The End of 2015

I never knew how much could change in just one year.  My life is pretty simple:  eat, sleep, play with a rope, eat some homemade food and call it a day.  Ever since you came, life has been so much more thrilling.

In just a year you went from crawling, to walking, to running.  You went from a brunette to a blonde.  Blue eyes to green (and sometimes still blue).  You grew in height, weight, and hair.  You cried, babbled, and talked.  You moved houses, gained friends, as well as quite a personality.  You love to be outdoors, play with me, and go on walks.  You've learned to cook in the real kitchen and your own.  Eating sweet potatoes and avocado used to be a favorite of yours.  Now it's all about the cheese. All this in just a year.

To close out this whirlwind of a year we had friends over, yet again.  Lots of kids and lots of playing, all a favorite of yours (NOT mine!).  You made it till 10:15 until mom and dad made you go to bed, I bet you would've held strong till midnight.

Looking back on our year I cannot believe how fast it went by, how much our family grew, and how blessed we are.

I cannot wait to see what is in store for 2016 sister.

Love,

Nelson

Christmas Morning

This is one for the books.  (Well literally for the books because I'm including it in my book right now).  This is the first time since mom and dad have been together that we/they haven't had something scheduled on Christmas.  We always get so jealous of our friends who say they spent the whole day in their PJs and lounged around with their family.  Well this year, we were those people!  We tried real hard to make this happen and we did!!

The morning was just glorious.  Mimi and grandpa C were in town so that made it extra special to begin with.  We got up a tad earlier than normal but who could blame you.  The excitement of Christmas was in the air.  So was the smell of cinnamon rolls because Mimi had those cookin for us!

It didn't take long to find a giant gift awaiting your destruction!  You're very own kitchen!!

You sure did love the kitchen, but sure wished it had running water.  Smarty Pants.  

You had some other fun gifts in store too.  Mr. Potato Head, a doctor kit, and some more books...your fav (not).  You loved learning how to use all your doctor gadgets.  Giving shots, checking knees, and temperatures.  Maybe this will help you not flip out next time you have to go to the doctor.  

After gifts we had a glorious breakfast of hot cinnamon rolls and a delicious egg casserole.  Grandpa 'Bob' won some serious points with you by feeding you the cinnamon rolls....mmmmm sugar for Christmas.  A Christmas Miracle.  We spent the entire morning playing, eating, and all in our PJs.  It was the best Christmas yet and hopefully our new tradition.  Everyone had a blast, even Great Grandma Beletsky drove out to spend the morning with you (and to feed me some egg)

This was one of my favorite days of the year.  I'm so thankful for you and our family to share it with.  

Merry Christmas Charlotte Ann!

Love,

Nelson 

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

You'll begin to know Christmastime more as The Great Race.  It is by far the busiest time of year for our family as we try and cram in seeing every single family member and their brother.  This year did not disappoint on the gatherings, but it did prove to be a super fun year thanks to you.  We kicked off Christmas with Grandpa and Grandma Myers... where you were spoiled with lots of exciting gifts.  Kitchen accessories, doodle pads, big bird, clothes, and a piano.  We all had a great time!

Next in line was visiting the Frazier family.  Everyone was in attendance and you loved seeing Caroline.  She teaches you how to play hind and seek.  Gigi had a blast with you guys too.  She got on the floor to chase you both.  The family get-togethers have become so much more fun with cute kids in the house again.  

We had Christmas with Grandpa and Grandma Frazier where you scored some sweet gifts!  A lawn mower (grandpa's favorite), blocks, an awesome pop-up book (which you immediately destroyed), games, a matching workbench to dads, and an amazing tricycle.  You aren't tall enough to ride it yet so you like it when mom does so you can ride on the back.  Don't worry, the tassels make you look super tough while you ride on the back.  

Christmas with the Jones was fun and you adored seeing Uncle Cody and Kyle and wearing all of Aunt Sharon's jewelry.  

We finished up our hectic holidays with the Cooper Christmas.  This was one of your favorite because you had some fun kids to share it with.  Aunt Bridgett came in town with baby Jack and Monte and Luke.  The boys sure spiced up the excitement!!  Luke enjoyed pushing you through the house in the baby stroller.  This was a compromise because you both wanted to push the babies around in the stroller so after lots of bickering, we put the baby (you) in the stroller and the big kid could push you.  Win!  Monte loved hanging out with you too.  He always made sure to include you in the games and he didn't care when you kept bopping him on the head and laughing.  This did get you sent to time out.  Four times.  Dad and mom kept taking you to the stairs where you would cry, then smile, then laugh at the timeout experience.  The boys even tried to help you out by playing with their hands over their heads.  Nice guys.  

You, not me, had a blast with all of the house guests during this time.  Mimi, Grandpa C, Aunt Bridgett and the Gang were so fun to have in our house for a few days.  I can't say I was sad to see them leave, except for Mimi, she's my favorite person.  It's hard work trying to protect you from big boys and making sure you don't get hurt (sorry I was there for the accidental body slam you received).    

It was probably our favorite Christmas of all time.  Lots of family in the house, lots of cooking with Mimi, and lots of fun watching you methodically open all your gifts.  We are so thankful for the blessings we received this year and this holiday.  

Love,

Nelson