The Stairs

Tyler loves to climb the stairs. He is so fast, before you know it he is more than halfway to the top and laughing. He knows that he is not supposed to do this, so of course, he does. When we put a gate at the bottom, he cries and throws his head back like you just took away his favorite toy. What a monkey...

He also is becoming quite a good little walker, really not crawling at all anymore. He gets going pretty fast now and we have great games of "chase around the island". He is so funny and laughs so often, it is the best sound in the world.

I like cake!

Here are some pictures of Tyler enjoying his birthday cake...

Tyler Turns One!

I can't believe my baby is one year old. This year went by so quickly. People always tell you that it goes by so fast, but you don't really know until you experience it. What a wonderful year we have had. Tyler is such a funny and sweet boy. He makes us laugh everyday with his silliness and his sense of humor. He really is a little boy now, walking everywhere and playing with everything, reaching for things he know he shouldn't have, crawling up the stairs as soon as you set him loose, and petting his puppy. He is such a good eater, willing to try new things, and then just taking them out of his mouth if he doesn't like them... and maybe throwing it across the room! He loves water: playing in the sink, swimming, and bath time. He is so much fun and we are truly blessed to have such an amazing boy who loves people and being with his family. Happy Birthday Tyler! We love you so much!

Getting ready to blow out his candle


The aftermath of the cake eating

I wish I had pictures of the actual eating of the cake, but I was busy laughing. I know Nico and Christine got some good ones, so I'll be sure to post those when I get them. He was such a good boy, so interested in the cake. He loved us singing Happy Birthday to him, and loved the bows on his presents. Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate today, we will enjoy the gifts and memories for years to come!

Below is a clip of Tyler walking today. I filmed it vertically, so it shows up sideways on the clip, sorry!

Playing in the Snow

We got some fresh snow so we decided to take Tyler out to try his new sled. He really enjoyed his little spin around the yard and up and down the sidewalk. Daddy can't wait to get him on the mountain, but Mommy says we'll have to wait until at least next year!

What is this stuff and where did my arm go?
Wheee!

Come on, pull me again, enough of the pictures!

Of course Kirby had to get in on the fun!

I like this snow stuff!

Tyler has become quite chatty. He likes to talk while playing, eating, walking. Oh yes, he is walking everywhere now! He walks more than he crawls. It was such a quick transition. As soon as we catch some good footage I will post it.

Our First Family Christmas

We really enjoyed our first Christmas with Tyler. We are so fortunate to have so much family around us and everyone was able to watch him tear into his first Christmas presents. He was very interested in the boxes, ribbon, and wrapping paper, and is now playing with all of the gifts. Thank you to everyone who came to our open house and hosted us for holiday festivities this year!

Great Grandma Lois and a tired monkey

Riding his new rocking horse, thanks Aunt Joey!

Enjoying homemade peppermint ice cream with Great Grandpa Al and Great Grandma Helen Jane

I love being in the kitchen!

Holiday Time!

We have been having a great time getting into the holiday swing of things. Recently the Peppmeiers had us over for a little holiday cheer and the kids decorated gingerbread men while the adults sampled some fine holiday spirits.

Will decorating his man

Jack's cookie looks delicious!

Tyler was very fond of playing with Jack's feet... who needs toys?

We will be having a lot of fun on Christmas Eve and Christmas with many people to see, lots of delish food to eat, and I'm sure there will lots of pictures taken of Tyler's first Christmas!

Trip to see Santa

Tyler went to see Santa on Thursday. He did pretty well and really wanted to just check Santa out. I think the big beard was interesting to him. We took some pictures of him afterwards posing near the North Pole display.
Today I gave Tyler one of his presents. I figure he will be overwhelmed on Friday, so we can let him play with them early. His shirt says "All Mommy wants for Christmas is a Silent Night". How thoughtful! But honestly he has been such a good sleeper lately, sleeping about 12 hours straight at night. Thank you Tyler!

Walking update: 42 steps is the record, from the back door to the fridge.. way to go, buddy!