More of Talan's Christmas

Here are a couple more pictures of Christmas with Justin's side of the family.  Talan's Nana, Papa, Auntie Heather, and Brandon were able come down and visit for three days to celebrate the holiday with us.

Here is Papa holding the flag that Talan accidently pulled of the wall at Bucca de Beppo.  Papa Joe even asked our waiter if he could keep it.  Unfortunately, Papa didn't get to keep the flag.

Here's picture of Talan kicking back and relaxing in his new recliner.  Be sure to notice the remote sitting on the arm of the chair.  Talan was insistent on putting that remote there.  Mickey was right there enjoying Sesame Street with  him.

Talan's Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas!  We were able to make it to both sides of the family for Christmas as well as have our own Christmas at home.  Talan was really into opening up gifts this year.  He got a lot of fun things as well.  He got new pajamas, clothes, some bristle blocks, dinosaurs, a bowling set, and a "few" more toys.  He did receive a Nebraska recliner just his size.  

We ate at "Bucca de Beppo" with Justin's side of the family when they were down for Christmas.  Talan was so good.  He looked so handsome that night too in his new sweater.

Talan enjoying the box the recliner came in.

At first, Talan couldn't figure out how to get into the recliner.

Jeremy showing Talan how to hold the bowling ball correctly.

Talan opening up one of his gifts.

Rainforest Cafe / Santa / Christmas in the Park

Last night we took Talan out to dinner at Rainforest Cafe, to see Santa, and to drive through Christmas in the Park to see the lights.  Talan loved Rainforest Cafe.  He ate really good and just watched everything that was going on around him.  He was such a little gentleman.  When we were done, we headed off to see Santa.  He stood in line and waited and walked right up to Santa and said hi and then turned right back around and ran to us.  We got a picture of him sitting next to Santa so we were happy with that.  He kept poking Santa in the cheek to see if he was real or not.  He did give Santa a five and said bye. 

After Santa we went to see Christmas in the Park to see the lights.  We waited in line for 2 hours but we were able to see them.  Talan was awake for about 5 minutes of the lights and then he was done.  

We had a great evening together.  I look forward to more of those wonderful nights together!

Daddy and Talan saying cheese for the camera at Rainforest Cafe.

Talan running back to us after he told Santa hi.

Santa, Talan, and Daddy

This is one way that Talan entertained himself while we were waiting in line to see the lights.  He took his shoes and socks off and started biting his toes.  

First Snow!

This past week we had our first snow day.  Talan got a chance to play in the snow for the first time.  His Nana and Papa had gotten him a snow suit earlier this year so he was able to use it.  As you can see if one of the pictures, I was pulling Talan in the wagon and tipped it.  He thought it was funny.  He went sledding as well.  

After we played in the snow at our house, we went down to Grandma and Grandpa's house to play in the snow with the kids.  Talan went sledding and loved it.  

After playing outside with the kids it was time for some lunch and dancing.  He really liked dancing with Morgan.

More First Snow Pictures

Christmas Tree Picking / Decorating

A couple weeks ago, we went and chose a Christmas Tree.  Talan was so excited!  He couldn't believe all the trees he got to choose from.  I think he was a little overwhelmed at first.  I really liked watching Daddy carry the tree in from the jeep.  He kept saying, "Whoo"!  Talan did a great job handing ornaments to Dad to hang on the tree.  We had a great time doing this together!

The tree is all done!

Talan helping Daddy to make sure the star in on straight.

Daddy carrying the tree in.

"I want this tree!"

"I get to pick from all of these trees!"

Driving on the Lake

When we were at the lake Justin got the chance to drive his jeep on the lake.  The water was way down and we could walk out about 3 lengths of the football field and not even be to water yet.  Well the sand had dried up people were four-wheeling on the lake so Justin decided to take his jeep out.  It was actually a lot of fun! 

Olmstead Thanksgiving

This year for Thanksgiving we went back to Nebraska and spent it with Justin's side of the family.  We went out to the Lake Cabin and spent the whole week there.  It was great being able to spend some time with his family since we don't see them too often.  We enjoyed watching them interact with Talan more than anything.  The last time some of them had seen Talan was at our wedding when he was 9 months old.  It was great to see everyone!

Great Grandma and Grandpa Allen's

We went to Nebraska this past week to visit family and enjoy Thanksgiving together.  On Wednesday, we were able to go out to Talan's Great Grandparent's house for a couple of hours.  Talan made himself right at home and was so good!  Great Grandma even got out a couple of toys that Justin played with when he was little.  Talan really enjoyed himself.  

Here Talan is playing Great Grandma's organ.  He kept looking back at us to make sure we were listening and paying attention to him.

Talan playing with one of Justin's old toys!

Talan thought he was pretty hot stuff (he pretty much is) sitting in the big chair and eating his raisins.  He kept going over and sharing his raisins with Great Grandpa.  He only offered him one at a time though.  It was the thought that counted.

Talan and Great Grandpa playing cars together.

Kilgore Thanksgiving

Last Saturday we went to my Dad's side Thanksgiving.  We went to a local church and had dinner and hung out with family.  Talan met many cousins that he had never met.  They had a playroom for the kids to play in and Talan really enjoyed that.  At one point, the older kids were playing school with the younger ones and Talan really liked that.  They were singing songs and playing with instruments.  He just joined in and the older kids were so good to him!  During lunch, Talan ate like a little man.  He had turkey, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese mainly.  He sat and talked to people as they walked by and was just a joy to take.  

I think we can honestly say that he (and Daddy) were worn out after the eventful day.

Sitting in his chair during "school."

Music time at "school."

Talan was really interested in his little cousin Logan.  When he was done eating he kept walking over to Logan's chair and saying hi.  He and Logan are about 8 months apart.

Talan chowing down!

Circus!!!

Last Friday we took Talan to the circus with my mom's preschool.  Talan had a great time!  He surprised both Justin and I when he talked to the clowns and even gave them high fives.  Talan sat on Justin, mine, Grandma, or Aunt Jill's lap through the entire circus.  He did sit by himself in a chair for a while but he had a whole bucket of popcorn in front of him.  He was so good and enjoy every minute of it.  

During intermission, Talan rode the elephant, talked to more clowns, and jumped in the moonwalk.

We had a great time!  Thanks Grandma for inviting us.  It was great!

The whole group: Mason, Kyla, Will, Ellie, Abbey, Talan, and Aubrey

I was the lucky one that got to ride the elephant with Mason, Aubrey, and Talan. 

I just love this picture!

This is when Talan was sitting by himself.  The trapeze artist were right above us and he was saying "Wow!" and "Whoo!" in between bites of popcorn.

The clown, Daddy, and Talan

MU Fans!?

So we have a split house in our family.  Justin is for Nebraska and I am for Missouri.  Talan is not sure just yet but I am sure he will follow in his Daddy's footsteps.  These are just a couple of cute photos of Talan with his Uncle Chris' MU hat.

Talan trying to get his Dad to wear the hat... it didn't stay on his head.

Talan with the MU hat on.  He kept saying, "me cool."  It was really cute!

Justin ended up going out to his jeep and getting his Red Sox hat and trading it with Talan.  Now, he has on the Red Sox hat.

Four Wheelin'

Last Sunday afternoon Justin finally got to take his jeep out that he has been working on to go four wheeling.  We went with our neighbors: James, Hannah, and Brandon to their old land and drove through creeks, up and down big hills, and many other bumpy areas.  I can honestly say that I was nervous a lot of the time.  I relaxed a little more the longer we were out there.  It is going to take some getting use to for me.  At one point the water in the creek was up the top of the jeep's wheels.  James said our next trip will be to Kansas Rocks which is like a ski resort for Jeeps.  I am looking forward to it!

The land out there was beautiful!

I know that hill doesn't look too big but it is...I was looking straight up to the sky when we went up it.  The first time we did it I covered my eyes until we got to the top.  The second time, I watched as we went up the hill.

You can see our neighbor going up the hill in front of us.

This is just one of the rugged paths we drove through.