Merry Christmas, Pardner!

Just a quick post since I never have time for more than that. There has been a lot going on in the past two months. Gemma turned five and had a very fun secret agent birthday party. Guy took his first steps on Nov. 21st, but is taking his time mastering this new skill. His record number of unassisted steps is 15, but that was set about a week ago. He's most comfortable taking only a few at a time.
Guy had his 18 month check-up yesterday, and he is right on target with no concerns. That's quite an accomplishment considering how much catching up he had to do. AND he is almost 24 lbs. (20th percentile!) and 31" (15th percentile!). If his pace of growth doesn't slow down soon, he is going to be a giant.
In two weeks we are headed home to Virginia to spend Christmas with the Slupek family. This will be our first Christmas there in 6 years, the first since we had kids and the first without my mom. I haven't had much of a desire to be in Virginia at Christmas without my mom--she was the absolute center of all family celebrations--but this year I am ready. I know it will be special for the kids.
Here are a couple of pictures from our visit to Bass Pro Shops' Christmas wonderland a few days ago. The kids love that place almost as much as their dad.