itty bitty friends!

Harper, Caleb, Piper, Gain, Maylee (Hey! Moby (in the background) we see you!)

Caleb: "Gain, I'm older, so you need to listen to me. We are majorly outnumbered. You stick with me and we'll run this joint."

Gain: "Caleb, first, we need to get rid of these girly flowers."

HA! Maylee fell asleep during the photo shoot. She was still there when I left.

Gain & Brooke. Sweet photo.

christmas tree, oh christmas tree

Yayyyyyy! It’s Christmas time! (ok, so it’s February … just roll with me here) It is my favorite time of year. I love everything that goes along with Christmas. Baking, decorating, Christmas trees, lights, stockings, baking, family, presents, baking, Christmas trees, and of course…the special birth of our Savior.

Did I mention Christmas trees?!! Billy and I have been married for 6.5 years now and have never purchased a real Christmas tree. The past three years I could hardly even call our mini-me-tree a tree. (I think it came up to my knee) Well, this year we have a new, bigger, house and a new baby! Time to start new traditions.

Piper picking out her favorite tree. Urban legend has it, if you pick your tree out with only one sock on ... the needles will won't fall off on your carpet.

This is the lucky tree!!

We planned on going Griswald style .. but Lowe's did everything for us! No saw needed.

Phew, that was really stressful. I think I'll take a nap.

Mommy's decorating assistant. Umm, I forgot to take a picture of the finished product??? What?!!!! Next year.

thankful

Hold on a minute …. what happened to November … and December … and January?!?!?  I finally have completed our Thanksgiving post. Maybe I will have Christmas up by Easter.

This year was our Thanksgiving with the Suess Family! Bill & Charlene hopped in the car and made the drive to our house from Farmington, NM. Thanks for being troopers! Billy and I weren’t too thrilled about the idea of driving a 5 month old that far. Stopping every 3 hours to feed her plus everything that goes along with that. How does a 5 month old handle a 16 hour car ride (how long does it take?)?? I don’t want to find out. But, I DO look forward to many, many road trips to Farmington and all around with our family! Our first scheduled road trip to Colorado is in May …but that’s another post.

Get out of bed sleepy head!! Your grandparents are almost here!

Gams & Grandpa like to walk. We have awesome trails in our neighborhood.

One of our few family photos.

Proud grandparents

I'm getting the hang of this flying through the air thing.

Thanks for the push Gams!

Kelty...in case you forgot...it is november.

A little snuggle time after lots of playing!

The night before Thanksgiving we went to dinner at The Green Mesquite. (BBQ joint that was on the food network.) Piper played a totally new game with us that night. Every time anyone would look or smile at her she would give a squinty look back. It was hilarious. She has not played that game since … thankfully I caught it on video. If you’re interested, visit the November 26th post titled, “a little ham for thanksgiving”.

We had to make a sign! It's Thanksgiving! (Notice the wrinkled sign. Somebody likes to "participate" these days)

Menu: Turkey (thank you Rudy's), Awesome stuffing (thanks for the recipe Kim), Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy & Rolls. Don't forget dessert!

Piper had a happy first Thanksgiving.

Thanks again for driving all the way to see us!

bye bye daddy

Piper has been showing signs that she is ready to wave for a couple of weeks…

Well, today, her daddy walked out the front door and about two minutes after he shut it ….. she waved at the door. It melted my heart. (and Billy’s when I called and told him what she had done) Thankfully, I had the camera close by and caught this video of her sort of doing it again.

Bye bye Daddy. Come home soon…you’re little girl sure loves you.

Jump like you just don’t care

After Christmas, Piper decided to come out of her shell a little more. My oh my, this girl loves to jump!!! One morning this week I put her in the jumpy after she ate (7:30am) and she jumped and jumped and jumped and jumped. I am not exagerrating, she literally jumped for 20 minutes without stopping. This video is later when the doggy and daddy where up and making noise … distracting. She starts out sucking her thumb, then later in the video you will get a  small taste of the intensity of her jumping.

Yes, she keeps her arms raised in the air. She kind of looks like she is riding a roller coaster. She huffs and puffs and screams. I will also note that her jumpy is against the master bedroom wall. (You’re welcome honey)

birthday wishes to seattle

january 16, 2010

november 12, 2009 ... we love an-kim & uncle cott

This is why we live in Texas.

It’s beautiful days like this in November when I remember … this is why we live in Texas! (Now, please let me remember this in August)

working hard during tummy time

chocolate, vanilla, cherry???

it’s raining babies!

What a fun season! So many of our friends are having babies! Back in November we gave Kyle & Blaire Wardlaw a shower for sweet baby girl Emrie (who has since blessed us with her presence!) Sorry, I only took a handful of pictures….I don’t even have a picture of the guests of honor (anyone want to donate one?).

Kara Hardy holding Piper. Me holding Maylee (born Sept 20).

Apparently, Piper was much happier in Kara's arms. I don't blame you Piper...Kara is a blast.

Billy loves all things pink ... heck! Why not paint the pumpkins pink?!

First bites

On Halloween day, Piper also got to try food for the first time! She did pretty well…we only had to put each bite in her mouth about 4 times before it finally stayed down. Each new step is so fun!

Here are some pictures from a few days later.

This stuff is ok...

...on second thought...

...I think I'll eat this bib instead...

I guess I can get used to this.

Happy Birthdween Mimi

Yes, I know. Mimi’s birthday was October 31st. Better late than never has become a new theme in my life. When it gets tempting to just skip over things I meant to do but hadn’t had the chance …. I remember why I wanted to do them in the first place. Then I say to myself, better late than never.

So, I begin with my Mom’s birthday weekend, which also happens to be Halloween. After that, there will be other happenings in November & December!

The weekend started out with a dinner to The Roaring Fork with Mom & Dad all their daughters & son-in-laws & of course, Dick & Joyce. At dinner we presented Mom a book filled with letters, photos and poems from many of her friends and family members. Thanks to everyone who contributed. It is a special book … for a very, very special woman who has served countless people through her life thus far. Thanks for being the incredible mom, wife, teacher, prayer warrior, prankster and best friend that you are.

On Saturday (Halloween & Mom’s actual birthday), we started the day off right by hitching up the wagons & car seats and meeting up at The Loft. Our friend Teressa (Boerne YL) and the Tootles joined us. Saturday mornings are always enjoyable at The Loft … yummy waffles & coffee, etc. (Thanks Jenny!)

Teressa keeping Piper warm!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Hey, your my size...I think I like you.

Quack, Quack!

This might be the biggest smile we got out of her all night.

Katie Bee

Princess Abby

Knocking on the Tucker's door.