Highlights

Too much time has passed to write up a lengthy review of our last two months, so I will do a photo montage with little highlights and snippets along the way. Enjoy!

Denver had an ear infection that persisted on and off for a month and a half. It was NO fun!!! He was finally back to 100% by the week before Christmas! Also.......HE LEARNED TO WALK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We spent Thanksgiving at my parents and celebrated "Thanksmas" with the Miller family.

Denver loves the kitty at my parents house. This is him giving kitty a kiss. He does know how to kiss with his mouth but this is his preferred form of kissing.:)

And of course when you're at grandma's you have to make some sort of a mess!!!! He liked getting into cereal boxes and pulling all their movies off the shelves and taking them out of their cases.

Highlight of the trip: Riding in the combine with Grandpa!!!!

Soon, a snowstorm hit most of Iowa and we got all bundled up to head outside and watch Daddy and Carson shovel. It didn't last long but was fun for a short time! Dare I say more work than it was worth??? At least for this year...:)

My parents came up to visit for their anniversary weekend and Grami brought a Nativity book for D to play with. He loved taking baby Jesus out "kissing" him then putting him back in his manger.

We also used this as an opportunity to get dressed up and take some family pictures for our Christmas card. They turned out pretty good for using a regular old camera!

D is so blessed to have two sets of wonderful Grandparents who love him and love Jesus. We need to get one with Jim & Joyce to complete this set!

ON TO CHRISTMAS!!!!!

We headed down to Steve's parents the Tuesday before Christmas and stayed until Christmas morning. It was so fun to get together, even though Steve's oldest brother Brian and his family wasn't able to join us. The boys seized the opportunity to go do a little hunting! Maybe Denver can go along next year!!!

Cousin shot! These three were so awesome with Denver. They loved on him so much. There will be MANY fun cousin adventures in the future I am sure!

D loved opening his gifts!!! And especially liked the attention he got when he put the bows on his head. Best gift: a basketball hoop with FIVE basketballs!!! THIS KID LOVES BALLS!!!!!

 What a fun week with Steves's family. We love you all.

On to my parents for Christmas day and the three days following. D loves his baths, especially in Grami's big tub! A little toboggan ride from Grandpa. It was fun....

...until Grandpa took the corner too fast. hehe

We celebrated our Christmas on the 26th. What a feast! Here is only half the table. Wish I would have gotten a group shot. Come to think of it...wish I would have taken more pictures at both Christmases. :( Next year!!!!

Denver and cousin Lilly playing "toddler games" on the computer. Denver gearing up to open presents! Best gift? Big red wagon with seats/seatbelts, cup holders, the works!!!

Uncle Keith with Denver and Lilly before nap time.

Cousins Denver, Ruby, and Lilly.

We are so blessed to have wonderful families who we know will love Denver and point him towards Christ. It was a wonderful Christmas!

A NEW NEW YEARS TRADITION

The annual Nelson/Riggs New Year's Eve Sleepover.

Our friends Ryan and Mallory spent the evening with us, full of a wonderful dinner at their house (notice the BEAUTIFUL cake) ;), back to our house for bedtime for D, snacks and games for us adults (which the girls won of course), then bringing in the New Year, and off to bed for a sleepover. In the morning, more games, then up to Waverly for a little Pizza Ranch lunch! Couldn't think of a better way to celebrate New Years or better friends to start this tradition with!!!! Already looking forward to next year. And to seeing if our 2010 predictions come true...including this one: South Dakota declares independence from the US.

And that brings us to the present! Whew! Hopefully you will be seeing more frequent posts in the months to come. My goal is once a week...we will see!:)