Grandma had you all to herself!

Momma and Daddy had an opportunity to go to Orlando, Florida at the beginning of December and I got to spend a week with you! I had so much fun with you and from the pictures you can see that Momma and Daddy had a a great time in Florida. They went to wonderful restaurants and spent a day in the holiday decorated Magic Kingdom. When you are older, I hope that we can all go to Disney World together!

Riding the teacups!

Daddy looks pretty intense on this ride!

I can't wait until you are old enough to enjoy all the sights and rides at Disney World. Grandma loved her week with you and will always cherish those memories.

Love, Grandma

It's begining to look a lot like Christmas

Here you are all bundled up for the first round of cold weather. You had a grand time with the Christmas tree and were fascinated by the lights and decorations.

You loved to play with the Nativity set and spent a lot of time moving all of the pieces about--silly adults kept setting the scene up and you would then undo it all! Your favorite piece seemed to be the camel and you loved to gnaw on it and carry it about.

You love to crawl on boxes and have become very 'skilled' with your ride-about car.

One of your favorite spots is the window that looks out on the patio. You and Momma spend some quiet time together-which is rare because you are constantly on the move-either crawling or cruising furniture.

Daddy's influence can definitely be seen in these pics with your full camo outfit and your fascination with earphones and a joy stick!

I see hunting and video games in your future my baby.

Grandma spent an evening with the twins, AnneMarie and Duncan and their mom, Jennifer. We visited Lewis Ginter Gardens for the Festival of Lights. Grandma can't wait to take you to the Festival when you get a little older.

I love you sweet boy!

Grandma

First Thanksgiving- Part 2

You had Thanksgiving dinner at Uncle Bryan and Aunt Sara's house. Grandma and Grandad Conrad had come down for the holiday and brought cousin Alex with them and you enjoyed your visit with them.

You had another present to open and inside was a Cabbage Patch buddy. Your Daddy had wanted a Cabbage Patch when he was a little boy but never got one. Grandad Conrad picked out this one for you!

You had a very busy First Thanksgiving! and soon you will celebrate your first Christmas.

I love you bunches sweet baby,

Grandma

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