Your First Thanksgiving-part 1

Happy First Thanksgiving Hayden. You, Momma and Daddy joined all of the Santmyer's and Smith's at Aunt Debbie and Uncle Tommy's house for the first part of Thanksgiving Day. Aunt Debbie and Uncle Tommy have been so generous in welcoming the whole gang to their home on Thanksgiving Day each year for many, many years. You met so many new family members including your cousin, Andrew. Everyone wanted a picture of you, Momma, Sarah, and Andrew as each of you celebrated your first Thanksgiving. There were so many cameras and flashes, that it seemed like we had invited paparazzi to the celebration!

The West Virginia Santmyers (Aunt Margaret, Uncle Steve, Nicholas, Emily, Jonathan and Haley) brought you your first Christmas present and we all enjoyed watching you open the gift. It was preview of Christmas to come as you of course needed to taste the tag, shred the tissue paper and try to figure out how to get the cute frog pull along toy out of its package. You loved the frog, particularly the pull string as you could chew on it!

You with Andrew, Greatgrandma, Pappy and Uncle Tommy.

Aunt Brenda joins the group!

You are checking Andrew out and decided that you were So much bigger!

Greatgrandma with her boys!

Cousin Haley gets a chance to hold you.

Aunt Margaret comes by to chat while Greatgrandma is holding you while you drink.
Aunt Debbie takes a break from cooking to have some play time with you.
Cruisin' in the family room
"I see lots of feet!"

So many new places to explore.

Grandma sat on the hearth so that you would not bump your noggin on the brick.
Later in the afternoon, you, Momma and Daddy headed over to Aunt Sara's and Uncle Bryan's house to have Thanksgiving dinner with Grandma and Grandad Conrad --part 2 of your First Thanksgiving. More on that to follow but Grandma needs to bring in some wood and wrap some presents for your first birthday!

It was a great Thanksgiving and Grandma loves you so much!

Love, Grandma

Along comes November

Grandma brought you an early Christmas present because you were ready for a toy that you could ride or push from behind. You had a few "oops" off the seat but would get right back on and keep going. You particularly like the variety of sounds and songs. You continue to dance with music whether you are sitting or standing.

You have fun with the Busy Zoo block. The twins, AnneMarie and Duncan, sent that to you and there are many different activities that you enjoy.

Here's trouble! A boy, a stick and glass doors!

More fun with Gymboree bubbles-the bubbles that just don't quit!

It has been fun for Grandma to watch you progress through Gymboree--you have become quite adventurous and trying out new activities each week.

You love the shaker boxes and love to shake them and gnaw on them. It looks like we should be seeing some new teeth soon.

Through the tube. Grandad Gammon had come to visit on this trip to Gymboree and he watched your progress through the cushioned tubes.

Over the tubes with shaker box in hand and in mouth!

You love to play "Fly, Fly, Fly Away" with Momma

Grandma obviously was too slow while feeding you! One of these days, I will get the right tempo.

You bring joy and smiles to all of us little one.

Love, Grandma

Happy First Halloween!

You had great fun at Halloween. Luckily your monkey costume was warm enough for the weather as it was cold and a little rainy. Daddy and you are reading together before the big event. Grandma had problems picking out her favorite pictures, so she is just going to let the pictures tell the story of your first Halloween.

Well my little love bug, Grandma must marinate some fajitas and bring in wood for the woodstove. Believe me, I would rather sit here and enjoy the pictures of my happy Grandson.

You have started swim lessons and continue to go to Gymboree so there are many more stories and pictures to come.

Love always, Grandma