trip to the beach

We went to Florida for the weekend to visit my dad and Cindy. It was a much needed break from the cold, and a great way to spend my birthday weekend!

We had a lovely birthday dinner on the beach and got to enjoy the sunset.

It was Oscar's first time at the beach and ocean. He wasn't sure what to think of it all at first. He wasn't too sure he wanted to touch it or even walk on it. Eventually he got used to it and was happy to scoop the sand into his mouth.

A pail of water + sand + shovels + Grandpa = fun!

Oscar also got to have a practice run at birthday cake. It was a huge mess and lots of fun... and he really liked the cake!

It was a very relaxing weekend. The warm weather was just what we needed and will hopefully get us through till the spring thaw.

Let's go for a walk!

After months of seeming to be on the verge of walking, Oscar took a walk today. He's been very steady walking with a little support from a hand or piece of furniture but seemed reluctant to let go and walk unassisted. There have been unsubstantiated reports that he's taken a few steps, but at last we have video proof!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Christmas Eve by the fire

We had a wonderful Christmas up at the cabin. Lots of snow and cold weather. It looked as if we were inside a snow globe at times. It was very peaceful and everyone was healthy and happy this year.

Christmas Eve day we occupied ourselves with a "little" project. A full day of cookie making! It was a team effort making Grandma Amaro's Fig Cookies. Final count was nearly 200! -I can't believe she has done this on her own all these years, as well as 5 or 6 other kinds of cookies!

Oscar enjoyed his first Christmas! He had fun with his cousins, opening his stocking, and some gifts too! His favorite was a wooden toy from Santa, with a mallet and balls that get pounded through holes... big hit!

loves the malletThe whole Zabel crew went on a sleigh ride through the woods that included a pause for hot cocoa by a fire. It was very picturesque and Northwoodsy.

that is a cold face

We finished the 2009 off here at home for our 3rd annual New Years Eve party. Yummy food, fun games, surrounded by friends and family, good times... what more could we ask for?! Oscar enjoyed playing host until his late bedtime... then he slept soundly through the rest of the party despite all the party noise (except for a little shout-out at midnight).

Wii dancingoh, you guys.We are excited to see what 2010 has in store for us all. Oscar will be turning 1 in just under a month! He is getting very close to taking those much anticipated first steps and is just about to get 2 more teeth! Exciting, exciting!