Second snowman attempt

The snow was a lot better for packing today

It's always good to see a snowman with some hair on his chest

". . . with an Oak twig pipe and a broccoli nose and two eyes made out of (char)coal . . ."

Christmas at the Carpenter's

My Dad meeting Ethan for the first time - a few minutes later Ethan fell asleep in his arms

Ethan with his Great Grandpa Carpenter

Looking slightly disheveled while opening her stocking

Look M&M's!  I think Abigail was on a perpetual sugar buzz while we were home

Abigail and Ethan in their Christmas jammies

Opening presents on Christmas eve morning

Looks like Josh is having more fun than Ethan =)

Saying goodbye to Uncle Josh

Abigail's hair straightens out every time we come to Michigan

Abigail teaching Uncle Matt how to play "the cake game"

Wil working on what was probably his fifth cup of coffee for the day

Group hug!

Ethan in his hand me down Santa hat

This is what happens when you use an unlicensed gingerbread contractor who doesn't know the proper consistency of frosting

Abigail placing some gumdrop landscaping

Nana and Abigail working on the roof - note the Ethan slobber on Nana's shoulder

The finished product (not sure it's up to code)

Abigail "helping" Wil play a game of chess

Ethan and Uncle Josh

Making a paper chain to decorate the tree

Ethan in the cradle that Wil made for Abigail

I think we may have a bit of a ham on our hands

More snow fun

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Sledding with Grandpa

My parent's house has a short but steep hill right off their back deck that leads down to the lake so it was so easy to just step outside and go sledding.  It was especially nice when they had the Carpenter family Christmas, even though it wasn't the whole family there was still 40 people crammed into my parent's house.  It was a blast for all the kids and those of us who are still kids at heart.