S.O.S.

Dear Mom and Dad,

I've heard from other kids that I'm not supposed to talk to strangers, let alone get close enough to them for them to hold me. Yet, you placed me on this man's lap at Bass Pro to get a free picture of me with this guy called Santa Claus, whom I don't really know. I witnessed several other children around my age crying once they got their turn at being tortured, and I am confused as to why you continued to stand in line for my time. I thought you loved me. I thought you cared. I thought you took the parental oath to try to protect me from harm and heartache. I did not fall for your nervous smiles as you tried to get me to calm down. Did you not see me take the pacifier out of my mouth and throw it down with all the sixteen-month-old strength I could muster? Still, you left me there with him. I refused to smile for this photo, despite the promise of a mini candy cane. I did not get a chance, amidst my screaming, to tell ole' Saint Nick what I would like for Christmas, so please get word to him of what I want: no more strangers holding me while my parents stand there like idiots, not recognizing my obvious signs of distress. If the man in red would deliver that to me, I will have the merriest Christmas ever.

Your son,

Cael

P.S. The beard was fake.

Over the river and through the woods . . .

. . . to Aunt Nicole's and Uncle Shane's we went. We spent this turkey day in Heber with all of Mom's siblings, plus Gramma, and their families (except Aunt Jennifer and Uncle Lon and their kids). We had a great time with the three f's of the day: food, football, and family. Happy Thanksgiving! We love our little turkey, all smiles in this picture.

Hanging out in the 'Brook

Cael loves to spend time in Holbrook with his family there. Here he is at church with Nemo, watching T.V. while Grandma talks on the phone, showing his angelic face at Aunt Kirsti's, hugging Mickey Mouse while shopping, sleeping at church on Grandma's lap, smiling while looking at a photo book, feeding Grandpa's cow, riding a toy at Grandpa's and Grandma Lois', and being tickled by Grandpa.

Smiling vs. Somber vs. Bored Cael

Which one is the winner for the cutest face?

Always Adorable

Okay, maybe not ALWAYS adorable, especially at diaper-changing time,

but he does keep us smiling and laughing most of the day.

He climbed into his toy crate,

after emptying enough toys for him to fit.

Cael is out in the car seat after being a TURKEY in Wal-Mart, throwing soup out of the cart and generally acting like the type of kid that you are glad isn't yours. That was us the other day. He is mine, though, and I will take him even with a dented Progresso can.