Abby's First Christmas and Visit to Iowa

We had a wonderful first Christmas with Abby. We drove all the way to Iowa and we were welcomed by snow and ice the whole way! Abby was a real trooper for the long car rides, sleeping in hotels, and cold diaper changes in the car. There were many firsts for Abby this trip, but most importantly she met a ton of family members who were anxious to see her. We had such a good time and our trip will not soon be forgotten. Here are a few pics of our time in Iowa.

Abby's first experience with sledding.

Uncle Nathan and Abby

Aunt Sarah and Abby

We met Lily Straw for the first time, she is the daughter of Adam's cousin Luke and his wife Sara.

Abby loved the tissue paper in the presents.

Great Grandma Straw and Sarah

Adam's Sister Sarah (in green) Adam's Cousin's wife Sara (in red)

Grandpa Steve and Abby

Adam Steve Luke and Mark went hunting for some pheasant.

Abby just loves her Aunt Sarah, she was giving her kisses all week.

One of Steve and Deb's friends knit this hat for Abby, it is so cute on her!

Helping daddy open presents

She loves her choo choo

Abby's first Christmas ornament.

Adam's parents Steve and Deb

Great Grandma Mewhirter, Sarah Paul, Deb Straw

Aunt Rachael and Abby

Aunt Jessica and Abby

We took Abby out to see my mom and brought her a poinsettia. They were one of mom's favorites.

Abby's first Christmas Eve Service

Abby and Elsa

Cousin Aaron and Katie

Michael, Nathan and Grant

Cousin Jon and Liz

Cousin Chad and Cousin Drew

Abby had such a good time opening presents. She liked the paper best but now that the presents are home and there is no paper to play with she is having such fun with her new toys!

Vanessa, Nathan, Emily and Malcolm

Great Grandpa Schaad and Abby

Aunt Vanessa, Uncle Nathan and Abby

Malcolm, Abby and Great Grandma Schaad

Lilly was exhausted after all the traveling, hunting, and people watching.

Merry Christmas and Happy new to you all. May you have a blessed 2010! We can't wait to see what this new year has in store for us.

Homeward Bound.......

We are off to the great state of Iowa! We will be departing on Friday and hope to make it to J-town by Saturday evening. We are so excited to play in the snow, drink chocotini's, play in the snow, Adam will be hunting, play in the snow, see old friends, hangout with family, ooh and did I say play in the snow! We are also excited to introduce Abby to all of her relatives, look out Iowa here we come!!!

just peekin' thru

Abby's first tooth broke the skin on December 7th. The two days before that were just horrible. I wish I had know so I could have given her some motrin sooner. I have done pretty well with her milestones......like eating rice cereal, then veggies and fruits, even crawling and pulling up on the furniture but for some reason this milestone is really hard. She is growing up too fast. I like her toothless grin, maybe I will like it just the same with one tooth, guess we will find out sooner than later. I will post a picture just as soon as we can get one! HA! For now you will have to oogle at these.

Gobble, Gobble Friends & 8 Months

We have been busy the last couple of weeks, our good friends from Mass came to visit for a week, we had Abby's first Thanksgiving and she turned 8 months.



Abby and Landon meet for the first time, they were so sweet!

The train is always every kids favorite, the game is to see how many kids can ride at one time. (and not get hurt of course)

They pretty much spent the whole week playing like this.

Abby is eating a yogurt melt, just so you don't think she is choking on a toy. :)

Our good friends - Jason, Erin, Mitchell, and Landon.

Mitchell giving Abby a smooch. Too precious!

A little cuddle time and book reading before bed.

Adam carving the turkey.

Abby loved Thanksgiving Dinner. She ate turkey, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie. She loved all the new flavors and textures.

Mitchell eating some mac n' cheese


Playing after the big meal. Our other good friends Jeff and Tricia came for dinner too. Tricia your green bean, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pies were amazing!!!

Turkey day was pretty relaxing around here, we took naps and ate too much.

We went to Copper River with Jay and Erin on their last night here and then to marble slab for dessert.

Abby and Landon both had their first taste of ice cream. Abby had pumpkin and Landon had cinnamon.

De Stratis family we had such a wonderful time with you, it was so great to meet Landon for the first time. We miss you already, it is too quiet around here! I am having a urge to beat Jay at Catan again, could you come over for a rematch tonight? We love you guys! Don't stay gone too long. :)

Abby is climbing all over everything these days. She is eating "solid foods" and is just the happiest kid around. Her personality is really starting to come thru and she has a lot of preferences these days, especially when it comes to eating and playing with the dogs. We are enjoying every minute with her. It is crazy that she turned eight months already, where does the time go?