This is the way the baby walks...

Over the last couple of weeks, Amelia has been starting to practice her balance more and more. She'll grab onto a toy or whatnot and then let go of whatever she is holding on to that is keeping her balance. But yesterday she started to take steps on her own. While I think we are still a while away from a fully walking toddler, she is well on her way. I can't believe that this time last year, I was still pregnant with her and today she is taking steps. There are times when the infancy stage seems like it will go on forever, but I blinked and now she is walking - where did my baby go?!?!

Horse Rides

While the games I play are tried and true, the kids do seem to enjoy them. I can still play the horse game with Miles who still thinks its hysterical. In fact, it seems we've gotten to the stage of taking turns. I play this with Amelia, then Miles, then Amelia, then Miles, then... then my legs are spent!

More Fun Daddy Games

There is no one more fun than Daddy. I could spend a year trying to come up with the games that Tim dreams up on a moments notice.

...and I suppose it is just fine that we'll have to refinish the kitchen floor.

Best moment of the year

"Miles, who is your best friend?"

"Um.... Mia!"

Pito is such an important friend in my life and I can only hope that my children will have the same relationship that I have with my brother.

Early Morning with the Littles...

While in Santa Cruz, Tim and I decided to spend the night in a great hotel right on the water. After we put the kids to bed in our suite, we shared a bottle of wine and watched a movie. I had this notion running through my head like "look at us! we're the family that can do it all! fun days, hotels and wonderful adventures. We are AMAZING!"

Well, I spoke to soon. Amelia was up from about 11 - 2 and then Miles woke up super excited to be in the same room with us at 5:30 am.

"Mommy?"
"No bud, it is way too early, go back to bed."
"Daddy?"
"shhh."
"Mia. Mia! MIA!!!!"

And then we were all up. The only highlight of the morning was a fabulous sunrise over the Monterrey Peninsula - and it's almost worth it.

So big!

Where did all the time go.

A couple of weekends ago, we went down to Santa Cruz with all the Reeths for a ride on the Santa Cruz Holiday Train complete with caroling and Santa Clause. We got these pictures of the kids and I am just amazed at how much they have changed in the last couple of months. Miles' language has exploded and he is lengthening out. Amelia is on the cusp of walking and starting to grow a neck - it amazes me that this time last year, we hadn't met Amelia yet and Miles only spoke about 50 words.

Christmas comes early!

well not really...

The Sierras are getting hammered by a winter storm that is projecting to close the highway intermittently for the next several days. To avoid the bad roads and closures, we came up to Reno to visit the Reeths a couple days earlier than planned. We got in late last night and completely blew up the kids sleep schedule. They aren't much getting back on track, but I am sitting here at my computer watching Miles help Mamma make Christmas cookies. She is such an amazing grandmother who is pouring love on him while he pours Rice Krispies on the floor and marshmellos into his mouth. He has no idea how lucky he is, but its not really a surprise that she is his #1 favorite person...