What to do inside on a snow day...

1. Play in your tent and connecting tunnel.

2. Bother the dog.

3. Drink out of a real cup.

SNOW!

After several near misses this winter, the DC area finally got its share of snow. I'd say we got around 8 inches. Needless to say, school was cancelled (as was Geoff's flight), so the Howards got a free day to play outside.

Geoff and I were able to borrow a snowsuit from a friend (after MUCH hunting--another story for another time), and so Liam, a.k.a. Randy from A Christmas Story, got bundled up and outside we went.

At first, Liam stuck to the shoveled sidewalk.

Then, Bella and Samson got playful...

so Liam attempted to walk in the snow. He ended up preferring Dada's help.

Liam thoroughly enjoyed his time outside, as did we. With Liam around, I find that we can focus on the fun of the snow, instead of the annoying aspects, such as shoveling, canceled flights, and tree limbs falling on cars (yes, that happened to my Civic, but thankfully, no dents!) Just look at that smile! How can we complain about anything that brings such joy?

Liam's spoon

So, Liam is really making progress in the independence department. He no longer uses a sippy cup at school (still working on that at home), and he's pretty good at using a spoon to feed himself. As if that child would let anything like hand to mouth coordination get in the way of his eating!

National Champs!

The day of the game, Liam and I were "ALL IN" with our respective Auburn t-shirts! Geoff snapped this photo of us before we left for school. (Please notice Liam holding Geoff's blackberry. This was the only way we could get him to sit still for the picture.)

War Eagle to one and all!!!

Liam's Christmas, take 4

Liam's last bit of Christmas came on the day we got back home. Uncle Brice and Aunt Bridgette brought Owen and some presents! Owen CLEARLY has never seen a camera and is not at all photogenic. Liam received a new Sandra Boynton book and a hammering set, but he was most impressed by the gift for his parents, a framed photo of his cousin, Owen. He carried it around the living room for quite some time.

The cousins soon found the 'lil zoomers race car set that Santa had brought Liam. They loved the racing cars very much. Boys will be boys, I suppose.

Before the Marymans departed, Owen tried on Liam's Halloween pirate hat, just to see what all the fuss was about. Owen didn't seem to mind the hat too much and proved to Liam that funny hats can be fun!

Liam's Christmas, take 3, part 2

As you can see, I was not making up the whole white Christmas thing. Yes, I get that there wasn't too much snow on the ground, but we enjoyed it all the same. We got bundled up and headed outside for some family fun.

Family shots are getting harder and harder. Liam just cannot stay focused or still long enough to get one accomplished! (The fact that my dad had to take the picture and Geoff was inside did not aid the attempt.)

In addition to the snow, Liam enjoyed opening gifts--he got a puzzle that spells out his name and a "What's Inside?" box from Mims and Grandfather, and a doggie pillow pet from Uncle Connor and Aunt Shannon. The great aunts and uncles (Betty and Jim Robey, Bobby and Kim Watson) gave a cute slide 'n learn Pooh book and some money. Sweet!

On Tuesday, Liam was not himself and was running a fever, so Nurse Judy (aka Mims) called in some favors to get Liam seen by the local docs. Guess what? Another ear infection AND strep were causing my poor little guy to be sick. We got some antibiotics, so with that and plenty of snuggle time, he began to feel better. Just look at that face!

We tried for a grandparents shot, but again, squirmy worm Liam refused to sit still for it. Here's one of the better pics.

Grandfather took a hint from the previous picture and started to play with Liam. Tickle time always brings out Liam's laughs, illness or no illness!

After a day on antibiotics, Liam was himself again and LOVED playing ball outside. Mims and Grandfather have such a fantastically big backyard for Liam to run and play in. He took full advantage.

Liam's Christmas, take 3, part1

It was a "white" Christmas in Alabama! The first one in recordable weather history! Despite the slight delay for our flight from snowy Baltimore to snowy Birmingham, the Glenn clan had a wonderful time together!

With Christmas night came a tired and cranky little man, so after Liam went to bed, the big kids opened gifts. Santa was quite generous to us all! Just look at the loot under the tree!

Here is Connor showing Granddaddy the wonders of the iPad. While it wasn't a Christmas gift, it sure brought us a lot of fun (and frustration) in the way of a game titled "Angry Birds."

Connor REALLY liked his Under Armor hoodie,

Shannon REALLY liked her watch.

And I REALLY liked my "lounging" socks.

Geoff was very excited by his PS3 Move,

Dad enjoyed his Costa Del Mars,

and Mom liked her Nook color (not pictured) and the framed photo of Liam.

All in all, a wonderful Christmas night. The only things missing were precious, sleeping Liam and my sweet Memaw. While she was not with us, I know she was watching and enjoying our family fun.