Merry Christmas 2011- The Southern Version

A few days after Christmas, we loaded up the car and headed down south to Georgia. After our last trip down there, we got smarter and booked a hotel in Asheville, NC in order to break up the trip. Oliver enjoyed riding around on the luggage cart!



Of course, when we finally got in town, there were more presents awaiting Oliver!

I think he really loves his Uncle Noah...

Since the weather was so nice, we got to spend a lot of time outside. We went to two different parks and took several walks!

Oliver did NOT love the swing.

He did really enjoy rocking on the airplane and four-wheeler, though...go figure...

Uncle Brock even took a ride with him...

What's Christmas without a little gunfight?

He loved the slide!

One night, we went to Lights of the South. It was amazing! Tons of light displays and fun things for the kiddos to do!

Oliver was loving it!

Unfortunately, Oliver decided he wasn't going to begin crawling until the day AFTER we left Nini and PawPaw's house so he basically just rolled around happily on the floor.

Getting ready to leave :(

Clearly, Brock was sad to see us go...

Oliver and Ginger became fast friends (although I think Ginger was a little jealous at all the attention Oliver was getting from his people)...

And because I'm an evil big sister, here is a LOVELY picture I snapped of Noah before we left (in his defense, we did leave early, thus waking him early from his much-needed beauty sleep)...



Thank you Dad, Penny, Noah and Brock for a great trip! We had a wonderful time and can't wait to see you all again soon!

Merry Christmas 2011

We have had such a wonderful holiday season! It's been so special celebrating Christmas with Oliver part of our family. He may not fully understand what's going on, but I've enjoyed starting some new traditions with him.

A few weekends ago, we began our month of Christmases at Don's family celebration up north. We had a terrific time with his family. Oliver somehow ended up with A LOT of presents, even though only one person picked his name...hmmm.

Three generations of Kaczorowski men...

Oliver and his cousin, Elizabeth...

Opening presents with Mama...

All the grandkids with Grandma and Grandpa...

The Kaczorowski siblings...

Our little family of 3...

Back at home, Oliver anxiously awaited Santa's arrival...

Christmas Eve at my brother's house...more presents for Oliver...

Oliver and Gigi...

He LOVED looking at (and playing with) the ornaments on Uncle Matt and Aunt Fay's tree...

Finally, it's Christmas morning!

Even Hoosier got in on the fun...

Oliver had fun opening presents...

and more importantly, playing with his presents!

Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

Thanksgiving 2011

We had such a fantastic time celebrating Oliver's first Thanksgiving this past weekend. As always, we spent the holiday weekend at the Potowatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park. We had a great time swimming, hiking, eating and spending time with family.

The weather was beautiful for our post-meal hike.

Oliver with his cousin, Elizabeth...

"How did this turkey get on me?"

Oliver got to spend a lot of time with his grandma and grandpa. I think he got spoiled being held by someone for 3 days straight!

This is what I'm most thankful for this holiday season!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is the brand new shelving unit that Don built for his man cave! I'm pretty impressed!

Happy Halloween 2011

Oliver says, "Happy Halloween!"

Our Weekend

We have been having the most wonderful fall weather here in Indianapolis recently. Since I am on Fall Break and Don had Columbus Day off, we made the most of the warmer temperatures. First, we made a trip to our local garden supply store where we stocked up on autumn decorations and mums.

Then, we spent some time downtown with my sister-in-law, niece and nephew. We visited the new 9/11 memorial. It is absolutely stunning and heartbreaking, all at the same time.

We took a lovely walk along the canal. Here are Andrew, Elizabeth and Oliver hanging out during our walk.

We also walked to the War Memorial.

Oliver was such a good boy, hanging out in his stroller during our walk. He was loving the weather too!

It was just one of those perfect weekends spent with family, doing the things we love to do most. Happy Thursday everyone!