Thanksgiving Aftermath

We had a wonderful time visiting with Mike's family. Our Thanksgiving meal was yummy. Dylan really enjoyed his first turkey dinner. His favorite dish was my Sweet Potato souffle - a recipe I got from my Mom.

Since Dylan's birthday is coming up in a few days, we decided to celebrate with his Elkington grandparents so they could see him enjoy the gifts they gave him. Grandma brought him this cool crown and bib to declare who the Birthday Boy is. Can you tell that he was oh so thrilled?

He never did quite get a grasp on what to do with the paper, but he really liked a couple of his gifts. He received some clothes, pajamas, a Christmas dish set (the spoon was a big hit since he is currently teething again), and a really cool turtle that lights up and plays music.

Michael, Jamie, Ashley, Brett, & their Dad spent much of Friday and Saturday playing Risk. It was everyone's goal to make Dad lose. This is Michael plotting his world domination.

And then there were three. Mike actually did end up winning, so I guess staying up until 1am plotting did him some good.

Dylan finally decided it was okay to chill with Aunts Jamie and Ashley -- an hour before they left to go home. He is still in his 'I don't like strangers' phase. Will someone please tell this child it's okay to play with someone other than Mom and Dad?!

Dylan is a very lucky boy. Grandpa & Grandma Elkington love him so much.

In Honor of Thanksgiving

I will post pictures at a later date. The Elkington family came to North Carolina to spend Thanksgiving with us, so I'm sure there will be lots of photo op moments over the next several days. But, in honor of today, I thought it fitting that I just post a few things that I am thankful for.

I am thankful for Dylan, who smiles at me as though I'm the coolest person in the entire world. I'm thankful for an understanding and level headed husband. I'm thankful for a mother in law who was so gracious to prepare half of the Thanksgiving feast in Delaware and then transport it to our home in NC since I have no idea how to cook a turkey dinner. I'm thankful for my parents and siblings and for all the love and support they give my little family. I am thankful for my many many friends. You are all so wonderful and I am truly blessed to have you in my life. Most importantly, I am thankful for my Savior and for the unconditional love He has for me and my family.

May you all have a wonderful day full of food, fun, and love.

Pre-1st Birthday

I know it's a couple weeks early, but I didn't want to get caught up in the holiday rush and run out of time. So, on Saturday, we went and had our first family picture taken as well as Dylan's 1 year pictures. I'm not going to post the family one until after the holidays because I'm sending it out with our Christmas cards and I don't want to give out a preview. But, these are the two poses of Dylan that I liked the best. I'm glad that it's not his actual birthday yet because otherwise I would be a blubbering mess right now. I'm having a hard time with the fact that my baby is quickly moving into toddlerhood.

Not So Halloween (& other fun stuff)

Most people think I'm just being lame and boring, but I really didn't see the point in buying Dylan a costume this year. He can't exactly trick or treat and we were out of town for any of the Halloween parties. So, in honor of the holiday, he donned a glow in the dark Peek A Boo t-shirt.

I just thought this was a cute picture of him getting around outside. It was the first time I'd put him on the concrete. He just kept looking at me like "What is this crap, Mom?"

He is so darn cute. He just puts a smile on my face.

This was a few weeks ago when we were out shopping. He was in awe of the water fountains in the background. He kept trying to touch the water.