Eating Adventures...

Dan recently learned how to feed himself with a spoon. In fact, during one meal this is the ONLY way he would consent to eating anything. He isn't able to scoop the food up on his own and his aim isn't always precise, but he sure is cute and proud of himself for trying!

Happy Thanksgiving, St. Andrews Day, and more!

We had a great Thanksgiving here in St. Andrews. It wasn't your typical Thanksgiving in the fact that we celebrated on Saturday :) but we had a great time and all of the traditional delicious dishes. Since Thanksgiving is a distinctly American holiday, Joe had classes on Thursday and businesses were open as usual. So, we got together with fellow Americans from our church on Saturday. We went over to one of their homes and had a great time. Here is a picture of part of our group before dessert. If you look hard you can see the pumpkin and pecan pie...yum!!! Dan was very interested in the conversation, I mean, pie!

On the Sunday after our Thanksgiving, it was St. Andrews Day. We headed to town for live music, street performers, kiddie rides, and more. It was COLD! We made our way to a coffee shop, loaded up with lattes and had a great time. Dan was given a Scottish flag and loved it! He was so bundled up and could barely get his little fingers out to hold onto it, but he wasn't going to let it go for anything! Watch out...he might come home a Scott!

We had our first snow here a couple of weeks ago. Daddy and Dan went out for his first snow experience. He was a little apprehensive about the white, cold stuff.....but overall pleased.

Here is a glimpse into one of our "play dates" with Dan's friend Elaine. They're so funny together.

This is Daddy's new way to do push-ups at night. Dan scrambles over and climbs onto his back and then holds on! Priceless....

The Big UNO!!!!

Happy Birthday Dan!!!! On November 8th, Dan turned one! We started the day off right with a birthday breakfast, complete with birthday muffin and of course ONE candle :) Here Dan anxiously awaits his exciting treat.

Yum! Dan managed to jam as much muffin as possible into his little chipmunk cheeks. Ha!

We decided to give him his presents early. It took him a bit to open them, but he got the hang of it.

"That's right, Dan.....rip, rip, rip!!"

Hurray! That's a boy...keep ripping!

Dan with some of his birthday bounty.

What's a birthday without some banana?!

"I'm one!" Enough said.

Look at our big boy! I can hardly believe it. At one, Dan is close to walking but not quite there. He has started to experiment more with repeating our words. We have heard him say apple, doggie, cheese, eye, diaper, cat, and even an attempt at gorilla! He loves the outdoors and loves music. If you sing or play music for Dan he will dance right along. He has six teeth now and a full head of golden hair. We feel so blessed to have him in our lives!

Random Dan Fun!

On Friday night we went to a Halloween party put on by a couple of the families of St. Mary's. Dan went as a teddy bear. He was amazed by the big kids running around, but especially the balloons!!! He chased them all over the place while I conveniently kicked them from his razorsharp fingertips! He felt like such a big boy and I believe thic picture shows it :) (look at those teeth!)

Here is Dan with one of his new precious friends. Ilah (not sure on spelling) and Dan were in a race for a balloon at this moment.

I had to take a picture when I came in the room the other day and to my surprise, Dan was IN his toybox. I didn't see him do it, but he somehow climbed right on in to be with all of his favorites!

After about a week of catching Dan in his toybox without seeing how he managed it, we finally caught his acrobatics in the act :)

Dinner time has become the time when we see the most of Dan's laughter, jokes, and talk talk talk talk talk! Here is a glimpse of some of Dan's laughs when I tease him a bit.

Birthday Celebration!!!

For me??!! While Grandpa and Grandmom were here, we had an early birthday celebration for Dan. He loved it!!! As you can tell, he was a little surprised by the cake and candle. He wasn't quite sure what was going on, but he quickly got the hang of things.

Presents, presents, presents! Dan loved ripping the paper off of the gifts that Grandpa and Grandmom brought for him. He didn't even eat the paper! He went right for the sweet gifts inside :)

Dan LOVES his new train, Bible, and book! Thank you Grandpa and Grandmom!

Fun Video at 11 Months!!

Dan is quite the talker these days (no actual words yet except "daddy" which is precious!). We took this video a little while ago. He chatters away and loves it when we get down on the floor with him. We become human jungle gyms!

Our adventure home

After my parents left, Joe, Dan and I made our way home. It was a rainy morning, so we bundled up and headed to the train station. Here is a picture right outside our hotel with a great view of Edinburgh Castle.