8 months

Luke turned 8 months on the 13th.  Here are the highlights of the month:

*We ended SO much better than we started when it comes to eating.  He is finally eating baby food normally without big fits.  I am so thankful.  Prayer and perserverence definitely paid off.  He definitely prefers fruit, and has been flat refusing veggies unless they're mixed with fruit, but he is eating and that's more than a month ago!

*I now find him sitting in his bed when I come get him in the morning and at naps rather than still lying waiting for me

*He has the most adorable double chin:  despite the eating issues, he's still a chunk

*He is officially crawling and is now all over the place

*Although I think Jake is the best at making him laugh, I have definitely found a tickle spot to bring laughter.  He laughs and laughs when I "eat" his neck and cheeks.  We usually play this game after a diaper change.

*His new tricks are patting his head and moving his hand over his bottom lip to make noise.

*His eyes are lightening up; although they remain a much deeper blue than Jake's

A Walk Through Bethlehem

Two years ago, Jake and I discovered a wonderful Christmas activity, A Walk Through Bethlehem at First United Methodist Church in Round Rock.  I was so excited to go back last year, but sadly they did not have it.  It was back this year, and I definitely did not want to miss it.  It's great for young children with lots of crafts and activities that are relevant to the time of Jesus birth.  It was super cold, so something especially great is that most everything is indoors.  That is, except this poor guy...

We met a woman at a well before entering the city...

We were asked to register upon entering...

Jake made his own rope...

and his own leather imprints...

He also learned about carpentry...

Ground his own flour...

Learned about different herbs and plants and made a sweet smelling sachet...

Throughout the town, everyone is talking asking about the special baby that had been born, and we were able to see Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the manger.  When we first arrived, Luke was sleeping, covered in his carrier, and the "wise men" approached Jake and said, "Is this the special baby?"  It was pretty funny.  Jake had a shocked look on his face, nodded his head no, and said, "That's my brother."  Although not the baby Jesus, our special gift from God did did a visit from an angel...

Here's Jake and Luke working together weaving a basket...

Happy Boy

Jake was invited to a birthday party at Lifetime Fitness where he got to have fun and play games in the gym.  Luke had fun of his own... 

Sunshine

After some frosty weather, we were able to enjoy some typical Austin sunshine.  It was great to be outside again.  One day we met up with some friends to enjoy the blue skies... 

 They played, played, played in the sand...

 It's not officially fun unless you're officially dirty...

Christmas begins

Christmas officially starts at our house the Saturday after Thanksgiving as we decorate the house.  The boys opened their Christmas pjs and we went to work.  Luke was in bed before we made it to the star, but Jake was on duty to help finish it off...

More Thanksgiving Traditions

Helping Papa prepare the turkey...

 Enjoying a delicious meal...

 Family soccer...

The Ice Tradition

Thanksgiving break brought back the tradition of visiting the Gaylord Texan and Ice exhibit.  This year's theme was The Nutcracker.  Here's Jake bundled up and ready to go... 

 Every year I am so amazed that all this is really made from ice.  How amazing!

 As always, when the flash comes out, the eyes stay shut...

 Here are the ice slides they have every year.  Once again, Jake wasn't interested in sliding, but I finally got my chance!

They also had an area carved like NYC...

 Papa, Grandmama, and the boys...

 Hanging out at lunch...

 Hanging out at the gingerbread house...

Our Little Pilgrim

Jake got to dress as a pilgrim for his Thanksgiving feast at school.  Here's our handsome pilgrim...

The Park in November

It's hard to believe that less than a month ago, we were spending a TON of time outside and at parks because the weather was so perfect.  It's been a little chilly the last few days, and definitely not park weather.  I was wanting a reminder of the warmer days, so here we go...