Happy Thanksgiving!

We've started a little tradition of spending Thanksgiving with Lynne and Joe.  I think this was the third or fourth year we've spent the holiday together.  This year Malina joined in on the fun.  Typically, Brian prepares the turkey, Lynne works on the casseroles, and I oversee the production.  Joe brings the beer :)  After the feast this year we spent the afternoon outside playing corn hole and entertaining Malina.  Over the weekend we also had the opportunity to visit Grandma in Sun City.  We lounged and enjoyed a delicious meal with her. 

                                                                        Yummy

                                                     Hanging with Uncle Joey

                                                   

Twenty-one plus seven

Another year has passed! I spent my birthday enjoying lunch with new friends at The Farm near South Mountain. Malina enjoyed being outside on the warm afternoon and mingling with her baby friends. Brian and I enjoyed dinner and drinks at Brio Tuscan Grill while Lynne babysat Malina. So much has changed in the past year with the addition of our new little girl. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family. I look forward to the adventures of the upcoming year!

Additionally, Malina was eight months old on my 28th birthday. She is the most active little non-crawler I have ever met and I'm sure the craziness will only multiple once she does start crawling. We love you Malina Violet!

puppy love

My two babes: Malina 3 months, Pumba 7 1/2 years :)

Malina 8 months, Bella 6 years



Malina is obsessed with our two dogs Bella and Pumba. She directed her first smile at Bella, squeals and yells when either walk by, and delights in pulling/patting/hitting/kicking whichever one lets her. We were extremely nervous when we first brought Malina home from the hospital because Bella stayed up all night whining and whimpering beside Malina's crib. That was the last night the dogs slept in the house...I couldn't handle more than one crying baby during the nighttime hours. Over the past eight months Malina has developed a bond with each of the dogs: Bella is Malina's companion and protector, whereas Pumba is entertainment (Malina thinks it's funny when he attempts to bite her).