Mardi Gras Time

Fat Tuesday!!!! Ash Wednesday!!!!

Time for Mardi Gras!!!!

As you can see....Jackson is geared up for the annual festivities. He's got his beads on and he's is looking for some good times. He loves playing with the beads. Heather and I have a shopping bag full of beads from our trips to NOLA and contributions from Dave, Keri, Lexi & newcomer Lily! He got really excited taking them out of a giant bowl and then putting them back into it. Hopefully we will be able to take a trip down next year to see some parades, catch some beads and EAT EAT EAT!

Below you can see a picture of the GUMBO Heather made last week along with the famous Edna's rum cake. Of course I added my touch to the feast by bringing in some Abita Turbodog beer, brewed in New Orleans. I can't cook too well but I helped stir the roux. Thank you Aunt Bec and Mae Mae for helping us with our first go round. In case you were wondering HEATHER NAILED IT. Not that I ever doubted her, but it's a HUGE deal that she can make gumbo.

Love to you all. In case you want a taste of New Orleans, go get some Rebirth Brass Band songs on iTunes. Nothing better to get you in the spirit then Rebirth.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all a very very Merry Christmas. Hope the day is full of laughter, love, gratitude, and a whole ton of cookies. Hugs, D, H and J

Pictures with Santa

I have to admit...I got myself looking picture presentable JUST in case J was afraid of Jolly ol St. Nick and I had to jump up on his lap too. But, surprisingly...or maybe not so surprisingly considering his very social personality, the monkey did great! Waiting in line was a little not so fun, but once it was our turn J walked right up to Santa and let me put him on his lap. He wouldn't smile, but I did snap a few cute pictures of him "babbling" to Santa. The apparently clueless guy behind the camera decided to snap these....the one where he's fussing is my favorite because it's that classic "get me off this guy's lap!" face. He wasn't crying though because he was afraid...he just wanted to touch the raindeer that he was woofing at! Also, do you love the arm placement in the second one? He looks like he's elbowing Santa! This age is SO MUCH FUN. I can not WAIT for Christmas morning!

Naughty or Nice?

I just love the expression on J's face in this picture....he's contemplating, slightly suspicious, and very mischievous! I'd love to know what goes on inside his noggin. J is growing up so fast and we barely have time to catch our breath! It's amazing to witness him learn new things every day. He is RUNNING around the house these days and has a fascination with all electronics - especially the cell phones and the computer. If I had to guess, his Christmas list would surely include ham, balloons, pears, blueberries, frozen peas, a kitty cat or dog, balls, Bert, guacamole, forks (the big people kind), running naked before baths, and anything that has lights and plays music (preferably at the same time). He would also like it if he were allowed to bang on the computer keyboard for as long as he'd like and if we'd let him stick his finger in the electrical sockets. We are so incredibly blessed...hope your holidays are full of blessings as well.

Happy Happy FIRST Birthday!!!

We love you so much!!!

First Halloween!!!

No big surprises here...J-man was a monkey for Halloween. He LOVED his costume! D and I actually bought it last year, before he was born with hopes he'd be able to fit into it this year. We lucked out, it fit like a glove. As soon as we put him in it, he walked around with a big smile patting the stuffed belly - it was sooooo cute. Halloween festivities started on Oct 28th - Grammy's birthday - when we carved pumpkins with Grammy and Auntie Lindsay. Then on Halloween, Grandpa and Grandma Nikki came over and we went trick-or-treating in downtown Ann Arbor in the afternoon, then around the Old West Side in the evening. J got his birthday present from Mama and Daddy early - a radio flyer wagon - and loved riding around and collecting candy. He'd run up to the house, climb stairs if need be, then pick out a candy (or four) and then would turn and run back to the wagon ("Waa Waa"). He'd hold onto the candy tight in his little fist until we'd pry it out at the next house. He had a grip on a snickers bar for so long that it melted. It was a fabulous first Halloween - can't wait till next year!

First Tailgate!

Our good friends, Kirsty and Bill, came into town this past weekend. It was also Michigan/Michigan State game weekend so tailgating was a must. Tailgating out here is a "different animal." Growing up on the west coast does not yield the same type of experience you get at the pre-game festivities out here. Especially for this game. It was a cold autumn day but not too cold. We were expecting rain but did not get any which was great. I was impressed by the effort and expertise of the overall group. There was a row of giant Madden style cruisers set up at the high school across from the stadium. Each one flying a flag for their team. They show up on Friday afternoon after school is out. That's commitment. Most people had grills and some type of backyard game going. The real pros had giant generators running any type of appliance that could be needed. We were at the golf course across from Michigan Stadium and there were more people that I expected. The stadium holds 105,000 or so and not everyone goes into the game. So this is a LARGE event. And everyone is friendly. Really friendly. I guess when you break open the coolers that early, most people are especially friendly by 2pm. Either way, it was an awesome atmosphere. Young or old, big or small, maize and blue or green and white, everyone was having a great time just being out for gameday in Ann Arbor. We got to see four F-18's gear up for the flyover of the stadium.

Jackson was a hit with everyone around us. The ladies love him and the guys think he's pretty studly. He desperately wanted to play football with the older kids nearby but he had to watch from a distance. Some day kiddo, some day. At least he was out on the grass running around, not afraid of anyone or anything. He is getting faster each day and was showing his moves. He has learned to kick really well so anything on the ground was getting the boot. Cans, footballs, wadded up napkins. The kid loves being outside and playing. This was definitely his scene.

As you can see, J had a fabulous time. He was definitely up for a nap that afternoon!