The Tree

We were able to get our tree today. It's a cute little six footer that Chris cut down.

Ladies and gentlemen...

we have a walker! Last night, he was taking 5-6 steps at a time. Tonight, he is all over the place and much more confident.

We also have a total ham who just had to pose for the camera when he saw me pull it out!

Gavin and the Tree

When Gavin saw the tree at my parents' house this year, all he could say was, "Oh! Oh!". Then, he started reaching for all the ornaments. There were lots of shiny "balls" for him to clang together. I guess we'll be decorating without any glass ornaments this year.

This picture is from last year. He wasn't reaching quite as high on the tree, but the reaction was the same.

Christmas Parade

There was a little holiday parade in town last week. We froze our noses and toes, but Gavin enjoyed the lights and all the candy.

Happy Thanksgiving

We had a great Thanksgiving with my parents, Ben and his fiancee. That's right, he is now engaged!Reily enjoyed the meal (of course).


Pumpkin pie

Ben and Kirsten

This is Ben with his fiancee, Kirsten. She's a great addition to our family and we're all really excited for both of them.

MN Sculpture Garden

Last time we were in the Twin Cities, we visited the Sculpture Garden. It was a chilly day, but we had a lot of fun together enjoying the outdoors and the art.

Gavin wanted to smell the pretty flowers. Unfortunately, he also wanted to pick them (see his right hand).
The famous cherry in the spoon.

Reily's Birthday Party

Reily didn't get anything too special for lunch, as he really doesn't have any favorites yet. Of course, it was food, so he enjoyed it!
One of the first bites of cake.
A few bites later...
All done!

The clean-up

Gavin enjoyed his cupcake, too.
Daddy helping
Gavin "helping"

The gift wrap is always more exciting than the giftsJust checking to see if it tastes good...it didn't.
Gavin on Reily's new tricycle
Daddy had to go to work after the party.

Happy Birthday, Reily!

Reily turned one today! These are a few pictures from an earlier celebration we had at Chris' dad's house. We just had to celebrate Reily's and Kacey's birthdays together, even if it wasn't on the right day.

The Walking Stick

I don't know where he got the idea from, but he walked all over with this thing knowing just how to use it.

Apple Orchard

Recently, we visited an apple orchard with Chris' family. We didn't really need the apples, since we have two huge trees in our own yard, but it was beautiful and enjoyable day. Visiting the apple orchard is always a favorite Fall activity of ours. This year, Gavin was able to "help" pick apples.

M-m-m
Gavin helping
Reily and Kacey--yes, they were born on the same day and yes, she is already walking...someday Reily will too.
This was taken at the very end of our time at the apple orchard. I think we were all ready to go home.