Winter Wonderland

Brave Tuggie decided to explore, honoring his Massachusetts roots. He made it to the end of the driveway.

Abby was, of course, annoyed... didn't we move to get away from this weather? Do I really have to go outside? Brrrr.

For all you yankee nonbelievers (me included), check out the photos of the southern snowstorm that hit on Friday. Panic set in and the grocery store was jammed! It was a very pretty snowfall and perfect timing with the opening of the Vancouver Olympic Games. Tad enjoyed playing outside in his cozy snowsuit - can't wait to get him on skis at Grammy & Pop's place next winter!

On the move!

Learning to crawl...

Tad first mastered going backwards.

The tongue is out for serious concentration.

Yippee, I am mobile!

Heart to heart with Crabby.

Caught in the act.

Thanks for the push, Pop!

Dinner (without me) on my eight month birthday. I guess they're finally eating healthy.

Tubby time!

Tad started crawling shortly after his eight month birthday. We had a great time watching the progression from Tad pushing himself backwards to rocking on all four and finally crawling. A few days later, Tad realized he could start pulling up on furniture, toys and his crib. Needless to say, Tad is now into everything and the days of him sitting still in the middle of the room with a few toys are long gone. We are having a blast watching Tad explore his surroundings and interact with the frenchies. They are still very confused by "the pink one" and wonder why he is so interested in their toys and water bowl.

Uncle Bryce Visits

Addie and the Boukaters.

Tad's Great Uncle Bryce visited from Burlington, Vermont a few weeks ago. He was a big hit with Little Bryce, Brooke and Tad - they especially loved his beard! We had a great visit, catching up with Bryce and enjoying a fabulous filet dinner prepared by Johnny.

Tad's Baptism

Tad was baptized on February 6, 2010 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Atlanta. Deacon Tom Shuler performed the ceremony and Tad joined good company as Deacon Tom baptized Bryce, Elsie, Brooke and Kit and married Beth and David and Barbara and Mike. We appreciated his thoughtful words and good sense of humor. Aunt Meg and Uncle Travis kindly agreed to be Tad's godparents. Tad had fun at the ceremony, except for the Puritan hat that was definitely too small and having to sit still for more than a few minutes. After the ceremony, we had a party back at our house. Johnny fired up the smoker and we celebrated with family and friends. Somehow things got a bit hectic and we unfortunately didn't take any photos of the party!

We were very lucky to have so many family members come to town to celebrate: Grammy and Pop from New Hampshire, the Bowles from Nashville and the Howells/Thompson crew from Savannah. We returned to the old days and celebrated Thursday, Friday (Johnny's 33rd birthday ended with Travis and Johnny singing karaoke of Cracklin' Rosie) and Saturday nights, followed by the superbowl on Sunday. Needless to say, we are still recovering and very sad the weekend is over.

Bouncing with the Bowles Boys

The Gaffney cousins kept the party going into Sunday morning and returned to the bouncey house. Tad loved it, as well as the pig pile on Godfather Travis.