For the Miller family Christmas, we headed to Raleigh, NC. We decided to drive down this year with presents and toddler necessities, we thought it more cost effective. The weather was beautiful on our trip down and before we were half way there we already hit the upper forties. As we pulled out of Raleigh yesterday morning at 4:30, it was already 42, the weather really pulls you in when you are there in the winter, but as Aunt Nicole reminds us, we wouldn't want to trade their summer heat. the way home proved a little more daunting as we hit some northern winter weather around Cleveland, which definately added to time to the trip.

Greysen was much more aware of Christmas this year and was all but overwhelmed with all of the presents. He was not sure what to play with first and has been pulling all the new toys out during the day. He knows who Santa is, but has not quite made the connection that he is the one who brings the presents. Next year is sure to be even more fun!

During our trip we had a great deal of family time and we able to take Greysen to his first Carolina Hurricane Hockey game and go to the Marbles Children's Museum in downtown Raleigh.

Christmas in Raleigh

Make a Smilebox greeting

Busy, not this time of year...

We are running in circles to keep up with each other. Between music class, swim lessons, Christmas shopping and celebrating Daddy's birthday the days go incredibly fast. One thing that we have made time for is pictures of Greysen. Our friend Heather, a fellow Manchester grad, has begun her own photography business and she takes awesome pics. Greysen was less than cooperative the day we scheduled with Heather, but she still managed to capture photos that we just love. We even decided to share some with you on our Christmas card, who really wants to see Corey and I anyway. We are anxiously awaiting Christmas morning with Greysen to see what "Tanta" brings for him.

See Heather's handy work at baberredbarnphoto.blogspot.com

Spooktacular Halloween

This year for Halloween we had a party to share the frights and sounds of the season. It was a great chance to slow down for the day and talk to everyone about what is going on in their lives. It was a blast to see the kids dressed up and how they reacted to one another in their costumes. Greysen, as a frog, and Tenille, as a unicorn, weren't quite sure what to make of one another. Greysen didn't go treat-or-treating but he made sure that he saw every kid that came to our door, even waving to some of them as they left the porch. It was just adorable, he will surely want to go on his own trek for candy next year!

Mommy's Birthday

Even though it seems like we are busier than ever, we took the time to celebrate my birthday. I love my birthday and there was nothing better to spend it with some of my favorite people. Greysen, Daddy, Grandma Schnick and I went and did a little shopping in the morning and went to lunch. Grandma and Greysen spent the evening together so Corbin and I got to spend some time together seeing a movie.

Cool Fall Afternoons

Eventhough the weather has turned cooler, Greysen still loves to be out in the yard playing and chasing Ashi. When we have a chance we head out to pick up walnuts and sticks, climb on the castle, through the trees and on Greysen's house and climber cube.

Pumpkin Pickin'

Fall is the best time of the year, not only because of my birthday, but because of the falling leaves, the cool crisp air, the lingering scent of a bon fire and of course, s'mores. It seems as though Greysen grows so much each month, but we weren't sure if he would be ready for the adventure to the pumpkin patch. He loved it, absolutely love it, he had a great time roaming around from vine to vine and selecting the perfect pumpkins. He chose three great little ones and mom and dad chose one larger one. He enjoyed it so much didn't want to leave and the fact the he fell in a mud puddle did not deter his spirit of the search for the ultimate pumpkin, not even a tear was shed and he barely gave me a chance to clean him off. Pumpkin pickin' was a success and we already are looking forward to next year.

Hoosiers Win!

After our quick jaunt to the Carribean, the next weekend we headed to Bloomington so Greysen could experience his first I.U. tailgate and football game. Grandma Schnick, as well as Grandma and Grandpa Miller joined us for our Hooisers filled weekend. Greysen loved watching all of the people in the stands and spent quite a bit of time watching the band.

Busy September

Since school started we have been crazy busy which has made the month of September go almost too quickly. Every weekend we have been headed somewhere. Over Labor day weekend we headed to Cancun, Mexico to relax in paradise with the Goods and relaxing it was. We could not have asked for better weather, a more perfect place to stay or better people to travel with. Greysen was awesome on the trip sleeping well on both the plane and at night. Greysen and the Goods little guy, Cole, had a blast together on the beach and in the pool.

Happy Birthday Ashi Moomba!

We celebrated a special birthday this week, Ashi turned five on Tuesday. Can you believe it five already? Ashi spent the day napping and being on security patrol and then in the evening a special birthday dinner with puppy birthday cake from her puppy cousins, courtesy of the pet bakery here in Goshen.

Ashi is just as much a part of our family now as she has ever been and we cannot imagine our home without her. She and Greysen have become such great friends and playmates. They learn more everyday how to "play nice" with one another and Corey and I get such kick out of watching them.

School Days Again

This was a big week for Greysen and Mommy. Not only did I go back to school, Greysen started his new school too! Even though it is a great facility and were fairly certain he has fun playing with his new friends, it sure does not make the morning goodbyes any easier. I am not sure who has cried more this week during our transition.

We have been very fortunate to find a facility that is close to the house and is extremely convenient for all of us. We are also very impressed with their communication with parents.

As you can see he had a lot of energy before the first day of school, but after school is another story. He is definately busy during the day with his toddler classmates.

Parrot Party

As a sign of summer we followed the flock to Noblesville for our own version of a parrot party.

We made the most of our last few days of summer by tailgating, complete with parrot and flip flop cookies, before seeing Buffett.

The day was warm and overcast and almost perfect until the down pour while waiting to get through the front gate. Thank God for inexpensive ponchos. Carrie, Brian and four of their friends joined us and a great time was had by all. Jimmy was awesome as usual!

As the days summer are quickly coming to a close for us, we are trying to spend as many days outside as we can.

Greysen is such a mover and shaker, I sometimes barely get him in the picture...he has been spending much of his time in his new house. He absolutely loves it. When he goes out the door the first thing he heads to is his house. We were a little concerned how we were were going to swing owning two houses, but luckily Greysen's house was a great deal and we were able to pay in full.

He has also ventured out into the yard to spend some time in his monkey pool and spray Ashi with the hose. He laughed so hard when she jumped around at the water that he fell over. They so love spending time together. We have been blessed to find a dog so gentle and loving as Ashi that they are able to grow up together.

Summer Time Helper

As we go through the last few days of July, Greysen has been learning how to help Mommy do some things around the house, especially out in the yard. From watering flowers to mowing the lawn, he watches me and does things his own way. It is amazing that at sixteen months he already knows how so many things are supposed to work.

For Christmas this past year, Uncle Brian and Aunt Carrie got us a trailer for our bikes so we can take Greysen for rides. The last few weeks we have really had the chance to take advantage of it and oh my does someone love to go for rides. We are still not real sure about our bike helmet, but when he is in the trailer nothing seems to bother him. Last night he was sound asleep with helmet on as we finished our ride.

Summer Adventures

Summer break is the most wonderful thing ever created. I am not sure that I have ever had a summer that has been more enjoyable. Every day allows for some new adventure and learning something different. We are very lucky to have a great big yard where Greysen can explore on a daily basis and have been fortunate with some cool weather to be out in. Each day he grows mentally he seems to grow physically as well.

New Skills

Since Greysen, Ashi and I have had more time together this summer, it is awesome, we have had time to learn new things like brushing our teeth. I cannot brush my teeth each morning without giving G his brush with his strawberry-banana toothpaste. He really is getting the hang of it with a little guidance, but I am sure the flavored toothpaste helps immensely. I for one am thrilled that he likes brushing, I wouldn't wish the number of fillings I have one anyone so let's hope genetics lean toward Daddy on this one.

Summer Vacation

After spending the last few weeks traveling, we are glad to be home and Ashi was sure glad to see us. The first week of our trip was spent in Myrtle Beach, SC where we introduced Greysen to the ocean for the first time. At first, he was a little taken back and there were even some tears, but by the time we left, we had to keep in from walking in farther. All of the swim lessons have paid off since he was more than eager to get in the pool both in Myrtle and during our second week with Uncle Paul, Aunt Nicole and Cousin Braelyn in Raleigh, NC.

While in Myrtle, we also went to the aquarium where Greysen was able to see many fish, sharks and stingrays.

During our stay in Raleigh, we ventured off to Asheboro to the North Carolina Zoological Park. Greysen was so eager and excited to see the animals. If he were to tell us I am sure that the lion, polar bear and sea lions were his favorites. The lion was excited to see us too, for when we were paying him a visit he let out several roars and Greysen's reaction was priceless.

Although we spent many hours in the car to reach our destinations, a good time was had by all at the beach, in the 4th of July parade, and seeing many of God's wonderful creatures.