Christmas in Michigan

We had a wonderful Christmas vacation in Michigan with Daniel's family. I'm too tired to comment on all the photos, but as you can see we certainly had a white Christmas and plenty of cousins, aunts and uncles to entertain Spencer, which gave mommy and daddy a much appreciated break. Also, we were so glad to meet our newest nephew--Oliver! It was so good to see everyone and we're grateful we all made it safely there and back again. We have great memories from a great time together--we love you all and miss you already!

Merry Christmas!

More Family Videos

My brother Kevin was in town over Thanksgiving and he and his wife, Stephanie, and their little girl Sade got to spend some time with us Saturday evening. Spencer and Sade are just two weeks apart and they got along great! They actually interacted with each other, rather than just doing their own thing, and didn't get upset, which is a real feat for toddlers! This video of them was so cute I wanted to share it. We can't wait for you guys to come back in April!!

Thanksgiving etc.

Spencer still doesn't have much hair, but the hair around his ear was getting pretty long, so it was time for a hair cut.

Before

After

Spencer got to play with some of his cousins who were in town for Thanksgiving. He and Charlotte were pretty content to to their own thing, though he did sometimes pat her head and pull her hair when he got too excited.

But he didn't mind wearing the pink party hat when we celebrated Charlotte's birthday, even though I caught him with a funny face.

We were web-camming with Tamara when she saw Olivia reading to Spencer and she wanted us to take a picture. I did take a few photos, but I thought the video was better. Olivia was so eager to play with Spencer and this time Spencer was a little more interactive. Just a few more years, Olivia, and then you may be running away from him!

Neil and Jenny joined us for the Thanksgiving meal at the Piers (Daniel's sister's in-law's) so it was fun to be with lots of family for the holiday, and without traveling out of town!

Fall is Over

We had our first snow fall this week, and though the snow melted by the late afternoon, all the crisp, dry leaves have become a damp, matted carpet on the ground. No more autumn portraits this year, which makes me feel that much better for not procrastinating too long with the few I did catch. This one was my favorite.

Fall Pictures and Halloween Costumes

My attempts at capturing memorable autumn portraits:

Daniel and I decided to be good sports and dress up for the ward Halloween party, pulling out the most costume-like clothes we could find in our closet. Spencer was a good sport too and wore his cute froggy costume without any complaints.

He had this dazed look on his face pretty much the whole time he wore his costume, but maybe it was just because he was amazed at all the other funny-looking costumes.

Spencer and I went to the Halloween party on campus as well and he was very interested in watching the jugglers. You can see how he wanted to try it for himself, but then just applauded and went back to dancing to the music.

First Words

When I brought Spencer to his one year check up, the doctor asked if he had said any words yet. Apparently the average for a 12-month old is one to three words, so with two he is doing just fine. It seems that both originated at the table, or at least that's where I caught the best footage of them. You'll have to be patient with the second video ... the word doesn't come till the end (though Spencer has plenty else to say first).


Even though I'd like to say he uses "ma-ma" and "da-da" as well, he really only has the sounds down on those without knowing what they mean yet. It will be a happy day when I hear my little boy call me "Mommy!"