Thanksgiving

Dean was shocked to learn that despite this being his first Thanksgiving, he was not going to be allowed to have any turkey.

The morning started off with cinnamon rolls, while watching the Macy's Day Parade.

 Dean enjoyed his breakfast too. :)

Ryan and Steve trying to figure out how to use our new turkey deep-fryer.

Chef Ryan getting the bird ready for the fryer.

While the turkey is frying, Ryan and Dean take a timeout to watch some Thanksgiving Day football together.

 For now, Dean likes watching Daddy more than football.

 

Taking a nap before Thanksgiving dinner.

Hands busy preparing the meal.

We served the meal buffet-style.

Ryan and Steve took on the task of cutting the bird.

Dean joined us at the dinner table - even if it meant he had to watch everyone else eat.

 

Two dumsticks, Cindy?!  The turkey Ryan made was so good, Cindy ended up eating an unprecedented two turkey legs!

"Get your mouth away from my drumstick, mister!"

 Yummy!

Ryan fell into a turkey coma next to the table from eating too much.

Evidently, the first turkey coma didn't cut it- Although, this time he's not acting...this is actually how he fell asleep on the couch. Ha! Ha!  

Momma saying goodnight after Dean's first official holiday.

Couch Family Visit (12-12-11 thru 12-17-11)

DeDe (Dita) and Dean catching a quick nap on the couch.

Testing out our "Baby Bjorn" (baby carrier).

Dean and Papa Doc (Lonnie) share a name.  Dean is Lonnie's middle name.

Papa Doc and Dean - two handsome dudes!

Grandma Day's Visit (11-29-11 thru 12-6-11)

Mom brought treats with her for her "grand puppies and kitties", as she calls them. 

Going for a walk in the nice sunshine.

We decided to give Barkley a treat by walking to the dog park. Mom took Barkley, while Dean and I watched from the sidelines (outside the fence).

We also stopped at the park to throw Barkley his ball.

Dean had a hard time keeping his eyes open on the walk.

 

Daddy and Dean hanging out together.

 Counting all the toes.

 

Grandma Day got to go with us for Dean's first time at church. This was right before heading out the door.

Mom singing lullabyes to Dean.

Where mom went, the animals followed.

Mom taking a break from preparing dinner for a "Jones Soda".

Dean was making funny faces at Grandma during his bath. What you can't see is that on the other side of the camera, Grandma was doing the Pee-Wee Herman dance to make Dean laugh.

Decorating the house for Christmas.

Mom helped out by decorating the bush.

The finished product.

Mom also helped set up our artificial tree. Dean couldn't take his eyes off it!

Dean's first time seeing a Christmas tree.



Smith Family Visit (11-10-11 thru 11-18-11)

Dean closely listening to Grandpa Steve's stories.

Shelley holding Dean for the very first time.

Dean is playing an imaginary flute while Grandma Carol snuggles him.

My old friend Mr. Monkey is imitating Dean.

Shelley surprised Dean with his very own Mr. Monkey! My Mr. Monkey has obviously seen a lot of "love" (a.k.a. dirt), since I got him when I was a kid.

Playing with Dean while Barkley does his best to refocus our attention on him.

Shelley went grocery shopping for me while she was visiting. Before she goes, I am making sure she is properly armed with coupons.

 Shelley's a great sister! She even made Hamburger Stroganoff for all of us one night for dinner!

 The result of a lack of sleep.

Dean' first attempt at tummy-time.

Carol's got it all under control. :)

Going for a walk with the family.

 

Getting some fresh air on the walking path by our house.

   It felt good to get out of the house and stretch our legs!

Aunt Shelley and Dean before she had to head back to the airport.

 Carol loved to rock Dean in the glider. Although, I'm pretty sure Dean loved it too!

"Enough with the pictures, Mom!" 

 Another day, another walk . . . but this time Ryan got home from work early enough to join us.

 

Goliath thinks we got the baby gym just for him.

 Yes, he was fully aware the apron was pink. Dad feels pretty, oh so pretty . . .

Grandpa Steve and Dean - Best friends. :)