The Gleason's

OK...so we weren't going to get a tree this year as we will be spending Christmas with GiGi and PopPop this year. We decided to hit the tree farm to take some family photos. We got there a little later than planned as Bix took a really long nap, so the light was disappearing on us...but we got a few good pics and as we were walking to get some hot cider, we saw this scraggly looking tree for $18. Now...as a side note, when you are at the tree farm, trees look smaller than they really are (hence the too tall tree last year) and this tree in particular looked pretty skinny compared to the others there. But how can you argue with $18. So we decided to get the tree. It took all of 3 seconds for Brian to cut it down. Once we got it home...it didn't really look so scraggly anymore. I thought it would be waif-like, but it fits just nicely in the front entry room. So we have a tree...all decorated and lit up for Bix to enjoy and marvel at. He did help with the lights and even tickled the ivories while we strung them.

We have had some gorgeous days here in Atascadero. Bix loves playing outside as you can tell by the smile on his face. He is also becoming quite the handyman, using his workbench from Liam and Noah and carrying around his tools for use around the yard. He usually at some point in time decides to go after a chicken...but darn those girls are fast!


Last Thursday we discovered the SLO children's museum with Lila and had a great time making a mess of someone else's place for once.


Then last Friday we met Marta and Koben at the park to let the kiddos run around and use up some energy before nap time. Of course all Bix wanted to do was play on the big kid structure, so there we went. He had a great time and so did Koben...even though there were a few bumps and bruises when all was said and done.

We had a great Thanksgiving at Nana Gwen's and Grandad Oscar's house. There was food galore. We had a great time catching up with Bill, Patty, and Alex. Bix was a charmer as always and enjoyed his first Thanksgiving dinner. we played a round of canasta of course and took a lovely stroll around the neighborhood.


The following days were spent relaxing at Nana and Grandad's where we let Bix roam the yard and had a great morning at the park. Bix tried hard to play with the cats...but they of course were reluctant to but it nicely. I did forget to bring Bix's shoes down....so Nana took us shopping and bought some big boy shoes for him. It took him a little bit to get used to them, but he was off and running around outside in no time.



Check out the static charged hair!
We came back on Saturday night which meant we got to spend a relaxing Sunday playing outside. This is Bix's first go in the hammock swing.


Check out the toothy grin!

Thanks to GiGi and PopPop, Bix has a great new winter coat. He is the cutest pea in a pod and it keeps him super warm. We have been playing outside a lot when it isn't raining.



The little gardener...just like dad


Helping put the cord away

Such a cutie!


Hanging with the chickens


Hangin' with dad

So we all got glammed up...well not really glammed...dressed?....no, not that either...we all made sure our outfits didn't clash one day and met with Maren at applemoon photography for a mini photo shoot to commemorate Bixby's first year and get some good family pics. It was an overcast day at Avila, which made for some good lighting. Here are some of our favorites.