Home for the Holidays

Well the holiday season has officially come to a close, and along with reminiscing over wonderful times with family, writing a myriad of thank you notes, and unpacking lovely gifts, I thought it also fitting to update the blog!

Elia is now 9 1/2 months old and thoroughly enjoyed traveling for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We are so grateful to Oma and Mimi for childproofing their homes and filling them with toys and baby gear that make our lives so much easier!


Thanksgiving weekend was spent first in Greensburg, then Carlisle. Nugget and I stayed home while Bryan, Courtney and Erin ran the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. I had signed up for the race, but a combination of bad weather, no room for a stroller in our car, and laziness prevented me from participating. I did recieve the world's most confusing t-shirt after the event however. The rest of the day was spent enjoying great food and family fellowship, ending of course with the traditional Home Alone viewing. Special thanks to Aunt Courtney for making Butternut Squash soup that Elia couldn't eat enough of!

Baby's first Thanksgiving

Courtney loving on Marvel. He now lives in Greensburg permanently.

After Greensburg we went to Carlisle for the weekend. We ate the best steak in the whole world, visited with family and friends, and Bryan went tool shopping on Black Friday. Woot! Elia particularly enjoyed hanging out with Myrtle who is a good buddy for her.

Drumming with Daddy and Uncle Travis

A girl's best friend.

When we came home we continued our normal lives which include babysitting days at the Juricas' , fun at the Schumachers', and plenty of exploring around the house! Elia got good at climbing stairs (but can't go down). She also cut two new teeth up top and visited Santa at Timken! 

Cruisin at the Juricas'! She loves getting to play on new toys!

Cheesy baby.

Playing with Mary Alice Schumacher

First time climbing! Too bad she couldn't get back down.

Elia loves playing piano with Daddy!

Elia got a bear at Timken for seeing Santa!

Santa was justifiably nervous having Elia grabbing at his beard!

Look who we found at Timken! Baby Caralee! Those two love playing together.

Last week we headed back to PA for Christmas with the families! First stop was State College for Christmas with the Kauffman extended family, followed by a trip to Uncle Travis and Aunt Hannah's house in Lancaster, next a traditional Christmas day in Carlisle followed by a great weekend in Greensburg! Whew! Lots of driving! Elia did great in the car and loved all the people to play with! Her favorite part of Christmas presents was definitely having lots of bows to chew on! We are so appreciative of all the great gifts and she is enjoying all her new clothes, toys and books so much!

Bunny ears in the high chair!

Merry Christmas, Opa!!

Love this picture with Aunt Hannah on Christmas!

Four generations!

Aunt Erin matched Elia's bow to her outfit perfectly!

We went for a great walk at St. Vincent College on a 55 degree day!

We spent a great New Years at our house with our dear college friends and now are ready to kick off 2015! Our goals for this year are to get Elia walking, have baby #2, buy a new home, Bryan to graduate with a Masters, take several exciting trips, and who knows what else! Happy New Years to all!