She's finally walking on her own

Well after months of using her walker and holding our finger, she finally started to walk on her own at 13 months.  So proud of her self, she walked circles around the basement.

The Beach

Our annual beach trip started with snow, and lots of it.  Eric and I decided to head down to my parents house Christmas night because we were afraid we wouldn't be able to get out the next morning.  Turns out the next morning would have been fine, but who wants to risk a day at the beach.  Our entire drive down it snowed.  For most people this would be stressful, but Eric was thrilled to use his 4x4.  Dad, mom, and the dogs loaded up in the 4 runner with trailor in tow, while Eric, Kristie, Maryssa and I followed in Mater.

The trip was absolutly beautiful and surprisingly relaxing.  Our normal pit stop was closed so we improvised by stopping at the only open store, Food Lion.  After making sandwiches in the truck, we were back on the road.  We all made it safe and sound to the new house. 

Our days were numbered on the beach this year with the cold weather, but it was still wonderful to be there with family.  Maryssa had a great time playing in the sand and venturing up to the water.  She also loved the toddler sized rocking chairs they had at the house.  We spent lots of time playing games, socializing, and of course eating.  There was also a hot tub on the roof that was amazing!  The beta version of the bait launcher was great and shot even farther.  No fish and no sharks.  They must have been cold too.  We did see dolphins and a whale!

On our way back we made a pit stop at the James house and finally got to meet Corbin!  What a cutie.  We didn't get a picture of the kids together for some reason, oh that's right, Corbin was napping.  It was great catching up.  Oh how we miss our gourd buddies.

Our beautiful drive.

Maryssa showing off her driving skills while we wait.



The new house.

Maryssa and Jeb looking out at the beach.

Thanks for the new shades Aunt Deb.  Open...

and close.



Sam found a new place to sleep.



Her favorite chair



Trying hummus for the first time...I would say she likes it.







December

December is my favorite month.  I love getting out the Christmas decorations and putting them up around the house.  I love getting together with friends and catching up.  I get to bake and then give it all away.  I love shopping and then wrapping presents.  I love being able to celebrate the birth of Christ and the reminder it brings to my life.  It truley is the most wonderful time of year.

Maryssa had a blast looking at the Christmas tree and pointing out the lights.  She was wonderful about not touching the tree... I couldn't believe it.  However, keeping her from climbing on the presents was another story.  We had two large boxes that she loved sitting on.  Lucky for us they were chairs, so no worries about breaking them.  She learned and discovered so many things and became more interested in making things work.  The cabinet doors are always opening and closing, and the tupperware is piled on the floor.  She checks every dot and knob to see if it will do something.  It really is amazing to watch her play.  She wasn't very interested in opening presents though.  She was happy playing with her toys and waching Danny and Kristie on the computer as we Skyped Christmas morning.

We also had a chance to bring Maryssa to see a live Nativity.  In addition to the traditional animals, they had a camel.  It was bitter cold that night, but she loved watching the animals, actors and kids.  Afterwards, we were able to pet the camel and then sipped on hot chocolate inside to warm up.

Eric and I stayed busy with volleyball practices, Christmas parties and the occasional date night.  Work was pretty busy in December so the time we got to be alone was slim.  We made the most of it with dinners together and lots of board games.  Eric's brother Michael and his wife Maggie moved back to Frederick so it's great to have more people to play games with and now the whole family is back.  Michael finished his Masters in ME at VT and is working for  EIT in Sterling VA.  The exciting news on my side is Kristie got engaged!  Danny proposed to her very early Christmas morning.  Danny is a wonderful guy and we are excited to welcome him into our family.

Here are a few more pictures from the month:

Maryssa had decided that she wants to get in Sam's crate and snuggle with him.  Since this is the only place he is able to escape from her, we are constantly taking her out.

Maryssa loves to eat and sleep.

Her first time eating noodles.  I think they were a hit.

Maryssa and her friend Taylor in their matching PJs for their slumber party.  The mommies had a night out while Eric watched the girls.