so fun, we'll have to do it again soon.  We also had an enjoyable walk/drive around town and saw some amazing murals.  

       

          

Thanksgiving was awesome.  It is great having Krister & Sheri across town and Jana & Matt just a drive away.   The day (and impromptu slumber party) was filled with great people, fabulous food, a relaxing walk, and some rockin guitar hero.  Thanks for letting me do my laundry too.  (Jana's post has the full details of the Thanksgiving/Birthday extravaganza.)

             

Since then, Ryan has been MIA.  He has been putting in some long hours studying for exams.  Cora has been supporting Ryan by wearing her PCO t-shirt and has been practicing her hand-eye coordination.  I have been busy with lots of sewing, church stuff, and all the other normal stuff.