Happy Thanksgiving

from us shivering folks ;)

Traveling Baby... and postcards too

Hey friends! Thanks for weighing in on the last post.... so yes, I'll mark this as Kaden's first snow. It's not as impressive as the Midwest snow, but this morning we even got a visual memento of the flurries:



Notice how unimpressed he looks. Earlier tonight we went to the Dixie Stampede... and Kade decided to forgo his late afternoon nap in order to watch the lights and fake snow. The funniest moment? When Dolly Parton appeared on a huge screen, our babe literally dropped the bottle from his mouth and pushed himself upwards to watch her. TWICE! We laughed, of course, but mine was a nervous laugh, covering the anxiety I felt over the possible implications of a 4 month old adoring Dolly. Then I remembered that there's a perfectly adorable and mainstream toddler who loves all things Lawrence Welk, so maybe Kaden will be okay after all.

If you haven't discovered Postcrossing yet, but you love mail/postcards/geography/other cultures/random people... you need to check it out. Basically you send a postcard to a randomly generated member, and once they receive it, you get on the list to GET a random postcard from someone else. I've only been a member for about a month, but have learned a TON. Like about the UNESCO World Heritage list, and various Eastern European countries... oh, and also received some good tips for historical fiction books (add any of your favorites in the comments section, pls!).

First Snow?

Yesterday morning, there were snow flurries... but Kaden napped right through them. It didn't seem right to bring a sleeping baby into the snow.

Today, we took an 'auto tour' through part of the Smoky Mountains. Much fun! I love this area. We pulled over at a scenic overlook to take some photos and a short walk... and found the other side of the mountain had LOTS of scattered snow that 'stuck'. See?




My husband (a PENNSYLVANIA native, who wears Tshirts in 50 degree weather that clearly calls for knit hats, scarves and jackets) refused to let me feed Kaden a taste of snow. Or put it on his little cheek (the only flesh we could see!). So my question is: if the baby technically SEES snow, but doesn't touch it... and if we DROVE up to it instead of letting it fall down on us... is this a first snow? Help me out, friends, because I've got a baby book to start!!

Sleeping Cubs

At the aquarium earlier today:



Kade LOVES the Smokey Mountains... but the cold air sure does tucker him out!


Pls. ignore the date stamp-- I changed the batteries and forgot to fix it!

90 to 30 in 36 hours flat

Hey all.... Yesterday morning, we woke up in high 80s weather... now it's in the 30s. What were we thinking? Vacation NORTH of paradise in November? *sigh* The babe is traveling fairly well, all things considered... and his dad is dealing well with the slower driving pace. AND, when we're comfy inside, playing games and trading stories with family, it's almost enough to forget I'm still cold!

Fun pictures soon- assuming we have net access in the mountains!

Would you believe...

On average, more people die each year from falling coconuts (3) than shark attacks (1)?




That adorable toddlers are hard to get photos of because they won't back away from the camera? or stop moving in general?

That Kaden is so used to adult adulation, he'll get annoyed when his little friend, God bless his heart, trys to teach him where eyes are?

Here's to Future Presidents

For Next Year:

and in 35 years:

After hearing Obama's speech tonight, I have hope. May he be wise. May we all put "country first" as we serve responsibly. I pray we stand strong together: the United States of America, one nation under God...

Kaden did accompany me to the polls... but there's no cute photo since a) I traveled light and b) he started wailing on page 2 of the ballot. Did he not like my choice for the mosquito board?

It's time for a laugh-fest

Notice the babe's reaction when HE notices the camera...

hee hee hee hee....

HALLOWEEN TOUCHDOWN !!

Because it's never too early to take the field!

I should have taken more closeups, so you could see Kaden's lacing and my ref patches. Though technically I was a line judge. Notice the down indicator on my right hand! Yes, we are football geeks. You didn't think it was possible? My favorite detail was calling Kaden "Wilson" all day...

The more traditional pic !

Thanks to Aunt Erin, "Auntie" Elizabeth, and "Aunt" Suzanne

for the various holiday gear!