Blizzard!

We upgraded from a snow day to a full blizzard this past weekend. Here's how Holden kept himself occupied, thanks to the tap button for the lights.

He also kept himself busy by taking a few steps on his own. Mostly he still prefers the comfort of cruising around the furniture, fireplace, walls, our legs, Raven...just about anything he can get his hands on. He stands on his own while he's playing or involved with something then he remembers he's standing, acts surprised, and reaches for a hand. It makes me laugh every time.

The Winter Wallop

The slide has been getting a lot of use. After Holden is done sliding down, he puts his toys on it for a ride which he finds equally entertaining.

Raven is still as patient as ever.

Despite the weather, we had a fun visit from David, Susan & the kids for an early Christmas celebration. We were happy to get to see them since we are heading to SC this week (including Raven). We are packing the portable DVD player and Holden's new favorite show, Merry Madagascar to make the ride more tolerable. So far, Holden has been a great traveler so we're crossing our fingers that our luck continues.

Snow Day

Looking out at the first snow fall of the season.

Are we having fun yet?Decorated for Christmas - the snow is the finishing touch.

Weeeeee! Holden's not quite ready to ride yet.

Gobble Gobble

We had a nice Thanksgiving with Grammy & Ernie, a 16 lb. turkey, and all the trimmings. Holden had a great time and loved having Grammy & Ernie spend the night. The next day he went on his first big outting without us to Ernie's family in Maryland for their Thanksgiving. Grammy said he was on his best behavior and chowed down on another big meal. Rob and I took advantage of the day off and hit the movies.

At 14 months, Holden is walking while holding one hand, cruising all around the furniture, and standing on his own for several seconds at a time. We have bets as to when he'll take off on his own. I'd love for him to do it by Christmas for our big trip to SC, but I have a feeling he'll wait until after we're home. He continues his love affair with Raven and says "doggie" while scooting after her. His other big word is "light" and he loves to turn the switches on and off. He also starts saying "light" as soon as I put the car in park because he knows the lights are going to turn on when I open the car door. He loves looking at the stars and moon at night and watching the airplanes fly by. He's growing so fast!

Ready to eat!

Grammy always gets a smile.

Brave Grammy on our dirty kitchen floor for some playtime.

Watching "Charlie the Brown" in his rocker. He figured out how to rock himself.

Bye, Mom! I'm off to Maryland for my second Thanksgiving.

Out for a walk in the neighborhood.

See ya later!

Daddy's Home

Rob's 2 biggest fans greeting him after a hard day's work...every day...each time louder than before.

A fun visit with Jack. We're hoping next time sister Lily can join us.

Waiting for his bath to be ready.

Snack time while sporting his new hat.

"Uncle" Brad came for a visit. We put him to work and Holden supervised the raking of the leaves.

Interrupting the Rob vs. Brad basketball challenge.

Don't go, Brad!

Sweet boy

Boo!

We went to the neighborhood Halloween party then Holden made the rounds on our street - a great Halloween despite the rain.

Little Tiger

My ghost cookiesThe neighborhood party in full swingHeading out with Daddy for some treats.

Getting some goodies with Shreyes from Mr. Bob

And away they go.

Back home playing with his Halloween card from Molly & Lindsey (thanks!) and Raven's bone.

Rocking out during "An Evening with Bruce Springsteen" courtesy of Dave.Excuse me...pardon me...coming through

On the Move

Holden cruising with his walker.

His inventive scoot. He's mastered it now and is shockingly fast. He even found a way to scoot into Raven's favorite hiding place behind the recliner. We joke that she will soon start kicking the top of the stairs gate closed behind her just to get some peace and quiet.

Watch out Raven, here he comes.

Mission accomplished.

Looking quite defeated.

Ghost Train

We rode the Ghost Train at Burke Lake with Katharine, Steve, and Holden's buddy Owen. We had a great time, partly because we got there early and beat the crowd. We heard one Dad tell his kids still waiting in line as we were leaving that it was probably going to be at least an hour until their turn. We smiled and patted ourselves on the back since we're not usually an up & at 'em early kind of family. Guess we will be from now on...or at least try!
Holden & Owen. He wasn't a fan of the fur around his face.

All Aboard!

We saw Bob the Builder along the way, amongst others

The Great Pumpkin passing out candy

Waiting to ride the carousel

Follow me, Owen

Later that night we celebrated neighbor Shreyes' 2nd birthday with a dinner party of homemade Indian food. We all thought it was delicious, especially Holden who helped himself to 2 plates full.