8 Months Already

Its hard to believe that Alyssa is 8 months old as of yesterday.  Some days it feels like she has been part of our family forever, and other days it seems like we have a new baby in the house.  Go figure.  Some of the new things Alyssa is doing are:

• rolling over with intent to get an object, or just roll off her blanket
• saying "ba, ba, ba" or "blah, blah, blah"
• giving kisses, which are usually open mouthed and may involve her tongue sticking out
• give her own style of hugs (one arm around you and then leaning in)
• laughing and talking to Shay

She has been so much fun to just hang out with and we are really enjoying our two daughters interacting together.

Duluth 2010!

To celebrate Christmas our immediate family took a trip up north to spend the weekend at Beacon Pointe Resort in Duluth, MN.  We had great company, good food, a beautiful condo, and time to spend just relaxing and hanging out.  We played games, ate well, went to Bentleyville to see the Christmas lights and had good conversations.  Brett, Rachel, Shay and Alyssa also stopped by the Burns house each day to catch up and play.  It was a great way to spend our holiday weekend!

 Shay enjoying her cookie with Dad

 Shay, Papa Mark, Taylor and Megan

 The Engaged Couple- Yeah 12/3/2011!

 Rudolph hugging Shay- highlight of her night

 Lights of the Boat, Lift Bridge with Huge Christmas Tree in the back

 Playing Candyland with Grandma Stacy

 Living Room View

 Back Deck View

 Side Deck View

Alyssa (8 mo), Breck, Cullen (9 mo), and Shay

Hanging Around the House

Since being snowed in for a couple of days last week, we were able to quite a few things around the house.. some that were productive, some that weren't.  Brett had the girls one day this past week since school was closed and they had a pretty good time together from what Shay tells me.  Although being snowed in isn't my favorite thing, this time around I think we all enjoyed it.

 Snowpants- check, Boots- check, Mittens- check,
Noise reduction ear things- check

Ready to go snowblow with Dad!

 Making Puppy Chow

 Not sure why a pizza slicer is needed for puppy chow

 Alyssa just sitting back and watching the chaos

 

Dressing up in the Santa outfit

(at least it is not the Giraffe costume from Halloween)

 Eating Pizza with Dad

 First 2 pictures Shay took

(that weren't of the ground or ceiling)

Professional Family Photos

Compliments of Bliss Photography!  http://www.blissphotographymn.com/

We LOVE Snow!

We woke up this weekend to lots of white, fluffy, soft snow!  Finally!  Shay has been waiting for winter for quite some time.  Partly because she wants to go sledding, but probably mostly due to the fact that her birthday will come AFTER the snow melts.  FYI- she already knows exactly the kind of cake she wants-- purple.

After a busy day on Saturday, Sunday was family day.  Brett, Rachel, Shay, Alyssa and Bailey went to Quarry Hill Nature Preserve (which is about 3 minutes from our house) to do a little sledding and hiking.  As you can see, Shay truly enjoyed herself (as did the rest of us).  These last few weeks have been stressful for our whole family, so it was very nice and even serene to enjoy some quiet, fun times in the woods. 

 Here we go!

 First Sledding with Dad

Look at that fist pump!

 Alyssa and Rachel staying warm

All by herself!

 Our Family

Underwater World

Brett, Shay, Alyssa, Evan and Owen went to Underwater World last weekend.  Owen and Shay loved seeing all the fish, sharks and ocean creatures.  Shay especially like the ones that looked like Nemo and Dori.  Owen liked pretty much everything.  Alyssa stayed awake for most of the tour too.  The trip was finished off with snack- mish mash and of course, milk!

 Watching "Dori" Fish

 Owen and Shay fish finding

 Dori (blue) and Nemo (orange) Fish

 Lots and lots of Jellyfish (Biggest indoor exihibit in the world)

(which Shay claimed later she didn't see ANY jellyfish)

Alyssa along for the ride