Our newest 1 year old!

We started the day with birthday balloons and birthday donuts....




After church, lunch, and nap, it was time for presents.


It took her a moment to warm up those paper tearing skills,
but she was a determined little girl!

Caleb did a little exploring too...

After dinner and fun with family, we topped off with the classic birthday cake and ice cream. Mmmm!







Dear Nana, Grandma, and Grandpas,


We wish we could play with you more often! Until then....







We love you!

Caleb and Madeline

Lil' Miss Maddie


Our girl has some pretty good walking skills now. She's a decent tackler too. 


And if you want a giggle, check out Madeline's very first pony tail! I was putting Victoria's hair up, and Maddie wanted to get in on the action too...


Can you spot it?

The world through Caleb's eyes

We let him play with the camera...







He included a self-portrait...


...however, Dad seems to be his favorite subject.





Thankful

Instead of counting down, we decided to count UP to Thanksgiving. Each day, we took turns saying something we were thankful for, writing it on a feather, and attaching it to our turkey. He turned out to be one handsome tom by Thanksgiving Day!


Caleb was very thoughtful in his thankfulness, and included: praying, going to school, running around, parents, Madeline, eating, and "voting."

Snow Snow Magical/Awful Snow!

I think we got more snow yesterday than we managed in the entire season last year!  Caleb LOVES it. Madeline...well, the snowsuit is a little too snug, and her other winter coats don't have snow pants yet. So she's less than excited about venturing out into the cold at the moment. I'm enchanted (now that my husband is home safe)! And Todd...well, considering his distaste for the white stuff...I think he's taking it rather well.
Around 10am on the 9th.



About 9am on the 10th...can you see our fire pit? Yeah, me neither.


Todd got to wear his snow boots for the very first time this morning! Southern boy that he is...he didn't know how to properly lace them.  Good thing I come from Michigan. These boots are so massive! They're armpit high on baby girl, and come to Caleb's knees when he tries them on.
"Hrm, they fit pretty good I think," said Caleb boy. (Someone wants to be big just like Daddy right now.)


Apparently, the snow was a tad too deep for Todd to make it all the way up our driveway 
and into the garage last night.


As I write this...Todd is hard at work finding our driveway with a shovel borrowed from a neighbor. Once we're free, we'll be heading out to buy a couple of our own!  

Trying so hard...

Madeline so dearly wishes to keep up with Caleb and Victoria!