almost time...

for Christmas - hard to believe it's right around the corner! As you rush around to get everything crossed off your list; throwing elbows at the woman who almost took the last toy on the shelf - just remember, Jesus is the reason for the season! I know it's a cheesy saying, but it's true and simply states why we celebrate Christmas. 

FIRST - have to say a HUGE congrats and Happy Birthday to little Jack Arthur Tenley!  He was born on December 14th and is an absolute cutie! He, Mom and Dad are doing wonderfully - and getting settled in at home.  Praise the Lord for bringing him safely into the world!

Alright - it's also almost time for Adilyn's 1st birthday!  Quick update for the most recent before January 12th sneaks up on me and it's too late!

our 11 month old!

this is more like it...always LOVES the camera!

Adi, you are more and more fun every day!  We love you so much and are so blessed to call you our daughter!  Here's what you've been up to lately:

• Pulling yourself up on EVERYTHING - or just squatting and standing
• Chatting - constantly!  You're making a lot more noises now; more sounds than just 'da da' and 'mmmm' when you eat. Once you even sounded like you said Cade! 
• Waving - actually moving your arm up and down - at anyone that will look.
• Clapping - and getting an 'audience' to follow along when you do.
• Walking...kind of - you cruise SO fast when you can hold on; but you've even taken a step or two unassisted to the safety of Dad or Mom's arms!
• You're usually up for a rousing game of Peek-a-boo.  Your laugh is contagious and we will do just about anything to hear it!
• We're not sure - but all signs point to you teething (for real this time)...I even saw some white stuff close to the surface of your gums - so we'll see!

It's also been an eventful few days - with the Holiday Season in full swing!  We spent some time at Mom & Corrie's house making lefsa with Aunt Cindy + Uncle Craig and Cousins Bonnie + Becky. It was a great time - we even had a flour fight! 

Dan manning one of the lefsa pans 

Adi even got in on the action - well kind of... 

I'm not sure who slept longer...I think Daddy :) 

This look about captures your spirit these days - always up to something...gnawing away at that apple too!

Grandpa Dale came & Christmas came early - your first present!  

though you seemed to also like the box...  

Then we went over to Aunt Sarah + Uncle Alan's house to celebrate the Dale Family Christmas...it was almost 50 degrees, so we were able to enjoy a bonfire outside! 

Even the Floridian, Grandpa could be outside to enjoy MN weather in December! 

some of the family gathered around the fire... 

I'm so glad you came to visit us this Christmas, Grandpa! 

I hope you all are enjoying time with family and friends as we near Christmas.