Time off for good behavior

On Christmas Alex and I got a wonderful present from my dad...a night away!

Alex has gone away several times for work and I went away once for a work trip in November but we've never both been away together. Since Grandpa Jerry was ready for the Jake challenge we were more than happy to take him up on his very kind offer.
Jake and Grandpa did great and had a great time together! But they were to busy having fun to take any pictures.

We took off to go and visit with our friends Darren, Jamie, and new baby Juliet. Alex had seen the baby last week but this was my first introduction. She is super sweet and I must admit that I forgot how little Jake had once been. Spending time with Juliet definitely made Alex miss the days when Jake would just sleep on his chest.

Alex, Juliet and daddy, Darren

On Wednesday night, also known as the 4th night of Hanukkah or Christmas Eve, we had friends Matt, Melissa, Jessica, Danny and Jonah over to play. They had fun playing and I think that Jonah approved of Jake's toy collection. They were super cute and it was so fun to see Jake actually playing with Jonah.

Jes and the boys!

Danny lights the candles

Opening presents!

Jake likes his new chair, Uncle Matty!

Sitting with super cute pregnant Melissa

Peek-a-Boo Kisses, a favorite of Jake and Jonah's!

After a night with the boys...Matt and Melissa rethinking this whole kid thing.

The rest of our weekend has been great too. On Friday, Alex and I took advantage of having the day off and daycare being open and went to see a movie. We saw "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and I definitely recommend it. That night we picked up Jake and headed to Maryland to see our friends Rachel, Brian and Samantha Needle. Brian cooked up a fabulous dinner and we all had a great time visiting and watching Jake and Sammy play especially in Samantha's awesome playroom.

Samantha's Elmo Live doll is cool but kind of creepy

Jake tries out Sammy's chair
Daddy lets Jake try an ice cream treat
Dads and kids lighting the menorah
From everyone here in Jake's world we hope you had a very happy holiday!