It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

I LOVE Christmas!! It truly is my favorite time of year and I have no problem kicking off the Christmas season Thanksgiving night by putting up the tree. My poor in-laws had to help this year, but they were troopers. Luke hung his first ornaments and that was about as interested as he was in the tree. I should thank my lucky stars because I hear next year will be an entirely different story. I love how this past week was dreary and chilly, perfect Christmas like weather, although I do wish some of that Midland snow would have come our way. So here's wishing all of you the merriest of Christmas seasons...don't stress yourselves, just enjoy the beauty of it and the time together with friends and family (easier said than done, but I'm going to try and give it a whirl)!

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.

I love this because I picture Luke before I know it
whispering to Santa his Christmas list.

Ross ornament,

Ashley ornament,

Ross ornament,

Ashley ornament...get the picture?! :)

Luke's first ornament from us

The finished product!

and last but certainly not least, "Angel" Taylor's ornament!

Friday Night Lights

This is the view Ross and I had every fall Friday night for 3 years...it's pretty fantastic!

Ross and I are both from Midland, TX where football really does rule the school and Friday nights in the fall are all about the big game. There is nothing like a West Texas football game (especially in a nice new stadium, thank you oil businessmen), beautiful sunsets, chilly weather with lots of coats and blankets, old friends to catch up with and the excitement pumping through the air. We were fortunate enough to take Luke to his first live game to our high school alma mater (Lee High) versus the cross town rival Midland High. We saw our old band director (we were both such band geeks, but both had great experiences being in band) and lots of old friends. It was a great trip and very special that we got to share it with Luke...and Lee won! Tota - LEE awesome! :)

Grams and me reading together, this is one of my touch and feel books...I prefer hands on.

And this is Pops giving me a sympathy face, he understands.

Don't let those sweet smiles trick you, there's a lot of orneriness in this group!

My favorite red head (Jinger) and Pop...they truly are "Great" grand-parents!

On the way home, I did great on my plane ride and shortly after this picture settled in for a nice Sunday afternoon nap, after all isn't that what you do after you watch a game?

Turkey Time!

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble...our little turkey (more like ham)!

I celebrated my first Thanksgiving and it was fantastic! My Grams, Pops and "Funkle" Ryan (he's funky like that) all came to visit me. I had a delicious turkey and rice dinner, pureed style, and lots of carrot wheels, which I love. Most importantly mom and dad told me about all the things we are thankful for and they snuck in they are pretty thankful for me. I guess I'm winning them over. We are so thankful for our family and friends...we love you all!!

Watching my first Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade with mom...she insisted.

Carrot wheel...my favorite!

All done!
I honestly couldn't give him the words to go with this look, but I couldn't help but share this picture because of his expression, so any of you who want to give dialect we are open for submissions!

Uh, we don't know what you're supposed to do with leaves, we've never had them before.

After such a busy day a nice warm bath was just the ticket...good thing there are two towels there.

Eight is Great!

November has started off with a bang because I'm eight months old! Whoever told my parents time would fly was right! They are always telling me how amazed they are at how fast I grow and learn. So, for those inquiring minds, here are eight GREAT facts about me.
1. I have started saying "mama", but only in instances where I am unhappy and the tears are flowing.
2. I got my first teeth! Mom says I'm a jack-o-lattern because she found my two bottom teeth on Halloween.
3. I took my first airplane ride and did fantastic. Thankfully the flight was an hour so going there I had plenty to explore (i.e., tray table) and on the way home I snuggled against dad and just took a nap. I don't know why mom and dad are always so tired after trips, I think we should go out of town every weekend!
4. I really prefer to have friends and family around and if I notice while I'm playing they are not I get, let's say, pretty sad.
5. I have started reaching really far while sitting up, but no crawling. I tried all fours and lasted a couple of seconds, so I don't see what the fuss is all about.
6. I love to dance! Put something musical in front of me and watch my moves...look out Justin Timberlake!
7. As of now I'm not good at sharing. If a friend has something I would like to have I try to take it away from them. I don't quite understand why this isn't nice, but mom tries to regulate.
8. I love snuggles and surprisingly can be a little shy. Even though I'm constantly looking around for new things, every now and then I have to sneak in some snugs.

My new big boy swing!

Getting kisses from Taylor while playing outside.

My silly boy face.Showing off my dance skills, I'm trying to shake my groove thing!