Christmas is coming

Sometimes Florida is depressing. Yes, you read that right; Florida can be depressing. All that sunshine and sparkle gets old after awhile, and I just want some good old fall colors or a snow storm! So because I have no control over the weather outside, the Gatchel crew today started bringing Florida into our house!

We put up our tree today and hung up the rest of the decorations inside. I've got to say, it helped a little. I think the thought that we'll be back in the mid-west in a few weeks is helping, too ;-)

So I have lots and lots of pictures to share today. Noah enjoyed helping with the tree and his Mommy definitely enjoyed taking pictures of him. Can't believe that tomorrow is the firs tday of December already! Enjoy the pictures, all!

Noah munching away this morning

Bella roo

My engineer putting up the lights

The tornado just north of us today prevented him from getting the lights up

Gatchel family stockings

Noah and Bella

Grant and Kristi

Noah and Daddy (I think he looks like his Aunt Sarah in this picture)

Noah with his new favorite blankie

Noah all cuddled up

Aren't I cute?

Look at me!

Sitting next to the tree

Just before toppling over

Oh Noah tree, oh Noah tree

Deck the halls with boughs of Noah

Noah all lit up

Noah with his first ornament (Cookie Monster)

Noah and Daddy hanging his ornament

Cookie Monster going on the tree

Noah was being most helpful

He was so proud he helped!

Going to the Zoo

Yesterday afternoon Noah and I joined the Kunkle's for an afternoon at the Brevard County Zoo! Noah still might be a too little to truly appreciate the animals, but dang if the kid wasn't just as popular as some of the animals. He was making friends with all the other zoo-goers. I stopped counting how many times someone made a comment on his sunglasses or how cute and friendly he was. He sat in his stroller (with his feet on top of the lap bar for some reason) with his sunglasses on just taking it all in, sucking away at his thumb every so often. I have to say that he was definitely my favorite animal at the zoo ;-)

When we got home, we ordered pizza and then Grant and I watched the latest installment of the Indiana Jones movie. I was highly disappointed. Grant especially was highly anticipating seeing the movie. It originally came out in May, which should have been no problem for him to see, but then Noah was born early, just a few days before it opened so he wasn't really able to see it until it was released on DVD. Netflix sent it yesterday, and I know he was really excited. The whole thing just felt kind of gimmicky to me. I won't ruin the movie by spoiling the plot, and of course everyone is free to decide for themselves. I guess I was just disappointed because I really do enjoy the rest of the series and was hoping this would seamlessly transition. My opinion; it didn't.

Alright, lots to do today. Need to color my hair, football at the Kunkle's and Brie and Thomas' engagement party tonight. Got to decide what kind of appitizer to make... Too many things to do, not enough hours in my day sometimes ;-) Happy Saturday, all! Enjoy the pictures!

Sleeping Bella

Isn't she cute?

Yeah, he's cute, too ;-)

White rhino

Another white rhino

A klipspringer

Monkeys

More monkeys

Blue parrot

My favorite animal at the zoo

Some big black bird

This bird was really protective of the babies in the background

Emu

Adult warty pig (it's different than a warthog, I read the sign)

Baby warty pig

There's my favorite animal again

Willaby wallaby woo...

Never smile at a crocodile

Doe, a deer, a female deer

Duckies!

A falcon

Jaguar butt

Pretty mackaw

Happy Anniversary, Mom & Dad!

Mom & Dad,

Sorry we can't be there to celebrate twenty-seven years with you both today, but know we're thinking about you from down here! Much love, enjoy the day!

Love,
Grant & Kristi


Grandma & Papa Larry,

I wanted to say Happy Anniversary today, too! So see my video below.

Love,
Noah

Thanksgiving Pictures

My first pumpkin pie - before baking

First pumpkin pie - after baking

The table before

The table view from the head of household's seat

Daddy attempting to feed the monster

Cute Bella pic if you ignore the eyes

Daddy and his little girl

What Grant is thankful for this year

Bella!

Grant and the doggy

Noah in his Thanksgiving ensemble (shoes too, Aunties!)

Grant and Noah playing

Turkey, Mommy?

The table all loaded up

Quite a spread!

Hope everyone had a great turkey day!