Chef Henry

Your cookies are served.

Working hard on those nuggets!

He loves his mini pots, pans, and cooking utensils! He even wanted to pose for these pictures. I had a hard time choosing which ones to post!

Ride like the Wind!

He's gesturing for me to start pushing and stop taking pictures!

Ding, ding goes his little bell!

Glad Daddy has cleaned up the basement SO much (the two floods were really motivating). There's plenty of room to ride until spring!

Christmas Cheer Part 3

We headed home after lunch, but just missed mass (I actually watched mass on TV that evening, which I hope counts for something). On Christmas morning Henry opened presents from Santa and us. This event was all caught on video, so I have no stills to post. Then we traveled north to attend Christmas lunch at the city building with Chad's family and spend some time with Henry's Grandpa and Grandma. Thanks for everything! Henry taking a stroll in my shoes.

Opening a gift for Cooper, Grandma's favorite?

Poor Coop.

He's good at this opening business!

His first bike...well, trike!

We were blessed with friends, family, and much generosity this Christmas. We tried to give back too and remember the reason for this wonderful season.

Christmas Cheer Part 2

We spent a couple of days at my parents' house (also two blocks from my sister and her family) and opened presents on Christmas Eve morning. Thank you for everything!

Waiting for presents!

Henry's mini cook set from Nonni and Papa. He said, "Open!" as in right now! We made him wait until we got home. Such meanies!

Mickey jammies from Aunt Brooke, Uncle Bob, Eva, Eli, and Lily!

There were many gifts opened. So many, in fact, that Henry took it upon himself to take a few breaks in between...sitting in the recliner...going to the playroom. I bet that won't happen next year!

Eli, Henry, and Eva before our lovely Christmas Eve meal. Not sure why he didn't crack a smile, these are some of his favorite people!

Christmas Cheer Part 1

We started with a small gift exchange at our wonderful neighbors' house. We spend a lot of time over at their place. They're big fans of Henry, and we're big fans of them:)

This present set the bar high for the rest of the week. Every time we mentioned opening presents Henry would say, "Bus?" No, buddy, not every gift will be a Sesame Street bus.

Elmo DVD and books...

an Elmo phone! There was a theme going here.

Pleased with his new toys!

He loves to be held by "big brother" Ryan.

Here Comes Santa Claus?

We read books, talked it up, but when face to face with the big man in red, Henry was a little less than enthusiastic. No tears, but he huddled close to Chad the whole time. Santa was very relaxed about their meeting...no need to sit on his lap just take the picture with dad. He handed Henry some gifts which Henry regarded cautiously and then helped him on with his coat. Thanks, Santa. Sorry if our son gave you the stink-eye. He really has been a very good boy this year.

Thanksgiving 2009

We went to the Neoga City Building to celebrate Thanksgiving. There's Uncle Eric, Aunt Jill with baby Abby, Emily, Grandpa with Timmy, Grandma, and us!

Here's Henry with his cousins Emily and Timmy back at their Grandpa and Grandma's house. They sure had fun playing together!

Then we spent the rest of Thanksgiving weekend down in MO. We were really struggling to get a shot of Eva, Eli, Lily, and Henry for Nonni and Papa's Christmas cards. Here's one that didn't quite make it. Gotta love those PJs though!

Double Trouble

We had our usual dinner party gang over last weekend. It's so great to see Henry and Jerard playing together. Such characters these two!

Halloween 2009

Although we all dressed up last year (Star Wars style), this year was Henry's first venture into actually trick-or-treating. We borrowed this costume from a friend of mine. I think at least two other little boys have enjoyed it over the years. Elmo became a fast favorite for Henry after only seeing him a few times, so I thought it only appropriate to have Henry impersonate him on Halloween. We visited a few neighbors and then took a quick car ride to see some of our friends who live a little farther away. Although probably confused by the whole thing, he was a good sport. Hooray for Halloween!

It Must Be Autumn!

We decided to just visit Chad and friends at the annual camp-out in Giant City State Park.

My nature boys!

For some reason, Henry enjoyed playing with the ice from the cooler.

Back at my parents' house, Henry was all up for having fun outside!

This sure is a big job for one little rake. Where did my cousins go off to?