Eventually we had to restrict her use of flash photography around the little one. We figured several hundred, up-close flashes in the course of one day couldn't be helpful for developing eyes.
Dad skied in his signature, leather, wide-brimmed hat and jeans. He said he didn't need ski bibs this time because he wouldn't fall down. He was close to being right.
On the final afternoon of skiing, Claire and I found these cute, snow creatures near one of the chairlifts.
Here's part of the clan in front of our townhouse.
Little Hamilton is a sweet snow bunny, and we loved snapping lots of photos of him in the snow.
Our whole group met near the slopes after a full day of skiing. Joe was taking most of the pictures, but everyone else is pictured (from left): Travis, Hamilton, Dale, me with Claire in front, Mr. Morgan, Deb, Spencer, and Judy.
I caught Hamilton's rolling over on video, which wasn't hard to do. Since he prefers his back, he predictably rolls over now every time he's placed on his tummy.
The next day brought clearer skies, so we were able to enjoy skiing. Claire was a quick learner, and Travis and I felt right at home in our skis, though it had been several years since we'd skied.
Mr. Morgan had never skied before, but he picked it up quickly. While you may think his rainbow hat was the last of the remaining headgear in Deb's trunk of ski clothes, it was his first choice. Deb purchased the hat nearly 40 years ago out in Colorado on another ski trip. Travis and I as kids made fun of the hat, but Mr. Morgan wears it well.
We enrolled Claire in ski school on the afternoon of our first day. She doesn't take instruction well from either of us--I'm hoping it's her age, so we thought a cool ski instructor might make some headway during the three-hour lesson. She loved ski school, especially skiing with other kids, and she learned a lot. Her "report card" gave her high marks in nearly all the categories, and the instructor included "loves to ski" in his hand-written comments. We found the ski schoolers at one of the chairlifts, and I was able to get Claire's picture in her red, ski-school jersey.
Hamilton and Arthur Johnson are great friends, despite what may look like Arthur's biting Hamilton's fingers or Hamilton's clawing at Arthur's mouth.
Under the tree for picture time, both boys get a little payback.
Posed under the tree, here are the boys from small group (from left): Grady, Hamilton, Arthur, and West. Hamilton is wearing his cutest Christmas outfit that his Mimi gave him. Mr. Morgan was not a huge fan of the sweet collar and delicate smocking, but I assured him that even boys wear these sorts of outfits when they're little.
Since I like natural-looking Christmas trees, our tree tends to look wild and crazy--yes, it's supposed to look like that.
Our stockings are hung by the fireplace with care; I still need to get one for little Hamilton.
Today is Hamilton's five-month birthday. I just gave him a bath, so he doesn't have any duds on yet. The last month has really flown by, and we've hit some major milestones. He's enjoying solid foods now; he's liked everything I've given him including bananas, prunes, rice cereal, apples, sweet potatoes, and peas. So far I've got him trained not to put his hands in his food or mouth while he's eating, so meal time is not nearly as messy as I'd imagined. We'll see how long that lasts. His neck muscles are getting stronger, so tummy time is not nearly so frightful. He's still making lots of noise, and he always smiles without fail when I sing to him--even silly songs.
A. Mother walks in room
This fun, wild tree is still in a bucket of water in our backyard. Claire is hopeful we'll have time for decorating this weekend.
The big house was decorated beautifully in a fall theme. With all the old and cold people stuffed inside, we were thankful for the toasty fires in the yard.
Hamilton was prepared for the cold, outdoor reception with his ski hat.
My longtime friend Vanessa Stumbo, a fellow honorary bridesmaid and nursing mother, retreated with me to a deserted upstairs bedroom to feed our hungry babies during the reception. 
Mr. Morgan enjoyed the red wine with Tyler, a fellow honorary-bridesmaid's-husband.
Mollie Brooke and Matt, the happy couple, enjoyed an after-party at Sports Break (where Matt manages and tends bar), since they weren't headed off to the honeymoon until the following day.
And folks are still saying Hamilton looks like Grandma--which makes her so proud and happy!
Here's the Taylor clan (minus Claire). Our Thanksgiving was really more fun and satisfying than the sullen, sour expressions indicate. 
Deb also put Travis to work in the kitchen making dinner rolls. I think kneading the dough is his favorite part. The rolls turned out to be delicious.
Though it was Hamilton's first Thanksgiving, he didn't have any turkey or dressing. Mashed bananas and apples were his dinner.
Uncle Travis loves his little nephew Hamilton, and he's so good with him. He does, however, like to play little "games" with him.
Hamilton thoroughly enjoys his play mat now, entertaining himself with coos, gurgles, and the hanging toys.
We weren't the only out-of-towners at the tailgate; the Thompsons from Iowa made an appearance with Mary Ellis, who was born just eight days after Hamilton. Though Mary Ellis is several pounds bigger with more head control, talks of an arranged marriage abounded. Hamilton gazed at his "betrothed."
Hamilton was a great sport all day, taking two naps in the back of the car and wowing everyone with his cuteness.
With the sun's going down, Mr. Morgan got chilled, so Claire took it upon herself to help warm him.
