8 months

It's hard to believe Lucas is already 8 months...only 4 more months until he's a year old. Time is flying by and I don't think it's going to slow down. 2013 is off to a good start. Nathan has started in his new role as interim vice president of student affairs, Lucas is pulling himself up on everything, and I'm starting to collect data for my dissertation. It's going to be a busy, but hopefully productive, year.

Here are a few pictures from our 8 month photo shoot.

Here is was so set on getting the hat off his head that he used both hands...and then fell down. Ooops.

Nathan got him laughing so hard...

He still loves clapping and waving, and he's added whistling, crawling (army style), scooting on his rear, and pulling himself up on any and every thing. He's grown up a lot.

Check out this devilish face...

He can stand up straight but he also feels pretty comfortable standing this far over. I guess whatever works.

What a happy and fun little guy!

MO Christmas

As soon as we got to Mexico, Lucas was ready to play with Auntie Kristi. Kristi did a great job finding 'toys' for Lucas. They drummed for a while.

Lucas also wanted to play with Grandpa Thomas.

On our Mexico Christmas morning Kristi helped Lucas check out what Santa gave him in his new stocking.

Garf gave Lucas his own bag of chips to play with...it's the perfect size bag for him and makes the noises he loves the most. Thanks Grandpa!

It's obvious he's happy with this gift.

Kristi also gave Lucas some creative gifts...a container of stars that he can shake and chew.

Lucas with his stocking and the big bow he liked playing with.

He's checking out his nice new stocking.

Lucas was back at the card table with Nathan; I think Nathan won this game...but I won the following morning.

The Thomas family Christmas 2012 photo...what a loving family!

Lucas not enjoying the cute pj outfit mommy wanted him to wear.

Nathan and Lucas playing peek-a-boo with the rest of us. Lucas initiates the game and is good at moving himself so he can hide and then show his face. It's pretty impressive...and cute.

Daddy reading Lucas one of his new books from Garf & Kristi.

We had a great time in MO. Thanks for the wonderful visit. Sorry Lucas made sleep a bit of a challenge for all of us. We had a very merry first Christmas!

MN Christmas (part 3)

Lucas was slightly interested in opening presents...he wanted to eat the wrapping paper.

It was fun to watch Breck and Cullen open gifts...very different approaches, but they both enjoyed it.

After a little break, Lucas had a lot more fun hanging out and opening presents.

He also got really good at taking things out of the box.

Here he's staying thank you to everyone for the wonderful gifts of clothes and toys.

I love Breck's response here...

The Pearce family Christmas 2012 photo...what a special group of people. :)

MN Christmas (part 2)

Brent brought over some of his old toys that Breck & Cullen were totally impressed by.

Lucas cheesing it up.

Lucas had his tougue out of his mouth more than he did this week...occasionally it was cute. Thankfully that phase has passed.

Lucas playing with Great-grandpa & grandma Johnson.

A great shot of Nathan & Shawn...they were the center of the party.

Lucas reaching out to great-grandpa.

Breck & Lucas with Grandpa Pearce...just hanging out.

Mommy trying to get a puckered-lip kiss from Lucas...it didn't happen. :)

Grandma/Mom reading to a few of her boys.

Lucas in front of the tree.

Lucas is in winter gear preparing for this first snow experience. He wasn't thrilled out it.

What a sad face.

But once he had someone to play with...the snow and cold became more fun.

The Pearce grandkids.

And the annual family pictures...Brent & Courtney...great shot!

Stacy & Steve...another nice picture.

The Burns family...good looking group.

Our family.

Grandpa & Grandma with the grandkids.