It's Christmas Eve, and I'm sure for many of you that means rushing around to procure some last-minute Christmas gifts or holiday meal ingredients. (Crap! Forgot the cranberry sauce!)

But hopefully it also involves a lot of time spent with family and loved ones. And in the spirit of the holiday season, I thought I'd share a little greeting from our family to you and yours ...

Or as my sister Adrienne would say, guess the flavor! 

With Emmett's grandparents in tow, James and I took Emmett (AKA Superman) for his first ever trick-or-treating experience this past Halloween.� Emmett made a pretty fabulous Superman, selecting the red and blue suit over the alternative lobster costume (though much to my dismay).

[caption id="attachment_1285" align="aligncenter" width="538" caption="A sad lobster and Superman. Superman won."][/caption]

While Superman was a pretty indecisive trick-or-treater when first presented with bowls of various goodies, he got the hang of it by the end of our adventure, knocking on doors himself and saying "Thank you -- bye!" without even being prompted (video).

[caption id="attachment_1286" align="aligncenter" width="539" caption=""Trick or treat!""][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1287" align="aligncenter" width="539" caption="So much to choose from!"][/caption]

Nana and Gran-D even taught Emmett how to appropriately get into the Superman character. Watch the footage below to see Emmett flying and making sound effects like Superman.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQiXGSalFkQ&fs=1&hl=en_US]

Quite a step up from his first Halloween, huh? For more photos from Halloween, check out the Halloween 2010 set on Flickr!

Age Timer: 21 months, 2 weeks

Traditionally, Labor Day marks the end of summertime. Usually, this is a major bummer. But this year, I think my family had a pretty awesome summer, making it a little easier to watch it go.

[caption id="attachment_1256" align="aligncenter" width="539" caption="Emmett and His Shovel in the Boat"][/caption]

Some of this summer's highlights:

1. Emmett got his first buzz cut.


2. James and I got engaged and started planning our wedding. (Have I directed you to our wedding website yet?)


3. We visited with Cousin Gus, Aunt A and Uncle Mac in Michigan.


4. Emmett took swim lessons.


5. We had Emmett's first trip to the Jersey shore with Nana, Gran-D and Aunt Niki.

A couple of days in Maine with Gran Lucy, Grandpa Mac, Uncle Shawn, Aunt Sara and Cousin Ben were a great way to top off the summer.� We enjoyed a yummy lobster feast (and learned just how much Emmett enjoys corn on the cob), spent some time on the beach and the boat, did some shopping in Freeport for Emmett's fall wardrobe, and mainly just relaxed.

[caption id="attachment_1257" align="aligncenter" width="539" caption="Emmett with Gran Lucy and Cousin Ben"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1258" align="aligncenter" width="539" caption="Emmett Devours His Corn on the Cob"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1259" align="aligncenter" width="539" caption="Emmett Confronts a Lobster With a Grill Lighter"][/caption]

Who else is looking forward to toddlers playing in piles of leaves in the fall and making snowmen in the winter?� I know Em and I are.

For more photos from our Labor Day visit in Maine, view the set on Flickr.

Age Timer: 19 months, 3 weeks