Thanksgiving

We had a great Thanksgiving. We finally convinced our friends Russ and Katie to come visit all the way from Elko. After delays from the "blizzard" in northern Utah, they made it to see Escalante for the first time. And thanks to Russ, we were able to taste goose, duck and chukar for the first time. We wanted to show them Willis Creek, and we made it despite the muddy road, only to find the trail would be too icy to hike with a baby. So instead, we went to Bryce Canyon and, being good tourists, got out at all the viewpoints.
The person taking this picture obviously didn't realize Bryan was holding another family member.

Ada instantly fell in love with her new friends, and was sad to see them go. Fortunately, they loved the place so much, they are already planning a backpacking trip in the spring!

Five months is fun!

Ada is now five months old and charging ahead. We have no idea what she'll spring on us next. Stacy and I also feel like we have grown a lot. With the holidays coming around again it is interesting to think back on the past year and on how much has happened. Although winter usually brings inconveniences with the weather (2 degree low this morning) and anxiety over work and finances (and a lack of both), I am excited because we have Ada to keep us company and in good spirits. Here are a few photos to show how it works:

Stoked to be at Obachan and Ojichan's

Yeah - piggyback with mom!

Knitting time = nap time

She was pretty impressed by Mom and Dad's big hats

Bundled up for a walk to the post office

Showing Dad good nap taking form

Good night kisses or a little confused?

Wildlife Photography

We finally got some pictures of Ada's teeth!

This, of course was after many more like these:

New Fun

She discovered she could do this this morning, and (besides a nap) hasn't stopped since. Seriously.

I realize this doesn't sound quite as loud as it does in real life. To put it into perspective- Bryan was working all day outside, and he said it sounded like I was torturing her.

Ada's first tooth poked through yesterday. How do we switch to slow motion????

Just Because

Halloween

It's starting to get colder here, so Ada has to get bundled up for walks around town now.
We spent some time watching the rain.
We got dressed up for Ada's first Halloween party. I went as Rosie the Riveter,
Ada was a monkey and Bryan was Sarah Palin after being attacked by a grizzly bear
Ada was excited to be getting ready for a party, but she quickly got overwhelmed by the dim lights and strange looking people and spent the rest of the time like this: It was a good Halloween.