Merry Christmas!

Well, we successfully finished our church performances last week, and we are now preparing to celebrate the holiday with family. I think we're all finally healthy now for the time being. My parents (Christy) are traveling in today to stay with us for a week, and I am so excited for the time they will have with Luke. John and I are both looking forward to a much needed, childless mini-vacation to a bed and breakfast right after Christmas. Luke will be staying at home the Nana and Pepaw. It is such a fun time to watch a one-year old experience Christmas. We hope that you and your family have a blessed holiday!! Remember to wish a happy birthday to Jesus , and slow down so you can truly realize the reason for such a grand celebration at this time of year, as we rejoice for our Savior who was sent to Earth to save us. Merry Christmas!

The Cake

You can watch the succession of Luke's experience with his birthday cake!! Thanks Aunt Leigh Ann and Uncle Woody for making the cake!! We especially enjoyed the blue frosting!

And So It Begins

Here is Luke opening his brithday presents. He already had Christmas 2 weeks ago!!! You'll see his cousin Hunter in some of these pics as well.

Somebody heard that I like to read!

Dog-Dog!

The Grand Finale

Practice

Luke is getting some practice sitting in a chair without being strapped in.

Decorating the Tree

We put ornaments on the tree one morning during Luke's nap. Here he is checking out some new additions for this year.

Time to Eat

Luke will occasionally take his bottle in the papasan, but he would much rather be held. He is a bit spoiled. We are trying to wean him off the bottle, but he just doesn't think milk belongs in a cup.

Forward Facing

A couple of days before Luke's birthday we went ahead and turned around his carseat. He was pretty impressed with this new perspective. Obviously, I couldn't even get his attention for a picture.

After A Big Party

Our small group from church had a Christmas party in early December, and we had to bring Luke along with us since had been pretty sick a couple of days prior. He had the best time and was exhausted (as you can see) when we got home. Here he is sleeping on his changing pad while we were getting him ready for bed.

On Our Way Back

On our way back from Thanksgiving vacation we stopped in Louisville to visit with my younger brother, Troy (Christy's bro).

Luke and Uncle Troy

Catching up on some reading while we drive back to Owensboro.

Luke's New Toy

This is a Christmas gift we received from Bill & Nancy (John's uncle & aunt). You may have seen the "Holiday Trio" on a now airing Hallmark commercial. Luke was absolutely terrified of it. For about a week I had it on the floor in the doorway leading out of the family room because Luke wouldn't go past it (and I could keep him in the room....FUNNY!!!). That didn't last long though. He loves it now and dances along. We're about to put in new batteries for the 2nd time.

The Hooded Stranger

Luke decided to wear Mama's jacket on his head one morning while playing. He looked like a character from Star Wars walking around the room with a long, hooded cape.

Piano Lesson

Luke is having a piano lesson with Grandma Kay (GG), with his Great Great Aunt Ann in the audience.

Thanksgiving Day Fun

Thanksgiving Day was beautiful in Florence, KY where we spent the day with Grandma Kay, Aunt Ann, Grammy, and Pappy. It was so nice that we were able to go to the park and play for a while after our big lunch.

More Thanksgiving Fun

Weeeee!

Luke went down every slide at the playground, with a little hesitation from Mama, and lots of protective hands from Daddy, Grammy, and Pappy.

On the playground with Mama

Storytime with Big Pappy...."That's not my tractor...."

A Walk in the Park

Before Thanksgiving we went to the park down the street from our house to show Luke the Christmas lights. It was a little cold, but we had him all bundled up. 

A Feeding Adventure

This is what happens when Mama gets brave and lets me have the bowl and spoon.