Baby Smackdown

The Contenders for the 2011 Baby Smackdown Heavyweight Fight:

On the left is Jax "The Gavel" Ward!

He's feisty, quick and ready to hammer the competition!

On the right is Sarah "The Rock" Richards!

She's solid, immobile and ready to squash anyone who gets in her way!

Former Champ, Max "King of Babies" Richards, provides intensive training prior to the 3 day competition.

"Show me your game face! Let me hear that growl!"

"Faster, faster! Get through this obstacle course!"

Round 1: Sitting

Both contenders demonstrated excellent form, although Sarah holds the record for duration.

Round 2: Balls

Jax was superior at locating balls, but Sarah fended off his surprise attack with a strong defense.

Round 3: Crawling

A knockout punch! Jax smoked the competition!

Round 4: Water Sports

Sarah was the first to take the plunge, but Jax fought back with heroic effort!

Round 5: Swinging

Too close to call...

Round 6: Smiles

Two perfect scores!

Ultimate Fighting Champion - A tie!

Max crowns the two new champions!

And their parents couldn't be prouder!

Stay tuned for next year's match!

Christmas Karaoke

Otherwise known as Our Christmas in Song Titles:

The Night Before Christmas

Sleep Well, Little Children

Silent Night

(Not quite)

Here Comes Santa Claus

Joy to the World

Hallelujah, Hallelujah!

What Child is This?

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

Greatest Gift of All

(From Max to Sarah)

I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas

(or a horse)

The Friendly Beasts

No Place Like Home for the Holidays

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

All I Want for Christmas is You!

My favorite memories of Christmas this year were not necessarily captured on camera. In fact, I often put down the camera in order to be more present (and accepted the result being pictures of my family that are more than a bit humorous). A few of those moments:

Reading and discussing the nativity story with a boy who may not understand the theology, but clearly comprehends babies and birthdays!

Witnessing the delight Max found in giving the gifts he had chosen for Sarah and family members, and feeling proud that he wanted to hand those out before he opened the wrapped presents designated for him.

Incorporating Sarah into our Christmas traditions and making new ones with her. And being right that her favorite gift would be a roll of paper towels!

Feeling even more excited to be a parent at Christmas than to be a child. I insisted on getting Max up early because I couldn't wait any longer!

Shedding tears (at more than one time) during the season because I felt so incredibly happy to be with my husband, children, siblings, parents, and extended family! Our life is very full of the most wonderful gifts.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!

Candy Cane Silliness

Christmas seems to have brought a big dose of the sillies to our house...

Can you ever have too many sprinkles?

Christmas Artwork

Little People Nativity Set

Is eating the Baby Jesus and the Wise Men sacrilegious?

Oh, Sparkle, you sure do like to hang on things.

The choke hold camera pose

My Christmas treats!

Musical Interlude

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.

- Buddy the Elf

Max's first Christmas performance was as part of the Angel Choir at church. Max did not know his Babba was going to be able to attend the music program, From Bethlehem to Carolina. On his way down the aisle, Max saw Babba and stopped to proclaim, "Hey, Babba, look! It's me, Max!"

Singing Away in the Manger

(Max is second from left - you might not recognize him with a halo!)

Sweet Angel....most of the time.

The incredible musical talents of Max had not yet been exhausted. He joined his class at school for Jesus, the Light of the World celebration by singing "This Little Light of Mine" and "Five Little Candles".

(Plaid shirt in the middle)

Sarah enjoyed her brother's music greatly, but was happiest when the elementary students sang her favorite, "Twinkle, Twinkle". She also found the paper program to be quite tasty and entertained the people behind us with her smiles and natural baby sweetness. Sing out, Max!

The Polar Express

One bright December morning Max awoke to find new pajamas and slippers on the bench in his room. He pounded down the hall, full of questions about the mysterious "pajamies". His face filled with excitement and joy when we explained little boys need new Santa pajamas to ride the Polar Express!

Bryson City, NC was the depot for our adventure! We explored an old caboose and the interactive train museum while waiting for our departure.

All aboard!

Tickets, please, tickets!

Max examines his ticket carefully before giving it to the conductor.

Ready to set off!

This boy was very excited just to be riding on a train!

"Are we going to go over the ice to get to the North Pole, Mommy?"

Nope, just the wilds of North Carolina.

Christmas presents and tinsel decorated the train. The waiters dressed in costumes and led sing-a-longs. The movie sountrack was played, and Max participated with gusto! Hot, hot chocolate and cookies were served, but it was a little too hot for Max's taste. On our way, he followed along in his Polar Express book as it was read aloud.

As we approached the North Pole, the children were instructed to wave vigorously at Santa so he would board the train. Max immediately followed directions!

SANTA!

He had a very special treat for Max.

A bell!

Max put it in his pocket and checked numerous times to make sure it had not fallen out. "I don't want to lose it like that boy did in the book!"

When we get there, we'll scream Yes!

We'll arrive with a bang, bang, bang

Boom, boom, boom

Laughing all the way!

'Cause that's the way things happen on the Polar Express!

A Christmas journey to remember.