The Christmas Tree Excursion

Eric and I decided that on Sunday, we were going to get the Christmas tree. I wanted a cedar tree, as this is Brody's first year of being "mobile" and I thought this might be a good way to keep him out of the tree. By the time Eric got done hunting and Brody had a nap, it was about 1 pm. We had quite the time on our excursion!

Brody playing in his bathrobe and pajamas while we waited for Eric to come get us after hunting.

Deep in thought.

And we are off!

Eric cutting down the FIRST tree.

Brody looking for the perfect tree.

The SECOND tree. The first one wasn't as good as we thought once we got it out in the open, so we cut the top out of a nicer, taller one!

Brody's "ride"

Eric and Brody having a discussion about the sunglasses.

We lost the tree on the highway. Eric had to run back and get it off the road. He kept hollering as I was taking pictures. He finally got close enough I could hear him over the truck and my laughter..."Quit taking pictures!" He was laughing pretty good, too, about the whole ordeal!

This is after Eric cut about 6" off the bottom. He had to cut some more off the bottom and then some off the top, too.

Hopefully, Brody and I will get the tree decorated tonight. I will put some more pictures up then. This should be an exciting Christmas and I can't wait! We got our first snow this morning and should get some more this week the way it sounds!

The Last Nice Day of November

Brody and I spent one of the last "nice" days of the year outside playing for awhile. Grandpa Steve was cutting beans behind the house, too, so we didn't get to stay out as long as I had hoped. The Asian Beetles were attacking pretty bad as he got closer to the house cutting beans.

Brody getting out of the wagon and watching "Papa tractor."

"Papa tractor" aka Grandpa in the combine

Busy, busy, busy.

"Papa wait for me!"

Shorts and boots. He loves his boots!

Nikki's Bridal Shower

My cousin Josh is getting married in about a week in Hawaii. Unfortunately, Brody and I will be staying home and awaiting the pictures of the grand event! We were able to attend a bridal shower thrown for Nikki on November 7 at Lula Belle's in Hannibal, though. It was a very nice time and they received lots of gifts.

Nikki and her two grandmothers-to-be.

Nikki, her future mother-in-law, and future sister-in-law.

Ladies Ride

Every year on Columbus Day, Mom tries to get the ladies together for a trail ride somewhere. This year, she decided she wanted to go to Mark Twain Lake. It's close to home, but has great trails. Mom and another lady camped all weekend. I found a babysitter for Brody and hauled down to meet those two, as well as another lady. Although there were only four of us, we had a great day. The weather was great (even though we all had extra layers on) and the company was better!

Me and Mary Kay

Mary Kay, me, and Jennifer having lunch and discussing our critters.

Me, Jennifer, and Mary Kay in front of the cabin.

One of these days, we will get someone else to take the pictures besides Mom!

National FFA Convention

My sister, Ashton, was receiving her American FFA Degree in Indianapolis, Indiana at the National FFA Convention. Mom, Dad, Milton, Doris, Brody and I packed into the van on Friday morning and headed towards Indiana. We got there Friday evening and took the scenic route through the airport parking lots. Saturday morning, we got up around 4 am and hopped a bus headed for the Convention Center. We did quite a bit of walking to get where we needed to be, too. We got to see a few things, but the trade show was already done.

Brody and Grandpa checking out the Green Streak pulling tractor.

I'm pretty sure she's wrapped around his little finger and he doesn't even know it yet!

Grandpa and Brody discussing how the tractor operates.

Brody digging his fingernails into Grandpa's scalp while he checks out the view from above.

Our crew: me, Mom, Doris, Ashton, Milton, Dad, and Brody.

So tired.

Aunt Ashton and Brody had to check out the escalator and the upstairs while we were waiting on our bus back to the hotel.

They rolled this tractor out the front doors of the Marriott hotel in downtown Indianapolis.

Old Settler's Day

Old Settler's Day in Kahoka was September 26. Brody was in the baby contest, but didn't place, even though he's the cutest baby I have EVER seen! Later, we drove Grandpa Bourgeois' 1931 Ford Model T truck through the parade. Brody wouldn't wave at anyone, but he clapped the whole time!

Hanging out with dad waiting for the baby contest to start.

Brody and Jackson Steele plotting something.

Grandma Jan and Brody on the BWH waiting for the parade to begin.

Brody and me in Grandpa's truck before the parade.

Lunch on the go! Good thing Grandpa doesn't mind a few crumbs in his old truck!

Brody's Birthday!

Brody turned 1 on September 8, 2009. We had a small party for him with just family at the house on September 7, 2009.

Erika, Avery and Brody in the wagon.

Grandpa, Miranda holding Will, Olivia and Grandma Jan.

Grandma, Aunt Dee, and Dennis

Aidan, Jeremy, Chris, and Hank

Most of the Bourgeois grandkids.

Brody's cakes I made.

Brody enjoying his cake!

Grandma Becki and Brody opening presents.

Aunt Dee, Dennis, Chris, Will, and Dena.

Grandpa Steve recording.

One of my favorite pictures of the night - Brody and Jeremy discussing the balloons flying away.