She loves the new drums

Snack time hilarity

So, I find it hilarious that Theo's snack is Theo's and Penny's snack is Theo's. Of course, he needs to yell at her for asking if he can share a bite of his snack with her. I think she ate some of his peanut butter today, but I wouldn't call it an official nut eating experience. Enjoy the dim, but funny video!

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Daddy's new drums

Andy bought a drum set to celebrate his last birthday in the 20s. I know it sounds nerdy to say this, but it is so beautiful and I just can't wait until we have all of the parts and he can really play it! Here's a pic taken in our kitchen. I'll post a better one once everything is set up!

Theo's art

Theo and I did some watercoloring this morning while Penny took her morning nap. He is so much fun to draw and paint with. I love seeing his creative shapes and he is (starting the process of) learning that he needs to rinse his brush in between colors! He'll get it (someday!). I put a sting up near our table to hang up his art (thanks for the tiny, cute clothespins Lydia!) and am excited to have a place to showcase his craft.

My dreams

As I looked at my children this morning, saw them playing with their Daddy, and took stock of the blessings in my life, I realized how much Dr. King and I have in common. I have a dream that the things that held back my parents' generation from doing what they knew was right, will not plague my children's generation. I have a dream that my children will live lives that do the work of the kingdom here on earth, but yearn for Heaven as well. I have a dream that the work of God's people and the work of good people will be done together and without argument. I have a dream that we will all be working as a team. I am in no way, eloquent, but I do love my family, I love my God, and I love my country. Change is coming, and I say, "Come quickly."

"I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream.

I have a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four (two) little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today."

Penny's 1st Birthday

Penny's actual birthday was yesterday. We had a party with family and friends on Saturday and it was so fun to celebrate her 1st year with the people who have shared it with us! She is such a happy, funny girl and I have loved seeing her grow and change. It was so strange to think on Saturday of all of the ways our life is different than is was on the day before she was born last year. She got her 2 front teeth on Friday of last week, so she is eating so much more than she was even a few days ago. I can't even begin to tell you about who she is, but I will make a list of anything I can think of that makes her distinctly "Penelope May Lewis".

Penny can:

-eat

-drink from a cup

-crawl

*(she has a cute, one-legged crawl that is great for getting around and never gets caught in her dress or skirt!)

-stand up (while holding onto something)

-walk around furniture

-steal toys from Theo

-make her wishes known

-sign "milk, cheese, and more"

-point to her head, clap her hands, blow kisses, and give hugs

-be wonderful in general

Christmas 2008

We had a wonderful Christmas and Penny was so much more involved on her 1st Christmas than Theo had been on his. I guess that's the difference between being 4 months old and being 11 months old! We decided to stay home for Christmas morning at our own house and then head over to Andy's parents' house for Christmas Day. My family celebrated Christmas together on the Saturday after Christmas. It sounded like a great plan, but very nearly didn't happen like we'd thought. There was too much snow to get out of our driveway and nowhere in Whatcom County had tire chains!! Luckily, craigslist came to our rescue and we were able to find a pair of chains for sale (that didn't fit) and then find another pair that did (and re-sell the ones we had originally bought!). It was a lot of finagling, but it all worked out and we made it!

Here are a few pictures of our fun time with our families!