Christmas Tree

 If you read this blog for anything other than pictures of Hank, you're probably always disappointed.  He is just the CUTEST. He got so into decorating our little tree, he would put an ornament on, stand back, and clap for himself. He still does it, over and over again. Good thing I didn't put on any of my nice glass ornaments, those will have to wait a few years. :)

 The orange and white fabric around his neck is a new trend. If he finds anything that can be draped, he'll do it. Kids are so funny. 

Halloween 2012

Thanks to Hurricane Sandy, Halloween was COLD  in NC. Hank started out as a garden gnome earlier in the week, and it was a big hit at a friend's party (pictures to come), but we went with something more low-maintenance and warm for trick or treating. He was much happier. :)  We cut up a kitchen sponge for his dinosaur spikes.

This last picture is my favorite. We went trick or treating with friends (Tinkerbell, Pirate, Alligator) and Hank loved it. He carefully chose each piece of candy and placed it into his bag. We can't remember a better Halloween. 

Fall in NC

We took a few pictures on our Sunday walk this weekend. We took Hank to a wide open space close by and let him wander around without us telling him what to do. He loved it.

I love autumn in North Carolina!

Fall Trip and a One-Year-Old!

We went to Fontana with Lacey, Drew, Mandy, and the girlies. It was really fun to see the clogging and hang out in the mountains. It was not so fun to drive down the Tail of the Dragon, but we all survived.

gorgeous view

where's hank?

there he is!

holland and hank playing peek a boo together

at the fontana damn

After Fontana, Christopher drove back to Chapel Hill, and Hank and I went to Nashville for a few days. I loved this trip. It was great to hang out with Mandy, and thanks to his aunts and cousins, Hank had a great birthday party while we were there. It was so much fun. Thanks guys!

happy birthday sign made by emmy, holland, and mandy

train cupcakes

We flew back to Chapel Hill a few days later, and had a another birthday celebration with his Dad

new ball track from mom and dad

this one is actually only included so my mom and sisters can see my new bangs

waiting for his cake!

funfetti, three layers

trying it out 

he likes it!

now it's getting old

and he's done!

Mostly, I just can't believe my baby boy is one. Hank is the perfect combination of funny and sweet. We love him.

Hank has three new teeth. 

A friendly new face.

We went to Carolina Beach with some friends last week and had a great time. Hank was so excited about the mud and the water.  We loved watching him sit in the waves, and it was plenty warm for swimming.  Yes, he really does do that sneer face all the time. He snorts a lot when he does it too....we have been laughing about it for a week now, it just doesn't get old. Where did he learn that?!

      We're back to North Carolina, and it is sweltering.  Hot and humid.  Hank takes after his Aunt Jess and starts to wilt in the heat. His eyes start to glaze over and he just wants to sit there. So we went to the park in the evening so he could spend a little time outside. I really wanted to take pictures of him close-up since I feel like his face is changing so quickly. 

He's much happier inside. I guess we'll be hanging out in our living room until October.