Visit With Grandmom

As many of you already know, Dad, Mom, Brady and I decided to make a visit to Tampa to see Grandmom. I felt it was important to have her meet Brady plus, I have to admit, I was missing her. We headed down last Friday and found her in very good spirits. She could not get over how big Brady was and he was on his best (and most flirtatious) behavior. Needless to say, we had trouble walking through the hallways without being stopped! I was alarmed at how hard it is for her to get around even though Dad gives me updates pretty regularly. It also made me sad to see her struggling to remember short-term items and then go on and on about memories that occurred over forty years ago. However, in typical Grandmom style, she treasured every moment we spent with her. Her and I spent Sunday morning participating in exercises and saying the rosary. We then joined others for a party at Uncle CJ's and Aunt Linda's. Grandmom enjoyed her day and unfortunately we had to depart early Monday morning. My sincerest thanks to CJ and Linda for another wonderful stay and it was so wonderful to see everyone who made it! We are looking forward to being with Grandmom again in March. We love you, Grandmom! Our love to all!

First meeting

Brady meets his Uncle Jim and cousin Andrew

Grandmom, Brady, and Missy

Four generations together!

Brady's First Christmas
We kicked off the season with a visit to Santa Claus. Having cried the last two years in row, we did not know what to expect with Carter. Much to our surprise, Mr. Cook was won over with a candy cane. From that point on, when asked what he wanted from Santa, Carter replied, "a candy cane". Maybe Mommy and Daddy should have stuck to that request!
A week before the big day, family began to arrive at the Derham house. It began with Uncle Doug, then Aunt Steph, followed by Doug's girlfriend, Miki, then Aunt Judy, and finally, Gerben. That made for a very full house at the Derham's. Good thing Santa's reindeer did not tire out because he would have had no where to sleep! On Christmas Eve, we made a huge meal complete with a turkey, ham, tofurkey (for the vegetarians), and every side dish imaginable. We then spent the rest of the evening eating, drinking, and opening presents. Carter's biggest surprise was his new custom-made train table built by his one and only Pop. As you can see, it is complete with a hole so that Carter can operate it from all sides. Pop hopes it will keep Carter entertained while Pop is "working" on his trains. Christmas morning was filled with presents and more eating. The Cooks then joined Daddy's side of the family for more gatherings. Unfortunately, everyone had to return home but not without another party at the Cook house. Christmas was filled with tradition but I have to admit a little chaos as well! We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and here's to a blessed 2008. Our love to all!

Christmas With The Cooks

This year one Mr. Carter Paul Cook received a surprise call from the big man himself, Santa. On Christmas Eve, Santa called the Derham household to remind Carter to go to bed early and to leave cookies and milk by the tree. Needless to say, Carter was very excited and enjoyed the attention. He got right to the point and was all business with the man in red! The evening was full of family, traditions, and I must admit, a little chaos. Would we have it any other way? Our love to all!