Oh, what fun it is to...



...help Solo tear up the wrapping paper!

...open presents with Daddy!

...play with the blocks Grandpa made for me!

...compete with Solo for Grandma's attention!

(If you look closely at that last picture, you can see that Solo's smiling.)

Christmas was lots of fun this year!  We enjoyed the time we got to spend with our families, and Nathan Garrett got some really cool toys to play with.

Thanks, Ryan & Chesli!

We're looking forward to a lot more fun in 2012.  Stay tuned!

Signs Your Home Is Occupied By A Toddler

Yes, I realize it'll get much messier.

Who knew how much fun toilet paper could be?!

No, Solo doesn't climb onto the kitchen counter to get to his food & water.





Garrett Meets Santa!

For the past few Tuesdays, I've been taking Garrett to Allerton Library here in Monticello for Baby Lap Time (BLT!...Cool!).  Today, BLT was replaced with a visit from Santa!!!  How nice of him to take a few minutes out of his busy December schedule to come see a few children in our little town!

First, he told a story about playing Hide & Seek with the elves at The North Pole.  One elf, Moe, had hidden so well that Santa and the others had a hard time finding him.  Then, Santa passed out candy canes and invited the children to take turns sitting on his lap.  I wasn't sure how Garrett would react.

Not sure...

That's my boy!  (Yes, that's a happy expression.)

Now I can't wait to see Garrett's eyes light up when we finally decorate our Christmas tree this weekend!

Memories & Milestones

Last weekend, we enjoyed the company of some of our dear friends, Don & Amy, and their kids, Caroline (3) and Sam (1).  Not long after they arrived, Amy and I left all three kids with our husbands and escaped fled ran for our lives went to the Country Christmas Craft Show at Gordyville.  Nathan's dad, Howard, had a booth at the show to display and sell small rocking chairs and many other things that he has spent a lot of time making since he retired over two years ago.  Amy picked out some adorable gifts for Caroline and Sam, and I enjoyed browsing and listening to the Christmas music that was being played.  When we came back, our home wasn't a complete wreck, and our husbands and kids were all still alive.  The next morning, we had brunch together before our friends headed home to Elk Grove.  I think Sam and Garrett had fun together...

...and Caroline loved Solo.

About two weeks prior to the Alips' visit, Garrett had taken a couple steps on his own but hadn't shown any more interest in walking since then.  I think Sam must have given him the confidence he needed 'cause he's walking all over the place now!  (That's what friends are for, right?)

We have so much to be thankful for!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your friends and families.