Homebuilders Retreat

We went on a retreat near Chautauqua Lake. It was a gorgeous fall weekend in October and a nice time away. Due to sickness, our friends couldn't join us, so it was a weekend of togetherness for our little, growing family. What a blessing! Ansel and Travis had a blast wrestling and playing in a tree house, which happens to be a school bus on a treetop.

Camping at Jellystone in North Java, NY

Posing in the water

In Yogi's basket

First time eating corn on the cob

Nebraska Fun

Ansel's aunt, Alissa, took this photo of him playing in the yard at Grandpa and Nana's house. Ansel had a blast! What's not to love about cherry-picking, playing in Nana's garden, playing with big toys and big kids, and the country life of his daddy's sweet Nebraska? It was all good.

Thanks to all of our lovely family members and friends who were more than accomodating during our visit. We miss you all and thoroughly enjoyed our time together. Not only the company, but also the horses and cows in Nebraska made a great impression on Ansel. He hasn't stopped talking of them since. When asked if he would like to go outside, his reply is "yes, oh, horsees!" The fourwheeler is an acceptable substitute at times, but who knows how long such a substitute will suffice.

Summer time is finally here.

Father's Day, Our Backyard

Family Photo, Delaware Park, Buffalo, NY

First Family Trip to Disneyland

While in California we went to Disneyland!
It was Ansel and Travis' first time ever
to the happiest place on earth. We had a blast
and so did Ansel. It was great to be kids
again with our own little guy.

A speed reader, just like his dad and nana!

Ansel, talkin' & drinkin'.

I love these friends!

Here are a few pictures Travis took at our last HomeBuilders Fellowship.


Sean and Carrie

Corrina

Eric

John

We are also involved in Bible study with these ladies and gents. They are so much fun! We laugh a lot and have some wonderful discussions about God, who He is, what His word says, and what He is doing in our lives.

16 Months

Ansel is 16 months and full of energy! He has recently started going to Music with Mar. He loves music and dances. Cars are a favorite. He makes many different "vroom" noises at play. Ansel now has seven teeth. Salads, broccoli, milk with cereal, olives, bananas, and apples are foods he really enjoys. 

I can't believe how Ansel's words are just taking off. He doesn't say the words perfectly all the time, but he has definite words that he consistently uses for apple, elbow, and all done. He says ball, bye-bye, hi, dada, mama, 'nana (banana), and "yeah." We are having fun with him as his communication skills develop. He continues to sign cup, eat, more, and milk. What an amazing process...God is so creative and we are blessed to see more of that through our son. It truly is captivating.

Our Sweet Score: Free Bikes!

My Christmas present from Travis was shopping for a bike. We found these for free and plan to make upgrades on the ladies' for me. New saddle, grips, and paint. We are looking forward to spring! Now, we just have to find a trailer for Ansel and we'll be all set!

Ansel's First Snow Fun

While we were in Reno for Christmas, Ansel got a new snowsuit from Grammy. We had to try it out and go play in the snow for Ansel's very first snow experience! He wasn't so sure about the cold, but walked around in it for a bit.

Ansel did the cutest thing today.

He called out for me, "Mama!" I called back to him, "Ansel!" We went on like that for a bit. He smiled every time I said his name. It was awesome! Ansel is so much fun! Being a parent is amazing, and I just love him to pieces!

14 Months Old

Ansel getting more efficient at walking and is stringing all kinds of "words" together. When he isn't all over the place, he loves to sit and read books. Ansel has a generous spirit and loves to share. He especially enjoys feeding mama and daddy. He likes to clap and move to music. He plays guitar or at least is plucking the strings individually :) Lights intrigue him. He wants to figure out how things work. He has 5 teeth and is working on 2 more. He is a wonderful little guy and we love him more everyday!

Marriage Celebration: Lance & Shu's Game Night

This weekend we went to Michigan for a game night in honor of the marriage of our friends the Bredthauers! It was so much fun to see the happy couple and spend time playing games with them. If anyone knows me, they know that games are a favorite! Lance Bredthauer, the groom, was the lad that introduced me to quite possibly my favorite game of all--Pitch! It's a Nebraska tradition that I thoroughly enjoy. Travis took some photographs at the gathering. Pictured above: Ansel on Lance's shoulders and the beautiful bride, Shu, & Lance. Ansel is such a joy! He had a blast just hanging out and socializing with Travis' old friends from school. It was a fabulous night!

We got to watch Lance and Shu open their gift from us, which was camping gear--a dish & pot set for two, two coffee mugs, and a french press. The bride is not much of a camper, but we hope Lance will take her on many camping adventures with him! 

Ansel is Walking

About two weeks ago Ansel stood up on his own for a long time. We were at Bible study and it happened in our friends' kitchen. We couldn't believe it. Ansel took his first steps two days later! Now he walks about 7 steps and then crawls, stands up and walks again. At this rate, it won't be long before he is running!

Guess who's climbing?

Would you believe Ansel got up there all by himself?

Ellicottville

Last weekend we went to Pumpkinville in Ellicottville, NY. It was fun to watch Ansel's excitement to see so many pumpkins. We went on a hay ride with two other couples and then strolled through the town. There were lots of unique little shops, but most of our time was spent in a little used book store. Ellicottville Brewing Company was the perfect setting for a late lunch. Unexpectedly, when our waitress came to bring our food, Ansel slapped her rear end, which in turn produced a surprised gasp. It was quite the adventure, but I bet we will always remember our first trip to Ellicottville with Ansel.

12 months

  Ansel and I were out on a walk when I captured this moment.  He loves to be outside just as much we do.  He is pointing and signing "more" and "eat."  He seems to understand so much, but is only clearly saying "Mama" and "Dada."  He also says something that sounds like a combination of "that" and "this."  Ansel is still cruising around and a man with a plan.  What an inquisitive, determined little boy we have!  He knows where his diapers go, and enjoys putting his clean diapers into his soiled diaper pail.  He is into buttons and electronics.  Ansel is a very easy-to-please, good-tempered kid 90% of the time, but he also lets us know just how frustrated he is when he fails to get his way.  With those blue eyes and that sweet smile discipline is so much harder than I expected, but I know that I have to do it because of my love for him.  

Ansel's 1st Birthday!

We celebrated the big one last Saturday! Our garage was the setting for the raciest party of the year. Grammy and Mez Papa splurged on an amazing race car cake for Ansel. He wasn't so sure about the cake in the beginning, but Travis gave him a sample of the frosting and Ansel went for it!  Best of all was celebrating with grandparents and our Buffalo family! We are so blessed!

Ansel's 1st Camping Trip

This weekend we went camping at Hamlin Beach State Park. We woke up on Sunday morning and decided to go camping. The car was packed in less than four hours and we were on our way! The three of us slept in our 2 man backpacking tent and spent time at the "beach." Ansel was so much fun to camp with!