HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Well, Kate's second holiday season has come and gone. It really is fun when she's more aware of what's going on. Given the number of pics to look at, I'll keep it short.

On Thanksgiving, her Ohio relatives and Uncle Jeff were in town, which is always a treat for all of us. Kate and a friend rode the RICH's Pink Pig, but she seemed to not care too much about it. She also visited her Mimi's friends at Rhodes Bakery, where she whipped up a batch of ginger bread men (it was pretty easy to spot the one's she made). We spent Christmas Eve at Mimi and Poppi's place and Christmas Day at our house, where we invited family to stop by for a bite to eat and to watch the kids play.

Overall, a very fun time and we can't wait until next year! Enjoy the pics!







"All the leaves are brown..."











"...and my nose is cold!"








MAKING COOKIES AT RHODES BAKERY












THANKSGIVING DAY




















GETTING THE HOUSE DECORATED












CHRISTMAS EVE























CHRISTMAS MORNING




"Santa came!!!"






"Just like Daddy's!"











more cool stuff...



















LITTLE PEOPLE VILLAGE (a big hit...)

2nd Annual Cabin Trip

This past weekend, we met several friends in the Georgia mountains for our second annual cabin getaway. The weather was perfect (even with a rainy day) and we had a blast!

We arrived Thursday afternoon and got settled. Friday was rainy, so we all sat inside and enjoyed being lazy. Daddy wasn't quite used to doing nothing, but eventually got into it. On Saturday the weather was great, so we went to an apple orchard to enjoy the sunny weather and pick a whole bunch of apples. We followed that up with a yummy lunch. Then, back to the cabin with naps for all!

It was so much fun to watch the kids interact and see how much they have all grown in the past year. At night, we sat around the fire with some beverages and played games. It was hard to leave but we're already looking forward to next year!

Here are some pics. Enjoy!




"O.K. - places
everybody!"








Hannah and Kate being
silly on the deck.








Activity time for
the kids.








Noah and Kate just
being cute!








"Now I have the power!"









Hannah and Kate
chillin' on the sofa.








"O.K. - lets
get some apples..."








"Perfect!"

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2008!

Well, we made it through Kate's second Halloween and she was definitely more active than this time last year! Actually, she was getting over a cold, so she missed out on some of the festivities. She was kind enough to put on her ladybug costume that mommy made her and wear it while handing out candy to trick or treaters. She liked that part a lot, although she wasn't sure why they all looked so strange...

Anyway, she's feeling better now (THANK YOU!).

Here are some pics to enjoy.

Another Summer Gone...

It's hard to believe that summer is over and Fall is here! Mommy is eager to welcome the cooler temperatures and daddy the lower electric bills...hopefully!

Kate is now into her once a week school program and LOVING it! Daddy dropped her off on the first day, and she didn't quite know what to think of it. Now when she goes, she runs into the room ready to take on the world! She's "talking" a little more as the weeks pass. She's also very vocal about her likes and dislikes, which is USUALLY a good thing. In summary...she's just a happy little person!

Anyway, I'll keep the writing short because you came here for the pictures!







Sportin' a new dress...











Kickin' back in her
new rocking chair...







Kate's first trip to the zoo...











"My first goat meeting
and carousel ride!"








Our first trip to the pumpkin patch...


















Seeing the animals,
searching for the
perfect pumpkin and
hanging out with mom
and dad...
WHAT FUN!!!

Fun In the Sun

Last weekend, Kate was introduced to the beach for the first time and it was a hoot! We went to Gulf Shores, AL and stayed at a condo right on the beach that we've frequented over the years. We were a little concerned about the weather because Tropical Storm Fay was heading right for us but she took her sweet time, so we had two and a half days of wonderful weather. Kate did have some trouble sleeping at night, which meant so did mommy and daddy. Considering that, and the approaching bad weather, we decided to head home a day early and take an extra day to relax before heading back to work.

Kate loved the pool and meeting some other kids to "talk" to. We were also lucky because Kate's Uncle Denny, Aunt Wendy and Cousin Jacob were staying at the same complex while we were there, so we all hung out.

All in all, a good time was had by all. Here's the proof: