Ian is an absolute joy these days - his vocabulary is exploding and so is his personality! It is so fun to have these little conversations and know that he is getting exactly what I am saying. It makes you want to be a good role model because you know they are absorbing every word, action, etc. We bought him a backpack a few weeks ago and he loves it. I love this picture of him, waiting to go to Kristin's one morning while Aris was visiting. He had to show her his new dinosaur backpack! He wants to see everything - making sure not to miss a beat. It is fantastic! I look forward to new adventures with him everyday. I love seeing the world through my child's eyes.

As you can see, the potty is the latest and greatest in our house! We busted it out a few days before Thanksgiving. Ian has really started to show an interest in the potty and loves reading his books about the potty. We aren't in any kind of training mode just yet - just breaking the ice if you will. He likes to sit on it from time to time, but mostly he loves that he can use it as a stool to get to all the goodies on the bathroom counter. Man, he has a serious reach! I guess I should look at it as a motivator to stay clean and organized. Right...

For those of you wondering when I was going to finally bite the bullet and get his haircut, your time has come! I know why I waited so long - I just couldn't bear the thought of him truly looking like a little man:( Sappy, but true. He did such a great job! We couldn't believe how calmly he sat there while Mike the Barber trimmed his baby locks. He was so into it. All the men in the barber shop were charmed by him as well. I made sure to get some pictures and some locks for the baby book! For a minute I thought I could just trim his hair on my own - I am so glad I quickly talked myself out of that one. Ha! Not only did he get his first haircut, but he also got his first sucker. A win-win for all.

I love the amazement in his face...

We are halfway there!

And after...what a cutie! He was probably wondering what all the fuss was about - he just wanted some snacks!

Grandpa Conkright was in town for Thanksgiving. He stopped by on Saturday and Sunday nights to visit. Ian was happy to see him! Grandpa won't be here for Christmas this year so he brought our gifts over early. Ian was the luckiest though because he got to open a present early! He knew just what to do when Casey brought it up the stairs. Christmas and his birthday are going to be so much fun this year!

His first snow sled...now all we need is the snow. I am sure it won't be long before it is here. Casey and I spent a few minutes gliding him across the living room and he thought that was the best. Oh just wait little man, it gets so much better than that!

We avoided Black Friday, but were pleasantly surprised to learn a lot of stores still had good deals on Saturday and A LOT less people. I was able to get a lot of our holiday shopping done this weekend. Now if the gifts could just wrap themselves we'd be all set. Anyway, we stopped at Culver's for lunch and I couldn't resist taking a picture of Ian in this bib. He needs a shirt with the same logo, "I'm as cute as a Butterburger is delicious!" I love Wisconsin.