Christmas countdown

Emerson thinks that there should ALWAYS be a piece of chocolate for every day.

We gave the tree outside one little decoration--a pinecone bird feeder that Emerson made at the craft fair/farmers market

Daddy's elementary school Christmas programs were a success, and now it's Christmas vacation time!

Granpie and Grancie visit!

Grancie and Granpie came to visit us during the first week of December. Granpie taught Emerson about the complicated workings of his new Yogi Bear shooter toy.

Emerson got interested in the Tinker Toys for the first time.

He shared Goldfishies with Hannah

And helped Grancie feed Scuba Steve too!

A very snowy week

Playing in the snow that contributed to the record-breaking total at the end of November

Early Christmas festivities

Decorating cookies at the Festival of Trees in Coeur d'Alene

Emerson was kind enough to share a few bites

Posing by a very Idahoan Smokey the Bear tree

Happy Thanksgiving!

We spent Thanksgiving morning with Grandma Jean & John before making our way to Uncle Richard & Aunt Lori's House.

Olive Finger tradition

Thanksgiving tea party

Followed by more-macho Mario Carts

Keebler Junior

Emerson is a pretty dependable kitchen "helper." Last week was the first time he was able to participate in the entire cookie baking process--a proud day for Mommy.

Outside in Early November

We broke out some of the winter gear for an autumn outing to Liberty Lake.

Sitting on a cold park bench with Vinnie.

Out for a walk around the block.

A New Talent: The Harmonica

I'm not sure if this video will load or not; it's an early performance of Emerson playing the harmonica for Grancie and Granpie over Skype.

Emerson has also taken some nice photographs of the harmonica.

Just so his parents don't worry that he's growing up too fast, Emerson occasionally reverts to the baby-like habit of eating the harmonica.

Backtracking - Part 4 (October)

Lauren made a pretty cute little gnome Halloween costume for Emerson, but he just barely tolerated the hat and refused to wear the beard.

So, luckily, we had a seasonal shirt as a back-up outfit.

Emerson now likes eating graham crackers ("cacow!"), but only if they are accompanied by a class of milk for dipping.

Shuffling around the living room in Mommy's shoes.

Backtracking - Part 3 (September)

We celebrated Emerson's 18 month birthday with Scott, Alice, and Vinnie Moon... and CAKE, of course!

Grancie, Granpie, and Hannah came to Post Falls at the end of September to help us move into our new home.

Grancie and Granpie thought Emerson needed a bike to celebrate the nice fall weather and all of the sidewalks in our new neighborhood--he has so much fun with it!

Backtracking - Part 2 (Summer vacation in OR & southwest WA in August)

The road trip could've ended in Eastern Washington/Northern Idaho when Aaron found out that he was selected for the elementary teaching position in Rathdrum, ID, but we continued West because there were still more people to visit!

In Bend, OR, Emerson met his (Great) Grandma Laurette, (Great) Aunt Netsy, and (Great) Uncle Jim. He also got to visit with Aunt Stephanie.

The pool party at Uncle Jim & Aunt Netsy's house started out kind of rough, but Emerson seemed to enjoy playing with the noodle on the patio and ultimately had a good time floating around on an inflatable lounge chair.

Emerson made his first trip to the Pacific Ocean for the Long Beach Kite Festival. Unfortunately, he didn't get to dip his toe in the water because it was pretty chilly.

A necessary photo opportunity by an Ocean Park landmark with Grancie and Granpie.

We hung out in Amboy with (Great) Grandma Reiman.

And we strolled around an antique car show in Vancouver, WA, with (Great) Grandpa Free

Picking fresh blueberries from Grandpa Free's bushes in Battle Ground!