Santa Doppelgangers

Beardless and about 1/20th of Santa's weight, but Elsie manages to hold her own in holiday spirit!

Fancy meeting you here, Santa.

Elsie and friends with "the Jolly One"

Happy Thanksgiving from Seattle!

On November 21st Elsie took her first plane ride on her way to visit Grandma Carolyn, Grandpa Dave, Uncle Orn and a whole crew of Seattle-ites in the Emerald City. At the risk of jinxing our planned Christmas trip to New Jersey, we'll let you know that Elsie was an angel during both the outbound and return flights, making friends with all the people around us on the plane. There was no shortage of "she's adorable" and other compliments, which made any logistical challenges well worthwhile. Below are some of the best shots from the over 300 photos that were taken in Seattle.

Eating prunes with Daddy!

Visit from Besta!

Now 7 months and 9 days old, Elsie can roll like a champ, has conquered rice cereal, prunes, peas, and sweet potatoes, and creates strings of "ga's" "da's" "ba's" and other uber-cute sounds. We were treated to a visit from Ian's mom and Elsie's "Besta" during the first week of November.

Wonder!

I LOVE THIS NEW JUMPER!!!!

Elsie's First Halloween...

Though Elsie didn't get to do any trick or treating, she did don an Anne-Geddes-esque lady bug constume, which won her several smiles from those who saw her. One woman outside the frozen yogurt shop near our apartment remarked, "Such a beautiful child!" Can't say we disagree :) We did our own little photo shoot at home on the big day...today!

Our little pumpkin holds her first pumpkin.

April and Elsie making eachother laugh...

Geeze, Mom, not in front of everyone...

Again!

Elsie, unsure of this new getup.

Ok, now that is just insanely cute.

Eat your heart out Ms. Geddes.

Ok, this one wasn't from Halloween, but Elsie is wearing a Pooh hat and plugging David McKee's book. Hard to believe she isn't yet seven months of age.

6 Months Old..TODAY!

Here are some recent shots of "Young Miss Elsie Rose," as Dr. Frates has dubbed her. Our bundle of joy is now able to sit without any assistance and has two little teeth coming in as you read this. Growing chattier with every passing day, we have an inkling that words are not far off. It is both exciting and staggering that half of Elsie's first year is behind us. Having children does really make one stop and savor the time that is given to us.