Valkommen Hem Syster Pollastro

The stylish Swede returned home Saturday from a year and a half of faithful, devoted service to the Church.  The whole family went to the airport to meet her and welcome her home.  Cali (niece) couldn't be restrained as she almost ran up the escalator to hug her aunt.  It was an exciting and joyous occasion almost topped by a trip to Cafe Rio on the way home!  Parker was excited to meet his aunt and even let her put him to sleep in the wee hours of the morning!  Brittany was so kind and generous as the family was showered with gifts and mementos from Sweden.  It's great to have her home.

5 Months and New Tricks

On Christmas Eve Parker hit his 5 month mark.  With that came all sorts of new tricks that have transpired over the past month.  He can now:

Roll over from his stomach to his back.  He has become so good at this that he won't spend any time on his stomach.  Melissa's dad commented that perhaps wrestling wouldn't be his sport of choice.  Perhaps there is hope for stargazing!

Sit up for a length of time without toppling over.  It is like watching a bowling ball teeter before it falls or hangs on preventing a sure strike.  

Eat his whole fist!  It seems as though teeth are on its way and it shows!

Answer Jeopardy questions!  Just kidding but some day he's gonna be the next Ken Jennings!

What the next month will bring, who knows?!!!  We are just enjoying every moment.  

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Growing up I loved this time of year because of the presents, the Christmas music, the presents, the food, and of course, the presents.  It truly was the "Most Wonderful time of the Year".  This year has not disappointed once again as it has been the "Most wonderful time of the year", and here is why:

Time with family - visits to new cousin Spencer, Mckenna, and Grandparents!

Snow Angels(Not so angelic!)

Christmas Story?????

Melissa's First Turkey Dinner - Enjoyed by all especially Grandpa Gus!

Look at that feast! (Still having leftovers!)

Santa Delivers! - Santa found Parker but don't know if Parker discovered Santa!

Below Zero Sledding adventure (no signs of frost bite as of yet - Thanks Cammie)

Syster Pollastro Home from Sweden - More loving hands to change diapers!

More Time with Family! 

Santa Came to town again!

What made this the most wonderful time of year was having Parker with us and time spent with family.  We hope you too had the Most wonderful Christmas as well.

Tough Guy

The four month shots came calling a couple of days ago and dad was grateful for mom who had to witness the torture.  To my surprise and relief Parker survived the shots, it was the holding him down that he didn't like.  Surely that toughness must come from mom.  He was all smiles after (probably because he had cool baseball band-aids)

Who Needs to Wait For Christmas! - Parker's New Toy

Center of attention 

"Colonel Parker" -("Hey mom, are you gonna eat that drumstick!)

I'm sure that for Parker everyday is just like Christmas.  Parker has recently been introduced to a new toy that he seems to love.  It has provided mom with an occasional breather and also is a useful centerpiece while eating KFC with family

Parker meets "The man in Red"

"My Parents have been so good"

"Sleep in Heavenly Peace"

"I can't wait to meet Santa, I can't wait to meet Sa. . . .zzzzzzzzzzz" 

Parker's first encounter from the Jolly ol' elf was like the line from Twas the Night before Christmas "Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse" for after waiting over an hour in line with dad he didn't even get to tell Santa what was on his Christmas list or that his parents have been so good this year.  

This was our first venture to the Castle Dale Christmas bash and despite not meeting Santa Claus it was fun to be with neighbors and enjoy their company with a bowl of chili and some cornbread.  If anything it counted for Devin's night of cooking!

Parker's first Christmas has officially begun!

Thanksgiving!

What a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday.  The family, the food, and memories created are what Thanksgiving is all about!  We ate our fill of Turkey and enjoyed every minute with the Esplin Clan!  5 Days spent in Cedar City went by too fast.  Even though Parker slept through his first Thanksgiving feast, he still had a great time getting to know his cousins.  There were good times had by all!

The Tan-man with Parker

Parker with the girls; Kaylee and Quincy

   Parker and Chasers

Grandpa Esplin carving the Turkey

Some of the cousins just hanging out at Nate and Lindsay's.

1 For the Money, 2 for the show, 3 to get ready, and 4 to Go!

Parker hit the 4 month mark on November 24th.  He is now 261/2 inches (our ticket to the NBA) and 15 lbs 9 oz.  It just keeps getting better each and every day.  (Pictures from top to bottom show each month).