A visit from some old friends

Ben, Kim and Wyatt Duval spent a few days with us to enjoy some February sunshine.  Jack decided this would be the best weekend to really strut his stuff, and he got more and more confident with each step he took.

Jack went under water for the first time

out for dinner and drinks after some time at the pool

Kim and the boys

Scottsdale train park

locked up in the jail at the train park

Jack's first ride on the carrousel

The movie says it all...

And our lives are officially changed forever...

Lots to see these days!

I uploaded a few videos for those interested.  Jack is taking his first steps and fully enjoying his new found freedom. He's most certainly keeping Ben and I on our toes! There is also a video that I took of him in the morning. It's my favorite time of day with him. He loves to make a game out of getting out of bed. He doesn't get his morning person-ness from his mama, that's for sure.  However, he's slowly turning me into one with his crazy morning antics. I hope you enjoy the videos!

Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays!

This post comes a bit late, as the new year has been pretty busy for the three of us in Arizona.  Jack is growing so fast, crawling, standing on his own, adding teeth, and trying his hardest to communicate through screeches and smiles.

We were so blessed this holiday season to spend time with all of the grandparents and aunts and uncles from both sides of our family.  Jack and I traveled to Michigan for the first week of Christmas break.  Jack got to meet his aunt Bobbie Jo and his great aunt Corinne for the first time.  He was able to spend some time with cousin Max, meet Santa twice, enjoy some time with the Duvals and their son, Wyatt, (they're only a week apart) and open a few of his first Christmas presents.  We had a wonderful time.

On the 23rd we hopped aboard a plane to meet mom in Minneapolis for Christmas and New Years with the Shellums.   It was a great visit filled with new family members eager to meet Jack.  We exchanged presents, enjoyed some time to relax, and also had a great New Year's Eve where Jack was able to see his first snowfall.

We thank all those that welcomed us home and made it so easy to get there.  Jack's first Christmas was exactly as it should be: filled with family and friends, Santa in his sleigh, and a little bit of snow.

reading with Great Aunt Corinne and cousin Max

all smiles after a visit with Santa

a quick nap...(all this traveling will tucker a guy out)

Christmas Rambo!

Grandpa Wayne knows he likes Oreos

...so is it rip then tear, or tear then rip?

Ahhhhh, got it!

Thomas the tank engine and cousin Ethan

trouble

bundled up for a walk outside

Uncle Dan just knows how to get the giggles out

Cheers to midnight and a 'Happy New Year!'

1st haircut

Jack's hair was getting a little out of control (as you'll be able to see by the picture below).  We decided to make an appointment to get his first haircut.  The results were excellent.  Jack was well behaved, and the 'new do' looks pretty suave.

The 'before' pictures

Well, despite the funny face, we think it looks pretty good!

Merry Christmas!

Jack made two separate visits to see the big guy before Christmas.  He did incredibly well.  He never cried, screamed or asked to move.  In fact, he listened intently to what Santa had to tell him.  I guess he knew he needed to be a 'good boy' when in the presence of Santa.  It paid off.  He got some great gifts and not an ounce of coal.

A Busy Month

Sorry to all of the avid readers, it's been a really busy month for us! Jack is crawling and pulling himself up on everything he possibly can. He is getting braver and trying to stand on his own. It's insane how much our lives have changed now that he is a little more independent.

Ben and Jack headed to Michigan on Saturday to spend time with the Reinhardt crew. We will meet in Minnesota on the 23rd of December when I finish school where we will spend the holidays with the Shellums.

Here are some recent pictures of the little guy. :) Enjoy!