Well, mama did it. She cooked Thankgiving, well, everything but the turkey. Grandma from Chicago made the turkey. But, mama made green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, rutabaga, "the best" (really) sweet potato casserole, stuffing, cranberry bread, fresh cranberries, and um, a whole lof of other goodies. 
We were very happy to host Randy and Paola (they hosted mama and dada when mama was pregnant with me and hiding it - that's why she didn't drink the Sangria!). Grandma and Grandpa drove to Texas to help take care of me so Ga and Papa could drive to Missouri to see Aunt Brigid and the kids. And mama and dada, looking so happy in the background. 
I gnawed on my first turkey bone. Delicious! That brining was really good, Grandma!
Well Gee Whiz kids, let's do this again next year!
Oh yes, I'm still a big fan of Little Gym. My friend Ross is in the picture too. He's cool. He just learned to walk and has to hold his arms out to balance. I am learning to "jump" on the launching pad. 
Mama helped me to swing on the bars. 
I like to crawl over, under and through. And do it all over again.
One day, Grandma took me to the Gym instead of mama.
Grandma and Grandpa took me to the zoo on one of the non-rainy days over Thanksgiving weekend. I rode on the carousel for the first time. I wasn't really sure what to think. 
Grandpa took this cool picture of the tiger swimming. Sweet.
Well hello there!
Before Grandma and Grandpa left to drive back to Chicago, we celebrated Christmas. I don't know that you are supposed to celebrate it at the end of December, so who cares? Frankly, I was ready for some new toys because you know I don't have enough....
Grandpa made me this beautiful rocking horse. It took him a very long time in his shop. With his grey hair and moustache, you might think he was Santa. I really like to get on it, even though I still need help. 
I also got one of these loud noisemakers. I don't understand what the grown-ups are complaining about. It's not that loud, really. 
I also got a sled with all the reindeer and of course 'Ho. Yeah, you know who that is! I call him 'Ho.
And the grand finale, the super big Elmo that talks if you push his belly.
Sometimes I prefer to squeeze his nose.
I also got some new duds to wear on Christmas.
Dada went to Cancun two weeks ago to celebrate Mike's, one of his best friends from college, wedding. Mama was not able to go so Dada shared a room with Crazy Richie, Just likethe old days in college
Richie showed Dada some of his new magic tricks.
I don't think there was a hot tub in Richie and Dada's room in college, and I'm sure the maids didn't leave a towel swan when they cleaned. What were those resorts maids thinking? Honeymooners??
Dada and Richie finally caught up with Mike. He was a very busy guy. Can you believe they found him in the resort bar? That was the very last place they looked for Mike. In fact they just passed it by on their way back to the room to call it an early night.
Here is a picture of Mike and Keri at the wedding. Dada is soo happy for Mike, the BIG SWEETIE. They make a great couple! 
Welcome to the family Keri. Now Let's celebrate this wedding!!!
After the wedding, some Mexican guy named Don Julio Blanco, talked Richie into taking a dive into the pool.
Looks like Mr. Don Julio was talking to everyone.
Mike took advantage of the situation and washed his socks while in the pool. Maybe that Don Julio fella was pretty smart after all.
Dada, Richie, and Mike send their best from Cancun. Best of luck to Mike and Keri, can't wait to meet you guys. 
Yesterday mama and I went to Dewberry Farms with Stacy and Jackson, Allison and Luke, and friends Marsha and Barry. It was quite a crowd. The boys were not happy sitting in the strollers while moms bought tickets. But, it wasn't long before we got to run free.
Here I am in the mini pumpkin patch with my bud Luke in the background, playing with Barry and Marsha. We just "officially" learned that Luke is going to be a big brother. Mama keeps saying she can't imagine how Allison is chasing Luke and carrying another baby - whatever that means. Guess there are no more babies in the immediate future over here. Fine with me.
I'd rather play with a tractor any day. I don't want to sit on the tractor, but I like to push the tractor. 
This is a nice view of the farm, and Barry and Luke sitting by the duck pond.
Whoa! Now that is one big pig. And no, I didn't wet my pants. My sippy cup leaked in my stroller. Really.
Luke and I enjoyed a friendly game of duck race. Then I tried to eat the duck. Mama was scared I was going to contract foot and mouth disease, so we moved on to another activity.
Luke and I fed the goats. Too bad Jackson didn't make it into any pictures. He's a year older than us so he was seriously on the move!
The slide may have been my favorite part of the farm.
I was so proud of myself each time I climbed to the top...
I would look down at mama...
And then rush down giggling like a little piggy. Sweet! Hope to see you boys soon, oh and the ladies too.
Yep, it's that time again...
we even went to the same place again...
to find the perfect Christmas tree again.
And look how far we've come...although I think I may be wearing the same socks...
After a long week away, Ga returned to take care of me again. Note that I have my own little pan of food here. Now that's service!
At night, Grandma and I watched Charlie Brown Christmas.
