Thanksgiving 2009

This year Thanksgiving was extra special. We have so much to be thankful for in our lives but at the top of our list is the fact that we have Jackson and Lia. We have spent so many holidays waiting to have little ones of our own and for the past few years for our referral from China. Finally getting Lia's picture this past spring and then traveling to China to get her almost didn't seem real. But it was real and now we have the most amazing and precious children to share all our blessings with! Life really couldn't be any more full than it is right now!

Jackson and Lia loving on Granny B. We were fortunate to be able to spend some time with her on Thanksgiving as well! Lia modeling a new dress!

Fall pictures

Jackson - just being cute! Look closely to see the peas on Lia's face and in her hair. This is a daily occurrence, but we don't mind at all. Who could complain when this sweet face is staring back at you?!?
Jackson, Lia and Adi - all of our babies - enjoying playing in the leaves. What a beautiful fall this has been!

More fun times!

We love playing outside - and practicing walking!

But it's still fun to crawl too - at least until we refine the walking skills, which won't be long! We also love helping Papa play the piano and the banjo!

Lia in her Carolina dress, thanks to "Uncle Brad and Aunt Jackie."

Go Tarheels!!

More Milestones!

Jackson and Lia are enjoying their new "schoolbus" ball pit. Jackson wasn't so thrilled about it at first but seems to be coming around. Lia, however, just loved it. She climbed in and out, jumping around, giggling and throwing balls. She especially loves going in head first! Check out the second picture below ....

On Sunday we decided it was time to turn the car seats to the forward facing position. This opened up a whole new world for both Jackson and Lia. They chatted, sang, played and entertained "Doggie" for much of the car trip.

Lia's first bow! She finally has enough hair, but just barely! She actually didn't even try to take it out but Jackson was very curious about it and tried every chance he got!

Halloween 2009

This year's Halloween was definitely different from those in the past! We had a lot of fun picking out costumes for the little ones, and getting all dressed up for the grandparents as well as for a trip to Chris' office. We didn't go trick or treating but had some friends over to help hand out candy. Maybe next year we'll sport around the neighborhood in the wagon but this year we enjoyed the low key fun!

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Here's Jackson getting spoiled by all of the sweet ladies at Daddy's office - yes that is powdered donut on his lips. He of course enjoyed every second of it!
Our little critters!

Jackson and Lia in their matching "boo" pj's.

Goofing around in their Halloween t shirts -

Playing dress up wasn't so bad!

Our sweet ladybug!

Just look at that face!

What a cute little lizard!!

Random pictures from October

Lia - getting closer to walking each day. Here she is cruising down the wall, barely holding on but not letting go yet! Jackson sporting his FC Cary shirt.
Jackson's first wagon ride! He loved it! Lia was a bit skeptical at first but it didn't take long for her to join in on the fun. Unfortunately we don't have any pics of that!

Watching the neighbors play outside on one of the few really cool days we had in October!Sick babies eating popcicles. We were desperate to get liquids into them! Jackson loved his but we didn't have any luck with Lia. She wanted to play with it. Jackson and Lia playing in "their" kitchen cabinet. They're always so busy!

The past couple of weeks have just flown by. Jackson and Lia continue to do new stuff every day. They are still not walking, but are more curious than ever and are keeping us super busy. They are also babbling like crazy and usually seem to understand each other! One of them will babble. The other will stop and listen and then will erupt in laughter. I'm not sure what that's all about but they seem to be in sync so I am ok with that! Needless to say, we are having lots of fun.

Here are some pictures from late September through this week. It's still really hard to get them to sit still together, much less both smile at the same time so we just capture the moments as we can. And usually they turn out ok. Enjoy!

Jackson and Lia - Best buds!

Jackson is posing for the picture here. When I get out the camera, he knows what to do! I love it.

Lia with her "determined" look. She is working hard to step across the gate while balancing with the swinging gate door. It's always something! She is cruising pretty well these days as is Jackson but neither are walking yet. I'm not rushing them ... they'll get there!

100% cuteness!!

Just because she was too cute in the outfit.

Daddy has a cheering section greeting him when he gets home from work each day. Here's proof. Priceless!

Jackson and Lia hanging out at Mema and Papa's. And no, they don't get a lot of attention when they are there. ha.

Love that sweet smile!

Baby J rocking out with the ipod. You don't really want to know what he was listening too but it runs in the family I guess. (Thanks Papa).