My, they grow up so fast

It's been a little over a month since I posted last. Sorry to keep you all waiting. I've been having a lovely time meeting new people and traveling across the country. We've celebrated some birthdays, and I even got to play in the snow. Here's a little insight into the Hodge household for the past month.

Here is Clara doing her best Ozzy Osborn impression. Yes that is the head of a frog that she's ripped off and can't you just hear the music playing "Open the door, get on the floor, everybody walk the dinosaur..."

We got to meet our 2nd cousin, or was it cousin, or is it 1st cousin once removed... Anyway we met Cole! He came up for a visit with Tom and Niki. We had a blast reading about trucks with Grandpa

Stout found a tennis ball more his size

I'm working a on new look and I've decided too accessorize with dad's shoes. Boy that guy has some big shoes to fill.

I think I look much better in Mom's pumps. So cute in fact I bet you didn't notice Stout's butt in the background?

Clara celebrated her 1st Birthday!!! My kids grow up so fast. I mean it was just last year she wasn't even around and I had to take care of Mom and Dad all by myself. They're much easier to handle with Clara's help.

Here's the happy family! I know it only looks like mom and dad are struggling to hold us, but what's really happening is Clara and I have to keep moving otherwise Mom and Dad my fall asleep... where's the fun in that?

No comment needed here, other than baby Ryan has lots of fun toys.

I've decided I am ready to start pulling a little more weight around here, so I had Uncle Mark show me how to drive the backhoe.

Or maybe I'll drive the roller for some of Poppop's paving projects. (nice mustaches guys)

Oh I really like driving the Dump Truck. Of course that HORN is LOUD!!! HONK!!!!! I prefer the one that goes beep beep

I could always drive the tractors for the hayrides. Here I am showing Mom how it's done. She's a pretty fast learner.

We celebrated Shaye's and Clara's birthdays in Pennsylvania. I have so many cousins here we all are with Mema and Poppop. Aren't we a good looking group? I'm pretty sure we have the best grandparents ever!

Back in Oregon Clara and I took Grandma to see the ZooLights. It was pretty cold but not nearly as cold as last year. I kept Grandma warm on the Train.

Clara was looking after Mom

I took Clara down to the mall to meet Santa. She said she didn't remember meeting him last year. I decided to read a story to Santa, this one was about Reindeer. I think he liked it. It should definitely get me on the Nice list.

I helped Dad pick out the perfect tree. We even put our tree topper on it. I was a lot of help, I made sure that hot coco was hot enough, and I tasted the caramel corn to make sure it was just right. I let dad cut down the tree and drag it out of the woods and load it on the car and set it up again in the house. He really enjoys that kinda stuff.

Of course I had to help Mom decorate the tree. I like the lights!

I have to make sure I'm being nice to Clara. You can't see him, but Thomas (the elf) is watching and he says that if I'm good, Santa is going to bring me everything I want for Christmas. It's a good thing I was able to tell Santa all about the Cow and the Donkey I want. I hope Dad is making room for them in the back yard, he best get that holes in the fence fixed.