Santa...Is that you?

So, we officially joined the ranks of parents who dress up their baby, bring him to the mall, and wait in line for hours to get a shot of their little one with Santa!
At Blake's age, this is probably a little silly. But I loved every minute!

A little grumpy about the long wait!

Heading into Santa's Village

"Really, you made it all the way from the North Pole!"

"Hey Mom, Dad, this is Santa!"

Isla (and Ian & Tracy) joined us too!

Blake at 6 Months

Blake turned 6 months old! Amazing to think that six months ago our little man came screaming into this world, and our lives changed forever.
We continue to enjoy everyday with Blake. He is developing such a personality of his own. He is so inquisitive, always wanting to explore and touch everything in sight. We will be in big trouble in a few months when he becomes mobile!

Blake's newest skills:

• Sitting!!!
• Eating (actually gets more in his mouth, than on his face now)

Here are some six month shots

Who's that handsome boy?

Very first time sitting by himself

Avacodo, yummy!

Family Photos

We decided to take some professional family photos, so we had some good shots for our first family Christmas card. We found a wonderful photographer, and spent a Sunday morning at Irvine Regional Park together. Here are some of our favorites...

Thanksgiving

We hosted Thanksgiving at our house this year. We were lucky enough to have a wonderful gathering of family... eleven adults, three kids, and one dog. With the addition of Blake this year, we had four generations present!

The holiday also gave us a moment to reflect on how truly thankful we are. The Wards have had an amazing year, probably our best yet! We are so thankful for our happy and healthy son, our wonderful marriage, caring extended family, beautiful home, and jobs (that we enjoy most of the time). We are so blessed!

I guess a sign that we had a good time and were busy entertaining is that fact that we didn't really snap any pictures. Below is what we captured. We will try harder next time.

Blake (trying on a new hat) with Aunt Kathie

Aiden and Nanny

Blake & Aunt Kathie

Ryan, having fun with Bailey

Our table

Halloween

Our first Halloween as a family of three was fun. Blake decided to go as a shark (or maybe we decided for him). He looked absolutely adorable, and didn't even seem to mind the costume.
We went treat or treating to a few houses in our neighborhood with our friends, the Martini family. Blake's girlfriend, Isla, went dressed as an elephant. Those two together are too cute for words!

The water isn't safe

This shark is on the loose

Just look at those chompers!

Mama & Blake

Daddy & One Happy Shark

Blake & Isla

Blake & Nanny Linda celebrating Halloween

In Disguise

Pumpkin Butt