In this photo Edward is responding to instructions to "play peek-a-boo" in the book Just like Mr. Croc--a Christmas present from Uncle Joe and Aunt Brenda. However, he could just as well have been trying to shield himself from the impending doom of this forecast, with which we greeted my brothers visiting from D.C. and Phoenix this weekend:

Saturday night: A chance of freezing rain and sleet before midnight, then periods of rain or freezing rain. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total nighttime ice accumulation of 0.3 to 0.5 of an inch possible. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Sunday: Periods of rain before 9am, then periods of snow and freezing rain between 9am and noon, then periods of snow after noon. Widespread blowing snow after noon. Temperature falling to around 27 by 5pm. Breezy, with a north wind between 16 and 22 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow accumulation of around 7 inches.

Sunday Night: Areas of blowing snow and scattered snow showers. Cloudy, with a low around 12. Wind chill values as low as -2. Blustery, with a northwest wind between 20 and 23 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

The only silver lining was that they weren't trying to travel in or out during the worst weather, however the roads were still in such poor condition on Monday that they had trouble getting to the airport and almost missed their flight to Chicago. I think maybe we should restrict ourselves to three seasons for guests. Iowa in the winter just doesn't hold a lot of appeal.

Despite being confined to the house, it was great to see both of them and we're so glad they braved the forces of nature to spend time with us. Edward loved the extra attention and is still asking, "Where Joe go? Where PJ go?" Geography is a tricky concept! Daniel also benefited from extra arms for cuddling. Both PJ and Joe put in some "chest time"--that is, sitting in a chair or laying on the couch with Daniel asleep on their chests, an extra layer of warmth.

Edward also got a Brio train lesson from the master. The inspiration for this Christmas gift was my brother Joe, who spent endless childhood hours constructing elaborate transportation systems with train tracks and blocks. I was hoping Edward would also enjoy that spark of creativity. I think he's still a little young, but we'll see what happens as the collection grows over the years.

On Sunday I asked Edward if he wanted mac 'n' cheese for lunch, and he responded enthusiastically...until it was in the bowl in front of him. Then he acted as if I were trying to make him eat a dish of mud-covered worms. He threw a fit and refused to take even a single bite. Reminding him that he liked it and had asked for it did no good. (He does like it--he recently ate four helpings when it was served at daycare.) I finally asked him what he wanted, and he said "I want broccoli." Huh??? I pursued this further and he insisted that he wanted broccoli so I heated some up and sure enough, he scooped it up with puzzling gusto. Can't wait to pull that out of the archives some day when he refuses to eat his vegetables at dinner!