Another fun day!!

First, David learned how to open and climb into a drawer...

Then, we went on a sleigh ride out to an 1830's homestead...

Some of our sites and scenery:

David was great for the entire hour long ride. He snuggled up with his Mama and took in the beautiful scenery. But, once it was over....

It snowed all day today. First, we watched it fall from inside the condo. Then we "played" in what had accumulated on our balcony.

Watching it snow with Mama:

Standing in the snow:

Posing with Daddy and Mama:

And one with Ma, too!

David walking in the snow:

A few pictures from yesterday.

At the top of Keystone Mountain with North Peak behind us. (David is asleep)

David hanging out at the top of the mountain.

Riding the gondola.

Everyone after a fantastic day of skiing and a great dinner.

First Time Snow Skiing

While David took his afternoon nap, Ma, Big Daddy, and Ryan got out on the slopes to check out the conditions. It has snowed at least 8 inches in the last 24 hrs. We wanted to see if the conditions were safe for David to join in the fun and wanted Ryan to get his ski legs under him before we put David on his back. Then, when he woke up, I got word that is was time for David to come out for his first ski down the slopes! We got him all bundled up in his snow suit, nice and comfy in the backpack, and off we went. As we rode up the the mountain in the gondola, David seemed relaxed, like he was an old pro.

It was snowing while we were skiing, so we only made one run with him (we didn't want him getting too cold/wet). But, he never acted like he was uncomfortable in any way. Actually, a couple times I had to make sure he was still awake!

Here is a short video of some of his first run down the mountain.

We did get a couple of stares and heads shaking back and forth at us as we went down the mountain. But, there is one thing I know for certain, Ryan and I would never do anything to put our child in danger. Ryan was cautious, skied slow, and was aware of his surroundings at all times.

Today was a big, BIG day for David- he got to fly in an airplane all the way to Denver! Ryan, David, and I are going snow skiing with Ma and Big Daddy this week!

Here he is ready for take off (in the rain). Because he still takes a pacifier the pressure as we assended didn't seem to bother him too much...

And one with Mama too.

And shortly after take off...

He slept for about an hour and then it was time to play and keep him happy until we landed.

David did a GREAT job while on the plane. The flight attendant even commented on what a good baby he was. We then headed toward Keystone ski resort (an hour car ride from Denver). Thankfully, he slept most of the time.

It was a long day for everyone, but especially for the 11 month old baby boy. He was ready to crawl and practice his walking skills all over the slope-side condo as soon as we arrived. I was so proud of how well he behaved all day. He is so easygoing that sometimes I take it for granted.

Now, I just hope he is able to get out on the slopes with us this week!

David took his first THREE steps today!!!! We didn't know he was going to do it, so I didn't have the camera ready. Actually, only Ryan saw all three.

David was standing up and wanted Ryan to hold him. He was "crying" and getting mad, so Ryan put his hands out toward him. In his anger, David took two steps and made it to Ryan's arms. Ryan called me to the living room to see. I hoped David would do it again. Ryan backed up slightly and David took one step and sat down. He didn't even know he walked because he was so focused on trying to cry. He wouldn't do it anymore- his legs were too tired and he really wanted to be held by this point. We'll keep working on it and maybe, just maybe he'll be walking soon!

Julie-Ann gave David this fun toy for Christmas. It's been in his room ever since, but he recently rediscovered it and has been playing with it all day, everyday for the last week.

David is learning how to eat with a spoon. As you can tell, he loves practicing and I am so proud of him.

Ryan has been gone turkey hunting in Alabama for several days. But, he came back today with a St. Patrick's Day present- a turkey! David had a great time inspecting it and then we took a few posed pictures as well.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!

David still loves to play in the island whenever we're in the kitchen. He laughs at himself as he climbs up, sits down, climbs down, crawls through... as fast as he can. He works so hard at having fun, sometimes he gets out of breath.

I am so thankful to my Publix grocery store and those that work there for keeping my son entertained as I make my way (as quickly as I can) through the aisles. David loves to "drive" while I push the buggy. Publix is the only grocery store that has these shopping buggies for younger kids. The ones with the car in the front are for bigger kids, so David can't get it those just yet. With these, he is sitting right in front of me so I can see him at all times. A sweet, old man who works there said he was looking all over the store for us, because he wanted to give David this balloon- another great diversion while I finished up my shopping. Other workers offer a warm smile or a kind wave, which David is always happy to reciprocate.

David, Ryan, and I just had to get out and enjoy this beautiful weather. First, we ate lunch at our new favorite little sandwich shop. Then, we went to a park nearby. David had the best time swinging, sliding, and watching all the other kids run and play.

Today we played dress-up, or whatever boys call it. David tried on some of Daddy's (nearly 30 year old) clothes. Because he is so tall, I don't think David will be able to wear them very much unless the weather warms up really quick! But, I wanted him to at least wear some of them. So, we tried on as many as he would let me put on him, which was only two.

I was so hoping he could wear this one for Easter, but he pops the snaps every time he sits down, so I don't think that's going to happen.

This jumper is absolutely precious with an embroidered giraffe and zebra:

Then he was finished changing outfits and having his picture taken. He wanted to play!! We still have a couple more outfits to try on. Hopefully, I can convince him to play dress up one more time soon.

Trying on Daddy's hat is always funny...

Q: Where is David's favorite place in the house to play?

A: Bogie's bed, of course.

Q: What is David's favorite toy?

A: Any of Bogie's toys, of course.

And then there's this sweet picture I just had to share.

I get to play with this happy, little boy EVERYDAY! I am so blessed.

David has recently learned how to give kisses. He likes to give the open-mouth-to-your-lips kind of kisses. Sometimes they're a little wet, but always very, very sweet. If you are lucky to get one of these precious kisses, here's what you will see just before he plants one on you:

HAPPY 90th BIRTHDAY, Great-Grandmother Abercrombie!

David helped his Great-Grandmother celebrate her (belated) 90th birthday this afternoon. He had a great time playing with all the kids in his extended family, especially Jordan (in blue dress on the right). They played so hard that David was asleep only a minute after we left.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Uncle Rich!

This evening we celebrated Uncle Rich's birthday. As you can tell, David had a great time partying with the family. He especially loved playing with his cousins. He absolutely adores them and thinks he is one of the big kids as he tries to keep up with them. They always include him in their play. Tonight they pushed him all over the house in the wagon. David loved every second. He would kick back with his arms on the rails as they pushed him from one end of the house to the other. He's actually laughing so hard in this picture that it looks like he's crying, but trust me, he was having a ball.

David can stand all by himself for a few seconds (or until he realizes what he's doing)!

He's not too far from walking, which is unbelievable and slightly scary to me. He is now 10 months old and growing faster everyday. He is such a joy to be around. I am blessed to be his mother.