This installment of our Photo Gallery covers Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Part I of Christmas.

Jonah and Ella dressed as monkeys for Halloween. Ella very much enjoyed Trick-or-Treating. Jonah did not know what to think, but he liked his costume.

We had a fantastic Thanksgiving with Nana, Papa, Aunt Kate, and Pete. The guys enjoyed golfing and the girls went to see Happy Feet and The Nutcracker! After our house guests left, we celebrated Thanksgiving with the Warren family at Aunt Pat’s house. Ella loved playing with cousins and we loved introducing Jonah to everyone.

Our Christmas preparations start right after Thanksgiving. Ella loved decorating the house (I am not sure what she will do when it is time to put all the decorations away!). Jonah is mesmerized by the lights on the tree. Most nights we walk around our neighborhood and check out the light displays on the houses. Our neighbors are definitely in the Christmas spirit and we love it!

Ella was in the Apex Christmas parade with her dance studio. She did a great job waving and shouting Merry Christmas to everyone. This was the second Christmas parade we attended and Jonah just loved watching the floats.

Our “new tradition” is to celebrate Christmas the second weekend of December with the Warren side of the family. This way, we can be sure that everyone can be together and we are not all wiped out from trying to travel so much. This year, we had brunch at Matt and Catherine’s house. The kids had a fabulous time opening presents and we all enjoyed our relaxing family time together.

We helped my grandmother celebrate her 80th birthday with a luncheon in Norfolk, VA. It was nice to see family that we have not seen in a long time.

Jonah got his first haircut. Andrew used the clippers to cut off the baby curls that were getting way too long in the back. Both of them did a great job! Ella also got a hair cut—just a trim. She keeps trying to tell me that she doesn’t need to brush her hair since it got cut!

Jonah is saying “momma” “dada” and can respond when asked what a Goat says or what a Cow says. He signs “finished” and “more” and sometimes “eat/food.” He will wipe up his high chair tray with a napkin when finished eating and loves to feed the dog whatever he doesn’t want to eat. He is doing great with sleeping (knock on wood) and cruises around. Not walking yet—but we are in no hurry for that! He waves and loves to give sloppy wet kisses (Ella is horrified by the slobber). He gets into everything and is very curious. Ella is sounding out many words and helps to read books to Jonah. She is very excited about Santa (but has lots of questions…). She is doing well at ballet and tap and is very into dress up and taking care of her dolls. She continues to collect rocks from wherever we go and we have a rock garden on the side of the porch where we keep her collection.

We are heading to Virginia and Maryland for Part II of Christmas! More pictures when we return!

Happy Holidays to everyone!
Sarah, Andrew, Ella, and Jonah