Thanksgiving weekend

We spent Thanksgiving in NH with Joe's family and had a wonderful time as always. We ate great food, relaxed and reconnected with family that we don't see very often. Toby became much more confident in walking behind a push toy and he babbled from the minute we arrived until we left.

We celebrated Cathi's birthday (Joe's mom) at "T-Bones" restaurant. My brother often refers to Toby as "T-Bone" so we had to get a picture of the sign. Betsy, Ela, Toby and my cousin Anna outside of T-Bones. Anna is going to grad school in Boston and wasn't able to make it to STL for Thanksgiving, so she spend it with us in NH. It was great to spend time with her and see her AWESOME apartment in Boston!

Baci and her "little darlins"Toby and Ela playing in a baby doll crib. don't they are looking alike!
We went to breakfast...not sure what face this is. believe it or not he did enjoy it.
Ela at breakfast showing Toby how to smile

We had so much stuff to bring back that we had to borrow an old suitcase from Cathi and Rob. It was in the living room after we unpacked it and watch how much fun Toby has with it.

a full but fun weekend

This weekend we went to Little Rock for our annual Razorback's game with Bridget and Paul. (Bridget and I became friends when I lived in AR.) It was so fun to get together with our families and it is a blessing to have a friendship that lasts through many phases of life. And the Razorback's won in style! here are a few pictures of the kids! They loved being together.

Marlee was stealing the show here...

they took a bath together (this will only be allowed for a couple more years) and notice how wet Toby's head is...and the full cup of water in Marlee's hand...get ready for another shower, Toby.

Toby also loved interacting with JP...when they are older I am sure they will be fast friends!

Marlee knows how to handle him already...I think I've seen this picture somewhere else, but they are missing the pitchfork...

Before we left town we had to stop by and see Lance, Heather, Caleb and little Luke. (our friends who moved to LR from STL.) It was great to reconnect with them quickly and it was fun to meet 4 week old Luke! We miss them and wish they still lived here. couldn't these two break some hearts!?

poor little Luke needing some attention too...

Toby to the rescue...

Happy birthday to me...

Today was my birthday and it was a day filled with all my favorite things. The day started with an amazing gift from Joe...because I am not much of a "flower" girl (a girl who enjoys, but doesn't really need flowers from her husband) Joe gave me a bouquet of small cards (36 of them for my 36 years of life.) Each card had a character trait that he sees in me on the front, and inside a simple but loving note from him and a scripture that fit perfectly. It was amazing and blessed me more than I can express.

Then we went to First Watch for a family breakfast...they have the best coffee in town! After Toby's attempts at a morning nap failed, we went to Emmenegger Nature Park to hike. It was a beautiful fall day, crisp air, great fall colors, and a bright blue sky! Just look at the great pictures, and this place is 5 minutes from our house!
Toby was obsessed with Joe's ears. He would switch off holding one ear and then the other...like it was his personal handle.
I'm not sure if Toby knows that he has those funny things on his head too.
The Meramec River borders the park here are some other pictures from the hike...

After the hike we headed for home, but first we stopped in at Sam's Club for a snack...they have the BEST soft pretzles around! Then it was home for afternoon naps for everyone!

Tonight Joe and I went to dinner and a movie. It was so great to spend an evening with Joe...and only Joe! It was a perfect day! I couln't have asked for anything more!

Oh, and one more thing...Toby decided to start using a pacifier at 10 1/2 months! Way to go kido...you are a quick learner.

the many faces of Toby

The month of November brings more personality! Toby is quickly learning the art of a temper tantrum. It's really amazing how he can go from the most pleasant, joyful child to tears and total frustration in a moment. It doesn't happen often, but he is sure to get in a little tantrum practice at least once a day.

The other day while sitting on my lap he went through several emotion in the course of a few minutes. I had the camera with me because I was hoping to get some pictures of him playing with a beam of sunshine that was coming through the window...that is one of my favorite things he does. But as soon as he saw the camera he wanted to know what it was all about. So while sitting on my lap you can see him check out the camera, want to grab it, I won't let him, he pouts and before you know it he's smiling again! Lord, help us when puberty arrives.
this one is the best...he turned it on in hopes that I will give in! What you can't see is that the face was accompanied with a slap of the arms and shoulders dropped.

the mood is turning...he is talking to me here, probably telling me what he thinks--good thing I can't understand him yet
and there you have it...we're back to smiles

*his red cheek was caused by a crawling injury...those are common these days and never last long.