Counting down to 2011

On Christmas Eve Johnathan opened a toy tractor and fell in love! Andy started examining the toy and was pointing out its name and all the little working parts. It turns out that Andy had a real size version of this same exact toy and offered to have John come over and "play" with it. We were so excited to have this opportunity! He told John that he had to bring his hard hat and that they would "work" together on the tractors!



John was super excited about this whole idea, but when we actually got there he was a little shy. I can't imagine why, with all the loud noises and everyone looking at him and the huge machines . . . so this pregnant Mama thought the best way to break the ice was to climb on up with him!



So we are up there, sitting in the chair and John just reaches out and starts moving the levers all over the place which sends the tractor tilting this way and that. I nearly thought we were going to fall out, I wish Jeff could have gotten that on video. Funny stuff. Fortunately Andy was right there and didn't seem concerned so I figured we were safe!




Andy offered to drive it around with John and I was very happy to let him take over!




Another big crane truck caught John's eye and he wanted to climb all over it next!






Uncle Matt came along too!


Finally we went inside the shop and John wanted to get on the big lawn mower. I guess Andy's got a helper in a few years or so!


What a fun way to start a chilly day!!!

A few days later we got the opportunity to meet up with a friend of mine at the zoo. Beth has a daughter, Bella, who's just a few months older than John, they had a blast running around the place! Here they are comparing the cool shirts Santa brought them!



Of course no zoo trip is complete without feeding the fish and birds.




Just before leaving Jeff got a photo of the Mama's with the kiddos. The baby is Vince, Bella's baby brother, just a few months old. It was such a fun morning!


We somehow snuck in a fun park playdate with lots of other Mama's and kids too! It was right at John's nap time so we were right on the brink of a meltdown the whole time. Before anyone else got there I was able to snap this quick photo . . . looking so grown up!


Finally it was New Years Eve! I'm sure I've said it here before but Jeff and I realize we are definitely at the point in our life where we are completely happy counting down to 9pm and calling it a night. Yes we have partied till midnight and later in years past and I'm sure we will again but not now and that's okay! Here's John and Daddy pulling the strings on those little party poppers! So much fun!






And although it might not be the most flattering photo of me, here's the last photo of 2010.


2010 was year full of change for us. Our lives are nearly unrecognizable compared to what they were a year ago and that's not necessarily a bad thing.  We are happy and healthy. We enjoy our time together as a family of three and are eagerly anticipating growing to a family of four. 2010 taught me a lot about myself and about my family, it was definitely a year of learning and listening and finding out what is truly important. I feel like we can welcome 2011 in with a big hearty hug. We have so much to look forward to and I'm not going to wish a minute of it away! We are living in the moment, taking it all in and feeling thankful for all that we have!