Cowboy Christmas in Michigan

Michael had this afternoon off so we headed out to chop down our first real Christmas tree! I was planning on just going to Hobby Lobby to buy one of those beautiful pre-lit fake Christmas trees that are 50% off but after today I'm glad Michael insisted that we start this tradition. It was so fun! Luke even enjoyed himself while we marched around looking for the perfect one despite the cold.

Speaking of cold, this week has gotten REALLY cold up here and tonight as we were stringing lights and hanging ornaments it started snowing! I think this will all be really fun and exciting until January when I'll be missing 75 and sunny Houston.

Oh and in case your wondering what's with the cowboy hats, my mom got Luke and Michael those hats for Michael's birthday so they had to wear them to chop down our tree. :)

Going to the chapel

My little sister is getting married! Lisa and Daniel got engaged this weekend and we are soo excited! I was so sad I wasn't there to celebrate but I couldn't be more happy for them. We'll celebrate in Telluride in 3 weeks. I can't wait to hug their necks!

Pretty bird

My first Thanksgiving to cook the bird didn't turn out a disaster! I'd like to think it was quite a success. We did all the sides and a 13 lb. turkey with leftovers to last us WEEKS!

It was weird being up here just the three of us this year but felt sweet at the same time. We have so much to be thankful for from a healthy little boy, family that loves and supports us, and a job that Michael really enjoys, but most of all Jesus! It was fun to celebrate those simple things.
Hope y'all had a happy Thanksgiving too.

Howdy and Happy Thanksgiving from Michigan! :)

A New Endeavor

For the past year or so I've been dabbling in a little bit of photography and editing but until recently have only been taking pictures of our family. Since moving here we have made some sweet friends who have given me the opportunity to take pictures of their families. In an effort to document these sessions I've started a photography blog (warning: nothing fancy). Feel free to check it out from time to time. No promises that there will be frequent updates, but we will see where it goes.
www.kimmerrickphotography.blogspot.com (I added the link to the right also)

Texas my Texas

Luke and I packed up and headed down to the Lone Star State last week for a visit.  Grams (aka.  Gigi) decided to come all the way from Florida at the last minute which was such a treat!  It felt so good to be back in Texas with my family.  Here's a recap of our weekend in pictures and captions: 

Queso baby! 

Working with Billy

Kisses for Aunt Becky (he said her name perfectly clear.)

Luke and the GGPs (great grand-parents)

Riding Abby

Just hanging out

Jumping on the bed

Some Aunt Lisa Lovin'

I wasn't kidding

We've had some naysayers that didn't believe Luke could actually toot on command so Michael insisted I post this for all to see.  I promise this is not my proudest mommy moment but it is pretty funny!  :)   (sorry for the wobbly camera work. Luke likes to see himself while he's being taped so we can't see what's in view) 

Luke Speak

Luke has been cracking us up lately and I decided a few days ago that I need to start writing some of these things down so I don't forget what a fun stage this is.  I wish the video camera was constantly going these days, but then I'd have to be reminded of all of the time outs and not so fun stuff.  :) 

A few nights ago Luke was walking around saying "toot" and then proceeded to toot on purpose three times in a row.  I thought it was so funny (I know I shouldn't have encouraged it) but I said "Luke, can you toot" and he did it AGAIN and laughed his little head off.  He is ALL boy.  

He is talking a ton too, but a lot of what he says is in Luke speak.  He says gibberish with such inflections in his voice that it actually sounds like a language sometimes.  It's gotten to a point where I can understand a lot of what he means since I'm with him all day but many times Michael has to ask for a translation.   

Here are just a few of the funny ones:

Macaroni- macker

Computer- peter (personal fav)

Pumpkin- punker

Basement- basey

Pizza- pizzy

Yogurt- yobi

sandwich- sammer

Mickey Mouse- Mic mou

chips and ketchup- keps

banana- bendi

doing some work on the "peter"

More pictures :)

One thing I know for sure, the grandmas will be happy with the plethora of Luke pictures I've been posting.  :)  The weather turned out gorgeous yesterday after what seems like months of rain and clouds so we had fun raking and playing in the leaves before nap.