Happy Thanksgiving

Here are some pictures from our visit to Clay Center for Thanksgiving. Once again we flew into Manhattan, and I think our days of driving 9 hours are behind us. Holden enjoyed his first Thanksgiving and had fun playing with his cousins. Riley was a real sport and helped Holden get around the house while Steve and I helped Sally with the meals. Clayton and him had quite the conversation on the last day, they were there. I don't know what was said, but they seemed to enjoy their time together. Holden had a battle of wills with his 2 1/2 cousin Shelby and almost lost a finger as he tried to take her necklace.

(<---The before picture , notice the red necklace......)

I predict we will have more of these occurances in the future.

Holden met Santa as he flew in on a Cessna airplane on a remote location. Later that evening we went and saw the lights which made Holden so happy he fell asleep! Holden received some pre-Christmas presents, including his first K-State hat from Aunt Connie. We figured since he was trying on hats, he should try one of G-pa Bob's derby hats. I think he looks rather fierce but you can judge for yourself.

On the last day Aunt Connie decided to introduce Holden to the piano and he seems to have some natural talent.

Finally, we returned home to Dallas, where Holden could resume his normal day-to-day activities, like eating his mom's cellphone on the rug.

Halloween

Tonight, as I watched the Biggest Loser I finished Holden's first Halloween costume. Its also the first thing I've ever sewn/made by hand. I actually was kind of fun and didn't take that long... I'm thinking I might like this sewing thing. My mom helped a lot, she helped me with the bobbin and all that jazz, and honestly in the beginning I didn't think I'd make it through. I thought I'd chuck the whole idea and just go buy something. Steve likes it so much he thinks we'll put Holden in it all the time. I'm thinking Thanksgiving would be a good time to test this theory, see what happens when I stroll through airport security with my little monkey.

Besides modeling mommie's latest fad, Holden is doing really well in his swimming lessons. He also is cruising right along and has figured out how to sit down or as we call it "go boom."


I love this picture, he looks like an actual monkey clinging to his G-ma Mary.

Happy Trails

We just landed in Dallas a few hours ago after a great trip to Clay Center, Kansas. We traveled to Steve's home town to: a.) celebrate the Stalder's Wedding Anniversary b.) attend the Heilman Reunion and c.) get the heck out of Dodge for a few days.

It was Holden's first time on an airplane and as usual...he was great. He was not "that baby" that cried, threw a temper tantrum and caused everyone to consider mandatory sterilization. Nope, when he wasn't sleeping he was disarming everyone with his charm. It wasn't until the descent that he broke his happy disposition. After hanging with Grandma Sally and Bob we headed off to Wakefield to see the Craigs. Although it was a short visit, its always fun visiting with Brent and Erica and as an added benefit, we met the latest addition of the Foster family and what a cutie little Jack is.

Saturday was a complete whirlwind, we started at the Tasty Pastry, followed by hanging out with all the cousins, then Steve treated us all to his famous salmon cakes and spicy aoli sauce.
Later, we all went to Josh Macy's house and attemped to take a family picture, we will just have to wait and see how that turned out.

Finally it was time to celebrate Ernie and Luann's 50th wedding anniversary and let me tell you, they know how to throw a party. We caught up with all the Stalders and I found out , someone other than Steve follows our blog. (Hey Kerri!) Kim Shannon also decided that since her attempts to take me "Snipe" hunting have so far, been unsuccessful, she's going to get Holden to "Dysentery" Hill when he's old enough. I think its a great idea....

Finally Sunday we went to the Heilman Reunion, and had a blast meeting all the Heilmans. At the eleventh hour, The Heigele's stopped by and brought LC. Holden really seemed taken with LC.

Sometimes when we visit, I could almost move there, 'cause the people are so nice and comforting, like homemade stew or Christmas Eve. Oh well , its Monday and we are home in our small condo, surrounded by our dogs, and the sounds of the city. Until Thanksgiving, when we make the trek to Kansas again...toodles

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Milestones

This started last week and has been recorded for posterity and bragging rights!

Holden has some carrots and apples

Holden is having a lot of firsts these days. His first tooth finally broke through this week and he had his first serving of non-formula food. I think the video speaks for itself. I also think following my physician's advice and waiting until he's 6 months old helped too.

Enjoy the video!

Happy Labor Day

This past weekend we took a short trip to San Antonio to visit family. Sunday night Holden got to play with his cousins, Raydon and Thadeus . It was fun until Holden leaned over and took the pacifier out of his horror struck cousin's mouth. The picture above is a re-enactment but Thad learned to take his pac-y out of his mouth before Holden could strike.

Yeah...kids are funny like that....

Further posts as events warrant.

Latest Check Up

Holden may be eligible for the NBA draft according to those crazy nomograms but Dr. F put the kaibash on solid foods for another 2 months!!! Yep, the good doc says that our healthy growing boy doesn't need no stinking cereal, he's doing fine on the formula. Oh how I wish I had stock in Similac, but I'll save that for another post. He's 17 1/2 lbs and 28" long, and as the good physician says "one healthy happy baby."