Christmas Baking

Billy made a fabulous gingerbread house, and some yummy reindeer cookies for Santa! He managed to eat plenty of candy in the process, as well. (That's a "booger" under Rudolph's nose, bottom right!)

Preschool Christmas Concert

Billy and his classmates did a great job in their Christmas concert on Tuesday evening! It was fun for everyone. And a great opportunity to snap a picture of Billy with his buddy Luke!

Christmas Wish List

People are already asking what the boys might want for Christmas... so here are some ideas for those interested. Please note: buying us gifts is not required!

• Music: They Might Be Giants has several fun children's music CD's out, (we don't have any of them.) We listen to music every afternoon, and anything new would be appreciated and enjoyed by all.

• Books: The Dinosaurs Night Before Christmas by Anne Muecke, or The Gingerbread Pirates by Kristin Kladstrup, would be great additions to our Christmas reading collection. We have an unofficial dinosaur book collection which could be expanded, and Billy also loves comic books... (just ask me if you need a list of what we already have.)

• Puzzles: Billy's favorite puzzle is a "See Inside" puzzle from Ravensburger, (it's the dinosaur one,) and there are several others available that he would enjoy. Wooden puzzles would be best for Ben.

• Maps: A world map or US map would be great to have around

• Camping gear: Sleeping Bag, compass, fishing pole, etc. (for Billy)

*Anonymous comments as to items purchased off the list will be helpful to other gift givers.

I hope this helps those who need it, and does not annoy those who don't!

Happy Holidays!!

Fall Update

Billy started preschool last month and is enjoying it. Yesterday was the first class field trip, and Ben and I got to tag along on their trip to the pumpkin patch. It was pouring when we loaded up into the car, but the rain let up a bit while we were at the farm. It was a fun morning getting to know some of the other families a little better, and watching the kids interact with eachother. We started with a hayride, then picked out the perfect pumpkin, visited some animals, went through a hay maze, and finished with a snack. Ben had at least as much fun as his big brother, (probably even a little more... others seemed to really enjoy his excitement!)

Benjamin is still working with a 4 word vocabulary, (Mom, Dad, Uh-oh, and Bye-Bye,) and is very enthusiastic to say and wave good-bye to anyone. Once we start putting on shoes, he's ready with his adorable farewell. And any drops or slips will be well acknowledged with an "uh-oh!" He's started using the signs for "more" and "all done," but not consistantly. When it comes to sign-language, he's much more willing to try if Billy demonstrates and encourages.

Billy has gotten good at finding high places to stash his toys "where Ben can't reach them." Our mantle has become a display for his favorites, along with his preschool craft projects!! The boys do play well together. The dining room table is back in the middle of the dining room, and yesterday the boys were chasing eachother around it and laughing up a storm; Billy also frequently pretends his brother is a monster and tries to run away from him, (while Ben appropriately chases and ROARS!)

Remember Billy's purple dragon costume about 3 years back?? Well guess who's going to be a purple dragon this year?... and he's super cute in it, too! This year Billy picked out a great Captain America costume, complete with a shield. For those who don't know, he's a SUPER HERO who fights Bad Guys. This year the battle has been decided... Captain America vs. the Purple Dragon!

Summertime

-Our kiddie-pool was a big hit this summer!

-Last month we had a great day out at the John Bitow's beach house. The boys went on their first boat ride, (they both fell asleep out on the water,) and Billy even went out on the Sea-Doo with Tami. Thanks to her tenderness and caution, he loved the ride.

-Billy had his first nights camped-out in the backyard; he loved the adventure! We look forward to lots of camping trips in the future.

-I completed my second triathlon last weekend, (along with some wonderful friends,) and I'm already planning for another next summer.

-Bye-Bye Summertime, Hello Fall!

Next up: Billy's first week of preschool!!

First Birthday

Happy Birthday Benjamin!!

We had a great party to celebrate Ben's first birthday. See for yourself.

At the Beach

We had SO MUCH fun... walking on the beach, playing in the sand, flying our kite, exploring the tide pools, and running from the waves! Billy decided to call the pelicans "crab peacocks," and loved letting the sea anemones "hug" his fingers. Ben loved his rides in the front-carrier, the fresh ocean breeze, and his monitored exploration of the sand and water, (he wished for more freedom!) It was our first family vacation with Ben, and we look forward to many more adventures together.

Family Picnic

It's our tradition to have a family picnic over Memorial Day weekend to celebrate my birthday. Stu took me to Pt. Defiance for the first time on my 19th birthday, which is always fun to remember. It's a beautiful park, and more fun each year with our growing family! This year instead of KFC, Stu and I fixed a lovely picnic, (the menu straight out of Fine Cooking magazine, No. 99- try it, its delicious!!)

Papa Dwight

Billy even called him "Pop" a few times; we had a fun time with Dwight.

Benjamin

He's growing up!!

Swim Class

Billy's back in Swim Class!