Thank you Eddie (aka Smurf), Wendi & Eli for the Johnny Jumper! Walker really enjoys his newfound sense of freedom.

Paul & his fiance Sophie stopped by for dinner the other night. They gave Walker some really nice gifts including the outfit that you see above. It's Walker's "velvet" suit...think George Costanza.

Walker loves his new toys!!

Our First Christmas with Walker - 2004

Off to Other Grandmother's house we go!!

Our Christmas trip started with a visit to Margaret's grandmother's house in Greenwood, SC, for the Burch family Christmas "Family Only III". Walker had a lot of fun meeting all his great aunts and uncles and his cousins. Here he is waiting to for the gift exchange to begin. Thanks to Doug and Francis for this adorable outfit!

Okay Mommy - I'm ready to play!

We're very sorry not to have any other pictures with the Burches, Grandmama, or Granddaddy. We were having so much fun that we forgot to take them!! If any of you has pictures from the Burch family Christmas, please email them to us!!

Now on to Papa and Granny's house!

After leaving Greenwood, we headed to the metropolis of Walterboro, SC to see Papa and Granny. With so many ornaments and presents, they had TWO Christmas trees up! Here is Walker checking out the one in the dining room.

Wow Granny - that's a pretty tree!

Hanging with my Papa

Here's Walker cuddling with Papa in front of the other tree.

I love you too Papa!

Walker hadn't seen his Papa, Granny, aunt and uncles in Walterboro in 3 months, so he got in all the lovey time he could.

To Columbia to see Grandmama and Granddaddy

We left Walterboro and went to Columbia for a few days with Margaret's mom and step-father. Unfortunately we didn't take any pictures :(. Enoch - if you have any, please forward them to one of us so we can post them here.

We had a great time visiting with them, shopping, and eating dinner with Margaret's step-father's parents. It was also wonderful to see Aunt Lauren as she hasn't been able to make the trip to VA with her dad and Margaret's mom the past few times, so we haven't seen her in several months.

We love you guys!!!!

The Young Family

Margaret's dad's family got together on Christmas Eve.
BOY THAT'S A GOOD LOOKING GROUP!
From left (standing): Margaret's brother Bill, step-sister Meggie, Daddy (Papa), Janice (Granny), cousin Emily, Aunt Mitzi, Walker, Margaret, Uncle Craig, Uncle Charlie, Aunt Vickie. (kneeling): cousin Clay, step-brother Dodd, cousin Elliott, Matt, cousin Carly, cousin Conrad.

We had a terrific time telling jokes, exchanging gifts, and remembering Margaret's Gran-Gran and Papa who both passed away this summer while Margaret was pregnant with Walker. We really miss them, but feel their spirits with us always. We're also glad they are together again without any pain or sickness, in heaven.

Back to the 'boro - Christmas Eve

We went back to Walterboro late on the 23rd. Walker's in his "first Christmas" outfit, just counting down until Santa comes!

A kiss from Daddy before we head out!

Merry Christmas Uncle Bill!!!!

Walker slept until about 7:30 Christmas morning, but by then everyone was beginning to stir. Uncle Bill was even awake before we ventured out to see what treasures Santa left for Walker. He came into our room bright and early. For the record, this is the first time Bill's EVER smiled before 8 AM. Your nephew loves you Uncle Bill!!!

Look what Santa brought!!!!

Walker was really interested in all of his new toys, even if this picture doesn't reflect that. Hands down, his favorite is the one he's holding. It's easy for him to grip and chew on. It's also interesting enough to hold his attention, but not too complicated. He likes to chew on the rim of his fish bowl and on the cow on his Baby Einstein pop-up toy - he's fully entrenched in the oral stage. He uses his mouth to "discover" all new things, including newspaper, wrapping paper, any and all toys, and whatever else he can get his hands on.

Thanks Santa for the great toys!!!!

Merry Christmas Papa and Granny!

Aren't I cute in my Christmas suit?

Man - he really loves that toy!

Still playing with it. Good job on that one Santa!!!

Home again, home again, jiggity jog.

We left early Sunday morning to head back to VA. There was a major winter storm set to hit I-95 the entire way home, so we crammed everything back into the E and got on the road. We hit 50 miles of stop and go traffic, icy patches, branches in the road, and two closed resturants (the closed resturants were the worst!!!) and finally made it home 15 hours later (it's normally a 7 hour drive).

What did we find at home? 13 1/2 inches of snow! We didn't care that the drive took so long, even though it was really hard for Walker to go so long in his seat and not be held. We are very thankful to God for protecting us and getting us home safe and sound.

Christmas Evening - amazed at all the loot he raked in.

Being the first of a new generation on both sides of the family definitely has its advantages! Thank you all so much for your overwhelming show of generosity. Walker will not need any new toys or clothes for a long, long time!

Our deck - completely covered.

Here is a shot from the back window of our house, onto our deck about 24 hours after the snow started. This is the most snow we've gotten since we lived in our house. Thankfully, we both had Monday off work, so we stayed home and cuddled with our little guy.

Icicles

We had icicles hanging from our roof on the front and back. This picture was taken mid-morning. By the afternoon, they were considerably longer.

Walker's First Snow

Matt took Walker out to play in the snow for the first time on Monday. They didn't stay out too long because it was so cold. Walker seemed to like it though. Thanks to Grandmama for the adorable, warm, and snuggly snow suit - we sure needed it!!!

We promise we're not lazy

I know it's been a while since we've posted pictures of little man and for that, we're sorry. I tried updating the blog last night but had technical issues. Marg works in support...I should get her to troubleshoot it! Anyhow, I will attempt to post pics tonight and hopefully Walker will greet everyone bright and early tomorrow morning.

Take care,

Matt

Stumping for President Bush on Election Day!

Walker and I spoke to voters and handed out stickers in front of our precinct on Tuesday - we got a terrific reaction from all the folks we spoke with and had a great time!

Outside the polls

Matt was supposed to take the picture from my hand down. Clearly he didn't :)

I'm Bushed!

Walker was a terrific campaign worker for about an hour - he smiled, he cooed, he showed off his Bush Chaney romper, and he really drew a crowd of adoring fans! Then he cuddled up with Mommy and fell asleep - his first political experience was a great one!

We're Republicans!!