Baby Steps

Alivia is finally getting brave enough to take a few steps without holding on to something. This past Tuesday night she took her first steps at home while both Brad and I were watching. It was so exciting and we were so thankful to both be there for this huge milestone. She's doing it more and more each day. Here's a short video of her walking last night. We had to bribe her with Brad's cell phone. That's why she's excited to walk to the chair.

Bath Time

After 10 months, we finally decided it was time for Alivia to use the real bath tub. I know, we should have done that sooner, but it's such a pain in a small bathroom. Especially when you're tall! It's so much easier to stand at the sink. In Brad's defense, he did give her baths in here a long time ago. He just didn't like hearing me complain so we would always go back to the sink. Alivia had fun playing with her tub toys. She loved the one with holes that allows the water to flow through. You'll see her trying to catch the water in the pictures. Check out those rolls, too!

On the move...

This has been a very exciting week for Alivia. After seeing how much she enjoys the walk-along toys at the babysitter's, we decided to go buy one for home. She couldn't wait for Brad to get it together when we got home. No really, I ended up doing it. Daddy was taking too long. Hope he gets better before Christmas! :) Actually, I've put this toy together at work, so I had a slight advantage. Here's Alivia playing with it for the first time. It was way past her bed time, but she had to play first. She goes from one end of the family room to the other, then waits for us to help her turn around. She giggles and squeals the whole time.

Our friend Taylor brought Alivia another new toy this week, too. Thanks Taylor! The look on her face shows just how much she loves it. :)

Our Little "Punkin"

We decided to make our first trip to Tuttles Apple Orchard and Pumpkin Patch today. We all had a really great time. It was a little chilly, but the place was packed. These things are so much fun to do with Alivia and I'm sure it will only get better as she grows up. Grandma Cinda was here visiting so she got to come along, too. We had lots of fun and look forward to next year when Alivia will be able to enjoy the hay ride, horse rides, kids playground and corn maze.

Touchdown!

During our visit with Lane and Keith a few weeks ago, we worked on a little something with Alivia. Everytime we said "touchdown" I would put her arms up as if she were making the signal. It's taken a few weeks, but she's finally got it! And we're so proud! :) Check it out!

You'll here me ask her to say "duck", too. Last night she said it twice on command. Of course she wouldn't do it here, but we'll get it soon.

Funny faces while rafting

I've been catching a lot of flack about the intense look on my face in the pictures, so I'd like to try and explain myself. This is the second of five class V rapids we took on that morning on the Upper Gauley River, the 2nd best rafting river in the U.S. and the 7th best in the world. It's called Pillow Rock because the water moves from right to left, slams into this huge rock, and pillows off of it. Our guide, Jimmy Treadway, did a good job of explaining the game plan before we attacked this rapid. We were supposed to paddle like heck all together right toward the rock, barely tap it, land softly, then proceed down river.

OK, onto my face. So I knew what was coming--a bunch of cold freakin water and a rock the size of my house--what do you expect me to look like?! Jimmy is telling us to paddle full steam ahead right at the rock; that's why I'm busting tail. Then I realize we're coming in a little hot, hence the "Oh shit" face as I hit the rock with my paddle (partly because I know we're being video'd). Needless to say, we hit Pillow rock perfectly, but we came down sideways and hit Volkswagen Rock, named so because it resembles a VW bug in shape and size. That's when that cold water hit me and ripped me out of the raft. I hung on but saw George get sucked downstream. It was a bit intense so back off the funny faces! :)

Brad

Homerun!

Brad was in a one-pitch softball tournament this weekend in New Castle, so Alivia and I went to watch and enjoy the beautiful weather. Brad hit a homerun his first at bat after we arrived, so I'm convinced we brought him lots of good luck. Alivia had fun walking along the bleachers and trying to eat the grass. :) Here are a few pictures from the day.

Kylie's Birthday Party

We spent Sunday afternoon at Heather & Jerry's to celebrate Kylie's 4th birthday. Brad and I realized there's more to parties than just presents and cake. Heather planned crafts, Hot Potato and Pin the Tiara on the Princess! I'm not sure we're ready for this! :) We had a good time and after a disappointing three quarters, were thrilled to see the Colts come away with a victory.

Alivia enjoyed some extra attention from Great Aunt Karen.

Alivia, Brad and Kylie

See my new shoes? We went shopping on Saturday!

Happy Birthday, Kylie!

Alivia was a very good helper! She wanted to be right in the middle of things when it was time to open presents. Of course she liked the wrapping paper and boxes better than what was inside.