celebrating the holidays with Grandmom and Granddad

Mason,

As mentioned before, we traveled to Tennessee for Thanksgiving to visit Grandmom and Granddad. You had a ball. Grandmom and Mommy worked hard to prepare a Thanksgiving feast for us. In this first picture, it's a little hard to tell if the bird in the pan or you is the bigger turkey. 

After our meal, we did a little photo shoot, in which you begrudgingly participated.

Mommy and I even took the opportunity to get a picture with just the two of us. We don't get those opportunities much anymore. What can't be seen is you throwing a fit just beyond the camera that we would dare leave you out.

Then Mommy and I got a special treat. We got to go to a movie! We used to spend the holidays seeing every Oscar-watch movie. Somehow our schedules and priorities have changed. And while we wouldn't have it any other way, we hadn't seen a single movie together since you were born. So we took advantage of the opportunity and snuck away to see Lincoln. You had a great time playing with Grandmom and Granddad while we were gone. But you were glad when we came back, too, which always does our hearts good.

On our last night, we celebrated Christmas. You're still a year or two away from fully embracing the whole present thing. You were more interested in your milk and your snack than your presents. But you still enjoyed running around with your new toys and book.

We had a fun time visiting Grandmom and Granddad and celebrating the holidays. But you were a little exhausted from all the excitement and pretty thrilled to get home and back to your crib. Now you get a few weeks to recover before Grandma and Grandpa arrive and we do it all over again!

Love,
Daddy

touring Daddy's old stomping grounds

Mason,

For Thanksgiving we traveled back to Tennessee to visit Grandmom and Granddad. This was your second visit to where I grew up, but I'm sure you don't remember much about your first. You were a little more active this time around.

As part of our visit, we gave you a tour of some of my old stomping grounds. We started at the house where I grew up. It's been a few years since we'd stopped by. Some things looked the same, others not so much. Unfortunately, it was kind of early and nobody was out, so we couldn't knock on the door and invite ourselves in. Regardless, you were duly impressed.

After cruising through downtown Powell we made our way to the University of Tennessee. Our first stop was Hess Hall, where I lived all four years of college.

Then it was on to the Torchbearer statue, the revered symbol of campus.

I'm sure you were carefully studying the inscription at the base of the statue, which reads, "One that beareth a torch standeth in shadow to give light to others," as you sucked your thumb.

Next it was on to Neyland Stadium, which should always be spoken of with reverence. It was a Wednesday, so there wasn't much activity around the stadium. Actually, it was pretty indistinguishable from most Saturdays these days. I don't want to tell you what to do when you grow up, but there's a decent chance the head football coaching gig at Tennessee will be open. It pays well, especially if you're not very good at it.

We finished our day with dinner at world famous Calhoun's. I don't actually know if it's world famous, but it's at least famous all over East Tennessee. You enjoyed your first experience with catfish.

As always, you were a trooper on the grand tour. Thanks for indulging me!

Love,
Daddy

life at 14 months

Mason,

At 14 months, you're running! (We declared you a walker about three weeks ago, during Hurricane Sandy. Since then, you've also learned to crawl--on all fours!--and stand still in the middle of the room without touching anything. Yes, you are a strange child in how you do things completely out of order, but that's okay.)

You accompanied us when we voted early--no lines!--in your first presidential election.

You've developed quite an attachment to your blankie, who is only allowed out of the crib for photo shoots or long car rides.

Or rather, you are attached to Blankie's tags. You hold them close to your face with your left hand while you suck your right thumb. It's your form of baby crack and you are seriously addicted.

Speaking of addictions, you've discovered belly buttons and are obsessed with finding Mommy's and Daddy's belly buttons. When prodded, you will find your own, too, but you prefer ours. You stick your thumb in our belly buttons and then give our bare tummies zerberts. Toddlers' ways are peculiar!

You love music and we spend countless hours each week waltzing around the living room together. Babies (bah-bahs) and small children delight you and your immediate reaction is to try to kiss them (or pictures of them). Your most clearly spoken word to date, besides Mama and Dada, is "yeah", and you say it often. You've also learned a couple more signs this month: food and thank you.

You're such a joy, sweet Mason, even with your strange ways.

We love you!

Mommy and Daddy

one-year photos

Mason,

We had professional photographs taken about two weeks after you turned one. This was the most difficult photo shoot yet, and our photographer earned every cent that we paid her. But, despite your not cooperating, she still managed to work her magic and captured some great shots. Here are some of our favorites.

Daddy and I called this photo shoot "the many moods of Mason" because our photographer captured a range of expressions.

You've been a trooper throughout these photo shoots, Sweetie. You only need to model for me from now on.

Love you lots!

Mommy