Day 1: York

We're just enjoying walking "The Shambles". Look it up.

Clifford's Tower stands as a proud symbol of the power of England's medieval kings. Originally built by William the Conqueror to subdue the rebels of the north, it was twice burned to the ground, before being rebuilt by Henry III in the 13th century.

We climbed to the top of that hill. (There were steps)

Here we are inside York Minster, Northern Europe's largest Gothic cathedral.

What...we missed Bear.

Preston is in front of York Minster, posing with Constantine, who was proclaimed emperor near this place.

Preston and the po-po (a.k.a. bobbies) in York.

I'm unsure of the significance of this. I just thought it was neato.

Happy Birthday Mitchell!

Someone fun turned 1!

We had a huge party with cake...

...and some more cake...

...and even more cake!

Mitchell's parents have had such a fun, active year! This little mover seems to cover miles in a day, whether he's crawling, walking, or going up and down the steps. He's a cute little copycat and imitates facial expressions, sounds, several words, and hand gestures. He keeps us laughing and has such a fun-loving, sweet disposition. He loves dancing/listening to music, playing with any ball, hollering when there's an echo, emptying and re-filling bags/containers, laughing, and chasing his "dog-dog" Bear.

Mommy's Little Helper

If Mommy needs to organize her purse, I can help.

If Mommy needs to fold the laundry, I can help.

If Mommy is bored and needs something to do, I can help!

First Christmas

Here's an action shot. It looks like a pretty serious situation...

...and a tasty one too!

Opening presents at G & G Pearson's house...mmm...tasty

"I finally got my hands on this tasty tree."

We hope ya'll had a tasty, we mean, MERRY Christmas too!

Another laughing video? Yes!

Make sure to check out the new pictures also added today. (see below)

Happy Halloween...HA HA HA HA!!!

Okay, maybe not so happy...

...getting closer...

...that's better!!! What a cute little pumpkin!

Weeeee!!!!

"King of the Wild Frontier"
(Is this the most precious picture ever OR WHAT?!?! I submit that it is.)

*Special thanks to my sweet, special sister Mary Lynne for taking such fabulous pictures!*

Bear Makes Mitchell Laugh

Mitchell's First Visit To Canada

Mitchell has two cousins born near the same time. We've all planned for them to be best buddies. ; )

(Note: Mitchell is waving hello.)

Here are all the Porter boy cousins. What a handsome group of fellows!

Mitchell had so much fun in Grandma and Grandpa Porter's toasty trailer. (Yes, we had to dress him like this over Labor Day weekend. Brrr!)

More Coziness

Cameron Lake (both above and below)

We finally rented a surrey after 5 years of visits to Waterton. You haven't seen Waterton until you've seen it from a surrey.

- fringe optional -

It's fun to think about what the photographer was saying to the object to cause him to make such an expression. (This is Cameron Falls.)

Family Surrey Time

Mitchell felt right at home at Grandma and Grandpa Porter's house in Canada, as evidenced by use of his favorite sleep position.

Our Little Pterodactyl

I just have to say the word "Oh", and Mitchell gets the giggles.

The S.A. and His Father

California Adventures

This past week, I decided to join a few of my sisters and a sister-in-law (with accompanying children) on a trip to Disneyland. Preston didn't go with us, so he was a little sad he didn't get to share the experience of our child's first trip to Disneyland. I had to remind him that Mitchell had already been to Disneyland (last July) and that this trip didn't count because he was too young to remember that it was his first real visit to the "happiest place on earth". (I know, you can't see his eyes in that picture, but he was asleep anyway.)

Mitchell made it through the rides with no problem.

He wasn't too excited about riding most of the attractions, so we pretty much just went on rides for the the photo ops (as you can see above).

We decided to take a spin on the teacups...

...while Aunt Mary skipped the ride to hold Mr. Precious.

Here we are waiting for the Aladdin musical to begin. Mitchell decided to blow bubbles to pass the time. Once the show started, the alarmed look on his face turned into one of joy and excitement, and he squealed and laughed through the entire show. Flying carpets make me giggle too.

This group of photos wouldn't be complete without a classic self-taken picture. You always need at least one of those. It's A Small World had Mitchell's complete attention.

Mary Lynne and McKay joined us on my FAVORITE ride. (McKay had a hard time looking at the camera while the little characters were dancing about. So cute!)

We had a wonderful time and I'm excited to take Mitchell back when he's a little older. (I enjoyed riding Dumbo with him, because for the first time I got to play with the up/down lever.)

Mitchell was pretty sleepy the next day, and his cousin Christopher provided a warm, comfy place to recover from the previous day's adventures.

It looks like we also made it to the beach.

He's growing up too fast!

The Past 1.5 Months

Mitchell likes to play...

...travel...

...look cute...

...look cute some more...

...and be cooperative (enough to get his passport photo taken).