Schwans Parade

Jason got to participate in his first parade! He had fun riding on top of the Schwan's truck although he did get a little cold. It seems that there were a lot of disappointed people when they didn't throw out ice cream sandwiches, just candy.







Maya seemed to enjoy the parade, at least what part she was awake to see. She must have been really tired to sleep through the police cars and fire trucks with their sirens blaring.

Christmas (Part I)

We celebrated Christmas with Jason's family a couple of weeks ago. I was amazed that Aubrie and Jacob were able to stay calm in front of all the presents. I just kept thinking that when I was little it would kill me to be that close to the presents and not get to open them.

We had a fun weekend and Maya had a lot of fun playing with her cousins, but I would have to say my favorite part was watching Jacob on his constant quest for chocolate.






I have a new found appreciation for family photographers. Trying to take the picture of three little ones is no easy task. I'm not sure how anyone can manage to get a good family photo without spending all day in front of the camera. We couldn't seem to get all three kids to look at the camera at the same time and had a hard enough time keeping them still.

Animal Lover

In the last two months, Maya has shown more and more interest in the animals around her. Now, they seem to be showing interest in her. Whenever we let Pepper (the dog) into the house she immediately finds Maya and gives her a good sniff. However, when Maya starts to cry Pepper makes sure to get as far away as possible!
The other day I put Maya on the floor near Beanie (the cat), and I guess she liked how Maya smelled because the next thing I know she's rubbing all over her and pawing at her head. Maya didn't seem to notice. She did this for several minutes, it was kind of weird.*















*no babies were harmed

Thanksgiving

This year, Thanksgiving was an adventure. Lucky us, we got to make the drive with a 4 month old, but it wasn't too bad. The usually 7 hour drive took closer to 10 hours but traffic was mostly to blame. We made better time on the way home once we gave Maya the wheel. I never knew someone so small could be capable of having such a large case of road rage, it's a good thing she hasn't learned to speak!

Thanksgiving has always been about family and this year was no exception with Maya getting to meet everyone for the first time. It only took 4 months but Maya finally got to meet her Uncle Morgan and her Aunt Jennifer (or Aunt Bob as some of us know her). Not to mention getting to meet her fellow rugrats Ariana and Jake. Maya seemed to have a special fascination with Jake and kept trying to grab him every chance she got.

It was especially wonderful to see Maya receive plenty of hugs and kisses from her Great-Grandma and Great-Great Aunt Irene.