Eleanor's First Christmas Tree

Does Santa need a new elf?!

This Saturday the Beck family in Potsdam picked out a beautiful pine tree at our local Agway store. Eleanor 'helped' Mom decorate it on Sunday while Dad built a beautiful fire in our fireplace. Thus far, Eleanor seems to think that the tree is one big play center just for her. She loves to pull the ornaments off the lower branches when mom isn't watching.

Eleanor relaxes beside the fire

Daddy tries to teach Eleanor how to kneel

Eleanor admires her Great Grandma Irene's ornament

Family photo- can you tell we're excited for Christmas?!

Eleanor wears vintage (Auntie Molly's dress)

On Friday, we visited the St. Lawrence U. Bookstore. They were all decorated for Christmas

Eleanor also visited her first Burger King. She thought the crown made her look glamorous.

Future Whopper eater- I think not!

Team Edward!

We also wanted to wish Grammy Kathy a Hap Happy Birthday today! Eleanor is so lucky to have her in her life.

We love you Grammy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from Dave and me, and our little turkey.

Skype Silver Bells

We LOVE Skype. I just had to include some screen shots and video from our last session with Grandma Bennett in Minneapolis (you can see her smiling in the lower left hand corner of the pictures).

Showing off for Grandma

'So seriously, what do you think of my new hat?'

Tummy Time!

Grandma babysits from across the country.

Eleanor Test-Rides her Christmas Present

... And found it to be in good working order.

Eleanor also tested daddy's birthday gift and found it to be lacking in style.

'Perhaps if it came in pink...'

"Mama" "Dada" "Menawrefrraew"

Hey there!

Eleanor obviously has something to say

Here's the abbreviated version

A Visit with Grammy and Papa

Papa and Grammy with Eleanor

Grammy and Papa Beck came to Potsdam to celebrate Dave's birthday this past weekend. Eleanor was also on the receiving end of a little attention, and was happy to spend lots of quality time with the whole family. We visited Burlington, VT for an overnight visit of good food, good chocolate and good beer. And once back in Potsdam, enjoyed a few relaxed days of good old-fashioned family quality time!

Happy Birthday Dada!

Out to dinner with Papa and Sophie

Bonding over beer at the Magic Hat Brewery

Eleanor almost topples the giant 'blocks.'

Touring the beer factory with Dada

Eleanor takes over the King-sized bed at our hotel in Burlington

Happy Birthday Dada

The Baby

Eleanor and I wanted to wish "Dada" a happy birthday. We can't wait to spend every day of the rest of your life with you (What? Eleanor is going to grow up and move away?!). Please enjoy the parade of precious Dave memories. Dave has been had many roles in his life, and has played each one perfectly...

The Pave

The son

The big brother

The Pooh hugger

The happy kid

The graduate

The kid-at-heart!

No comment

The groom

The honeymooner

No comment

The farm boy

The doting pet owner

The artist

The consumer of Poutine

The expectant father

The new dad...

We love you Dada, happy birthday.

Love,

Emily and Eleanor