A quick trip to Harper

Philip and I took a quick trip east on Saturday to visit Uncle Gary & Aunt Jean before we head north. As an added bonus, Uncle Chuck, Aunt Sharon, and Christie came over too! There were tasty meals, a trip to the cheese factory, and time spent in Kalona.

I didn't take too many pictures, but I did get a few nice ones of Philip with his uncles.

He got along splendidly with Uncle Chuck...

and Uncle Gary.

                                                        

Getting to know Brian's aunts and uncles has been a highlight of our time in Iowa. Thank you for helping us feel welcomed in the Midwest! We'll miss you all, but will certainly stay in touch!

Happy Halloween!

Although we didn't do any trick or treating (and didn't have any stop at our house), Philip dressed up (briefly) as a spider for the holiday. Michelle sent the costume last year, so it was nice that it fit. It seemed like a nice tribute to our old friend "Spidee", who passed away earlier this year.

Sometimes Philip gets his balance right and sits up on his own. Other times he slumps and falls over. Who ever heard of a spider sitting up anyway? 

Philip was very patient and humored me during this photo session, until he got too hot in the costume (which didn't take long at all)

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Cutest spider ever, right?

 Trick or treat!

Happy Halloween everyone! 

6-month photos

Here are a couple of 6-month photos I took late last week. Some good scratches on his nose if you look closely. I feel like I'm always cutting his fingernails! On a side note, I'm thinking Philip is going to be right handed because his nails are more worn on that hand. Just a guess.

 

All by myself

This week Philip started holding a bottle all by himself!

Moving

We're less than 2 weeks away from our move back to Alaska. Most everything is packed up in boxes.

While packing we found a drawer we had painted when we first arrived. We wrote a note on the back. (Roos is a nickname we have for the dogs.) Brian decided to add an extra comment before we put it back in it's place, adding Philip's initials.

 

Thankfully the house is SOLD!

Two weeks from now we'll both we on the road! Adventure Ho!

6 month photo shoot (a week early)

I was diggin' the light in our living room the other day, so did a little photo shoot a week shy of Philip's 6-month birthday. He's happy to pose and is generally amused by my efforts to get him to smile.

No teeth yet (but plenty of drool). Maybe by next month?

 See- great light, isn't it? Brings out the blue in his eyes. I think the orange shirts helps too.

He's been working on his bear wrestling moves for when he gets up to Alaska. (You never know when this skill might come in handy.)

My little stud muffin.

"Well hey there Mattie, mind if I pet your ears?"

"No licks, no licks!"

Sorry, Philip, that's what happens when you get too close to the dogs. An important lesson learned. It's a tough world out there.

Nursery Farewell

On Sunday mornings during the church service, Philip hangs out in the nursery with his friends. He loves being there and doesn't seem to notice that I've left them. He's kept very busy and is tuckered out when he leaves.

Today the kiddos and staff threw Philip a going away party. His friends are sad for him leave (they've grown very fond of him), but everyone enjoyed the celebration. (And they learned where Alaska is on the globe!)

The party was complete with a gift and an adorable cake!

Here's Ms. Linda, head of the nursery. She is quite possibly the nicest lady I've ever met. Seriously. She's a gem and Philip loves her!

And Philip with his buddy Adyson, who also helps out in the nursery. If anyone in Fort Dodge needs a babysitter- Adyson is your gal.

I took lots of other photos, but don't want to post any here with other kids in them (at least without their parents' permission), so you'll have to take my word that it was quite a party!