Twas the night before (Tuesday), and all through the house. Not a creature was stirring, (except Mom, Dad, and Benjamin were eating dinner) not even a mouse. Me in my kerchief (actually a baseball cap)... ... sprang to the door to see what was the clatter.... okay enough.

It was Santa Claus! Santa came through our town early- in fact right in front of our house. And he was riding behind a fire engine... amazing. We couldn't get Benjamin dressed and out the door in time, so Dad grabbed the camera and ran outside. And we took this picture inside, next to the tree to commemorate.

Santa Spotting

A few things have happened of late, that are significant as a group, but maybe not individually. We baby proofed the house (or at least we think we have), minus the coffee table corner protectors. It is going to take some getting used to, grabbing the cabinet door under the sink, only to have it go "CLUNK". Like everything in our lives, we'll get used to it... but it'll be a long time before we're safety lock-free in the Adams household... Arghhhh.

We have a Safety First baby monitor with video (it's great by the way). Last night, Erika awoke and Benjamin was no longer in the frame, "Where'd Benjamin go?", she exclaims! He had rolled over, and right out of the frame. Again, just another thing we're going to have to get used to.

A big step - please pray for us this weekend - we're leaving Benjamin home with his Auntie while Mom and Dad head south for the Army-Navy game in Philadelphia. Yikes!

BEAT ARMY!

Dad took Benjamin to cheer on Mom during a St. George's women's ice hockey game against Gunnery. Unfortunately we lost 1-5, but the girls showed a lot of promise, and their #1 fan (Benjamin) expects big things this season... especially since his favorite lady in the whole wide world is their Assistant Coach! Of note, Benjamin enjoyed the hockey game, but more so the Zamboni (just like 90% of the male North American species). It's amazing how it goes round and round and makes new ice... and lots of noise!!!
Mom! Take a picture with me and my girlfriend Jessica! Jessica has been filling in where Mom's hockey schedule and Dad's schooling schedules overlap. She's the greatest!

Playtime on the carpet...

Is that the number "7"? Oh how I love the number "7"...

I'll trade you a number "7" for a number "8". Benjamin has already shown a business-like prowess; always trading up.

You'll have to decide for yourself if Benjamin's rocking is in fact with the beat, or born from a desire to more "forward". Hmmmmm...

The Lords of Babble

A couple things happened today. 1) Benjamin and Mom were on scene to watch Daddy and the Navy Team beat the Army pukes 14-12 in a War College rendition of the real match up that will take place on December 11th in Philadelphia... and this is the hat Benjamin wore to stay warm. Yeah Dad!


2) Benjamin has begun to babble.... "Dad, give me that camera, and we'll see how you like it when I take videos of you!"

Morning wake up:

"I'm outta here. You and Mom are CRAZY!"

... and because Grandma and Grandpa own a Christmas Tree Farm (see last entry) and your tree is cut, bailed, and driven home the week before Thanksgiving, you have no excuse but to have it up and decorated before Thanksgiving. Ta-Da!!!
Thanksgiving Day started early with the YMCA's 5 mile "Pie Run". Daddy placed 1st in the "Benjamin's Daddy"-Category. Mom and Benjamin were at the finish avec signage to cheer on their favorite Daddy.

Our little Penguin was so cold, and cheered so loud, he passed out in his car seat on the ride home.

The festivities then moved North to Uncle Jimmy and Auntie Kate's house for Thanksgiving proper. Banjamin amidst the swirling chaos that comes with having cousins.

The hostess with the mostest, Auntie Kate and her main man.

Benjamin exclaiming how much fun he had with his cousins.

I am not sure why I insist on filming videos sideways, because there is no way to flip them upright.... regardless, too precious to pass up. Benjamin doing his standing exercises....

Benjamin's first Christmas Tree Gig

Terry, Shea, and Jordan Burnley fresh from a brisk tractor ride to the field and back.
Erika (Mom) showing Greg (Dad) how to use the bailer... "I'm only going to show you one more time, so listen closely. One wind, two cut and tie, three it's a bailed tree!"

Shea and Jordan Burnley on the bailing tractor.

The hunt is on for the perfect tree(s)... How'd we do...

Kyle Turner, fresh from the cut... tree in tow. We hope Joyce (his wife on vacation in Taiwan) likes it!

The "Executive" branch of the Clearview Christmas Tree operation... keeping score.

Alana Silva... didn't know Christmas Tree picking could be so sheik. Smile!

Terry Burnley cutting the Burnley-tree while Jordan Burnley watches. Yeah Dad!!!

A break with Grandpa and Mom...

Mom dragging Benjamin's tree. Nice pick Benjamin!!!

This island boy, not too sure about New England weather... I can't feel my face!

Dad and his boy... wagon ride with Daddy, so much fun!!!!

Excuse me, can you leave us? I am not done telling my Grandpa about all the trees I saw today... thank you.

The Boys... Shea Burnley and his cousin Benjamin.

Jordan Burnley and her cousin Benjamin.

Jordan Burnley helping pull one of the 150 trees donated to a local Boston church.

Shea Burnley showing he's a tree draggin' maniac!!!

Big News!!!!

Brace yourselves.... wait for it....

Benjamin submersed under water at last Tuesdays swim class. Sorry, we have no pictures; for the camera lady was in shock as the events unfolded.


This is a last-week video, but you get the idea. Dad blows in Benjamin's face, and he's like 2,000 leagues under the sea in his yellow submarine - Yo!

Benjamin loves him some Baby Einstein... Christmas (wink, wink, hint, hint)

And if you didn't know, Benjamin is a certified Crocodile Wrestler. His nickname in the outback is the "Baby-faced Croc Wranglah"... look at that sheer toughness as he wrestles that nasty saltie to the ground!

THE REINCARNATION OF "MR. TUFF"... PATROLLING HIS TURF (HIS BLANKET) FOR WOULD-BE VILLAINS. "YOU LOOKIN' AT ME?"

MOMMA'S SUPERHERO. UP, UP, AND AWAY!!!!