Malcolm's First Thanksgiving

 Reflectively, this year was absolutely a year to give thanks. The joy and happiness that Malcolm provides our family with is immeasurable. Holidays have new meaning and purpose with our adorable baby boy. Cheers to traditions and new experiences for our loving family.

So sleepy with Daddy

Malcolm loves his Lolo Papa

Kisses from Lola Mama

Ready for the Hicken Family Thanksgiving

Having a great time at Grandpa and Grandma Gommer's house

Hanging out with Auntie Sarah and Jared

First Family Pictures

We've always dreamed of having our own little family (and even though Neil is not a fan of taking pictures), it was truly a memorable experience getting to take our first professional family pictures.

Wedding Anniversary

Neil and I celebrated 7 years of wonderful marriage with our little guy (who slept during most of the dinner) 

Malcolm's First Block Party

Every other year, the street that we live on has a block party where they close the street and neighbors come together with food and music. For Malcolm's first block party we stayed close to the house and didn't get to socialize too much because our precious boy slept for most of the festivities. All in all, we are definitely looking forward to many block parties in the future where Malcolm can play with all of his neighbor buddies.

Malcolm's First Halloween: October 31st, 2013

When we moved into our 1920s home, it immediately felt like a welcoming and caring neighborhood. With the combination of neighbors bringing over fresh baked bread when we moved in and various casseroles when Malcolm was born, we knew that this place would be a special and unique place to raise a child. On our first Halloween, before we had Malcolm we had purchased about 2 bags of candy. Little to our knowledge, this would only last about 30 minutes on our street. Halloween on Beatty Drive is almost out of a movie scene. Neighbors get into the festivities by creating spooky grave yards on their front lawns and the street is not only filled with fog, but around 600 trick or treaters as well. Thus, reaffirming my love for the traditions of our neighborhood. The first Halloween with Malcolm was truly a special holiday filled with pumpkin patches, family, friends, and super heroes.

Picking pumpkins at Tom's Farms

Riding a wagon with his buddy, Charlie

Gigi and I with our boys

Malcolm and Charlie

Little Robin is sleepy

I love dressing up with this boy

Christian and Malcolm are ready to save the day

Love my family

Michelle and Naomi

First Family Vacation: October 2013

Once Neil and I started to settle into our new roles as Parents, we agreed that it was time to venture out of our comfort zone of home and head up the coast to San Luis Obispo. With our tiny 2 month old baby, we were beyond excited to have our first family vacation and start building the traditions that are vital to any family unit. After researching various locations that were just far enough, but not too far away from Riverside, good old SLO was the destination of choice. For a two night get away, our packing skills resembled that of a month long vacation.

Pismo Beach

He loves his Daddy

Some Yummy pizza in SLO

Lunch stop in Santa Barbara

Delicious Lunch in Pismo Beach

Malcolm's First Photo Shoot

Thank you to the very talented Brooke Hicken for capturing some amazing moments!