Good bye 2007

Kate let me borrow a couple Christmas stories to bring into school so I could read them to my class. I told them that one of the books in particular belonged to Ayden, and made a big deal about how Ayden was allowing us to read his special book. One of my students was so impressed she gave a little "oooh" and said, "ahhh, the book of Ayden!" I got a good laugh out of it, and when I shared that with Kate and Jeremy it has kind of turned into a little joke that everything is "(blank) of Ayden."

Here are a few random photos from the past few days in honor of the last post this year.... "The year of Ayden" Happy New 2008!

Ayden's first trip to California

Today, we all wanted to get out of Yuma for a while, so we took a trip to an outlet mall just outside of San Diego. This was the little man's first trip out of the state. The two hour drive was nothing for him, he did so well. This picture is from after bath time once we got home.

For all of you Star Wars fans out there.... these sand dunes between Yuma and San Diego are the dunes they used to film in the Star Wars movies.

A partial family shot at the mall (which is obviously and outdoor mall located in the middle of the mountains.)

The girls bonding. We even had to wear jackets today - it was cool in California.

Aunt Carrie in front of the outdoor ice skating rink, where people were trying to get a taste of the winter season. Most people were wearing t-shirts though.

A cozy little man.

Grandma bonding with Ayden.

"I am just too cute"

Here are two pictures to compare how much Ayden has grown, on the left is him at 7 weeks, on the right is him at 8 days...

Ayden is just starting to mimic people, his favorite is copying someone who sticks their tongue out at him. And below, mommy and son having a conversation.

These two pictures are for Uncle Brian who gave Ayden a Seahawks outfit for Christmas, and even against Jeremy's wishes, he put him in the outfit for the sake of the blog.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! We wish you were all here with us, but here are a few pictures to show what kind of morning we all had. More to come later.

This hat says "Baby's first Christmas" and was given to Ayden from one of Grandpa Willison's 3rd graders back in Michigan.

Aunt Angie surprised everyone and arrived Christmas morning to meet her nephew. We are sending lots of love to Uncle Brian and John, Ayden is anxious to meet you both.

Kate and Grammy D had no idea she was coming!

Desert camouflage

Another fun toy.

We had a great morning here, and Ayden opened all of his gifts from people all over the country, and stayed awake and alert the whole time. After, he fell asleep while the rest of us opened our gifts.

Christmas Eve

Ayden is getting ready for Midnight mass (at 10 pm)

Christmas Eve dinner

This one goes out to the McGee family back in Michigan... we were toasting the Minestrone soup in honor of you all!

Baptism

This morning was Ayden's Baptism, here are a few pictures from the big day. Ayden slept the entire time, he was a champ.

Michigan, Florida, and Pennsylvania visitors

Everyone finally arrived safely yesterday. Ayden is anxiously waiting to meet Aunt Angie and Uncle Brian.... but for now, here is Grammy D meeting her grandson for the first time.

And G and G Willison are back and loving every minute with Ayden.

And finally Aunt Carrie met her nephew, its been a long wait for all of them.

Protection from the Yuma sun.

Before everyone arrived, Ayden went to meet Santa, he didn't love the wind outside this day, I am sure the screaming has nothing to do with Santa.

Christmas in the Yuma Foothills

Christmas in the desert anyone?

I was feeling that I was missing out on the Christmas spirit this year without any snow, but we drove down a street that each house had taken a page from "Twas the night before Christmas" and decorated more than you could imagine... I am feeling much better about the holiday after the trip down 55th Street.

I could not make this up :) I will give you a dollar if you can spot any inflatable winter character this house did not have in their front yard...

Seriously?

Just a few

I have a few pictures from today since I was home sick. I couldn't hold the little man as much, so I took a few pictures instead. For all you teachers out there, I have an entirely new respect for you, this being the week before Christmas vacation. Wow.

A gift from Grandma and Grandpa Willison :)

Ayden's new bumbo seat

Just lounging around, a happy camper at 6 weeks.