Christmas 2009

I had to work on Christmas day from 9:00 to 1:00, so we opened gifts after nap time.  When I left for work Adele was dressed in a green sweater and jeans.  When I returned she was wearing her favorite thing of all time ... froggy jammies.  Yes! 

So ... Adele's been using a binky (pacifier) for bedtime since she was a baby.  Lately, she tends to drool a lot when she's sleeping.  Combine the drool and the binky, and you get one nasty rash.  We're using Vaseline (nice, shiny cheeks) and lotion to remedy the rash, and it's bye-bye binky for Adele.

Adele's favorite gift is her baby.  The baby cries and laughs, and opens and closes her eyes.  She came with a bed, a lotion container, sippy cup, blanket, and a baby wipes container.  We put all of the baby's things into a Ziploc bag, and Adele enjoys toting the bag around the house.  She likes to pretend to put lotion on the baby's knees and shoulders, and she likes to pretend to wipe the baby's bottom.  She also loves to hold and rock the baby after the baby's been crying.  It's cute to watch Adele being so attentive.  Adele has insisted that the baby come with us on all our outings since opening her.  So far, the baby has been to Violet's house and the fire station.  That's one lucky baby.

Pre-Christmas Fun ...

Adam's parents sent this Christmas plate at the beginning of December.  It was the first present Adele unwrapped.  She loves it!  Thanks Grandpa Bob and Grandma Sandie!

Some of the flight attendant's I work with enjoy giving me things for Adele.  These books were a huge hit!

Here's Eric playing horsee with Adele. 

I get really spoiled by having friends that make tamales from scratch.  They are delicious! 

Thanksgiving 2009

Adam and Adele in Hobble Creek Canyon.

This is my older brother, TR.

This is my younger sister, Johanna (and her new puppy, Charlie).

Me, Johanna, and Tom (my younger brother).

My mom (Pam), Johanna, and me.

My dad (Bob) building a fire with Adele, Max, and Luke (Tom's boys).

We went to Utah for Thanksgiving.  We stayed at my parent's house and had a great time!

Dirkmaat Family Happenings ...

Adele's getting sassy. 

This is Marlese.  She owns her own shop on Lawrence Street in The Heights.  We love her!

Here we are making chicken tacos.  This picture was taken pre-hair cut.  The step stool is referred to by Adele as "my ladder" and she's kind of territorial over it.

A little love from Violet (at Friendsgiving 2009).