So much to be thankful for...

After a nice Thanksgiving dinner with Great Grandma, we spent Thanksgiving weekend at Aunt Katy and Uncle Joe's house.

Elsa and I jumped in puddles.

And we jumped on the bed.

Thursday and Friday were beautiful. We took advantage of the sun to take a walk along the water. There's not a lot that's prettier than the Northwest on a day like this!

Elsa lives near a fun park. We rode our bikes there.

Thanksgiving morning swing!

Presents for Daddy

It seems that I think about Daddy and what he might need or like all the time. When we get out the Halloween candy, a piece goes in Daddy's box. If there's an extra napkin on the table, it goes in Daddy's box. He even got a partially eaten mint. Here I am carefully taking a spoonful of my yogurt to his box. Mom intercepted me before I got there in order to put the yogurt in a plastic bag. After I was finished with my yogurt, Dad got the spoon, too. Mom later convinced me to wash the spoon and save it here so that Daddy and I can use it together when he comes home to visit this winter, and I'm pretty sure that bag of yogurt won't actually get sent all the way to Iraq, but hey, it's the thought that counts!

Little Lion

This is to prove that despite their distance, Daddy and Uncle Keith have not lost their influence. Mommy even let me wear the jersey to church! (Not the jeans.) Of course, that may have had more to do with keeping me clothed then the fact that it's football Sunday. She still won't let me watch the games, though.

Happy Veteran's Day!

Here's a picture of our favorite veteran! Please take the opportunity today to thank a veteran for their service and sacrifice, and don't forget to say a prayer for the thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines that are currently serving in harm's way. We'd like to say a prayer of thanks for our special friends in Afghanistan (SFC Michael Cade and CPT Bradley Ritland) and Iraq (Daddy, Cousin AWF2 Jon Bennett, CPT Mandy Benko, CPT Jessica Tomazic, LTC Erica Clarkson, CPT Matt Greb, MAJ Wendy Miklos, MAJ Eric Aguila, SGT Mark Mansanarez, and SSG William Seeley). We are looking forward to everyone's safe return home!

Oma came to visit! Mommy had to work the entire time she was here, and Oma took such good care of me. We had a great time!

We love the together time!

Driving to Arizona!

Meeting Emma

Mommy and I really enjoyed meeting Emma this weekend. Emma and I played at a fun kids' corner while Mom caught up with her dear friend, Miss Janie. The visit was too short, but hopefully it won't be long before we see them again! (P.S. Thanks for the picture, Jane!)

Happy Halloween!

I forgot--what am I going to be again? A fireman? A crab? A pumpkin?

Ahhh, a crab!

This is a lot of fun!

I was a little shy and didn't shout out "trick-or-treat" like the other kids (except I loved saying it to Mommy), but right away I got the hang of "Happy Halloween!" and "Thank you!" That made Mom very proud.

Cute, but bittersweet, quote of the day

Mom's turn--Evan has been webcamming with Adam once a week. He knows and says that "Daddy is at work in Iraq." This morning as I was getting Evan dressed, we were talking about trick-or-treating tomorrow at our neighbors' houses. Evan knows exactly which neighbors we are "visiting", and he was listing where we are going. Our next door neighbor, Matt, is deployed with Adam. When Evan said we are going to Sarah's house (Matt's wife), he said, "But no Matt." I asked if he remembered where Matt is. Evan replied, "With Daddy. In the computer."