One-Year Anniversary of Eli

This past week we celebrated the one-year anniversary of the arrival of Eli!  Yes, he came to us on October 13, 2009.  Our first social event after that date was our annual Couples Class Bonfire.  What better way to reflect on the significance of this time of blessing than to look back from a year ago to the present to see how much he has changed. 

Last night we attended our annual Bonfire at our friend's the Crago's Farm.  Eli was able to enjoy it much more this year as he is much more independent than last year.  There was a ride on the mule, hayride and bonfire with roasted marshmallows.

This was the 2009 family photo:

Here are a few more from last year:

This is this year's family photo

This is Eli riding the mule "Dually"

He didn't like it once the mule started moving!

Eli with the Crago's (Thank you for being such great hosts!)

Moma and Eli checking out the chickens and rooster

He wasn't too fond of sitting alone on the hay bale

But he seems to enjoy sucking on a piece of hay--looking like a future farmer here...

Nothing like playing in fallen leaves

He was more interested in putting the markers in his mouth than drawing on his pumpkin

Daddy and Eli next to the John Deere tractor that pulled the hay wagon

How about some sticky fingers from a roasted marshmallow?

One happy family...