Oh Christmas Tree!

It is that time of year again...time for the smell of fir trees and cookies, listening to carols and celebrating the birth of Jesus. We had a beautiful day (in the midst of rain, rain, and more rain) available to go pick out a tree at the tree farm in Ross, Ohio. I remember going to the tree farm when I was little. It was always such a special event in my family and seemed to kick the season off right. One year we had terrible weather - I think there was a foot of snow on the ground and my dad had to dig out the tree before cutting it down! I'm sure Lucas won't remember this particular tree picking event but I hope this tradition is one he will come to treasure like his mother.

While we are talking about trees...I feel the need to tell you about the dilemma of decorating it with a baby and two ornery dogs. First off, you can't put any ornaments that are glass or will easily break toward the bottom. Second, anything that is round and looks like a ball must be out of the standard poodle's reach (last year he kept thinking they were toys dangling there for him to take!). Third, heavy ornaments must be at the top on the thick branches. So, you end up with a lot of ornaments at the top. Geez. So, if you are someone who likes to gift ornaments to others, keep in mind their household makeup before purchasing - a thought I never had until this year :)

In the field with Daddy and Bompa

Sooo Pretty!

Our tree!

The trees loaded up and ready to go...doesn't that barn just inspire you to be a photographer? It is so rustic :)

Lucas's first glance of the decorated tree - We decided to decorate during his nap so he awoke to a different tree in the living room

It didn't take long for him to find his "First Christmas" ornament. It is a wooden figurine of a little baby boy and was sent to us from his great aunt in Germany

The tree

Weekend of Fire

Wow! I am behind on posts! A few weekends ago we went to the Jungle Jims weekend of fire and had the chance to taste all things HOT! We tried hot margaritas, salsa, guacamole, nuts, ice cream, chocolate, cheese ball dips, BBQ sauce, marinades, etc. Of course, Lucas could not partake in these things but he had a great time people watching and snacking on stuff from home.

I love Jungle Jims...It is truly a one of a kind international market perfect for a foodie like me (and I know and love the family who owns Jungle). Ross actually worked at the market when he was in HS and if you ever get a chance ask him about his first day and how he prevented a robbery - such a hero :)

Lucas loved riding the Monorail!

Family Vacation 2

Checking out the new WWII memorial

Lucas looking at his future home :)

Mt Vernon

National Harbor

Lucas and I have become quite the travelers! We went with my parents to visit our nations capitol for a family vacation. It was sooooo much fun! We stayed at a nice resort at National Harbor - which is a new area near DC with lots of shopping, restaurants, and a convention center. It is in the first phase of six development phases so it was not too crowded or busy. I think it is going to be pretty amazing when it is all done but right now it has just the right amount of "city" for traveling with a baby.

I think it is probably pretty easy to get swept up in the tourism hubub of a big city vacation but we tried really hard not to do too much and overwhelm Lucas. I did not want to become that parent who was hauling around a tired and cranky child. What is the point of trying to fit in a million sites that he would not even remember? So, we would let him get some crawling/play time in during the mornings and then take off to see one or two things after his morning nap. We would come back to the hotel for a late afternoon nap and then go out to dinner or order some food in. With this restricted schedule we still saw a lot! We visited Alexandria (and the pharmacy museum), Mt Vernon (where Lucas saw his first movie in a theater), the National museum of Natural History, and a bus tour of the monuments. The best part of the entire trip was seeing Lucas interact with his Babby and Grandpa. He is one loved little boy :)

At the peeps store

Playing with Grandpa

Learning to look up to see those T-Rex bones!

At the Natural history museum

Babby playing with Lucas and his new snake stuffed animal

Car ride home - check out his hairdo!

Family Vacation!

It is official! I am way behind on what has been going on in the Gille household! And a LOT has happened in the past month+! I will begin with our family vacation to Virginia Beach. Garry and Kippy (Bompa and Nonni) rented this awesome beach house with enough room for the entire family - plus a pool :) Lucas had a great time meeting and playing with his cousins and we enjoyed the camaraderie of the adults. There is just something about spending time with family that makes me all warm and fuzzy inside (especially after living away).

Lucas and Wesley in the makeshift playpen

Lucas and Annie

More playing

Beach time with Gretchen

Taking in the site and sound of the ocean

The 3 story house with a pool! I have secretly always dreamt about what one of these houses might look like on the inside and now I have seen one!

Gretchen and Annie in the pool (it took a million shots to get this one)

Lucas in the pool - on day 3 he finally smiled in the water :)

Funniest picture ever...Uncle Clint with all the kids at the end of the photo shoot. As you can see most of them had had enough posing for the camera.

Happy Easter

Family Picture

Rejoice! He has risen! We had a very low key Easter weekend at the Gille home...we went to church where Lucas struggled to stay awake so he didn't miss anything (we thought he would nap - ha!) and then had a relaxing afternoon and evening when our friends came over for dinner. Easter Sunday reminded me that we still need to have Lucas baptized. We are not putting his baptism off for any reason other than we are not members of a church here. We tried to join the church we had been attending when we found out I was pregnant but then realized it is much more of a commitment than we were able to make because we will be moving soon... I need to start looking for a church in Fairfield...thank you Lord for reminding me :)

His little lamb

Oops! I forgot these pictures in my initial post...He really liked the grass the most :)

Visit with the grands!

In my opinion, there are few things more important than family. So, when my parents offered to fly me and Lucas to Ohio for a visit I jumped at the opportunity (without considering those people we would be sharing a flight with - I know, how rude of me). As our trip came closer I was excited and nervous all at the same time. How would he do on the flights? He has been having some stranger anxiety - would this happen during a visit to see his grandparents?!?!? He's finally sleeping through the night - will this mess him up? What about feeding him during this craziness?

Well it turned out my worries were just that - worries for nothing! It was a great trip and gave Lucas a chance to see his grandparents, his aunt, and some of his columbus family. What a great way to work on that stranger anxiety... he didn't seem to mind being held by anyone! Lucas and Babbie - Out for a quick bite at Ms. Molly's Lucas and Aunt Leanna - Leanna looks a lot like me and it was neat to see Lucas recognize this

Oh my gosh...it's Nonni!

Lucas and Nana spending time outside

I love my Grandpa!

Hanging out with Natalie and Erin...Look at Erin's cute baby bump!

Fun weekend!

My mom came to visit this weekend...actually she came to "hold Lucas" because it had been about 2 months since she had seen him and she was missing him. The fact that Ross and I were there was just an added bonus when Luke was sleeping :) We had a lot of fun playing, shopping, and gabbing. I sure do miss living near my mom!

30 Before 30

My birthday was this weekend and it was super fun! We went out Saturday night to my favorite restaurant in town with friends (including my friend Maggie who has the same birthday - how cool is that?!?). Then on Sunday Ross, Lucas and I hung out around the house and had a nice relaxing day. Ross made me my favorite cake - Funfetti with Rainbow Chip icing (this is probably every American '80's baby's favorite). Ahhhh the yummy goodness of childhood in a box :)

The birthday girls

And now for my 30 before 30 list...I got this idea from some dear friends :) and would love to accomplish these things in the next 2 years!

1. Run a 5K
2. Make my own ravioli
3. Have one of my dogs become a canine good citizen
4. Learn to sew
5. Plant a garden
6. Make applesauce
7. Join and be active in a Bible study
8. Learn to play a lifelong instrument
9. Take ballroom dance classes with Ross
10. Write a children's book
11. Bake a cookie cake
12. Have a zoo membership (or aquarium)
13. Make and drink a pomegranate martini
14. Make another baby
15. Visit Erin and Ryan in NY for a fun NY weekend
16. Make Lucas a Christmas stocking
17. Read a Shakespearean play I have not yet read
18. Find something I love at a garage sale and buy it
19. Have beautiful Christmas presents that match
20. Dress up for Halloween
21. Host a dinner party
22. Plant bulb flowers
23. Volunteer somewhere
24. Learn all the words to Amazing Grace by heart
25. Go to a concert of a band or singer I really like
26. Join (or start) a mommy/child group
27. Take a cooking class
28. Go to a play or musical
29. Join a book club that is successful
30. Become good at crocheting washcloths