Walking

I am so far off with my posts. I need to really update on Izzy and her new party trick. About a month ago, Izzy took a step to Jeff from the table to the couch. She started to cruise furniture, then while skyping with mom and dad (video phone call) they witnessed her first few steps from the tv to me! She did that fancy walking on the same day as her best friend, Cate.

Since then, we have realized how fearless this girl is. She wanted us to let go of her hands before she could walk - now she thinks she can bound up stairs by herself! (She learned a quick lesson when she attempted to come back down the stairs. Luckily for me, she was only on the first step. Unlucky for her, she doesn't like the steps anymore.)

So, on that note - I'm going to attempt to upload a video of her "gorilla" walking with her dad. (She doesn't hold on anymore, but it's an adorable video.)

It's snowing, It's snowing!

Isabel's first snow!

Isabel's birthday party

Jeff and I survived hosting a Izzy's first birthday party. Needless to say, we are hitting up Chucky Cheese next year. I'll go into more detail later - need to get some sleep. Long story short, everyone was wonderful including the family that came into town. Izzy had a BLAST with everyone and is catching up on her own sleep.

The pictures are hilarious and hopefully I can cut up some of the video so that you don't have to watch the entire day... We did get a little excited with the video camera.

History in the making

I know I need to add more postings since I haven't posted since Thanksgiving. I'll follow back up with all our Christmas stories, etc.

BUT

I need to take the moment to let Isabel know what she won't remember. Today and tomorrow are historical days. Today is the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday (and her Pop-pop's birthday as well). Today is also the day before the Inauguration of the first African American President of the United States of America - Barack Obama.

Isabel, I want you to know what an amazing time this is for our country. Your mother and father are excited to see this day. I volunteered for Obama, and I can't wait to enjoy his Inauguration with you tomorrow. If it snows, we can celebrate as a family!

My hope for you is that you recognize what a great day this is for us, but that it won't be a big deal for you. I hope this day is the beginning for what your world will become. I want your generation to embrace this notion of equality and compassion for your fellow man.

Tomorrow's events are a early birthday present for you. You will reap the benefits of a stronger community and public education system. Glad we could make it happen!

Elizabeth's birthday

On the Friday after Thanksgiving, we celebrated Isabel's big sister's 2nd birthday (November 28). As you probably know, Elizabeth Scott Allen is up in heaven. To make sure she knew we were thinking of her, we sent up some birthday notes to heaven on pretty pink balloons. We were with my parents for Thanksgiving, so John Gray and Reading got to send a note too. Here are a couple pictures of the notes and balloons in the air. We also took some time to look at some pictures of Elizabeth and read a fun story about her great but short life.