Halloween & other Fall Pics

We were trying to decide what Nelson got to be for his second Halloween, but he is obsessed with Elmo so it was an obvious choice.  Really, he can spot an Elmo anywhere.  The grocery store folks know this too - they place all the Elmo products right at grocery cart/children's eye level...  Anyway, he wasn't sure about being Elmo himself at first, but then got used to it and had some fun. 

We had a nice warm, late fall.  But by now it has snowed.  And boy, the first real snow was a big one too.  We took Nelson out for a sled ride on the cross country track at the golf course - thanks for the sled Mindy!  Nelson continues to say more every day and is as active as ever.  He's quite the little character.

Elmo who?

Happy Halloween!

Nelson had "School Picures" at day care, so he got dressed up for the day.

First snow dump - 14.5 inches!

All bundled up for a sled ride

Thanks for the ride Daddy!

Hey, this snow stuff isn't so bad!

My Uncle Denny came to visit and while we didn't get a pic of him, he did get one of Nelson and I together.  Thanks for sharing Denny!

Clark/Hirst Reunion in Savannah, GA

We took our first plane trip with Nelson to visit Jamie's family in Savannah, GA.  From Helena, that is 3 flights and 8 hours in our laps each way - but Nelson was a champ.  He did a great job flying and he had a blast seeing his family in Savannah.  He even got a new nickname from his Great Uncle Ray: "Wild Man".  Nelson also got his first ocean experience.  While he liked the water (even though he fell in), the sand was his favorite.

Cruising around Savannah in the tour trolley

Out to eat with the family

The hotel tub was a little lower, so when Nelson tried to climb in he was actually successful - clothes on and all.

Spanish moss in the trees at the nature preserve

Nelson was checking out the owl - he new exactly what it was, saying "Owl" as soon as he saw it.

Boys in the nest

First time in the ocean!

So fun!

He fell in and got wet, so Grandma let him wear her fleece.  He looked like a little monk!

Sand is the best!

Uncle John!  You're crazy swimming out there!

Tybee Island Lighthouse

The Clarks

One more chance to wear shorts before heading back to MT (thanks Mary Jo for the outfit!)

Annual Capitol Photo

We took Nelson to the flowers in front of the capitol to do our annual photo (click here for story on reason for pics).  It's been a few weeks since we took the photos - he was about 14 months at the time.  He's grown so much since last year!  He looked very handsome, but he also had a blast running around the capitol grounds afterward.

Nelson at MT Capitol 2012

Sitting like a big boy!

This is the photo from last year - he was so tiny just laying there!

Sitting with Daddy

Look at me run!!!

He loves climbing steps, so all the capitol steps were a great adventure.

Let me in!

More Summer Activites

Nelson has been having a great summer.  He started daycare a few days a week and is meeting new friends.  He's running all over the place and understands many words now - still mostly speaking his own language though.  And above all, he is very curious and ready to learn.

Beating the heat in the kiddie pool

"I LOVE playing in water!"

Family story time before bed

First time on the carousel in Helena

So much fun!

Can't get enough of Dad's creamsicle freeze

Starting his basketball career out early...

...but he already knows where the ball is supposed to go!

Another hike with Dad

Playing in the forest is the best!

Summer Fun

Nelson has been having a fun summer trying all sorts of new things.  He's been on hikes with his Daddy, been swimming at the city pool, and even got to go visit his Uncle John in Driggs while his parents did some mountain biking.  He's walking all over and even starting to run!

Jamie & Nelson with our friends Arne & Avery

1st time at the pool

Story time with Daddy

Getting ready for the mountain bike fest in Driggs - Nelson was chasing his ball around the yard

Wet grass + pajamas + ball = FUN!

Hiking with Daddy in Darby Canyon

He loves his backpack!

Hanging with Dad at the Wydaho mountain bike fest after party

Family Pictures

Right after Nelson's birthday, we had some family pictures done.  Janna Beecher did them for us and did a great job - especially working with Nelson.  It's nice to have some photos of all of us together!