Jim's first birthday was today. We had a little party.





















Michael and his cousins had fun wishing Jim a happy birthday.















Jim and his baby cousin vied for grandmotherly attention. It was a draw.






































Jim opened two presents, then Mom opened the rest.
















This baby pinball machine from Granny was a big hit with both of the babies.














Then it was time for cake.
















But not time for hats. No hats!














We have lots of sweet footage of Michael at his first birthday party, playing in his cake, offering it to me and to Grandpa, but never eating any of it himself.





JIM, however, ate tons of cake and didn't offer it to anybody.

Yes, the blue icing did wash off with no problem, and no, by some miracle he did not get any on his clothes.









Cousins and friends enjoyed their cake (with forks).

We've been working hard on walking. Here Jim and I practised outside, back before the weather turned so cold.

The hard work has paid off. Today, one day before Jim's first birthday, he took his first unassisted steps.

He also cut yet another tooth this week. So now he has six teeth. Whenever he smiles you get a good look at those bottom two. The one he just cut is on the bottom, so the gap toothed grin is going to start filling in.

Michael received his Bobcat badge in Cub Scouts at the end of November. Scoutmaster Steve presented the badge to Michael at the November pack meeting.

The Old Testament According to Michael

"Dad, look! That's Noah's Ark! And that's the huge tsunami that's going to wipe it out!"

Thanksgiving was a lot of fun. We had dinner with Grandma first, then traveled to have Thanksgiving in Gainesville with Granny and Uncle Weyman. Jim loves Granny's house. Here, Gremlin and Granny's dog, Jasper, are licking Jim's fingers through the gate.

Granny has lots of cool toys.

But when Jim thinks no one's looking. . .

He escapes from the living room.

Jim likes to stand at this window and look outside.