Family Pictures

We had our family pictures taken in October and I am finally taking the time to post a few.  I thought this year would be easier because Andrew is a little older and can kind of understand when you tell him to smile.  I was wrong!  It didn't help that the temperature was in the 40s and the pictures were all outdoors.  Andrew's nose was running and after the fifth picture he was done.  Shelly was still able to capture some good candid shots and I love them.  Our life isn't a perfectly posed shot.  It is totally unpredictable, just like these shots. 

Kisses for Mommy

Nice necklace Mommy (Just trying to avoid the lady with the camera)

Andrew is finally ready and we aren't even looking.

Love this one with Daddy!

A stick!

My fav of me and Andrew

Love this one too

That is more like it

This was kind of Andrew's overall mood for taking pictures that day

There's a smile

Last picture of the session, runny nose and all

These were just a few of the pictures.  Shelly really did do a good job.  I am saving the really good ones for Andrew's birthday invitations and our Christmas cards.  Be watching for them in the mail!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

This year we had Thanksgiving at our house.  My mom and nephew, Justin, came over to celebrate with us.  Andrew enjoyed playing with Justin.  Justin is almost six, but they still play really well together.  I spent the whole day in the kitchen cooking.  I don't really love cooking, but everything turned out pretty good.

I did decide to venture out on Black Friday.  I met up with Bev and we went to Joanns and Target.  I know, I know we sound so cool buying fabric on Black Friday.  We wanted to get some more fabric for our new sewing hobby.  I also picked up a few Christmas gifts while we were there.  I really didn't expect a ton of people at Joanns on Black Friday, but I was so wrong.  It was crazy in there.  We were probably there over two hours.  It was worth it when my receipt said Total Savings $170.95.  We also went to Target so I could buy a Christmas tree stand (that was not on sale) for our first real tree (post to come).  Here are some pics from Thanksgiving. 

YUM

Half eaten Mint Chocolate Silk Pie

Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle

Thanksgiving is such a great reminder to be thankful.  I feel so blessed at this point in my life because there is so much to be thankful for.  I am so thankful for my family.  Mark is such a great dad to Andrew and he helps me out so much.  I don't know what I would do without him as my best friend/husband!  Love you Mark!  I am thankful that we are blessed with a healthy son.  I love him so much and he has changed my life in some amazing ways.  Another huge thing I am thankful for is that I am finally starting to feel at home in Indiana.  I have made some great friends over the last year and that has made me feel at home.  I am always thankful for all of my family and best friends from Ohio!!  I miss you guys so much!

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!!

Tracey

Papa's Birthday

This past weekend we went back to Missouri to visit Mark's family for Papa's 60th birthday.  The drive over went pretty well.  It is about a seven hour drive.  Andrew would prefer a six hour drive or shorter.  The last hour he is over it.  He is done with snacks, toys, songs, or anything else I can give him to keep him occupied.  The true challenge of the trip was sleeping.  He was not loving the pack and play, so he slept with us the first two nights.  He woke up pretty early each day and would wake up in the middle of the night.  I cannot wait until he is happy sleeping in a bed versus a crib. 

He really enjoyed visiting with all of the Creason Family.  This was a fun trip because he is at the age where he remembers names and calls everyone by name.  He loved telling Papa Happy Birthday.  Andrew also had a lot of fun playing with Mark's old toys.  His parents saved a bunch of toys from when Mark was a kid.

Here are a few pictures from the trip.

 

The fam in our early Christmas presents from Matt. Thanks Matt!

60th birthday present

We also got to celebrate Sandra's 1st wedding anniversary

Happy Halloween!!

Andrew did great trick or treating tonight!!  We went to about ten houses and walked around with some of the neighbors.  I think his favorite part was eating a few pieces of candy.  His reaction to the Kit Kat bar was priceless.  I wish I got it on camera.  I think he is a fan of chocolate just like his mommy and daddy!

Roaring like a monster!

The second sucker of the night

Looking at all the candy

Mark carving a pumpkin for this evenings festivities.

We also went to the zoo for their Halloween Zoo Boo last weekend.  Andrew was able to get a little trick or treat practice in before the real deal.  We met up with the Johnston family and we had a great time.

Lets Party! Who Wants a Cupcake?

Happy Birthday to all of the kids in Andrew's play group!!  Two weeks ago we celebrated their birthdays.  Their birthdays range from September to December.  It is so funny to think that it has been almost two years since our group started.  Andrew loves playing with these kids!  He sees them almost every week.  Sarah was nice enough to host this little gathering and it was so much fun.  The kids got to paint their own pumpkins and she has a great fenced in backyard for them to run around.  The highlight of the night was definitely the cupcake part.  We lined up all of the kids, took off their shirts, and let them go to town.  I think the pictures tell the best story.

This is where it all started-Case, Leia, Marshall, Allison, Max. JJ, Andrew

Case, Andrew, JJ, James, Max, Allison, Leia, Marshall

Cupcakes

Sarah made a banner with a baby picture and a recent picture of all the kids.

"Mommy what is this??"

"Dude just eat it"

"See, I told you!"

I think Case wants a bite

"Here, have you tried this man?"

That is some intense cupcake concentration.

"Mmmmm...I could eat these all day"

Happy 2nd Birthday!!