Contemplating the next move

Baby, it's cold outside!

Nicholas got all bundled up for the first really chilly morning of fall...thanks Leah and Pam for the really fun hat!

Family Moment and Discovery

Nicholas loves gato and sometimes gato is tolerant of him as evidenced in the Saturday morning photo. Nicholas has also learned to pull himself up on his knees which has led to some fun discoveries for him...even when he is SUPPOSED to be napping. =)

Pumpkin Patch

I think the photos speak for themselves - we had a great time bringing Nicholas to his first hayride/pick-em-yourself pumpkin patch!

Nicholas at 9 Months

Keeping with the tradition of taking a photo of Nicholas on every 8th day of the first 12 months - here are some photos from today!

Nicholas is getting even MORE teeth. One more on the bottom and 1 more on the top (maybe 2). He may have a full set by Christmas at the rate he's going!

He continues to be ever curious and loves to get into anything and everything. Despite our best efforts, he managed to "taste" a couple of cat food morsels last night. He's quick!

Swingtime!

While oma and opa were visiting, they took Nicholas to the park to swing. Unfortunately, I never got to tag along with my camera but I heard all about how much he loved the swing. So...Leah and I took him to the park to witness the fun. I don't think I have heard Nicholas giggle so much. It was great.

Weekend with Oma and Opa

Nicholas has been thoroughly enjoying an extended weekend with Oma and Opa who generously agreed to take care of him while mom and dad worked. His daycare provider decided to go on vacation! From the start, Nicholas has been spoiled with love and attention - and a few gifts. Oma brought some great new outfits and much appreciated diapers and both Oma and Opa surprised Nicholas with a new bulldozer! You should see Nicholas get around on it! Of course, taking after his daddy, he also had to do an engine check!

Oma and Opa have taken Nicholas for walks, stopping for a swing at the neighborhood parks. They also took him to the Virginia Zoo where everyone fed the giraffes and enjoyed a variety of activities related to horticulture (which was a special event for the zoo). Oma and Ellen made tussie mussies - which is a mostly herbal bouqet of flowers that were really quite lovely. They were wrapped in a doily and colored foil. Other events included an herb sampling tent, an area for blowing bubbles and a primal percussion esemble. We all enjoyed a picnic lunch.

Sunday, we all went to the beach. It was a first for Nicholas who seemed to have a good time. It was super windy as you may be able to see from the included photos. Afterward, Oma and Opa went to the Oceana air show which was celebrating its 50th anniversary. They made it in time to see some "jumpers" and the blue angels performance.

As always, we've enjoyed good company, good outings, wonderful dinners (with two great cooks under one roof!), and good conversation.

Nicholas (and the rest of us, too) sure loves it when Oma and Opa visit!