Merry Christmas

We had a very merry Christmas this year. We drove down to Logan Thursday afternoon. Daniel was great on his first roadtrip. We stopped once and arrived around 8 pm. We were so excited that three of Bill's sisters were there. Daniel got to meet some of his cousins and Sam loved playing with all the boys.

Whitaker boys: Daniel, Seth, Andy & Sam

Daniel & Leah

Sam played a shepherd in our reading of The Nativity

Daniel slept like a champ

Christmas morning was magical. It was so fun to see Sam and his cousin, Andy opening presents. They were excited about everything they got. They played together pretty well (except for a few scuffles caused by Sam).

Sam in his new "Cars" chair

It was such a fun weekend! We had to head back home Sunday morning. We made it home in 4 1/2 hours without one stop! Daniel is a little angel!

Two Months!

This little guy is getting so big! He now weighs 12 lbs 12 oz and is 24 inches long. He is smiling and cooing all the time. We just love him!

Blessing Day

What a special weekend we've had! We were so happy that so many family members were able to come to Daniel's blessing.

Sam loves his little brother!

Bill gave Daniel a beautiful blessing.

Grandma & Grandpa Ellison with Lucy & Daniel

It was so neat to be able to bless two little babies. They're already great friends!

Mom, Me & Daniel

Birthday Boy!

Our little Sammy is two! I can't believe it! He has been the most fun little boy and we are so grateful to have him in our family!

We spent the morning of his birthday at Monkey Bizness with Ann, Cael & Whit. They had a blast!

Since my parents, Bill's parents and my brother Dan and his family were coming to town a couple of days later for Daniel's baby blessing, we waited to celebrate with them. Sam is pretty obsessed with garbage trucks, so this was my attempt at decorating his cake with one. The 40 represents the age that my sister, Ann and her husband recently turned.

Sam loved the Happy Birthday singing...

...and opening his presents.

We love you Sam!

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at my sister, Becky's house. It wasn't a very relaxing day, however. Now I know what my mom meant when she'd say she'd spend all day cooking on Thanksgiving! We made the mashed potatoes, rolls, a salad and dessert. It was all delicious!

We have so much to be grateful for. Happy Thanksgiving!

Daniel & Lucy

One Month!

Our little Daniel is already a month old! The weeks just seem to fly by. I was looking at the pictures of him in the hospital and couldn't believe how much he looks like his older brother.

Sam

Daniel

Sam

Daniel

The Whitaker's have some pretty dominant genes!

They're Very Refreshing!

Both Sam and Daniel have had colds this week, so I pulled out the humidifier and had it in our bedroom two nights ago. I saw Sam playing around with it, but didn't notice anything amiss when I took it to his room last night. The next morning I woke up to a very weird, but sweet, smell in the entire upstairs. It got stronger when I got to Sam's room and I couldn't figure out what in the world it could be. The closer I got to the humidifier, I realized it was the problem and took it to the laundry room sink to clean it out. As I was taking it apart, what did I find had been stuffed in the tower?

Sam had found Bill's stash of leftover Halloween candy by our bed and stealthily slid a tasty box of Junior Mints in the tower and put the lid back on. The box, though pretty mushy, was still sealed and intact, but the mints had been completely vaporized!

Happy Halloween

Since Halloween fell on a Sunday this year, we went to a neighborhood trick-or-treating parade Saturday evening. The weather was gorgeous and Sam had a blast!

When I first got Sam's giraffe costume, he wanted nothing to do with it, especially the hat. But tonight, he wouldn't take it off! He kept patting himself saying, "soft". He definitely got into the spirit of the holiday and gladly accepted any candy anyone was willing to give him. He even mastered saying, "Trick-or-treat"!

Taking a break from collecting candy

Our little giraffe...

...and little hot dog

Lucy Jane Hansen

She finally arrived! We are so excited to have another cousin!

Daniel & Lucy

(19 days apart)

One Week!

One week can sure fly by fast! Daniel and I came home from the hospital Friday night. Grandma & Grandpa Whitaker arrived Tuesday morning and spent some quality time with Sam.

They left Thursday morning and Grandma & Grandpa Ellison arrived later that afternoon...

...and stayed until Tuesday morning. It was so great to have so much extra help!

Daniel also got to meet his Hansen cousins. Seth...

Luke

Jonah

and Rachel

Daniel is constantly getting hugs and kisses from his adoring big brother.

First bath