WHAT!?

He is doing WHAT??

This.......

He has been taking steps since he was 8 months old. Last night something clicked for him, and he just couldn't be stopped. This video is edited down, but if anyone is interested in the 10 minute version, just let me know :)

Good Dog, Esther

When I was younger, my Mom bought this wonderful series of books called "Good Dog, Carl". It involved a very responsible Rottweiler who helped care for the family children. The books were so adorable, and memorable. Well, we recently took a road trip to Arizona. On this trip we visited family and friends........and dogs. Esther is a very loving Weimaraner who helps to run the Brennan household. She is such a good dog. The way she behaved around Baxter got me thinking about Carl. I got a taste of the sweet life, and what it would be like to have a dog-nanny.

See how attentive Esther is?? I'm sure it has nothing to do with the possible cheerio or two that might drop on the floor :)

p.s. Thanks to Tom and Shanlee for letting us stay, we felt right at home.

Thanksgiving

We hope that everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. We did! We started off at Grandpa Baxter's house with Dereks side of the family. Unfortunately, we have no pictures from that part of the evening. We headed to my parents house eventually, and fun was had by all.

Uncle Jim is always so silly with Bax.

And finally, for the first time ever on this blog..........Jaclyn! My future sister-in-law. We love Auntie Jac, and she is definitely one of Baxters biggest fans.

Bax was playing on the chair with Grammy. Give this kid a Tupperware lid, and he is a happy guy.

All in all, we had one happy thanksgiving, and we are so thankful for our amazing families.

A Few Firsts

Our first trip to Disneyland. Thanks to Grandpa John, the whole fam was able to go for his holiday Christmas party.


Shoulder rides with Daddy provide the best vantage point in the whole park.



Family Photo in front of the big tree.

Derek, John and Baxter.

It was a success!

Then on Saturday morning we stopped by the Santa Monica Fire Station. Derek's Uncle Dirk has been a Firefighter with Santa Monica for a long time. It was so fun to see all the big engines. Derek and I even went on a call (nothing to exciting, just a false alarm at a nearby hotel).

This is the Engine that Dirk drives. What a job!

Baxter thought he might be able to fill Dirks boots.

Thanks Uncle Dirk!

Two Years Ago....

I was looking pretty good.

My groom was looking HOT

All of our closest friends and siblings were there to support us and have a few laughs.

My new family. This is perhaps the best part of getting married. I know for some that in-laws can be a real pain in the butt, but mine are quite the opposite. I knew then that I was gaining a wonderful family, but in the past two years they have really exceeded my expectations.

The crowd awaiting our arrival.

Dad and I. So kind and generous.

Mr and Mrs Middagh

Thanks to Tom for making it official. I couldn't have been happier having someone who has known me my whole life do the honor of officiating.

Can't forget the dancing. What a party. My mom can really shake it.

And the most important part, walking off into the sunset together. What a beautiful day it was. I think back and it seems like so much has happened since then. Life together so far has been an amazing adventure.

Dude.

Pumpkin Patch Take Two

We made a special trip to the pumpkin patch with Aunt Kerie, Grandma Paula and Jackson. Im beginning to think Baxter has something against pumpkins. He really could have done without the trip, but I knew it would be a good photo opportunity. He is such a big boy!

checking out the goats.



He can't keep his hands off of Jackson.

Grandma Paula and her two little monkeys.

He is wondering how much longer he is going to have to wear this silly monkey get-up.

In Honor of Halloween, Daddy's Monster Feet!

Halloween Sneak Peak

My little sock monkey!!! More adorable pics to come......

Creativity

This is what we do at our house with laundry baskets (cause lord knows I don't use them as they are intended). His laugh is what makes us act like fools.

Video Time

Baxter has been doing this funny laugh thing lately. He kinda sucks in air, which is probably not the safest thing to do while eating. But hey, I can't control how funny I am. And yes, that is a carrot in his hand. He loves teething on carrots. He is the best.

My Little Pumpkin Head

We took our little guy to the pumpkin patch the other day. Basically, it was just one big photo opportunity. That being said, our usual camera friendly guy was kinda being shy. I think it was the big tractors going by, or the other kids running around. Tanaka Farms was pretty neat, and we think Baxter will enjoy it a little more next year.

Thanks to Grammie Pammie for the cute pumpkin hat and onesie.

We had a bad case of "hat hair" from his pumpkin hat. Something about this photo makes me want to eat his face off.

He loved the big pumpkin, and was using it as a drum.

Baxter was a little weary of the scarecrow.

And here he is with a pumpkin more his size. We are looking forward to making this a tradition, and hopefully he will enjoy it more in the future.

Busy, Busy, Busy.

Our weekend started off with a bang! Friday night Baxter was able to hang out with Jack. They had a sushi date and all went well. Baxter is not photo ready in this pic, so he was trying to protect his perfect picture taking reputation.

Saturday Baxter stayed with Grammie Pammie while Derek and I went to Huntington Beach for his cousin Nick's Wedding. It was a lovely evening, and Lindsay made such a beautiful bride.

Reception photo taking fun with Erica and Sara. The three of us had such a blast together, and Derek and I were so happy to have them (and their brother Baxter) stay the night with us.

I think this is me being sexy. This is the look that landed me a husband. No doubt.

Sunday morning we took Erica, Baxter, Sara and baby Bax to Soup Plantation. Always a hit. After, we stopped by to visit Jackson. He was not happy about being put down for a picture. Baxter wants to know what is up with this kid :)

After visiting Jackson, we ran home, changed out of our PJs and headed to Seal Beach to visit grandma Jeanne for her birthday.

Bax and uncle Jim. They had very similar handsome shirts on. Perfect photo opportunity. Unfortunately, I didn't get any shots of my grandma Jeanne at her birthday celebration.

And then we were off to Westminster to celebrate Laurens birthday. Baxter was a real party poodle, and everyone loved him.

Baxter in a "Horvath sandwich". Lindsey and Lauren think he is pretty sweet.

He even helped Lauren blow out her birthday candles.

The bax man was pooped. Mommy and Daddy were pretty spent as well.