A few weeks before Christmas, we visited good friends Ben and Deb in Pleasant Hill. Ian loved their dogs, Leo and Linus, and they were wonderful with him. Here Leo is sharing his slobbered-up toy with Ian...
Ian instantly took to Deb...it must be a bond between red heads!
The weekend we picked to travel to Pleasant Hill just happened to be the weekend of the blizzard! We were fortunate to make it down and back safely; thanks to Daddy's driving skills and patience (yes, patience!) with the ice covered roads.
We took Ian to the Bass Pro Shop to see the aquarium and Ian seemed to like the fish! I think he was a little confused...they were so close and so big! It was fun to watch him. In the photo below, you can't see the fish due to the reflection of the glass, but Ian's expression shows how he focused on them!
We had a wonderful Christmas. Ian was showered with numerous gifts and play time with his cousins! Ian also got to spend time with Chloe and Tasha... 
Chloe will be 14 years old and she is the most gentle sensitive dog in the world. Tasha was just as affectionate...she gave Ian kisses!
Santa made a special visit to see Ian as well! When Santa arrived, Ian had a slight fever, so he wasn't as expressive as normal: 
One down event on Christmas: Ian had to visit urgent care in Albert Lea on Christmas Eve due to a fever of 104. It turned out to be Ian's first ear infection. Ian was a trouper and even enjoyed taking his medicine! Ian quickly recovered and was back to his energetic self!
We had a quiet New Year's at home with Ian. I think we were all in bed by midnight. Oh how a little one can change your life! On New Year's Day, we went to visit Ian's Great Grandma Olson. Ian really liked Great Grandma's cookies and all the attention...
On January 4th, Ian began walking! Each day he walks farther and farther and his confidence continues to grow! 
Ian also got to help Avery celebrate his 4th Birthday! Here is a photo of the two at Avery's favorite restaurant. Ian is attempting to blow into his train whistle while Avery drives!
I'll try to provide updates on a more regular basis in 2011!
