California Christmas

We traveled to Merced to visit the family for Christmas. It was a Christmas miracle that we all made it. Snow can't keep us from havin' our holiday.

Lucas getting some sunshine and playing with the leaves

Lovin' the playhouse.

I think Lucas liked climbing on top of the box more than opening it.

Oh, but he enjoyed what was inside! Its a big megablock dumptruck.

Christmas Day

The lovely ladies

The cute cousins

The crazy people

Our most favorite pizza joint -- Pizza Villa. Heaven.

A baby shower was held for my cousin who is due in January! We're hoping for a boy!

The fam

The pregers.

The "Po Po" showed up. Broke up the fun, and sent us packin'!

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

It hasn't stopped snowing in a few days, and it won't for a while. They're saying this is the worst snow storm in over 10 years!

Let it snow

Lucas awoke this morning to his first snow; it tasted good.

Oh so sweet...

Little Boy is 13 months old today.

Chimes and Lights

We got the tree this weekend!

Lucas loved wondering from tree to tree...

Until we found the one we wanted to bring home. Lucas really wanted to help cut it down...

And he felt mega blocks would be best to decorate the tree...

But we convinced him ornaments would work better...

That evening we ventured to the waterfront "Festival of Chimes and Lights"...
The boats in the marina were decorated so beautifully...


Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived via ferry to greet all the kids...(unfortunately this guy blocked our view:(

City Hall had their tree lighting... then fireworks, which Lucas enjoyed at the end of his very long day.

A preview of the Christmas card

Our little boy is growing up, it's already his second Christmas!

OK, its 3 o'clock and the street light is on.

Our days are short in the Pacific Northwest this time of year. What to do? It is December 1 and the winter is upon us. Time to get creative. Lucas likes to be outdoors. And they say fresh air is good for the soul. So, our plan is to strap on the head lamp, don the rain gear, pack up lots of snacks and off we go...

I'll keep you posted.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving week was filled with lots of family, food, and fun -- don't forget the alcohol! Grandma, Papa, and Aunt Jana came to town.

We had a fabulous Thanksgiving feast -- I think every night of the week was Thanksgiving!

We had a great big ol' bird -- which gave us lots of leftovers.

Lots of good family time.

Celebrated Lucas' first birthday -- He loves to sing (and to hear) "Happy Birthday!"


Grandma and Papa got him a wonderful red wagon.

Which will get LOTS of use.

A shape sorter -- which keeps Lucas entertained for hours (ok maybe not hours:)


His first baby -- which he gives lots of kisses.

And the most favorite -- the puppy... of course.

Lucas at the Gym

He's the white dot in the middle...

And of course he gravitated toward the play house...

Happy Birthday Lucas

Lucas turned 1 today. It was a beautiful sunny day, much like the day he was born. We spent our day together, just the two of us. I thought mostly of this same day last year. Words can't describe it. His birth was a wonderful experience and I am so happy that my little baby is now one year old. It was a beautiful day.

We spent the afternoon at Lucas' favorite place - the playground.

Daddy's gift

This is what Randy gave to Lucas for his 1st birthday.

It's a giant blow up dog ball pit. I don't know who likes it more, Randy or Lucas?