Christmas in Canada

This year we decided to go to Canada to visit my family for the holidays. Colin really wanted to experience the Great White North so we were both really excited to hit the road. The trip from Bowie, Maryland to Saltcoats, Saskatchewan was almost 2000 miles. It was a lot of driving especially with a 4 month old baby in the back. He traveled well, but by the end of a long day he sure was happy to be out of his car seat! It took 3 days to get to my parents and another 3 days to return home.

Much of our trip was spent in the car as we actually celebrated Christmas at my sister's house in Medicine Hat, Alberta (another 8 hour drive). From there, we traveled to Saskatoon where we briefly were able to visit with my brother Doug and his family and catch up with my friend Katherine. It was fun to introduce Finnian to the family and for the first time he got to interact with children. The weather was beautiful and the only downside of the trip was that Colin did not get to experience very much cold or very much snow. Next time we visit, I'll make sure it's in January/February and he should get a good dose of our prairie winter then!

Below are some pictures of our exciting Christmas holiday. I am surprised that we didn't have more photos as we did have three cameras between the two of us!

Finn enjoying a tobbagan ride around Saltcoats. We had to secure him to the sled with our suitcase strap!

My cousin's daughter Katie holding Finn. She is a 'natural' with little ones!

Finnian meeting his Great Grandma Morgan for the first time. Unfortunately it wasn't under better circumstances. Grandma had fallen and broke her hip just before we reached my parents' house. In this picture she is in the hospital in pain and very unhappy; however, Finn was able to bring her a few minutes of happiness.

Before we got to my sister's we stopped in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan where I was born. So, that's me in front of a giant moose.

Finn under the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve

Colin and Finn before bed on Christmas Eve

Finn and Grandma on Christmas morning

Opening our stockings on Christmas morning. Santa gave us mittens, but no snow to play in!

My grand-niece Daizee-Joy looking after Finn on Christmas day. Auntie Shelley gave him his Santa outfit.

Finn meeting his Auntie Karen and his Godmother for the first time!

This is what Finn looked like at the end of 4 months. He grew into his 'big boy' clothes, started to roll over. What a fun age!

Our visit to South Carolina

Last week Finn and I decided to take a road trip to visit our relatives in Clemson, SC. It was the first time Finn had been in the car for any length of time, so I really didn't know what to expect. We also had to take the dogs, so our Toyota Prius was very full! It was a good thing that Colin was away as there really was no space for him in the car. We had a wonderful time visiting Colin's parents John and Mary, and Finn was introduced for the first time to his Auntie Patricia and Uncle Mike. I am happy to report that Finn and the dogs all behaved beautifully both there and back...now we are ready for our next big road trip to Canada for Christmas (the dogs will not be spending the holidays with us, but will stay here in Bowie, which will free up some much needed space). Thanks John and Mary for your hospitality!

Finn wearing the snowsuit Nana got for him to wear in Canada. Unfortunately it was too big for the car seat and had to be returned.

Papa spending time with Finn after taking the dogs for their morning walk.

Finn showing Uncle Mike and Auntie Tricia his toys. I think Finn's play time wore out Uncle Mike (or maybe it was just an after dinner nap!)

Auntie Tricia discussing the Clemson Tiger win over breakfast with Finn.

Nana holding an exhausted Finn after a long day of visiting!

Finn wearing a sweater from Ann Chase. The buttons are tigers, a perfect outfit to wear on the day Clemson won the ACC championship, now onto the Orange Bowl!

Two Months and Counting

Finnian continues to grow like a weed. We were fortunate to have my parents visit us for a few weeks. He changed so much from the time they arrived to the day they departed. I swear he went from newborn size to 3-6 months, almost skipping an entire size in-between. He smiles all the time and certainly laughs more than he cries.

Finnian and I enjoying the White House gardens.

Finnian and Annie spending some quality time together.

Grandpa and Grandma visiting with Finn.

Grandpa teaching Finn the words to Pat McGinty's Goat.

Grandma working her magic at bedtime.

Finn with the help of his chair likes to sit up on his own.

Picture Update

I can't believe how quickly Finnian is growing and changing! I guess if I am going to have a blog to give people the chance to see this little guy grow up, I should get moving! These pictures capture Finn from a few days old to about 7 weeks.  He will be 3 months tomorrow, so I have a few more pictures to post before we are up-to-date, so stay tuned...

Finnian just home from the hospital...doesn't he look tired and beaten up?? It was a long journey to get here!

Auntie Shelley and me on her last day at our house. She was in the room with us when Finnian was born. Boy, did I miss her when she went home!

Finnian's first photo shoot (not very successful). He was about three weeks when this was taken.

Papa John Steed, Daddy John Steed and baby Finnian John Steed.

Papa, Nana-Boo and Daddy holding Finn.

Finn's second photo shoot. He is 7 weeks old and happily smiling!

Welcome to the World Finnian!

Finnian John Steed

Born: August 20, 2011

Weight: 6lbs 14oz

Length: 19 inches

We know that we don't post enough pictures on facebook, so we have decided to use our blog to keep those of you far away updated on Finn's many changes and our life in Bowie.

A Lazy Dog Weekend

Ollie was wondering what Colin and Karen were up to this weekend...


Then he decided to take a nap.

Germany

Colin has spent the last two weeks in Germany taking some technology classes. Last weekend, Colin picked me up from the airport in Munich and we spent the weekend in Garmish. It is a small Bavarian town at the edge of the Alps. We met there for a weekend in the winter, and I wanted to visit again in warmer weather. The weather was indeed warmer than February, but rainy and cool. We were still able to get out and do some fun things, though! Below are some pictures of Bavarian Slap Dancers. Poor kids...I just know their mother's forced them into lessons that they never wanted to take!!