Christmas '09

We had such a fun family Christmas this year with Alexis and both of our families. Lexi really enjoyed talking about Santa and snowmen and saying "ho, ho, ho." (She is really developing verbally and is picking up new words everyday.) Although I dealt with a rough cold the days leading up to Christmas, everything went smoothly and was pretty carefree. We started on Christmas Eve at Grandma Wanda's and then onto Grandma and Pete's.


Then on Christmas Day we opened gifts at our house, just the three of us. She loved that Santa brought her a new vanity, just like mommies. She also really enjoys her new recorder from her stocking. (ADVICE: Don't buy noisemakers if you don't HAVE to :) Later that morning we headed to Nini and Pop's house for gifts there and then the entire family came over for lunch. We ended the day at the Timmermans with more gifts and the arrival of Jaimie, Matt, Brooke and Ozzie. Those four spent the entire next week with us, along with Amy, Blake and Mati. It was really nice having all of the girls together. Although, next year is probably going to be even more exciting when they are all walking and talking. We rounded out Christmas at our house with the Williams family and back at my parents for my Grandma Denbow's family that following weekend. Whew.. makes me tired just reading ;)

Favorite Word

No..... no..... no.............

Reading...

When we read "Goodnight Moon" we usually point and name nearly everything in the room. We also look for the mouse on each page. I'm guessing that is what she is doing here. :)

Help! I'm stuck!

Alexis decided to do a little exploring during our trip to Aunt Jaimie, Uncle Matt and Baby Brooke's house a few weeks ago. She apparently really wanted to climb the stairs (which is becoming a new fun habit). On a side note, she has mastered (almost) the use of the word 'help'. Its really cute if she needs get down or reach something or get unstuck. Apparently her daddy got his head stuck in a few railings in his day...

She also loved Brooke's car seat.

BABY BROOKE!!

We finally have our new little niece/cousin and couldn't be happier. She is just beautiful and so precious. We hated leaving her and her mom and dad. Alexis just loves all these babies. Miss Brooke Elizabeth Alley was born on Oct. 26, weighing in at 6 lbs 4 oz. Mommy and daddy are adjusting well to being parents to a newborn. We spent the week in Chicago and had a great time with Mama and Papa T, Amy and Mati and, of course, Jaimie Matt and Brooke. Here are some photo highlights...

New House!! (under construction!)

Here is Alexis enjoying the view from our new home in Oakville! As you can see by the lack of floors, it is under construction at the moment. We will hopefully be living here very soon. We can't wait to have a little bit more room to roam (ahem...chase Alexis) around.

PS... We are EAGERLY awaiting the arrival of our niece Ms. Alley. Will post as soon as she makes her appearance :)

Baby Mati and Alexis

Alexis's first baby cousin came into the world on Sept. 3, Matilda Lynn Westra, daughter of Blake and Amy. As you can see from the photo above, Lexi squealed when she saw Mati. I think they are going to be the best of friends.