Nothing is safe!

It's Snowing!

I always want the first snow of the year to fall on my birthday. I can't ever recall it happening, but this year it certainly got close. I hope some of this snow will be around tomorrow for my actual birthday! Look at the view from our front door this morning.
Daniel was so amazed by all the snow. I bundled him up good and we went out to play! At first he was a little disconcerted by the snow hitting his face. Then, he picked up a handful and took a bite. He really liked eating it for awhile (we steered clear of dirty snow), but then he found out it was fun to roll around in. He would run a little ways, then purposely fall down. It was a hoot to watch!
I thought these mums looked so pretty covered in snow.
Although I love the snow, I am dreading being cooped up in the house this winter. Daniel loves being outside so much! We might have to invest in some more farm toys. Those seem to be the one thing that truly keeps him occupied indoors. These photos below show him playing with Uncle Jonathan's farm toys at Grandpa and Grandma's house.
This child never ceases to amaze me with his knowledge of farm machinery. At the age of 18 months he could correctly identify a tractor, baler, sprayer, and combine (something I couldn't do until I was probably 20 years old). This fall we have ridden with my dad in the combine several times. Daniel has obviously paid close attention on these trips, because he set up the toys below all by himself. This is exactly how the real equipment is arranged out in the field.
Daniel says, "Beans, beans," and points to the auger, where the soybeans pour out. He's going to know more about the whole process than I do in about five minutes. Luckily, his daddy, grandpa, and uncle can quite capably take over his farming education.

Halloween photos

Daniel's favorite movie is Finding Nemo, so it seemed natural for him to be Nemo for Halloween. After unsuccessfully bidding on several Nemo costumes, I finally won one on eBay. (Don't you love how they call it "winning" when, in actuality, it just means you were willing to pay more than anyone else?) I was very thankful that the costume fit well and that he was willing to wear it! And, of course, we thought he looked absolutely adorable. I hope everyone had a happy Halloween!

My favorite time of year!

Those gorgeous fall days that I so dearly love have been few and far between this October. Instead rain and cold weather very reminiscent of late November have taken their place. However, earlier this week we did have a beautiful afternoon or two. Daniel and I made the most of it and spent lots of time outdoors. I snapped these photos as he played!

One hundredth post!

I started this blog exactly two years ago this October. I originally created it to help us keep connected with our family members and friends. It has become something of an online scrapbook, documenting Daniel as he grows and changes. It is also a place for me to post things God shows me, things happening around our home, and just any random thing that seems interesting to me! I usually have five or six blog posts floating around in my mind, but only a few actually make it out of my head and onto the computer.
In addition to this being the two year birthday of the blog, this is also my one hundredth post! Here is a photo journey through these past two years (and hundred posts) of our life.

This is me very pregnant with Daniel. Well, not very pregnant,
since I still had almost two more months to go.
December 2007

Daniel, only a few days old. I hardly remember him being so small!
February 2008

Daniel at 7 months and already a John Deere fan.
September 2008

His first Halloween. Moo!
October 2008

His first Christmas.
December 2008

Daniel's first birthday. See how he is holding up one finger!
February 2009

First trip to the pool!
July 2009

Daniel, at 20 months, taken yesterday.
October 2009

I've said it many times, but I'll say it again...time flies! How did my baby grow so fast? I am looking forward to see what the next hundred posts brings!

Happy birthday, brother!

Twenty-two years ago today, I became a big sister! Happy birthday, Jonathan.

You are a blessing to me and to many, many others. I pray for you much joy today and in the coming year. We love you!

Just Like Daddy

Daniel's favorite word is "Daddy!" He talks about his daddy all day long. He was staring off into space the other day, and I asked, "Daniel, what are you thinking about?" He looked at me, smiled, and said "Daddy!" I am sure he was.
Here are some photos of Daniel trying to be just like daddy.

Insisting on wearing Daddy's coat outside

Trying on Daddy's boots

Playing with his new tools...just like Daddy's