Only three more shopping days left.....

Well, I can happily (and thankfully) say that the Gustin family is DONE shopping (read-- fighting the holiday crowds) and is all ready for Iyla's first Christmas!! In fact, we have been finished for quite a while. So, what's left to do before Christmas when the shopping is done and the presents are wrapped? Well, here's what we have been up to.....

.. Piggy back rides!!

Stringing lights-- working on pictures of Iyla with said lights. Let's just say this holiday project wasn't a huge sucess and the dog is STILL wondering why we insist on 'torturing' her sister, Iyla. Too funny.

Building the Gustin Family Gingerbread house

Little Drummer Girl, Iyla using Dad's head as a drum!!

Opening packages from far and near.....

Iyla's question to Emma the dog- What do you mean THIS stuff is not the present!?!?

Santa's little helper assisting Daddy in cleaning up from package arrival. What a good helper!!

We are SURE Santa will be good to the Gustin family this year. For a couple of us, he already has!!!! :)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our dear readers!!

And here for your viewing pleasure, The Gustin family Christmas tree!!

Here is our lovely Christmas tree--- we actually FOUND this tree in our basement (a big shout out of THANKS to the Locke family-- previous owners who moved to California). It looks great and was a BREEZE to decorate-- no fighting with real (sharp) pine needles or being covered in sap! Also, no need to water it!! :)

A close-up view of our tree.

Nightly Routine

Here is a photo view into our nightly routine:

First, we all eat some dinner...

Then we play together quietly. Iyla LOVES looking at pictures. Here's us reviewing a vacation album.

Next-- its time for a lively wash in the bath!! Iyla really enjoys splashing around in the tub.

After, its time for pjs and a story!! We usually read two books before its time for....

Night night, Little Bird-- sleep tight!!

Happy Hanukkah!

Lighting the Menorah on the first night of Hanukkah-- Tuesday, December 4th




Iyla is of course FASCINATED with the candles-- check out her expression!!



Mom and Iyla by the Menorah

Iyla's gift from Mommy and Daddy for Hanukkah!

WOW!! Its a Baby Einstein book that makes all kinds of noises!! A big success!!

Thanksgiving

Iyla says, "Where is my turkey?!"

Iyla playing with Evan and her cousins

Iyla with Ben and Sarah





Great- Great Aunt Joanie and Iyla



Grandpa Jeff and Iyla



Honey and Iyla



Evan and Iyla



Grandpa Jeff and Iyla playing gross out with some Thanksgiving dinner!!



Here are a few (VERY) belated pictures from Thanksgiving. Thanks to EVERYONE who helped make Iyla's first Thanksgiving and first trip to Cleveland a HUGE success!! We are SO grateful to have all of you in our lives:)

Getting ready for the Holidays

Iyla and Daddy all bundled up for winter

The Gustin Family mantle all dressed up!!

Look Dad-- I brought the ribbon to decorate!!

OOOOOH-- this looks breakable!!

Iyla Holiday Pictures

Here are some NEW pictures of Iyla-- her Holiday pictures--Enjoy!!

They were taken at Kiddie Kandids and we LOVE how they came out!!

Halloween and fun around the house

Meet the Family Part ?

Sunday we had some VERY
special guests... Papa Jerry and Janet!!! Janie's grandfather and Bubbe Janet came for the day to meet Iyla. Iyla had a GREAT time playing with her GREAT-grandfather and Janet. She basked in all of the attention and enjoyed playing and getting to know them. We all had a nice time visiting, going out to dinner, and shopping for some ADORABLE outfits for Iyla! Thank you Papa Jerry and Janet
for 'stopping by'! Please know we would love to
have you back ANY time!!!

Saturday, October 20th

Saturday was a VERY busy day for the Gustin family. We started the day visiting a craft fair and the log cabin in dowtown Hamilton.

Here are Iyla and Michael checking out their pioneer digs!!
Janie and Iyla visit with some 'fellow' pioneers-- I think we fit right in with them!!
After our history lesson, we visited Dana and her family. Here are Dana and Courtney visiting with Iyla.
Later, we joined our neighbors, the McIntyres (the BEST neighbors ANYONE could hope for!!) and their niece at a local farm where we were able to feed the animals. Iyla liked meeting the horse.
Iyla also liked feeding the donkeys. She of course enjoyed spending some time with Bob, Stephenie, and little Dina.

Later, we all headed to the nearby playground for a few trips down the slide and a few minutes in the gazebo.

What a busy day!!!