More Christmas

There was more than Christmas presents in DeFuniak. Every time Eli visits, he gets to experience more (and care more about it). He picked up pecans with Grandad.

He LOVED spending time outside with the dog.

He explored the "black forest", which used to be the grove of red cedars for Christmas trees, but has long since overgrown its usefulness. Now it just looks cool.

And... Eli tried his first Satsuma. The face he is making is usually reserved for things he really likes, even though it doesn't look like it.

Baby's First Christmas

Eli's a little to large for most "Baby's First Christmas" clothes, so Mom made him some Christmas pajama pants to wear on Christmas morning. He donned them as he opened his Christmas presents eventually, even though he was more interested in everyone else's. The table was a hit, though.

Eli's stocking included some Eli-sized bananas. He was very interested in them.

Grandad though Eli might like to bite off the banana himself instead of having it cut for him.

Eli agreed. He ate the whole thing that way.

Merry Christmas from Eli and the Jumping Penguin

The Ups and Downs of Autumn

So, now that it's almost winter, it's starting to feel like fall here in Orlando. Anyone who complains that we don't have seasons in Florida doesn't do their own yard work. Well, mow-every-week season changed to mow-every-two weeks season, and now it's on to raking season. We spent most of one morning raking up 18 bags of leaves, and Eli helped.

Autumn has a downside too. Eli got a cold that wouldn't let go, and eventually had to go the the doctor. They had us use a nebulizer three times a day for a week. He had another checkup today and got the all clear. For all of his illness and treatments, he was such a trooper and stayed in a good mood most of the time.

Thanksgiving

Yes, it's been a week since Thanksgiving, but by now you shouldn't expect me to be on time with these posts. Eli Spent Thanksgiving in DeFuniak with BOTH sets of Grandparents, Aunt Deanna, Uncle Josh and Aunt Sarah, and lots of other fun people.

Those other fun people included Eli's second cousins Max and Mia. They played very well with Eli as he tried to fit in with the big kids.

Aunt Deanna entertained Eli with the Piano.

Eli entertained himself with Tic Tacs. His breath was minty fresh.


Dad got some rest while Eli was swarmed with attention from grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Kind of...

Eli witnessed his first Cane Grinding. He was clearly impressed.

He also got his first Christmas present. It was a package of Ornaments, so he was allowed to open it early.

It took about 10 minutes, and a slight bit of help, but he got into it eventually. Christmas is going to be fun.