THE PLAYSET!!!!!

For David's birthday, we wanted to get the kids a playset. We did our homework and ordered one online that was delivered promptly, too promptly for our current lifestyle. Part of the deal was we need to erect the swingset. The instructions said it would take the normal family 6 hours. We figured probably double that would be a good estimate for us. It only took 2 weeks...those college degrees were of no help whatsoever.....This is what it looked like upon delivery:

After several rain delays, we finally got the "core" of the set up. Here is the frame going up:

Mom actually helped some too:
Then we had, shall we say, a "significant" precipitation weather delay:
FINALLY, the weather cooperated and we finished....and there was much rejoicing!!!
I don't know who was happier....Daddy or David!!!
Despite the weather delay, David got some outside time in the snow!!!
David gets to say bye-bye to too much inside time and his favorite inside toys:
Our sweet Delaney has fully mastered rolling over and we are madly trying to get some pictures of that but haven't been successful yet. She's almost 5 months now and cute as a button:

Family Pictures

We recently had family pictures taken by our favorite local photographer, Addie Tally. I've uploaded some of our favorites:

Some looked more like "real life" than posed pictures......

And this looked like an REM music video:

Art, Cereal, and Siblings.....

Recently Momma Shedd visited and she brought David an art easel. It has been a huge hit as David will spend hours (OK minutes....but we will take what we can get) drawing (or asking mom and dad to draw "ah-panes").

If you know David, you know what he REALLY likes is cleaning the easel:
We recently started Delaney on rice cereal in the evenings (in a desperate effort to get her to sleep through the night--we will try anything!). The first night went well:
By the second night Delaney seemed to like the cereal a bit more:
And quickly decided she should be in control of the spoon:
Overall I think she is happy with the cereal:
Delaney continues to grow quickly and her little personality shows itself more and more. She is VERY smiley and happy and LOVES to be around people. She is far more social than David was. In some ways though, they are two peas in a pod:

Snow and Stuff.....

2011 is off to a great start!!! We brought in the New Year with a little "bubbly"...and David LOVES bubbles......here he is checking the quality control of the bubbles :-) The fireworks were put on hold due to a local thunderstorm.

David started the new year off with a much-needed haircut to lower his ears. The last time he got in the barber's chair, it took 3 of us to hold him down (hence no pictures that day). This time, he wasn't overly thrilled but did very well. We were all very proud of him!!!
The Christmas morning snow was amazing so imagine our surprise to get a SECOND bit of snow after New Years!!!! We were spoiled with the Utah powder. Mississippi snow is wet and cold, but that did not stop us from jumping in and enjoying the experience.
Mom pulled David through the front yard on the sled........
David LOVES wagon rides. Sled rides??? not overly thrilled :-)
Unfortunately, the Big Snow didn't keep dad home from work long enough :-(

... mom and the kids put the fireplace and blankets to good use on the home front (slackers)

Little Delaney is now 4 months old. She still isn't sleeping regularly through the night :-( But she is growing fast and her accomplishments now include enjoying some "Bumbo" time:
Here is a trip down David' Amnesia Lane at 4 months: Two peas in a pod I'd say :-)
Delaney has her 4 month well-baby check-up tomorrow so check back for her stats.....mom is guessing she will weigh about 14 lbs.......

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Mississippi "White Christmas" Style

We made the effort to get organized for a family photo in front of the tree and presents. We have lots of family photos but this one is special since all 4 of us are in the photo. David will look back and ask why we took a photo with his thumb in his mouth...we will remind him that we attempted not to.

David saying "good night" after Christmas Eve Mass. One last chance to get on Santa's nice list.

2010 saw no shortage of presents under the family tree. There is no Christmas like a Home Christmas.

This may be blurred due to an operator failure, but it does not change the fact that David was fast as lightning from bedroom to the tree when he heard Christmas was finally here.

Christmas "footie" Jam-Jams for all! After this last pose, it was time for Christmas presents.

"Fight's On"...David's first stand-up Christmas. We told him for days that the big square box was his present. When offered the opportunity to open it, he did not disappoint. David was a great present opener and kept our spirits high all morning (and afternoon)...More to follow on that point.

It's good to be the King...David taking a timeout from opening gifts and playing...while Mom and Dad keep up with the box breakdown and wrapping paper cleanup.

David with his new Airplane. Thanks Uncle Gus and Aunt Stephanie. It's official, there are 3 Shedd's with pilot licenses; however, David may have his revoked from time to time if he can't keep his aircraft in its required operating airspace.

You gotta be kidding me! It's a Christmas Miracle. Snow in Mississippi on Christmas morning.


Andree and Delaney get a hero shot on the front porch.

Dad wanted to ensure he got a photo as well.

David went for it and just flat out ran into the yard to play in the falling snow. He did forget that it was rain an hour prior and ended up with soaking wet footie jam-jams. Due to snow excitement, halftime was declared from 1000-1200 so David could change outfits and get a nap. I had no idea Christmas could last over 8 hours from first to last gift.

Columbus, MS Christmas circa 2010. I am sure glad our government is spending a fortune preparing us for global warming... that Al Gore guy is a genius...

'Nuff Said. Between snowfall interupting presents and David requiring a halftime rest to prepare himself for his last 5 presents, it was an exhausting experience for all, especially Delaney. Merry Christmas everyone. Cannot wait for New Year's champagne and the Tournament of Roses.