Little Underwood, Big Harte

This year I wasn't sure what was going to go on the Christmas cards, so I was saving some of my fav pictures of the kiddos in case we used them. I wanted everyone who got a card to be surprised by the pics! But, with little time to spare we finally got a cute picture of all of us together that I could use. So behold ... the pics I was saving for the card.  First up - a little photo shoot I did spur of the moment when "Shibby" surprised us with matching jammies for the babes! They were from their trip to Maine this fall. They spoil us and love the kiddos and we miss them so much. Thanks guys for the awesome PJs! They have both worn them - both in MI and here. Turns out it gets a bit chilly at night in AZ in winter.  Next up are the kids daycare pics from Natural Choice Academy. Only wish Z was smiling in the one together, but still love that we got some professional pics of the kids this year. Tamara - can't wait to come see you next time in Canada to get lo...

Got one good one in before this ... I took the sticker off...plus she has a bit of a cold. See, she does cry! Zoe turned 8 months earlier this month! This little lady is on the go! She either wants to be crawling and pulling herself up onto everything or being held...and its starting to need to be being held by mommy. She is eating three puree meals a day now, around 15 oz total! She is still nursing well.  Sleeping hasn't been the same since 6 months. The regression lives on! Since we have been home from MI, we have let her learn to go to sleep on her own at night. We thought that would help when she woke up during the night, but hasn't yet. We haven't gone hard core with her though because she keeps getting these colds from school and now we have one of stefan's colleagues from Germany staying here this week for a course. One day...for now trying to just enjoy the nighttime snuggles.  She gets lots of fun nicknames! ZoZo, Zo, Zoebean, Zozee, ZoJo t...

Oh man, we had a blast visiting with family and friends in MI and then welcoming Stefan back home. We spent the long holiday weekend all together just the four of us. We experienced several local festive events including the Phoenix Zoo, Glendale Glitters and the Farm at South Mountain with some friends for Sunday brunch. We got lots done around the house, too! Enjoy some pics :) Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. THANKFUL for all of you! Into trouble at what Gavin calls "Michigan house".  Kisses for the baby! Happy 74th anniversary to GG and GG. Truly amazing example of dedication and love. Laughs with Godfather! Outdoor play in the crisp air. This precious little face. A little ride on a rhino in the mall - hilarious! First bath together! Buddies! Thanksgiving feast - so far has feed us for about 8 meals!  Two of my biggest blessings right here.  Thanksgiving outside playtime Turkey butt! Our beauti...

Week two in the books with one more week to go until Stefan gets back and we head back to Phoenix. I took some time off work and we made the drive down to NW Indiana to see some family. The trips weren't the smoothest with the two littles in the car, but mom and I managed (thanks mom!), and it was well worth it for the visits.  When we got back we had a shower for Andrew and Sara - thanks to the Harte Aunts for hosting it. It was nice to introduce Z to that side of the family, too!  Lots of pics from both events!  GG sees Zoe again All smiles with GG Entertained by the big girls (twins #1 Isabella and Victoria, 6) More smiles And even more smiles. Makes me so happy to see them together! Playing with all the big kids. Allison! Gavin and his Minion glasses "ba-na-nas!" Grandma said they still dance sometimes - proving it right here. These two! Super smiley for Great Aunt Sue. Z likes the minion, too. LOVE!...