Holiday Pics, Part I

We had a really great holiday! Since we had planned on going out to Texas for Christmas, we celebrated Christmas a week early with Stephany's parents and sister in Albuquerque. Here are some fun pics of happenings around the house that week.

Here's Stephany with the little Christmas elves.





Becker and Pappy enjoying the holiday cheer!



And here's the little guy lounging in his pack-and-play while the family decorated the house.



Daddy and Becker checking out the Christmas tree.





Since our Christmas tree was in storage this year, Stephany and I were able to decorate two small trees instead. We were glad to pull out some of our favorite ornaments and have our own little Christmas nook in the family room.



And here's the little boy discovering the wonders of the dryer!



Watching the snow come down with Mommy.



The little boy had some sniffles going on at the time, so we couldn't play outside, but we stepped out to enjoy the snow for just a little while!





Here's a family shot of us at the annual Nob Hill "Shop and Stroll" in early December. Stephany and I had come to this back in 2006 shortly after we were married, and we were really happy to make it again this year. Nob Hill is a fun, quirky neighborhood east of downtown and not too far from the University of New Mexico. There are a lot of locally-owned shops and restaurants there. Stephany was working at a photo studio in Nob Hill when we first met. Also, the church we attend, Mars Hill Church, is there. For the "Shop and Stroll," the shops in Nob Hill stay open late, and the road (part of the old Route 66) is closed for only pedestrian traffic. There are performers and fun events going on. We bundled up and had a great time, and we even saw some friends!



Nathan

Fall Family Pics

In early November, we took a family stroll through the Bosque, not too far from where we live. Every year in Albuquerque, there is a period of about two weeks or so where the leaves on the trees near the river change. We caught the tail-end of this period, and we were there at the right time of day. It was beautiful, and honestly, quite stunning.



















We used this picture as our Christmas card photo this year.









Such vibrant colors! It was so wonderful to see.





A few days later, we visited a coffee shop in Nob Hill that was new to us, Cafe Giuseppe. Stephany and I enjoyed some excellent espresso with a pastry on the patio, and Becker enjoyed his bottle. It was good family time.







Happy little boy!



Daddy and Becker also enjoyed a little bit of play time together.



And last, but not least, the rocker baby. Too cool for school.



More pics on the way soon.

Nathan

Beck is Crawling!!!

That's the big news around here! Beck started crawling last Saturday, October 23. It's fantastic. He had been getting up on his hands and knees and rocking back and forth for a week or two, so we knew it was coming. Now he just pops himself up and goes!

Here are some recent pics of us with Becker at the Albuquerque BioPark. We really enjoy this place.











We also took some pictures at the Rio Grande Heritage Farm, a farm located at the BioPark. In addition to having farm animals and an orchard there, they also make apple cider each fall from the apples they grow at the farm. We gave a little sample to Beck, and he totally enjoyed it.









And here are the crawling pics!!





Look at him go!



Steph recently took some pics of Beck all bundled up. These are fun.



The kid has definitely learned how to stick his tongue out at the camera. :)





Steph says that Beck looks a lot like me here. I think it's true—especially when I stand in the shadows and glare at people.



Here's one that Stephany took of the little boy and me around 6:00 AM recently. It was casual Friday and the little guy decided to get up around 5:15 AM. He's a pretty happy camper in the morning, and generally, so am I.



Steph also recently picked up a hat and some mittens for Beck in anticipation of winter coming soon. Auntie Mals and Steph took some pics of the little guy in his new winter wear. We think he's ready.



Just don't do that to any icy poles, little dude.



Yeah.



Nathan

Fall Fun, Part III - Beck Dressed Up

This past weekend, we dressed Beck up and headed down to the zoo for its annual “Zoo Boo” event for Halloween. Unfortunately, about 20,000 other people had the same idea and traffic was absolutely nuts, so we amended our plans and met Julie and Lilli in a nearby park for a picnic instead!

Beck was the cutest little sheriff in town. That's right, ma'am!



Such a fun little guy!



And a couple pics of our time at the park. It was a fun afternoon, and the change in plans was a good call.





Nathan