Happy Birthday, Dylan!

Our baby boy is one year old today! Words can't describe the joy this child has brought to our lives these past twelve months, despite his recently discovered ability to hit everything (hard) with a wooden spoon/lego/whatever and kiss-bite. It's amazing what a little person Dylan Grant has become-vocal like his mama, determined and persistent like his daddy. He's into everything, imitating us, catching and throwing (and saying!) the ball, and...walking! Dylan managed his first uncertain steps last week, and he has been growing more and more confident with each passing day. Love, love, love this little guy! What a wonderfully challenging and enriching journey!

Ok, enough syrupy accolades for the kid. Life is good...another day, another crazy second grade story for me, another dollar counted and put on a spreadsheet for Casey. Vera the geriatric patient is hanging in there...and getting lazier by the minute. We enjoyed a great (hurried) trip to Pittsburgh over Thanksgiving to visit Great Grandma and Grandpa Gene, and look forward to a visit to Tennessee over Christmas vacation to visit with Casey's family. We were sad to say goodbye to Aunt Jenn, who just moved to Denver (why she moved out west right after we moved east is a bit suspect if you ask me), but now we have another beautiful place to put on our list of future vacation spots. The house is finally settled, and there may even be a picture or two on this month's update. We are thankful for so many wonderful friends and family this time of year, and are excited to spend time with so many of you in these upcoming weeks.

Please tune in periodically for blog updates-you'll no longer hear from us on a monthly basis, since all of the major milestones have been accomplished;-0 We love and miss all of you, and wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and relaxing holiday season.

With love,

Katie, Casey, Dylan, and Vera Phillips