A smile to melt your heart

Well, he's been smiling for about a week and change now...but we FINALLY got it on the camera tonight. We couldn't decide which ones we liked best, so here they all are!

Christmas 2008

Christmas Eve - Ryan opened up his stocking and was thrilled with his Christmas Bell, dinosaurs, and other tyke-type items!

After some prodding, Heidi discovered Mike had put a new 'ornament' on the tree.

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring...

Our Family Tree continues to grow!

Ryan was the big man on campus with his new Big Wheel!!

He loves his new dinosaur (Dad loves the fact that we can terrorize the dogs with it...)

Carter getting some tummy and floor time. The gym and mirror were Christmas gifts that he seems to love so far!!

We hope you had a safe and happy Christmas wherever you spent it!

Two Brothers...Two Sweet Boys

Ryan loves to get around Carter, get close to him, and say "Two brothers...two sweet boys." It's so great to see that 6 weeks into their life-long adventure, Ryan is still getting along with his baby brother!!

Carter started socially smiling this past week - while we're desperately trying to catch him in the act, you get a sense of it with the next two pictures...we love to see him interact with us!

Another end to a great day (Ryan was trying to take a picture of Carter with his fake Cars Camera).

Run up to Christmas

Our Cool Cat kid in his car (it's a beater)...he loves riding around and having many an adventure. He uses a red shoe string as his "seatbelt" (or rescue rope if the need arises) and will take you anywhere you want to go in his "bus".

Every year Stone Oak does a Winter Festival - Heidi, Ryan and Carter went while Mike was on another TDY...and Ryan thoroughly enjoyed the experience (it was 65 degrees outside). It's hard to imagine snow in San Antonio right now since we're supposed to be around 75 on Christmas Day, but our pictures give you a taste of what it COULD look like at the Winter Festival!

Both of Ryan's schools had Christmas parties before they dismissed for the break. The first picture was from his elementary school and was themed the "Night Before Christmas" (hence the PJs). After that, his church school put on a party that afternoon and made gingerbread cookies and danced the afternoon away (something Ryan truly loves!).

Silent Night

We told Ryan we were setting up the tree this evening, and he couldn't stop talking about it all day long - he was so excited! He needed no explanation for the ornaments...the boxes were opened and he was on the case!

I honestly don't know where he gets this "hand in the pocket" thing...

Our little cheese...

The end of a long day - we have much to be thankful for. A wonderful 4-year old who never stops trying to help and a beautiful 3-week old...both are loved by all!

Grunwald Men

This was a cameo shot of Carter and Ryan while we were trying to take their Christmas Card photo - they still like each other!!

Ryan and Dad were playing around in the kitchen having a great time!

A sweet moment in our room - Heidi and Carter were hanging out and Ryan came out of bed and we got this breat picture!

Carter in an outfit his Uncle Bryan and Aunt Julie got him.

Ryan absolutely loves to decorate his pirate ships with his flags...all fifteen of them!!

If you look carefully, you might spot our little pirate behind his ship.

Omi and Papa Grunwald Visit

Omi and Papa showed up early Saturday morning and spent a week with us - a whole week for Ryan and Carter to wrap them around their little fingers...let's be real...it took less than 5 minutes for that to happen!!

Papa and Ryan played "hide and seek" in the closet...

Omi and Ryan played the day away in the kitchen...

Or spent time on the chair...

Being woken up by our 4-year old...

Playing "High Hoh Cherrios"

Making a young Jedi...

Or having the best seat in the house for the annual San Antonio Riverwalk Christmas Festival.

Anyway you slice it, they had a great visit!!

Those Grunwald Boys

Two brothers. Four feet. Four hands. Two hearts. All our love.

Ryan was trying to teach Carter the finer points of Diego, but his little brother wasn't terribly interested...

Ryan has been such a great big brother to Carter. We're incredibly proud of the way he's handled this change in our family. He's eager to help (he doesn't mind throwing away the occasional used diaper...for now) and the first thing he wants to do when Daddy wakes him up in the morning is go kiss Carter and Mommy good morning.

This picture is priceless!! While we were taking these pictures, Ryan started holding Carter's hand...Carter turned towards Ryan...I prayed the camera held the focus! This one is now our background on our computer. Those cute Grunwald boys!!