I am 2. What's the big deal?

A preview of Tyler's 2 yr old photo shoot, courtesy of yours truly...

under the weather...

No traveling to Birmingham for our great-nephew and niece's double first birthday party for us...for we're a wee bit under the weather. Tyler has a stomach bug and hasn't been his perky, busy little self for a couple of days now. Here's what it looked like around here today. Check out those fevery cheeks:


Big brother claims to have a 'little' stomach ache and needed to stay home from school today as well. Not sure if that is true or if he's just figured out a new trick to get himself a 3 day weekend but we're letting it slide for today, just in case.

Sorry we won't get to see Meemaw and the rest of the Halbert family tomorrow. Enjoy the party...we can't wait to hear all about it! Happy Birthday Preston and Logan! We love you and can't believe you are both 1 already!

The Waiting is the Hardest Part...

When Tyler woke up from his nap Thursday, he found his birthday cake waiting patiently to be eaten at the impending birthday party after dinner. Tyler found he was NOT nearly as patient as his waiting Pluto cake.

At first he seemed willing to wait.



But quickly realized that two year olds come with little self control. So, cute as he could be, he drew his pointer finger and took that first stab at the edge of the frosting.




Nirvana! He got a little confidence in his deviant ways and soon was hamming it up for the camera as he made his mark on the side of his cake.



The 'damage':



Some friendly onlookers who arrived early for the party:


It was actually an adorable moment and Meemaw and I laughed as he nibbled away. We topped off the afternoon with a mini slice for both boys as they waited for the party to begin.

Last year we had a 'smash cake' session as he turned 1. This year I'm going to fondly remember this moment as Tyler's 'poke the cake' session!

Happy Birthday, Tyler!

The littlest Halbert turned 2 today! No longer a baby, this little guy is a full fledged 'boy'!

Birthday pictures are sure to follow, but suffice it to say that it was a WONDERFUL day full of celebration and happiness as our hearts overflow with love for our buddy Tyler!

SNOW DAY!

As we head to warmer weather soon for some R&R, we are reminded of the recent COLD weather we've had here in TN!



when it rarely snows where you live, you really don't know what to do in snow...i'm guessing snow 'professionals' don't ride bikes...




and this was CLASSIC! His first tumble...he just lay there, hands raised off the ground. I had time to see him, grab my camera, focus and shoot...and he still was motionless for a few seconds after that! :D He didn't cry, but he wasn't sure about all that snow on him!

Tennessee Christmas 2009

We are so fortunate to be able to spend the holidays with all of our family every Christmas. This year, after returning from the big holiday festivities with the Halberts in Alabama, we celebrated again with the Quists in Nolensville. Mimi and Grandpa were thrilled to host their favorite (and only) grandchildren, along with their parents, for a fun Christmas celebration. The boys were showered with many gifts and there was food and fun a plenty! What great ages: 7.5 and nearly 2, the boys both find the holiday magical and the gifts exciting! We are blessed beyond measure. Come share a bit of Christmas with us...

Mimi and Grandpa and their two buddies

Let the gift exchange begin!

Trying out their new toys...

Our sweet boys...

and their evil twins! (just kidding)

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

The True Meaning of Christmas

As I sit here, surrounded by shiny, new toys that will replace other shiny, almost new toys in the quiet warmth of our home as we've returned home from food and festivities with family, I am reminded of the true meaning of Christmas...watch this amazing work provided by my friend Kelly's organization Ordinary Hero. May we all be reminded of the true meaning of the season in this season and in always...



Merry Christmas!