Thanksgiving

This year we were lucky to have Thanksgiving at our house. My Dad's family always gets together. It's a tradition we hope to keep alive. We welcomed Mom and Dad, Leo and Andrea, Zach and Laura, Karen and Bob, Kyle, and Tonya to our home. We had a wonderful meal and enjoyed spending time with family. Willow especially enjoyed the time with family, like Grandma and Grandpa.

Willow - 16 months

On November 10th, Zach, the last of my three brothers, told me he and Laura were engaged. We are glad to see them so happy. They got married sometime in November, I think. This month was especially hectic; it seemed like Thanksgiving raced toward us, a holiday which we love, but that getting ready for can be stressful. Mandy was dealing with a lot of end-of-the-semester issues, such as two papers and looming exams. She also registered for the spring semester, which is always a big deal figuring out what you need to take. She is really hoping to finish school next year. Willow is very clearly saying shoe, sock, mitten, chair, and snow now. Willow has been cruising around with her push toy, and the day after Thanksgiving she finally started walking by herself. Of course, the first walking exursions are hesitant and jerky, but still exciting. We had a scare with Molly, because she was getting really sick from snow, twice. At first we thought it was from the road salt, but we discovered it was actually water poisoning, so we have been limiting her intake of snow. She really likes to eat snow when Andy is shoveling, but we think we've controlled this habit now.

Willow - 15 months

In the beginning of October, Mandy was able to go to her friend Angi's baby shower, and on November 8th, she had her daughter. It seems like everyone is having babies lately. Andy turned 30 on October 13th; he has officially entered middle age, though he still acts like a child. Willow attempted to climb the stairs this month, though only at Bob & Dorothy's house. We were able to visit Sue, Shea, and Deagon; Willow loved cruising someone else's home, toys, and books. She was able to dress up as a cow twice this Halloween. She was definitely the cutest child out there. ;) As a family, we took pictures at JCPenny's. They can never get her to smile like we can. On November 4th, Willow came with Mandy to vote at the Rutland town hall; she wasn't enthused about the booth with the curtain. Finally, the beginning of November has brought Willow's courage to begin walking a few steps on her own. We are hoping she will be cruising by Thanksgiving.

Halloween

This year we dressed Willow up as a cow for Halloween. Willow really enjoyed the evening and managed to stay awake the whole time. We decided to travel in Bob & Karen's neighborhood in Oregon, since our area is not conducive to trick-or-treating. The weather was perfect, and Willow walked part of the way with a little handholding. She quickly learned the art of taking other people's candy and putting it in your own bucket. Willow even met a new friend, a lion, and attempted to befriend all the dogs. She was extremely friendly, telling everyone hi and bye.