Natalie is One!

Natalie turned one on January 19th. We had a small family celebration after school. One of Natalie's teachers at school made her this adorable crown, which she loved. We are excited for what year two will bring for our family!

Birthday on the Farm

Aaron and Helena were invited to a birthday party at The Ray of Light Farm in East Haddam, Connecticut. They were treated to a small tour of the farm, which included goats, sheep, ducks, turkeys, cows and horses. All of the children got to hold a guinea pig and at the end were treated to a pony ride. Although it was very cold outside, the kids had such a fun afternoon.

Facepainting!!

Aaron and Helena gently pet the guinea pigs

Pony Rides! Two attendants were needed with each horse as the snow sliding off the roof of the building would occasionally frighten the ponies. The kids did not seem phased one bit!

Natalie's First Birthday Party

We celebrated Natalie's First Birthday the weekend before her real birthday. We had a small party at our house and it was just the right amount of party for Natalie. We had just received the first big snowfall of the winter and the weather was so cold. Nevertheless, we were so happy to celebrate Natalie's big milestone with family!

We had so much snow we couldn't tie the balloon to the mailbox. Aaron's shovel made the perfect substitute

Mommy and Helena

Natalie plays with Auntie Jill

Natalie and all her big cousins, opening gifts

The Birthday Girl!

The cousins along with Aaron and Helena wait anxiously to help Natalie blow out her candle

"What am I supposed to do with this?"

Aaron, Casey and Maya

Natalie claps for herself

"What do I do now?"

Eleven Months Old!

Natalie is eleven months old now and is a master cruiser! She moves along the furniture quite well and is able to get to any place that she finds interesting, which is usually with Aaron and Helena. They are fantastic big brother and sister, always caring and helping their little sister. Natalie can now stand for a short time without holding anything and her first steps are close!

Natalie sits in one of her favorite toys!

I know two other children who also loved this toy......

Aaron - 11 months

Helena - 10 months

Boy....time really flies!

Christmas Day

After an exciting morning, we headed off for gifts and dinner at Stacie's parent's house. It was even more special this year, as Stacie's brother Marc and his children were visiting from Colorado. All of the cousins had a great time together!

The holidays are exhausting!

Cousins: Sydney, Julian, Lexi, Natalie, Aaron, Helena and Cole

Cole and Julian

Lexi smiles for the camera

"Do you think anyone will notice if I open just one right now?"

Helena waits patiently for the gifts to be handed out

Natalie opens a gift with Grandma

Daddy and Helena sit together and open presents

The cousins run off some energy before dinner

Christmas Morning

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Santa visited the Anderson home this year! After a late night of celebration with family, Aaron and Helena woke up late, by their standards, to rush down and see what Santa left for them.

Santa was here!

Natalie was up early and we had a nice breakfast together before Aaron and Helena woke up

Helena slowly descends to see if Santa was here

Aaron tries to wait patiently for Helena to get out of bed

Helena checks out her new dollhouse

Aaron was so excited to see his new train table

Natalie loved her new crocodile walking toy!

Aaron and Helena pose with their stockings

Aaron burned his hand a week before Christmas but he didn't have too much trouble opening his gifts.