Happy Holidays!

Hello to all! Finally taking the breath cold air that stings the lungs indicates winter is on its way. What better place to start of a winter that in the Northwest? Shawna, Audrey and I took a rather quick trip to Idaho and Montana for Thanksgiving break from Sun 18th - Fri 23rd. Audrey needed constant attention for 5 hours from DC to Phoenix which was rather exhausting. However, she did do an awesome job using her walker through the airport in Boise.

We drove from Boise to Bozeman stopping at West Yellowstone to see the grizzly bears and wolves at the... Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center.

In Bozeman we hiked up to Palisade falls, visited with Lauren and Dave and saw the rest of the Weavers minus the newly weds.  Wish you were here Eric and Stefanie!  On Thursday morning Audrey, Gramma Carol and I ran the Huffing for Stuffing 5K / 10K race.  Grampa Mike and Shawna were devout supporters.

We drove back to Boise after the race and had Thanksgiving Dinner with Shawna's parents.  They cooked a great meal as usual. Afterwards, we strolled over to the Festival of Trees at the Grove hotel. There were many creative trees and wreaths on display/for sale from various individuals and organizations. Proceeds go to the Saint Alphonsus Boise Emergency Department. On Friday we flew back to Maryland where my batch of Pumpkin Spiced Ale eagerly awaited to be bottled.

Today, Saturday Dec 1, Audrey truly walked for the first time unassisted. We enticed her to walk on the tiled kitchen floor (an even stable surface) by moving refrigerator magnets to a cooking pot approximately 5 feet away. We also bought a trampoline similar to Kessler and Caulder's in order to maximize leg strengthening exercises. Onward and upwards from here!!!!

Audrey's first haircut at the new NEX on base is a pleasant one

Audrey the airplane pest.  The iPad wasn't enough to appease her boredom and restlessness

Audrey wants a big bear hug at the discovery center in West Yellowstone

This wolf was looking at Audrey while licking his lips

Put your hands in the air!

This Grizzly Bear was turned into a comfy couch

Sledding up Hyalite Canyon. Rather icy but it's snow.

Greetings from Palisade Falls

Audrey discovers snowball chucking

Gramma Carol and Audrey snap the wishbone.  Audrey wins.

Huffing for Stuffing race @ the Museum of the Rockies

Finish Line!

Festival of Trees @ the Grove Hotel

Audrey, the Home Brew assistant.  She is a natural.

Shawna fills up a growler.

Audrey's first independent, unspotted steps today!