Ally has fun with a new toy

Ally is having a ton of fun with a new toy, and even throws in a couple da-da's.

Another semester finished

Winter break is here! I turned in my exams this week and Ben has submitted his final grades, so we are now enjoying a bit of rest from school for the next couple weeks. We often talk about how busy each semester is and how hard we work; trying to complete assignments, study for tests, prep for class lectures, write exams, grade papers, find time to do research and write papers, etc. But as busy as it can be and as stressed out as we may get, I have to say that it feels so good when the semester ends and you know that you automatically have a long break where you don't have to do any of that stuff. The academic calendar is pretty nice after all.

Ally in a dump truck

This is a dump truck that I had when I was little. My dad used to push it down the hall with me in it and I remember that it was a blast. We have passed the dump truck down to Ally, and she really enjoys being pushed in it too, as you can clearly see from the expression on her face. When we move into our new house next month, we'll have some hallway space for optimal dump truck riding. Vroom vroom!

Thanksgiving pics

We spent Thanksgiving with Ben's family in Kentucky. Here are some pics from our trip.

Ben and our nephew Isaac. He just turned 6!

Ally snoozing with her uncle Paul

Ally and me petting Penny the chocolate lab

And for some pics that I pulled off my brother- and sister-in-law's blog:

Ally, Simon, and Ethan crawling on Ben

Ally checking out her brand new cousin Rachel

Ethan, Ally, and Simon. Add in Rachel, and one can only guess what kind of mischief those 4 will be getting into a year or so from now!