He's WALKING, He's WALKING!!!

Ok, Ok, so he started walking like 2 months ago... and I am apparently continuing to be lousy at keeping this thing updated. BUT, I know that if you know me, you are not surprised in the least.

So... here is the 2 month recap:

October:

-We spent Thanksgiving in Calgary at my aunt's place, dogs and all. It was the first time for Chephren to meet his Great-Grandpa and second cousin Rylan.

-Spent the following weekend at the Canadian Vision Teachers Conference in Banff. It was a crazy, crazy busy time but it was a huge hit as well. I managed to sell some of my photographs at the conference and some of them were featured on the conference cards and keynote gifts as well, so it was exciting for me.

-At the same time as the conference, my brother Ben suffered a huge health setback. My parents had to fly to Ottawa on an emergency flight and we were all pretty shaken up about this. I don't want to go into the details here, as it is not my story to tell, but know that he is on the road to recovery and greatly looking forward to coming home this Christmas.

-I came home from Banff to a boy that was now taking some steps on his own!

-Trent turned 31 at the end of October (ha, sucker!)

-We hosted a pumpkin-carving party at our place and made everyone wear costumes this year. It was a super fun time had by all! (I won the costume contest by the way... I really had to make an effort here because I am the worst pumpkin carver EVER - well, next to Rickshaw that is!)

November:

-Chephren turned one in a very low-key birthday celebration. We continue to be just thrilled to bits with him.

-Trent, Chephren and I went to Maui with my parents for 11 days. It was such a wonderful holiday. Highlights included: snorkeling with turtles, diving with my dad (and more turtles), visiting with friends from back home that were on vacation as well, Trent and I having a few date nights, seeing 'Uncle Willy K' - a local singer, driving both the North road and the road to Hana, going to the beach and pool everyday, and watching my baby turn into a toddler right before my eyes! Chephren started saying words while in Hawai'i and also started to basically run with all of the practice on the grass/sand. He loved the beach, the surf and the pool and was an excellent traveller. We loved every minute of our trip together!

December:

-So far, December has been all about playing outside in the snow with Chephren, and visiting friends and family. We are planning an open house for this weekend with a visit from 'Santa' so I am excited to see what Chephren's reaction is to that!

-New words for Chephren include: Hot, Ball, and Grampy. He also says 'Ho, Ho, Ho', roars like a tiger and woofs like a dog. Fun times!

Well, I think I'll sign off for now and chase after my son (he has been eating dirt while I write this). Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love, the Hasses