From Halloween to Christmas

Yes, it has been a long time since we've blogged. No, we won't stop (even if you are sick of seeing blurry pictures of Lincoln). In an effort to get our blog mis-a-jour before we leave for the Netherlands we're piling three months worth of photos and events into one post.

Just after Zalie was born Emily's Mom came out to Durham to spend some time with us and help with the baby. Lincoln loved being around her and had so much fun going places with his Grandma and just having her around. Zalie also loved having her Grandma hold her.

Chasing each other around
the Duke Gardens.

At Stagville.

The day Grandma Butler went back to California (we'll omit the painful details of her delayed flights and overnight stop in Colorado), we went to the Lexington BBQ festival. We saw some lumberjacks, ate some BBQ, and neglected to take very many pictures (here are the three we did take).

Sand sculpture of pigs.

Lincoln drinking lemonade
 in front of an iconic Lincoln.

As fall continued to march forward we got to celebrate Emily's birthday. As is tradition in the Turner household she had to search for her hidden presents all over the house. Lincoln tried to help with finding gifts, but proved to be even better at unwrapping them.

And what follows Emily's birthday? Halloween of course! Which meant a trip to a local farm (Lincoln was a little scared of the chickens), picking out a pumpkin, and going to our Church's halloween party. Costumes for this year: Rocky and Bullwinkle (and Boris and Natasha).

After Halloween we celebrated Chad's birthday, again in traditional present-seeking style. Chad got lots of nice things, but the present that made the biggest hit was definitely the 75 cent flickin' chickens that both Chad and Lincoln loved. Unfortunately they only lasted a day.

Christmas was a wonderful time at our house. We tried diligently to teach Lincoln that Christmas is about more than gifts and Lincoln does know that "Jesus was born on Christmas" (like the fact that he loves devils-of the Duke variety-, we'll hammer out the details later in life). Not only did we all get wonderful and thoughtful gifts, but we had the opportunity to give as well. Chad helped organize our Church's Christmas party and it included putting together outreach kits for the homeless here in Durham. We feel so blessed each Christmas season and it always touches our hearts to know that Christmas is a time to emulate our Savior.

Lincoln was a little too helpful trimming the tree.

Taking a break from decorating.

Lincoln's Blue Devil ornament.

Lincoln's most played with toy.

Lincoln continues to show his love for his baby sister whether by kissing her, holding her, or sharing his toys with her.

We've still got some catching up to do so look for one more post before we storm Europe this week!