We've been busy...

Last week, Steve had a business trip in Vegas, so since he would be gone all week we decided to go down to Albuquerque so we didn't have to be alone.  We had a blast! 

Lovin' on Andrew

Reading with Lily

Eating raspberries with Granny

Sticking stickers all over Granny's furniture

Eating at the 'Little People' table

Serious talk with Big A

Catching up on her reading

When we got back, we finally did the gingerbread house that Granny had bought Berit to do over Christmas.  We were so busy that we never had a chance to do it!  So, we did it this past weekend and Steve (and Berit) of course loved it!  Only a month late- no big deal. 

Checking out the goods

Good job Dad

Eating gumdrops

Finished product

Now she is obsessed with it.  Always pointing to it- and has to have it in front of her while she eats. 

It's the little things in life. 

20 months!

The biggest change this month has to do with a little something called independence.  Suddenly she has a mind of her own and wants to walk down the stairs by herself (not gonna happen), not be in her stroller, and not get dressed.  She's a handful- but such a loveable handful.  We always knew this stage would come--and here it is! 

• Weighs 22 lbs.
• Lots of Babble.  New words include please, up, help (actually it is more like 'emmy' instead of 'help me'), blue (boo), mine, ice, nice.
• She is loving school! 
• When she wants you to come and sit by her, she will pat the couch, chair, floor etc...to let you know she wants some company.   

Tebow Mania

Denver is going crazy for the Broncos and a guy called Tim Tebow.  You may have heard of him.  Yesterday the Broncos played the New England Patriots in the second round of the NFL playoffs.  They lost.  Big-time.  Berit had no interest whatsoever. 

Playing with stickers and her easel.

Stickers again with Johnny

More stickers

Playing in the pantry.

Better luck next time boys. 

2011....A Year In Pictures.

Here are some pics of our day to day life in 2011. 

January:

Big girl foods:  Bananas and yogurt

Reading my favorite book, "Where's My Sweetie Pie" with Dad

February:



Checkin' out the new bookshelf.



Gettin' ready for swimsuit season.

 March:

St. Patricks Day hat from Aunt Patty.



A visit from Granny & Big A.

April (Lots going on this month!):

First steps.

Earth Day!

First Easter!

The Royal Wedding!

May:

First Swimming Lessons.

First Birthday...not so sure about cake!

June:

Visit to Albuquerque.

Gardening with Dad.

July (Busy, Busy):

Carlsbad for July 4th.

Dad's Birthday in Vail

Trip to Minnesota.

August:

First day of School.

Relaxing with Maya.

September: 

DALLAS!

Little Gym.

October:


Broncos season!!!



Meeting Baby JOY for the first time.

 November:

Pulling the wagon.

Reading with Mom and Maya.

December:

Scratched herself.

Pancakes and Pajama day at school.

Here's hoping 2012 is just as fun! 

The Happiest of Holidays

Our Christmas holiday was so fun.  Fun doesn't even begin to describe it.  This year was so different because we were really able to experience things through the eyes of Berit.  She could open presents (sort of), light up with excitement, and just melt your heart.  The best part of the trip by far was watching her play with all of her cousins. 

After Christmas we had yet another bright spot on our itinerary.  For my birthday we flew from Albuquerque to Dallas, and spent 3 days in Dallas with Jennifer, Chris, Emma and Katie.  Probably my best birthday yet! 

Then, back to Albuquerque for one more day with Mom and Dad, Ruthie and her family, and Judy and Peter before they went back to North Carolina.  It was great to have everyone together one more time before we went our seperate ways.  These pics below are just priceless.   Pure cousin love! 

Here's hoping that 2012 brings us just as much JOY!