The Drake Rises

We didn't think we had enough going on, what with having two tenure-track jobs as researchers & professors, Charlie now 3 and Will about 1, and all the other stress life throws your way. No, we had to go and build a house. Again. This time up at Georgetown Lake, MT. It's a four-season paradise having a ski mountain 3min away, two lakes within a stone's throw, and a plethora of wildlife all around. We broke ground this spring and things have been moving quickly. Too quickly for us to post, so we'll get you caught up quickly! Here's are some photos from bare ground all the way up to framing and roof trusses. Come visit, but wait about a year or we'll put you to work...

The calm before the storm 

Gotta go down to go up

The bomb explodes

Lotta rock, some smooth, some not

Some wood to the mix

Basement

First floor

Boom. There she be.

12 Months of Will

First birthday!  Can you believe it?!  William was born on December 26th.  It is tied for the most magical day in our lives.  He is a such a sweet boy with a radiant smile. He loves to snuggle into all the soft, warm spots, and prefers to be in Mom or Dads arms.  He loves his sister and will follow her to the ends of the earth.  He is musical, loves to dance, and can rock out to almost any beat.  He is nimble and climbs on everything.  The word sweet is how we describe him; sweet and kissable.  We wish time to stand still for a while so we can enjoy all that is our sweet, magical Will.  Here are some pictures from the last month and his Birthday party!

 

Birthday party crew

Loved his cake

The Nat Pack

Blowing kisses

Handsome boy

Close up

Fell asleep in Daddy's arms

Showing off his teeth

Big smile (and lots of boogs)

Getting ready to walk

First Christmas

This was our first Christmas as a family of four.  Charlie has just begun to understand the magic of the holiday season.  She loved to see Christmas lights and Santa Clause (or Santa Closet, according to her).  We spent Christmas eve with the Stegmaier's at the feast of the 7 fishes.  All the kids were running around excited, opening presents, and being out of control.  Back at home, we put out milk and cookies for Santa and salt for the reindeer, and we got into our jingle jammies (thank you Auntie Em).  When the morning came, Charlie could not understand why Santa did not stay to see her. However, she quickly got over it and began to open her presents enthusiastically.  Will also liked opening gifts.  He especially liked any gift his sister got.  The day was marked by visiting with friends like the Masseys and the Hughes.  We ended with an amazing Christmas roast and chocolate cream pie. The holiday was relaxing and close to perfect.  We are looking forward to another Christmas at home next year.

Family photo on Christmas Eve

Our beauty

Will getting into the gifts 

Charlie and TT

New hat!

Charlie thanking Will for her new vest

Roast Beast

11 Months of Will

Mr. Big Man is becoming a little person with a big personality.  He is learning to stand and takes a few steps.  He is still a speedy crawler... he puts his head down and barrels across the floor.  William is a dancer.  Anytime he hears a song he starts shaking his head and wiggling his body.  We constantly have music on just so we can watch him dance.  We cant wait for our first Christmas with him and more importantly to celebrate his first Birthday in a few short weeks.  Here are some favorite pictures from the month.

Morning cuteness

Being a baby

Crawling around

Standing

Being silly

Thanksgiving turkey coma

Blue eyed boy

Golden fall

Here a few of our favorites pictures from the fall.  Halloween was especially fun this year because Charlie finally understood the magic of trick-o-treat.  Our little minions made it to 10 houses.  Mom and Dad ate most of the candy.  

Riding Flash (her friend Asha's horse)

Radiant 

Annoyed

Pumkins

Our minions 

Looking for kids

On a candy mission

Too cool

10 months of Will

We are very late with this post; suggests its been a busy month in the Metcalf house.  We have been enjoying the fall with our little man.  Taking him on hikes, to let him crawl around in the grass and take in the last bits of warm sun.  He continues to get sweeter.  He can communicate and is starting to use sign language.  He gets bigger and stronger by the day.  Pretty soon he will be walking and talking.  Here are a few pictures from the last month.

Morning sweetness

Hanging in the yard

Sly as a fox

Giggles in the kitchen

Looking up

9 Months of Will

Many changes this month!  Will is now an incredible crawler, moving at record speeds.  He has been figuring out how to stand, too.  He can pull himself up and stand and bounce.  We are going to cherish these last few months of limited mobility.  Will has also weened himself off of purees and has dropped a few milk feeds.  He loves to feed himself and he loves to eat.  The other big change in Wills life is that he is finally in a crib instead of a pack-n-play.  Charlie and Will now share a room and it is the sweetest thing to see them look at each other as they fall asleep.  Here are a few of our favorite pictures.

Sibling love

Playing around

Beers with Dad

Feeding himself

Saturday morning hikes

Mr. Big Man standing