Benson/Strait Christmas

Christmas Eve was spent at the Strait's. Jackie was home from college and Maggie turns 18 (OMG!) in just a few days. I can't believe how time has just flown by. So here is a glimpse of what last Christmas looked like:

Now here is this Christmas:

We were smart enough to take a group photo this year:

(I know...10 years at Lifetouch has finally paid off - I can actually take a good group photo)

Painting!

I finally got up the courage to try painting in the tub with Jolynn. Jon was a BIG help. I set everything up and then he "coached" her so I wouldn't get full of paint before Zumba class. He then cleaned the tub (and her) so I could get to Zumba. She started off slow, as the video will show, but she really got into it towards the end.

Finished paintings.

17 months

The time between 16 and 17 months just flew by! We haven't had any revelations in development. She is a little chatter box. Loves to dance and sing. We've been trying to color more, working with markers now. She can take the covers off and put them back on too! She's so smart. She amazes me everyday. I can't wait for Christmas. She has been helping me with gifts. Money was a little tight this year, so most of my gifts have been hand made with the help of Jolynn.

One thing we have started (and by started, I mean we took it out of the box) is the potty chair. I don't plan on making it a die hard thing right now. I think she can tell when she is wet because she pulls on her diaper. We are going to go slow. Right now I can't even get her to sit on it with her diaper on. My mom is prepared - with stickers at the ready. No hurry, but it would be nice if she was out of diapers say by 2 years old. My mom said I was potty trained by the time I was 18 months, but I was also in cloth diapers and could tell when I was wet (not a good feeling).

Florida 2011

There were many photos (too many to load here). Check out Facebook if you want to see them all. Here are a few of my favorites.



Poolside

Swimming with Grandpa Moritz








Meeting "Mickey" for the first time.

Up the stairs at the park, and...

Down the slide!

At the ocean for the first time.

Playing in the sand and

watching the waves.

collecting shells with Grandma Moritz