A Lovely Day with Lilliana, Connor's Sweet Friend

Lilliana came over to play yesterday and Connor had so much fun. We spent time playing in the playroom, eating snacks, and singing songs. After naptime, the sun was shining, so we headed for a walk. So sweet to see Connor with such a sweet friend. Lilliana is the daughter of Mommy's dear friend Kirsten.

Happy 11th Anniversary!

11 years ago today... Michael and I had our first date together. He took me out to lunch at Chevy's after my AP Biology final. We've been happy, in love, and growing closer every day. Michael, you are the love of my life and you make me happy each and everyday. You are an amazing father and I feel blessed to be able to raise your son with you. I thank God for you everday. I love you! Cheers to 11 years of love, laughter, and friendship!

Aunt Judy comes to visit!

This past weekend, we got to spend some time with my Aunt Judy from Michigan. Connor was so excited to see her again and we had a wonderful time visiting. Aunt Judy- thanks for coming out to California!

Snow Day!

Yesterday we took a road trip to the snow. We had a wonderful time and Connor loved it! He wasn't afraid of sledding at all. After a few times with mom and dad, he was ready to go by himself. He was all smiles and didn't want to leave. Another day of wonderful memories!

Big News in the Louis Home...

Connor is in Big Boy Underpants! We planned to spend Wed-Sunday last week "potty training" but it really only took Wednesday. We stayed in Thursday and practiced some more and by Friday, Connor was ready to go! He's still wearing a pull up or diaper to sleep because I'm not quite ready to change sheets in the middle of the night... Hooray for our Big Boy!

Love this picture... such concentration!

Mal came to keep us company while we stayed home "practicing."In his Big Boy Undies!Enjoying some ice cream as a reward for "No Accidents!"

Thankful for good friends!

This week we hosted some of my lovely friends (and colleagues) over for a New Year's gift exchange. It was so fun to spend time with Ronda (who recently moved to Michigan) and have the kids play together. Connor and Ben decided to go shirtless at the end! :-)

Art Beast

Today we spent the morning exploring our inner artists and our friends Clarissa and Ben joined us. We had a wonderful time playing the drums, painting, molding clay, playing house, dancing, and pretending. Such fun!

Walk in the park with Mommy (and her new camera!)

A neighborhood walk...

Here are some pictures from a walk we took on Christmas Eve. It was fun to look at the Christmas lights and decorations and spend time with family. You can tell that Connor is "all boy" with the mud up and down his pants. He loves to be outside and explore nature.

Merry Christmas, continued...

What a handsome boy! Enjoying the sunshine on the day after Christmas in Papa and Grandma's beautiful backyard.

Below is Connor's signature pose... it's hard to find a photo that he isn't making this face and hand-gesture. What a hoot!

Opening his new keyboard... one of his favorite gifts!

Playing "Doctor" with Poppy

My sweet boy on Christmas morning

There's the pose again...

He loves his Elmo jammies and slippers

Mandy and Chad blending in with Connor's pose!

What a Merry Christmas...

We had such a wonderful Christmas this year. Connor was a bit overwhelmed by all of the presents from our wonderful families, and Santa. He was so excited to see that Santa ate the cookies Christmas morning. We can tell that he is starting to understand what Christmas is all about, as he kept saying Happy Birthday to Jesus. Here are some pictures for all of you to enjoy...