Christmas Fun

Our family ~ Christmas Eve morning

Lamb from Daddy

Why spend money on expensive gifts?

Celebration with Papa, Tutu, Uncle Frank, Aunt Noell, and the cousins ~ Christmas Eve

Hanging out with Papa!

Celebration with Grandpa, Grandma, and Uncle Scott ~ Christmas morning

Grandma helping me open my presents

Madelynn's First Road Trip ~ to Great-Grandma's ~ Left Christmas Day

Ready to go ... although the car seat still isn't her favorite!

Meeting Great Grandma for the first time!

Helping play the piano

Sporting the Sounders shirt Uncle Scott gave her for Christmas

Loving on Great-Grandma

On the way home it snowed on us in Portland!

Our Christmas Present

A year ago we were excited to find out that we were pregnant. Now our little baby girl is 4 months old (tomorrow)!!! She had her 4 month check up today. Weighing in at 13.5 pounds and 25 inches long, she's in the 25th percentile for weight and 75th percentile for height! She's definitely a joy to us.

She's definitely our best present this year! :)

A friend of mine commented that this bear seems to be getting smaller ... hmmm!!

Sisters, sisters ...

... there were never such devoted sisters! :)

Christmas Firsts

I know Christmas is still several days away, but the past few weeks have been filled with firsts for Madelynn!!

First ornaments

First visit with Santa -- so serious!

First Christmas Tea at church

First snow! I know it's hard to see, but snow really is falling!

And, isn't Madelynn's sweater beautiful? Thanks, Tutu!

First Christmas Sunday

First Christmas present -- pajamas from Grandma!

What a special time for us as a family! It's a little easier to imagine how Mary "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" at Christmas time 2000 years ago. Of course, her baby was the King of Kings! As I was reminded this morning, although I love all the traditions and fun of Christmas, the real celebration is of the birth of Jesus Christ so many years ago.

Pictures

This year's Christmas pictures were also Madelynn's three month pictures. She wasn't too thrilled to be moved around and fussed with, but she's awfully cute! Come to think of it, Rich wasn't too thrilled either ... she's such a daddy's girl! :)

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

We did a little decorating around the house this morning and then started off the Christmas season with our annual trip to Seattle for the Westlake Tree Lighting. It's even more special with Madelynn this year! :)

"Helping" Mom decorate inside the house!

And Dad put up the outside lights!

Dad showing Madelynn the stocking he bought for her! :)

We decided to take the light rail train to Seattle this year ... great idea! :)

Enjoying so many new things to look at!

Family of 3!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

We celebrated Madelynn's first Thanksgiving at Grandpa and Grandma's house. Papa and Tutu, Uncle Scott, Jody, and Brackston joined the festivities! It was great!!

Nap after dinner with Dad! :)

3 months old

3 months old today .... I can't believe it!

She's perfected the lip!!

Learning all about life!

Madelynn continues to grow and learn. She is a treasure to us!

We love to pick her up in the morning. She wakes up so happy!

That little furry friend is much more fun than it was a few weeks ago!

Learning about shopping with Grandma.

Sitting in her bumbo seat. She wants to be in the middle of all the action! (Mommy stays within hand's reach though!)

Watching football with Daddy before going to bed!

Happy Halloween

Our little tiger

2 months old ~ Pumpkin Patch

Madelynn is 2 months old today!

It was a great afternoon for going to the pumpkin patch!

Grandpa and Grandma joined us for a little while! :)

And we enjoyed a photo op with the cousins! Here's Nina with Auntie Noell.

Cuz Olivia (and Rich!) in her wagon.

A family picture!