Blake's First Christmas- 2011

 Blake was blessed with spending time with family over the holidays.  We first started out with Christmas at GnG Bartolomei's.  He's 5 months, and figured out something fun was going on.  He didn't even mind his Santa outfit.  Hope you enjoy some pics of Blake's first Christmas...

This was his first Christmas gift.  Of course the wrapping was as exciting as anything.

We then traveled to Arizona to meet up with the entire Willems family.  He had a blast seeing all of his cousins at GnG Willems' house.  Of course mom put on a spectacular display of food and treats.  We were all surrounded by love and happiness.  Cousins Molly and Kayla were so good with Blake, and made him laugh and smile at every opportunity.

 All the cousins- Kayla, Johhny, Selma, Molly and Blake.

 And we even had a special visit from Santa himself.  But that winter outfit was a bit much for the nice weather in Prescott.

So, after enjoying Mama's special dinner, we all were slowing down.  It was about 8:30pm and people were starting to close an eye or two.  When all of a sudden Dad through down the gauntlet.  It took a while, but he fired everyone up and organized a ping pong tournament.  And of course he stepped right up to even out the bracket.  We all had a blast laughing and cheering and owe it all to Dad.  That night would have past us by, but not with JKW around.  What fun.

Boy are we thankful for our little Turkey!

Blake's first Thanksgiving!  We had a wonderful time at GP and Nana's for turkey, 2 different types of cranberry made by AunT and Gigi, mashed taters, and all the fixins.  Nana's table was beautifully adorned with neighborhood leaves she had collected and dried.  And of course we enjoyed pumpkin pie and some pumpkin bars for dessert.  We were stuffed (not in the English way)!

We had plenty to be thankful for this year, but it was hard not to stop and concentrate on what we are all so thankful for this year... Thank you Lord for our wonderful son.  He is such a blessing, and has created a different view on life for us all. It's impossible to imagine a world without him.

We had such a nice time on Thanksgiving.  Blake is already well on his way to learning one of life's most important lessons... THERE IS NOTHING LIKE FAMILY.

A great point of view!

Blake was having so much fun playing on his discovery mat and rolling back and forth from his back to his belly, mommy had to join him to see what all the fun was about!  He stopped what he was doing for a few minutes to pose for some great pics with her!  Enjoy!

Tailgate con Blake

Blake enjoyed his first UCLA tailgate at the Rose Bowl.  Recently engaged Jack and Tania set up an amazing spread and we played Rings.  Gary, Floyd, Josh, Mike, and Ashley joined us and Blake was on his best behavior.  As soon as the game started, everyone headed in, but we headed home to watch the Bruins win from our warm and comfortable home.  Maybe next year Blake will be able to go inside and see it in person.