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Wednesday, November 30, 2011

The Rest of Staycation - Give Thanks!








Decked Out Nativity

This is Liam's version of the Nativity scene.  Mary and Joseph ditched the donkey for a decked out flame van.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Staycation Day 3- Roseville

On the third day of "staycation," we actually stayed home--or at least in our home town.

We started off with a trip to buy a mattress for the new bunk beds, we shopped at Wal-Mart and Lowe's.  We went on a bike ride and played at the park.  We ate lasagna and raced hot wheels.

And for the first time this (pre) Christmas season, we acted out the Christmas story with your nativity set.  While I was mid-story, you stole baby Jesus and took him into the living room to play with other toys and tools. Because; of course, Jesus needed to ride on the train tracks and have a bolt screwed into his manger.

I'm so excited for the Christmas season, and I pray that the truth of the greatest story ever told will grow deep and strong in your heart as you grow up.

Staycation Day 2- San Francisco Zoo




















Neither Matt nor I had ever been to the San Francisco Zoo, so it was a first for all three of us.  We knew it was going to be great when we saw a giraffe and a zebra as we walked from our car to the entrance--even before we bought our tickets!  The day was sunny, the park wasn't crowded, and we caught all of the animals while they were roaming close to the fence, or eating, which made for a lot of great sightings.

Our favorites were the grizzly bears swimming, the snow leopard snacking on a rabbit, the gorillas sitting on the rocks, and the goats who wanted to be brushed.  We also decided that a guinea pig would be a cute pet...now, we need to convince dad:)  It was such a fun day and well worth the drive.  In fact, you slept all two and a half hours on the ride home.  You were wiped from a busy day!

Friday, November 11, 2011

16 months

It is November 11, 2011 and you are sixteen months old today.  Some people think that today (11.11.11) will be a day of good luck.  I don't believe in luck. I believe that God's hand is in every good thing.  I believe that he has given us favor.  I believe that he has set a path for you and our family.  I believe that today and everyday, I am BLESSED.


At sixteen months, you are talking more, laughing more, loving more and growing strong.  You love the "par"--park; "buh buh" --boo boo bear; and "dubba duh" --Yo Gabba.  You like showers more than baths and when you take a bath, you want the water running the whole time.  You like playing peek a boo....behind doors, curtains and clothes racks at the mall.  You wave hello and say and wave goodbye to EVERYONE.

Your latest fave is the library.  It is like a mecca of fun for you--the books, the plastic shopping cart you wheel around to gather your loot, the kitchen and train set.  And I didn't even mention the park adjacent to the library--your favorite park of all.  And when we get the books home, you sift through them forever.  You flip the pages back and forth, look at the pictures, open and close the book and then move on to the next one.  Your love of books makes me very happy as I too, used to look forward to going to the library.  I went with a list in hand of the books I couldn't wait to check out.  My mom brought a plastic laundry basket to carry them home in.  I hid a flashlight under my pillow so I could read Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High or The Wizard of Oz past my bed time.  A new book was an invitation to an exciting world.  It fueled my imagination.  It made me want to learn more.  I hope your love for books remains for many years.






I love you, Liam and I have loved the last sixteen months.  I can't imagine it gets better, but I'm sure it will:)

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Happy Birthday Cousin Peyton!

She turns one in a couple weeks...isn't she cute?!


 A little jealous...

And he commandeered it!

Happy Birthday Party, Miss Peyton.  And great party, Sarah!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Your Dad is the BEST Dad

Yesterday, I heard the best sound in the world.  Your dad went up to get you up from your nap and the baby monitor was still on in our room.  I could have turned it off, but I listened--and like I said, I heard the best sound in the world...the heartiest, deepest, longest Liam-laugh I have ever heard.  Your dad was teaching you how to snort and tickling your tummy.  He would tickle you until you couldn't laugh any harder, then give you a break and then tickle you some more.  It went on for a couple minutes and brought joy to my heart.  Your dad is the BEST dad.

Yesterday, I saw the best sight in the world.  Your dad was playing on the basketball court with you.  He helped you dribble, shoot, score and then let you hang on the rim (all by yourself!)....over and over and over and over.  He doesn't tire of you.  He gives you more one on one time then most dads.  He enjoys spending time with you.  He plays with you until you are tuckered out, not when he gets tuckered out (which is far sooner than you, Mr. Energy).  Your dad is the BEST dad.