Hallo-Trick-a-Treat!

Halloween is awesome!  We got to make so many Halloween decorations for our house :).  Mommy let me make punkins and spiders and ghosts.  She let me do the colors and paints and even let me help cut with the skissors!  We hung up spiderwebs and skeletons.  It was spooooky!  

I got to pick out a punkin at da store.  We carved a jack-a-lantern.  I liked helping Daddy cut the punkin, but the inside was so gross!  We made Mommy clean it out.  Then we cut a happy face and sad face so da punkin could do the frowny face song.  

We got so many Halloween books and movies from the library so I could know about Halloween.  I really liked the Mouse-a-Halloween and 10 Trick-a-Treaters get scared, but my favorite was "two shoes go clomp, clomp; one pair a pants go wiggle-wiggle; one shirt go shaaaake; two gloves go clap-clap-clap; one hat go nod, nod; and da punkin-head go BOO!"  It's fun to 'tend there are ghosts and globlins in da house.  They's "not so scary after all."

Gramma made me a Kipper costume and Mommy was Tiger.  All da peoples said I was a cute puppy!  We got to ride da train at Daddy's work and trick-a-treat.  I like to get the candies, 'specially da suckers.  "Hmm...i's dalicious!"  Then, on a diffent day, we got to do trick-a-treat again!  We went to church and got candy from all the peoples at their cars.  I wanted to do trick-a-treat again but Mommy says I have to wait until next year.  Good thing I have so many Halloween candies!  I can't wait!

Hallo-Trick-a-Treat!

Halloween is awesome!  We got to make so many Halloween decorations for our house :).  Mommy let me make punkins and spiders and ghosts.  She let me do the colors and paints and even let me help cut with the skissors!  We hung up spiderwebs and skeletons.  It was spooooky!  

I got to pick out a punkin at da store.  We carved a jack-a-lantern.  I liked helping Daddy cut the punkin, but the inside was so gross!  We made Mommy clean it out.  Then we cut a happy face and sad face so da punkin could do the frowny face song.  

We got so many Halloween books and movies from the library so I could know about Halloween.  I really liked the Mouse-a-Halloween and 10 Trick-a-Treaters get scared, but my favorite was "two shoes go clomp, clomp; one pair a pants go wiggle-wiggle; one shirt go shaaaake; two gloves go clap-clap-clap; one hat go nod, nod; and da punkin-head go BOO!"  It's fun to 'tend there are ghosts and globlins in da house.  They's "not so scary after all."

Gramma made me a Kipper costume and Mommy was Tiger.  All da peoples said I was a cute puppy!  We got to ride da train at Daddy's work and trick-a-treat.  I like to get the candies, 'specially da suckers.  "Hmm...i's dalicious!"  Then, on a diffent day, we got to do trick-a-treat again!  We went to church and got candy from all the peoples at their cars.  I wanted to do trick-a-treat again but Mommy says I have to wait until next year.  Good thing I have so many Halloween candies!  I can't wait!

Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

Holy cow! I just realized how long it's been since I've posted anything! Now, before you all get upset and send me nasty e-mails, keep in mind that over the past four months, I've hosted family four times, had friends sleep over twice, and orchestrated numerous game nights for Mommy & Daddy and their friends. I've spent just about every weekend this year playing host to someone or other, so I didn't have much free time to write. I think, however, that this trend may continue, so I've decided that I should let Mommy and Daddy know about this blog so they can help keep it up-to-date (they definitely aren't as busy as I am!). I know Dad's been talking about starting a blog to keep up with all his tech ideas and Mom should probably do some more journaling, too, so after two and a half years, I'll clue them in to what I've been doing. Hopefully they'll be proud of me! They always say they are.

Now, as for my update: I love summer! It has been awesome getting to play in my own pooloo in the backyard and going to the big pooloo with slides and drippin' spritzers. It was lots of fun playing with the spritzers because I could make them hit Anchela, Cahlin, and Mom! We also went campin' just like Kipper. There was a shadow growin on da wall da tent, somefing with horns! but it was just Daddy being silly. Although there are a lot of fun things to do in the summer, it is also HOT! So, we've spent a lot of time inside as well. But that's okay because I love to play with my cars and trucks. Mommy even lets me watch movies sometimes. Cars is still my favorite but I really like Tangled and KungFu Panda, too. We also read lots of books! Mommy lets me pick my own books from the library--I'm so excited to get my star chart filled so I can get my own new book to keep!

Well, I've got to get rested up because Uncle Scott will be here tomorrow then Aunt Cahlin is coming and then we are going camping again! Woohoo!

Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

Holy cow! I just realized how long it's been since I've posted anything! Now, before you all get upset and send me nasty e-mails, keep in mind that over the past four months, I've hosted family four times, had friends sleep over twice, and orchestrated numerous game nights for Mommy & Daddy and their friends. I've spent just about every weekend this year playing host to someone or other, so I didn't have much free time to write. I think, however, that this trend may continue, so I've decided that I should let Mommy and Daddy know about this blog so they can help keep it up-to-date (they definitely aren't as busy as I am!). I know Dad's been talking about starting a blog to keep up with all his tech ideas and Mom should probably do some more journaling, too, so after two and a half years, I'll clue them in to what I've been doing. Hopefully they'll be proud of me! They always say they are.

Now, as for my update: I love summer! It has been awesome getting to play in my own pooloo in the backyard and going to the big pooloo with slides and drippin' spritzers. It was lots of fun playing with the spritzers because I could make them hit Anchela, Cahlin, and Mom! We also went campin' just like Kipper. There was a shadow growin on da wall da tent, somefing with horns! but it was just Daddy being silly. Although there are a lot of fun things to do in the summer, it is also HOT! So, we've spent a lot of time inside as well. But that's okay because I love to play with my cars and trucks. Mommy even lets me watch movies sometimes. Cars is still my favorite but I really like Tangled and KungFu Panda, too. We also read lots of books! Mommy lets me pick my own books from the library--I'm so excited to get my star chart filled so I can get my own new book to keep!

Well, I've got to get rested up because Uncle Scott will be here tomorrow then Aunt Cahlin is coming and then we are going camping again! Woohoo!

Friends

Colton is my friend. I like to play with him. I met him in nursery when it was snowy way long ago. At first, he would come to our house with his mommy and we would play hoops while our moms talked. They only came over sometimes but I would see him every week in nursery. Then, one day, Mommy took me to his house. He has trains! It is so much fun to set up the track and drive the trains around. His house has a backyard so we can run around and drive his big trucks. We were having so much fun I didn't even realize that Mommy had left for a meeting! When she got back, I wanted to stay and play so she promised that we could come back soon. It didn't take long before I started asking to play with Colton more! I was always so excited to go to church because I knew I could play with him! We liked to zoom the dump trucks around and chase each other. It was so much fun! Then we began sleeping at a new house and started going to a different nursery. I kept hoping to see Colton, but he was never there. I had to play with the new kids--they are pretty nice but not so fun like Colton. I kept asking Mommy about Colton but she said we were busy with family, and I guess we were--it was fun having Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Carolyn, and Uncle Scott around. I even got to play with Brianna and Chelsea again, but they aren't friends like Colton. Then Colton came to visit me at our new house! I was so excited to see him! We had a lot of fun together. The next time I asked Mommy to play with Colton, she said we could go to his house.

His house is different, now, too! Now there is a park right outside, just like at our old house. I like having a park right outside. We ran around and chased each other then explored his new house. It is so cool that we both have new houses. I wish we still could play together in nursery, but we do get to see each other sometimes. The best was when I was playing at the park last week and Colton surprised us! We had so much fun playing together. I like Colton. He is my friend.

Friends

Colton is my friend. I like to play with him. I met him in nursery when it was snowy way long ago. At first, he would come to our house with his mommy and we would play hoops while our moms talked. They only came over sometimes but I would see him every week in nursery. Then, one day, Mommy took me to his house. He has trains! It is so much fun to set up the track and drive the trains around. His house has a backyard so we can run around and drive his big trucks. We were having so much fun I didn't even realize that Mommy had left for a meeting! When she got back, I wanted to stay and play so she promised that we could come back soon. It didn't take long before I started asking to play with Colton more! I was always so excited to go to church because I knew I could play with him! We liked to zoom the dump trucks around and chase each other. It was so much fun! Then we began sleeping at a new house and started going to a different nursery. I kept hoping to see Colton, but he was never there. I had to play with the new kids--they are pretty nice but not so fun like Colton. I kept asking Mommy about Colton but she said we were busy with family, and I guess we were--it was fun having Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Carolyn, and Uncle Scott around. I even got to play with Brianna and Chelsea again, but they aren't friends like Colton. Then Colton came to visit me at our new house! I was so excited to see him! We had a lot of fun together. The next time I asked Mommy to play with Colton, she said we could go to his house.

His house is different, now, too! Now there is a park right outside, just like at our old house. I like having a park right outside. We ran around and chased each other then explored his new house. It is so cool that we both have new houses. I wish we still could play together in nursery, but we do get to see each other sometimes. The best was when I was playing at the park last week and Colton surprised us! We had so much fun playing together. I like Colton. He is my friend.

Cottage Time!

So, I knew something was up when Mommy & Daddy began packing up all of our things in suitcases--at first I thought we might be moving again, but they didn't seem to be using any boxes, and they kept talking about a "cottage" (I had to look it up). Since we only packed up about half of the things we owned, I figured that we would just be taking a really long drive, or something. The next day, we did go for a drive with Aunt Angela, but it wasn't a very long one. We stopped at a place that looked a lot like a page right out of my Where's Waldo books...there were people everywhere! We seemed to just walk around for a really long time, until Daddy found us some seats next to a big window. I stood up on the chair to see out, and this huge thing drove by! It turned toward our window, and then I saw that it was just a really big airplane--I knew what planes were, but the only kind I had seen up until this point could fit in my hand, or at least looked like they could...I told Mommy that I thought even Daddy could fit inside one of these planes, and Mommy told me that we could all fit, and that it would take us to see the rest of the family. Holy cow!

Once we got inside and found some seats, I started checking out the accommodations: air vents were adjusted, widow shades were set to optimal positions, and my toy inventory was re-checked. When the plane started moving Mommy had me look out the window. As I did, I saw that we were going faster and faster, and then the ground started moving away(!). I didn't know what to make of that until Daddy explained the basics of aerodynamics and commercial travel to me. It made my head hurt, so I closed the window shades. I played with Mommy, Angela, and Daddy for a long time, and just about the time that the novelty of being in an airplane was wearing off, we landed. I was tired enough by this time that when I got back in my stroller, I fell asleep.

When I woke up, we were getting on another plane! After I completed my pre-flight check of all our equipment, I wanted to explore the rest of the plane, but apparently we weren't allowed to. :( I told Mommy it wasn't fair, since the snack guy got to walk around! I was so glad when we were finally able to get out of the plane--I mean, it was really cool and all, but I wanted to be able to stand up and play. When we got down the escalator to pick up our luggage, I was so glad to be able to run around, but Mommy, Daddy, and Aunt Angela didn't seem as happy as I was--apparently some of our luggage didn't come off the plane with us, including my carseat! I was not a fan of the replacement one the airport loaned us and was certainly glad when mine showed up again!

But, wait, I'm getting ahead of myself. When we finally got to go outside, I saw Grandpa Dye! I was a little confused, because I hadn't seen him on our airplane, but then I figured that he had just taken one of the other ones I had seen. We drove to a restaurant and met up with Grandma Dye, Aunt Carolyn, Uncle Scott, and someone who looked kinda like Mommy with another guy and two little girls. Despite all of the excitement of seeing family again, I was glad when we finally got to the hotel--it had been a long day with so many new and interesting sights. I couldn't wait to dream about them!

As if a four-hour plane ride wasn't enough, the next day, we did the same thing, but in a car! Whose idea was it to waste half of our vacation just getting there? I was seriously reconsidering my continued involvement, when the car stopped again. The cottage is AWESOME!! It has a beach and a lake and I got to go swimming every day. Mommy and Daddy made all these sand animals that I got to smush. We found shells and rocks! I also learned that the two little girls were my cousins and we had a lot of fun playing together even though they didn't understand me very well. Our favorite game was ladderball--it was pretty easy to learn, we just had to watch Mommy and Grandma play it once first. We got to go on all kinds of boats: paddle boat, pontoon boat, and motor boat. I didn't much like wearing my life vest, but it was cool being out on the water. One time Grandpa even let me drive the boat! It was awesome.  :)  After we were at the cottage for a day or so, another car arrived. It was Grandpa Op and Aunt Carina! I couldn't believe that they came, too! It was the first time I actually got to play with Aunt Carina. We had so much fun! She swung with me on the swing and pulled me in the tube; We played ball and in the water and sand; We ate junk food and popsicles. It was great. :)

One morning, we got in the car and went to something called a parade. There were lots of people gathered on the sides of the road, and they were all watching other people drive extremely slowly down it...Daddy would have been mad at them. He also wouldn't have liked all of the loud noises--but for me, seeing the fire trucks outweighed the obnoxious sounds. That night (and why is "nite" a legitimate spelling?!) we had dinner (pizza!) at a place called Mackinaw. Mackinaw must be Chinese for "whole bunch of people gathered in a really small place for no discernible reason"...While we were playing on a playground with Grandma and Grandpa, I noticed that it was getting dark. Now, usually Mommy is helping get me ready for bed when it is getting dark, but we were far away from the cottage. I wondered what was going on, but Mommy got me some ice cream so I figured it must be a special night. Boy, was I right! Once it got really dark, the whole sky completely lit up with fireworks! They were a lot bigger than the ones I saw last year, and were a lot louder! I don't exactly remember how I got home, but I woke up in the right place the next day, so it's a good thing I wasn't the designated driver...

One of the scariest but most exhilarating things we did was tubing. Grandpa hooked the tubes up behind the pontoon for Brianna and me to ride. Mommy rode with me and Aunt Shannon rode with Brianna. Even though I had watched lots of people ride the tubes, I definitely did not know what to expect. We went so fast! We were skipping on top of the water just like a boat! It was crazy! I'm glad Mommy was with me because I knew she would keep me safe. One of the coolest things we got to do was paint the cottage. It took me a long time to convince Mommy that I could do just as good a job as everyone else, but eventually she let me help paint. The cottage looks so much newer now! One of the oddest things we did was go "fishing"--We got these long poles with strings on them that we had to be careful with, and then threw the strings in the water and watched them...Nothing happened. I preferred throwing rocks in the water but apparently you're not supposed to do that while you are fishing. Oh well, maybe I'll get the hang of this whole "fishing" thing when I am older. So, all in all, vacations are pretty awesome, and I can't wait to do it again!

Cottage Time!

So, I knew something was up when Mommy & Daddy began packing up all of our things in suitcases--at first I thought we might be moving again, but they didn't seem to be using any boxes, and they kept talking about a "cottage" (I had to look it up). Since we only packed up about half of the things we owned, I figured that we would just be taking a really long drive, or something. The next day, we did go for a drive with Aunt Angela, but it wasn't a very long one. We stopped at a place that looked a lot like a page right out of my Where's Waldo books...there were people everywhere! We seemed to just walk around for a really long time, until Daddy found us some seats next to a big window. I stood up on the chair to see out, and this huge thing drove by! It turned toward our window, and then I saw that it was just a really big airplane--I knew what planes were, but the only kind I had seen up until this point could fit in my hand, or at least looked like they could...I told Mommy that I thought even Daddy could fit inside one of these planes, and Mommy told me that we could all fit, and that it would take us to see the rest of the family. Holy cow!

Once we got inside and found some seats, I started checking out the accommodations: air vents were adjusted, widow shades were set to optimal positions, and my toy inventory was re-checked. When the plane started moving Mommy had me look out the window. As I did, I saw that we were going faster and faster, and then the ground started moving away(!). I didn't know what to make of that until Daddy explained the basics of aerodynamics and commercial travel to me. It made my head hurt, so I closed the window shades. I played with Mommy, Angela, and Daddy for a long time, and just about the time that the novelty of being in an airplane was wearing off, we landed. I was tired enough by this time that when I got back in my stroller, I fell asleep.

When I woke up, we were getting on another plane! After I completed my pre-flight check of all our equipment, I wanted to explore the rest of the plane, but apparently we weren't allowed to. :( I told Mommy it wasn't fair, since the snack guy got to walk around! I was so glad when we were finally able to get out of the plane--I mean, it was really cool and all, but I wanted to be able to stand up and play. When we got down the escalator to pick up our luggage, I was so glad to be able to run around, but Mommy, Daddy, and Aunt Angela didn't seem as happy as I was--apparently some of our luggage didn't come off the plane with us, including my carseat! I was not a fan of the replacement one the airport loaned us and was certainly glad when mine showed up again!

But, wait, I'm getting ahead of myself. When we finally got to go outside, I saw Grandpa Dye! I was a little confused, because I hadn't seen him on our airplane, but then I figured that he had just taken one of the other ones I had seen. We drove to a restaurant and met up with Grandma Dye, Aunt Carolyn, Uncle Scott, and someone who looked kinda like Mommy with another guy and two little girls. Despite all of the excitement of seeing family again, I was glad when we finally got to the hotel--it had been a long day with so many new and interesting sights. I couldn't wait to dream about them!

As if a four-hour plane ride wasn't enough, the next day, we did the same thing, but in a car! Whose idea was it to waste half of our vacation just getting there? I was seriously reconsidering my continued involvement, when the car stopped again. The cottage is AWESOME!! It has a beach and a lake and I got to go swimming every day. Mommy and Daddy made all these sand animals that I got to smush. We found shells and rocks! I also learned that the two little girls were my cousins and we had a lot of fun playing together even though they didn't understand me very well. Our favorite game was ladderball--it was pretty easy to learn, we just had to watch Mommy and Grandma play it once first. We got to go on all kinds of boats: paddle boat, pontoon boat, and motor boat. I didn't much like wearing my life vest, but it was cool being out on the water. One time Grandpa even let me drive the boat! It was awesome.  :)  After we were at the cottage for a day or so, another car arrived. It was Grandpa Op and Aunt Carina! I couldn't believe that they came, too! It was the first time I actually got to play with Aunt Carina. We had so much fun! She swung with me on the swing and pulled me in the tube; We played ball and in the water and sand; We ate junk food and popsicles. It was great. :)

One morning, we got in the car and went to something called a parade. There were lots of people gathered on the sides of the road, and they were all watching other people drive extremely slowly down it...Daddy would have been mad at them. He also wouldn't have liked all of the loud noises--but for me, seeing the fire trucks outweighed the obnoxious sounds. That night (and why is "nite" a legitimate spelling?!) we had dinner (pizza!) at a place called Mackinaw. Mackinaw must be Chinese for "whole bunch of people gathered in a really small place for no discernible reason"...While we were playing on a playground with Grandma and Grandpa, I noticed that it was getting dark. Now, usually Mommy is helping get me ready for bed when it is getting dark, but we were far away from the cottage. I wondered what was going on, but Mommy got me some ice cream so I figured it must be a special night. Boy, was I right! Once it got really dark, the whole sky completely lit up with fireworks! They were a lot bigger than the ones I saw last year, and were a lot louder! I don't exactly remember how I got home, but I woke up in the right place the next day, so it's a good thing I wasn't the designated driver...

One of the scariest but most exhilarating things we did was tubing. Grandpa hooked the tubes up behind the pontoon for Brianna and me to ride. Mommy rode with me and Aunt Shannon rode with Brianna. Even though I had watched lots of people ride the tubes, I definitely did not know what to expect. We went so fast! We were skipping on top of the water just like a boat! It was crazy! I'm glad Mommy was with me because I knew she would keep me safe. One of the coolest things we got to do was paint the cottage. It took me a long time to convince Mommy that I could do just as good a job as everyone else, but eventually she let me help paint. The cottage looks so much newer now! One of the oddest things we did was go "fishing"--We got these long poles with strings on them that we had to be careful with, and then threw the strings in the water and watched them...Nothing happened. I preferred throwing rocks in the water but apparently you're not supposed to do that while you are fishing. Oh well, maybe I'll get the hang of this whole "fishing" thing when I am older. So, all in all, vacations are pretty awesome, and I can't wait to do it again!

Birthday Fun

Normally, every morning when I wake up, I call to Mommy and she comes to feed me breakfast and get me ready for the day. But a couple days ago, when I called for Mom, both Mommy & Daddy came in... and they were singing?! Weird.

Then, instead of just having some Cheerios for breakfast, Daddy made 'pancakes'. That was awesome!

After breakfast, I got to play frisbee with Daddy on our new Wii--which is unusually trendy for us but Daddy figured that it was the only way he could get Mommy to play video games with us. ;) Even though Mommy didn't play that day, she plays with me a lot so I am glad that Daddy gave in to this trend.

After nap-time, Daddy took me on a ride in my stroller, up to the store, and got me a huge, shiny balloon! I have decided that I really like having 'boy time'. I never know what to expect next when I am hanging out with Dad!

When it was time for dinner, a bunch of people showed up--with presents! I knew the whole present routine from Christmas, so I was excited to see some more showing up even though there didn't seem to be a reason for it (people often come over, but not usually with presents!). But, hey, I wasn't going to complain :).

For dinner, we had my favorite--pepperoni pizza! It was shaped like a heart, for some reason, though. I ate a whole slice! Man, was I full. After dinner we played the Wii with my aunts & uncles--some of them need to practice more ;). We also, finally, got to open the presents! This time they were all for me! I got clothes, and shoes, and more clothes, then I opened some cool things like a train, some books, and a puzzle. Mommy and Daddy also got me a tool bench!

After I played with my new toys for a bit, Mommy put me back in my high chair, and everyone started singing the same song Mommy & Daddy sang to me that morning. While everyone was singing, Daddy walked in with something colorful that had a candle stuck in it. He held it right up to me, and told me to blow on it--but Mommy & Daddy had always told me that candles were hot, and to stay away from them, so I did.Then the candle went out, and Daddy ripped off a bright red piece of the colorful thing and put it on my tray. At first, I had no idea what was going on, but I figured that since I was in my chair, that it must be food, no matter how weird it looked--even if everyone in the room was watching me like they knew something I didn't. I picked it up, but it was really gooey, and it stuck to my hand! So I figured I was mistaken, and I tried to see if it was finger-paint. It smashed pretty well, but then Daddy took a piece and put it in my mouth--holy cow! I don't think I've ever had that much sugar at once before! I grabbed as much as I could from my tray and snarfed it down, then snagged another one (green, this time) for good measure. Talk about 'nummy'!

Mommy decided that I needed a bath before bed. I love bath time! When I was all cleaned up and ready for bed, everyone said the same thing again--I think I like this 'birthday' thing, and especially the colorful, sugary goodness that I have discovered is called 'cake'! I can't wait until my next birthday!

Birthday Fun

Normally, every morning when I wake up, I call to Mommy and she comes to feed me breakfast and get me ready for the day. But a couple days ago, when I called for Mom, both Mommy & Daddy came in... and they were singing?! Weird.

Then, instead of just having some Cheerios for breakfast, Daddy made 'pancakes'. That was awesome!

After breakfast, I got to play frisbee with Daddy on our new Wii--which is unusually trendy for us but Daddy figured that it was the only way he could get Mommy to play video games with us. ;) Even though Mommy didn't play that day, she plays with me a lot so I am glad that Daddy gave in to this trend.

After nap-time, Daddy took me on a ride in my stroller, up to the store, and got me a huge, shiny balloon! I have decided that I really like having 'boy time'. I never know what to expect next when I am hanging out with Dad!

When it was time for dinner, a bunch of people showed up--with presents! I knew the whole present routine from Christmas, so I was excited to see some more showing up even though there didn't seem to be a reason for it (people often come over, but not usually with presents!). But, hey, I wasn't going to complain :).

For dinner, we had my favorite--pepperoni pizza! It was shaped like a heart, for some reason, though. I ate a whole slice! Man, was I full. After dinner we played the Wii with my aunts & uncles--some of them need to practice more ;). We also, finally, got to open the presents! This time they were all for me! I got clothes, and shoes, and more clothes, then I opened some cool things like a train, some books, and a puzzle. Mommy and Daddy also got me a tool bench!

After I played with my new toys for a bit, Mommy put me back in my high chair, and everyone started singing the same song Mommy & Daddy sang to me that morning. While everyone was singing, Daddy walked in with something colorful that had a candle stuck in it. He held it right up to me, and told me to blow on it--but Mommy & Daddy had always told me that candles were hot, and to stay away from them, so I did.Then the candle went out, and Daddy ripped off a bright red piece of the colorful thing and put it on my tray. At first, I had no idea what was going on, but I figured that since I was in my chair, that it must be food, no matter how weird it looked--even if everyone in the room was watching me like they knew something I didn't. I picked it up, but it was really gooey, and it stuck to my hand! So I figured I was mistaken, and I tried to see if it was finger-paint. It smashed pretty well, but then Daddy took a piece and put it in my mouth--holy cow! I don't think I've ever had that much sugar at once before! I grabbed as much as I could from my tray and snarfed it down, then snagged another one (green, this time) for good measure. Talk about 'nummy'!

Mommy decided that I needed a bath before bed. I love bath time! When I was all cleaned up and ready for bed, everyone said the same thing again--I think I like this 'birthday' thing, and especially the colorful, sugary goodness that I have discovered is called 'cake'! I can't wait until my next birthday!

Winter Wonders

OK, so I think I've figured out this whole "winter" thing. Once it gets cold outside and we have to stay inside all the time, people start having celebrations to help pass the time. I mean, I may only be 11 months old, but I have never seen so much partying as I have in the last little bit. It all started after I woke up one day and Mommy held me up to the window and everything was WHITE! Everything looked soo different. But then she started bundling us both up in layers and layers of clothes--I was really hot and uncomfortable...until we went outside. I'm sure you guys know this already, but snow is weird--it's soft, but it's cold, it smushes when you step on it, and it's really sparkly. I helped Mommy make "snow angels", and we even got to play in the playground and on the big curly slide! Needless to say, the next time Mom started dressing me in my entire closet, I was too excited to worry about being too hot.

But, back to what I was saying...after that day, the parties started. First off, Mommy got dressed in her pjs(?!), and then drove us to the school she used to work at. Before she let us go inside she put me inside this blue and purple outfit she called a "dinosaur costume". As we walked inside, I couldn't believe how sparkly, weird, scary, and gross all of the other kids looked. I was confused and a bit nervous until I started recognizing some of the faces behind all the weirdness. After we marched around the school, everyone started laughing and playing and I decided that this "Halloween" thing wasn't so bad. Later that night we got dressed up again, even Dad this time. We only drove to our church before we stopped. Mommy took me all around the parking lot, and all sorts of monsters and people put things into the bag I had Mommy hold for me. When we got back to our car, she let me dump the bag out to see what I had gotten. I was soo excited to see a whole pile of candy!

Things were back to normal for a little bit, but a few weeks after Halloween, it was apparently time for another celebration. This time Daddy and Mommy packed up our car and we drove, like, FOREVER! When we finally got out of the car, it was pretty much bedtime, so I wondered what was going on. When I found out that we were going to be staying the night, I was kinda excited. I hadn't ever slept over at someone else's house! And I got to sleep in the same room as Dad and Mom! I'm glad they don't snore...But the best part was the next day. Everyone was working hard in the kitchen on something called "Thanksgiving dinner". All I can say is "Wow". When we finally sat down at the table there was more food than I had ever seen. But the best part was that Mommy and Daddy shared with me! I got to try turkey, rolls, mashed potatoes, yams, stuffing, and (my personal favorite) pumpkin pie! I LOVE Thanksgiving!

No more than a week after we got home, I got up from my nap and noticed that there were lots of colorful decorations all around the house. Mommy set me next to a little pine tree. When she flipped a switch it started to sparkle! It was so cool. Not long later, Aunt Carolyn came to stay at our house and play with me. Then Grandpa and Grandma Dye showed up with Uncle Scott and Aunt Angela. We all went and stayed overnight at Grandma & Grandpa's house--I really like sleepovers! That next morning, instead of having breakfast, we all piled into the living room and started pulling toys and candies out of HUGE socks with our names on them! My favorite find was a race car that zooms across the floor when you rev up the engine. Then Grandpa started handing everyone colorfully wrapped presents. Opening presents made me tired so imagine my excitement when I found a stuffed Pooh Bear! I just wanted to cuddle him and go take a nap. I liked Christmas because everyone was so happy and there were so many new things to investigate. But the best thing about this celebration was that Daddy was home a lot more so we got to spend so much time as one huge family. I loved having everyone around because there was always someone to play with :) It was sad when everyone went home, but they said they would visit again so I am very excited for our next family holiday!

All in all, I've decided that, although we're stuck inside, winter isn't so bad. I'm glad that people decided to have celebrations to help pass the time. They are definitely worth it!

Winter Wonders

OK, so I think I've figured out this whole "winter" thing. Once it gets cold outside and we have to stay inside all the time, people start having celebrations to help pass the time. I mean, I may only be 11 months old, but I have never seen so much partying as I have in the last little bit. It all started after I woke up one day and Mommy held me up to the window and everything was WHITE! Everything looked soo different. But then she started bundling us both up in layers and layers of clothes--I was really hot and uncomfortable...until we went outside. I'm sure you guys know this already, but snow is weird--it's soft, but it's cold, it smushes when you step on it, and it's really sparkly. I helped Mommy make "snow angels", and we even got to play in the playground and on the big curly slide! Needless to say, the next time Mom started dressing me in my entire closet, I was too excited to worry about being too hot.

But, back to what I was saying...after that day, the parties started. First off, Mommy got dressed in her pjs(?!), and then drove us to the school she used to work at. Before she let us go inside she put me inside this blue and purple outfit she called a "dinosaur costume". As we walked inside, I couldn't believe how sparkly, weird, scary, and gross all of the other kids looked. I was confused and a bit nervous until I started recognizing some of the faces behind all the weirdness. After we marched around the school, everyone started laughing and playing and I decided that this "Halloween" thing wasn't so bad. Later that night we got dressed up again, even Dad this time. We only drove to our church before we stopped. Mommy took me all around the parking lot, and all sorts of monsters and people put things into the bag I had Mommy hold for me. When we got back to our car, she let me dump the bag out to see what I had gotten. I was soo excited to see a whole pile of candy!

Things were back to normal for a little bit, but a few weeks after Halloween, it was apparently time for another celebration. This time Daddy and Mommy packed up our car and we drove, like, FOREVER! When we finally got out of the car, it was pretty much bedtime, so I wondered what was going on. When I found out that we were going to be staying the night, I was kinda excited. I hadn't ever slept over at someone else's house! And I got to sleep in the same room as Dad and Mom! I'm glad they don't snore...But the best part was the next day. Everyone was working hard in the kitchen on something called "Thanksgiving dinner". All I can say is "Wow". When we finally sat down at the table there was more food than I had ever seen. But the best part was that Mommy and Daddy shared with me! I got to try turkey, rolls, mashed potatoes, yams, stuffing, and (my personal favorite) pumpkin pie! I LOVE Thanksgiving!

No more than a week after we got home, I got up from my nap and noticed that there were lots of colorful decorations all around the house. Mommy set me next to a little pine tree. When she flipped a switch it started to sparkle! It was so cool. Not long later, Aunt Carolyn came to stay at our house and play with me. Then Grandpa and Grandma Dye showed up with Uncle Scott and Aunt Angela. We all went and stayed overnight at Grandma & Grandpa's house--I really like sleepovers! That next morning, instead of having breakfast, we all piled into the living room and started pulling toys and candies out of HUGE socks with our names on them! My favorite find was a race car that zooms across the floor when you rev up the engine. Then Grandpa started handing everyone colorfully wrapped presents. Opening presents made me tired so imagine my excitement when I found a stuffed Pooh Bear! I just wanted to cuddle him and go take a nap. I liked Christmas because everyone was so happy and there were so many new things to investigate. But the best thing about this celebration was that Daddy was home a lot more so we got to spend so much time as one huge family. I loved having everyone around because there was always someone to play with :) It was sad when everyone went home, but they said they would visit again so I am very excited for our next family holiday!

All in all, I've decided that, although we're stuck inside, winter isn't so bad. I'm glad that people decided to have celebrations to help pass the time. They are definitely worth it!

Summer Fun

  I've noticed that summer seems to be when everyone is doing workout programs and I am no exception!  I get my cardio throughout the day by crawling wherever I go (I chase the cat to get in my sprints) and then work on my muscle tone by doing pull-ups any time I encounter something taller than me. I'm pretty defined right now and keeping down the baby fat so any time we go out in public the girls can't stop staring!  I draw out their smiles and giggles by blowing kisses and crinkling my nose at them.

  Mommy & Daddy are finally doing better at recognizing when I am talking to them.  Now they generally come when I call and do what I ask.  I also like to tell stories while I play.  Mommy doesn't always pick up on her part of the story when I'm playing "and this goes over the fence..." so sometimes that game ends sooner than I intend.

  I have to learn to be a little more sneaky.  Mommy or Daddy always catch me when I climb up on the couch or try to get over the baby gate.  I'm getting faster--someday I will find out about the things that they keep out of my reach!

  We met up with some of my friends to go to a place with lots of animals behind fences, kind of like the zoo, but Mommy called it a "farm".  I don't know what is up with using different words for the same thing, but I had fun anyway.  I had Mommy hold me so that I could look over the fences at the animals.  She even let me touch some of them!

  I found out that Mommy & Daddy have always gone camping for their anniversaries, and they decided to take me with them! There were a lot of people there I had seen before at church, and Daddy had fun with some of the other guys, shooting guns before bed. I didn't get to see, but Daddy said he did really well, so I believe him. Since I was a little more familiar with the routine this time, I was able to sleep great with the babble of a creek just outside our tent. The next morning we explored around a bit, and then headed back home.

  Speaking of church, the new one we go to since we moved is interesting. Instead of listening to people talk for three hours straight each Sunday, after a few people are done talking, Mommy & Daddy take me to a room filled with toys and other kids. The other kids are all bigger than me, but most of them cry more, too, so I still think I'm one up on them. It's nice not having to be completely quiet for all of church any more.

  So, not all experiences are good--popsicles, Jell-O, and apple juice are fun, but apparently when you start eating real food, you start growing real teeth. This is not a fun process, especially when Mommy & Daddy fall behind with my pain medication. I do enjoy brushing what teeth I have, though. And, since I'm able to chew things, now, Mommy has started giving me Kix for snacks! I know, not everything good in life involves food, but so far, an awful lot of it does...

Summer Fun

  I've noticed that summer seems to be when everyone is doing workout programs and I am no exception!  I get my cardio throughout the day by crawling wherever I go (I chase the cat to get in my sprints) and then work on my muscle tone by doing pull-ups any time I encounter something taller than me. I'm pretty defined right now and keeping down the baby fat so any time we go out in public the girls can't stop staring!  I draw out their smiles and giggles by blowing kisses and crinkling my nose at them.

  Mommy & Daddy are finally doing better at recognizing when I am talking to them.  Now they generally come when I call and do what I ask.  I also like to tell stories while I play.  Mommy doesn't always pick up on her part of the story when I'm playing "and this goes over the fence..." so sometimes that game ends sooner than I intend.

  I have to learn to be a little more sneaky.  Mommy or Daddy always catch me when I climb up on the couch or try to get over the baby gate.  I'm getting faster--someday I will find out about the things that they keep out of my reach!

  We met up with some of my friends to go to a place with lots of animals behind fences, kind of like the zoo, but Mommy called it a "farm".  I don't know what is up with using different words for the same thing, but I had fun anyway.  I had Mommy hold me so that I could look over the fences at the animals.  She even let me touch some of them!

  I found out that Mommy & Daddy have always gone camping for their anniversaries, and they decided to take me with them! There were a lot of people there I had seen before at church, and Daddy had fun with some of the other guys, shooting guns before bed. I didn't get to see, but Daddy said he did really well, so I believe him. Since I was a little more familiar with the routine this time, I was able to sleep great with the babble of a creek just outside our tent. The next morning we explored around a bit, and then headed back home.

  Speaking of church, the new one we go to since we moved is interesting. Instead of listening to people talk for three hours straight each Sunday, after a few people are done talking, Mommy & Daddy take me to a room filled with toys and other kids. The other kids are all bigger than me, but most of them cry more, too, so I still think I'm one up on them. It's nice not having to be completely quiet for all of church any more.

  So, not all experiences are good--popsicles, Jell-O, and apple juice are fun, but apparently when you start eating real food, you start growing real teeth. This is not a fun process, especially when Mommy & Daddy fall behind with my pain medication. I do enjoy brushing what teeth I have, though. And, since I'm able to chew things, now, Mommy has started giving me Kix for snacks! I know, not everything good in life involves food, but so far, an awful lot of it does...

Backlog

  Sorry it's been so long--When both Mommy and Daddy were home it was easier to get online because they distracted each other, but then Mommy went back to work and it was just Daddy and I at home. He left me no time to sneak onto the computer--we were constantly doing things together (napping, chatting, eating, playing, etc.) or else he was using the computer. So I knew I wouldn't be able to get away with anything until Mommy was home again. But…once Mommy was home again and Daddy was off to work, something happened to the computers.  I'm serious! Not one of them was working! Finally (it has to have been at least a month) Daddy got the laptop working well again. And with Mommy spending a lot of time packing, I'll have plenty of time to catch you guys up on everything that has been happening (which is a lot!).  Here goes:

April

  This month started out pretty cool with my Daddy's dad coming out to visit for a week. We had a lot of fun laughing at each other, learning to sit up, and having my first taste of raspberry shake (!). I really enjoyed that last one.

  I got to meet a ton more extended family when they came for my baby blessing. Mommy dressed me up in this awesome white tuxedo that her mom had made for me. I also had a special blanket and booties to wear. I could tell that this day was important for Mommy and Daddy so I tried my best to be very good and I even kept my outfit in pristine condition!

  For some time now, Mommy and Daddy have been talking about something they call "graduation". I'm not quite sure what that is, but I can tell that Mommy is proud of Daddy. One day he put on a blue dress and hat and we took some pictures. Then we went hiking. Mommy carried me in a pack so I could see everything.  We went to a waterfall. Mommy let me feel the water--it was pretty cold!

May

  Mommy was eating something blue one day while we were sitting outside together--I figured that something that colorful must taste pretty good. Turns out, I was right! I managed to steal it away from Mommy when she wasn't looking, and not only did it taste good, but it was also really cold! I love cold things. Since then, I've found out that these colorful treats are called "Popsicles". Try them, if you haven't already!

  Mommy was acting unusually emotional the last part of this month. I'm not quite sure what was wrong with her, but I know it had something to do with where she goes when she's not home with Daddy and I.  After a few weeks of this, Daddy and I went with Mommy to work. There were a lot of other kids there and they wanted something they called my "signature" in a book that Mommy made for them. I was glad that they liked me. Then we all went outside and sang a song. Mommy was holding me pretty tight and getting my hair wet. Then all the other kids gave us a group hug. After that day, Mommy was home all the time. It was nice having the three of us together again.

June

  We finally went geocaching! For those of you who don't know what that is, what we do is go on a walk with a tiny computer that has an arrow on it which Mommy and Daddy follow. Then they stop and look around, up, and under things. Mommy found a hidden container that had paper in it. She was so excited!  She wrote on the paper and put it back. Then we followed the arrow on the computer again. It seems like a pretty interesting game. I can't wait until I am able to look on my own (I totally would have found it before Mommy if I could get around better!)

  One night when we were hanging out in the backyard with Mommy and Daddy's friends, they all started setting up these little house things. Then they turned on a movie outside. I didn't think we could watch movies outside, but it was pretty cool. I fell asleep during the movie and when I woke up it was dark but we were still outside! I woke Mommy up to tell her what was wrong and she explained that we were "camping". I still thought sleeping outside was a little weird but decided I was tired enough to go back to sleep. When it was morning time, all Mommy and Daddy's friends were still there. They had slept outside, too! They made breakfast outside as well (though they wouldn't give me any). Everyone was having so much fun. I think I could come to enjoy this "camping" thing.

  One day, while we were taking a walk with some friends, we stopped at this place that had tons of people. We went inside and Mommy covered me with white stuff then put a hat on my head. Mommy took me to a huge bathtub and actually got in with me. We were both still wearing our clothes and the water was cold! It was weird. Mommy told me this was called swimming. It was kind of fun to walk around in the water. Then Mommy put me in a big, yellow tube and I got to float in the water. She twirled me around. It was so much fun! I can't wait until we get to go swimming again!

  I do not particularly like long drives in the car, yet we did plenty of them this month! Luckily one of them actually had something cool after the drive. We went with my buddies Peter and Claytin to some place called the zoo. We saw all these animals but I couldn't touch any of them. Mommy tried to interest me in these huge grey rocks she called "elephants", but I wasn't interested. Then we walked into a place where I saw an animal just like Kitiara, only it was yellow and huge! We got to stand right next to where it was walking. It looked at right at me! I could have watched it for hours. It was so cool!

July

  I finally got fed up with just watching Mommy and Daddy eat so one day I gave them a piece of my mind. They didn't quite understand that I wanted some of their food, but they did give me something new. Mommy got this little jar labeled "bananas". Daddy held me and Mommy gave me spoonfuls of this "banana" stuff.  It tasted great! Since then, Mommy and Daddy have done much better at feeding me dinner when they eat--I just wonder why they don't try any of my food ever…Now I've had apple, pear, and sweet potato. I can't wait to try more!

  Now, I've saved the best for last. Mommy took me to DI to get a bunch of toys. It was great since she just handed me the toys and bought the ones I that I played with as we went through the store. When we got home she put me down and pulled out all my new toys. She tossed my new Tigger ball right in front of me. I was so excited, but when I reached for it, I couldn't get it. I really wanted to play with my new ball so I reached and kicked and pulled and I MOVED!! I got my ball then I decided to try again. I got my knees under me and pushed and reached. I moved again! Awesome! Since then, I can get anything I want to play with. It is great. Mommy puts me down and I can just have fun! It doesn't seem like Mommy likes my new discovery as much as I do because sometimes, just when I have tried so hard to get to a new toy, Mommy picks me up to put me far away from it so I have to try again. It didn't take me long to figure out that if I could move forward, I could also move up. Now I can climb up against the couches, into my bouncer and carseat, or onto Mommy and Daddy. Life is much more interesting now that I can decide for myself what I want to do and see (not that Mommy and Daddy were bad at entertaining me, but they just didn't always understand what I wanted).

  Okay, so Daddy just started driving off with some of my stuff every morning. I didn't know where he was going with it or what it meant at the time, but at the end of the month Mommy and Daddy packed me up with a bunch of our other stuff, and we went to a new place (we haven't had a long car ride since!). The new place was completely full of boxes! I had a lot of fun exploring, but they've started disappearing as of late. We haven't been to our other place in a while, now, and I'm beginning to wonder if "moving" isn't as much a verb in this case as a change of state. Anyway, this place is at 7870 S. Promontory Way, Apt #H301, Sandy, UT 84094 (I saw it on one of the bills). And, sorry again for being so long between posts. Hopefully you'll think this was worth the wait!

Backlog

  Sorry it's been so long--When both Mommy and Daddy were home it was easier to get online because they distracted each other, but then Mommy went back to work and it was just Daddy and I at home. He left me no time to sneak onto the computer--we were constantly doing things together (napping, chatting, eating, playing, etc.) or else he was using the computer. So I knew I wouldn't be able to get away with anything until Mommy was home again. But…once Mommy was home again and Daddy was off to work, something happened to the computers.  I'm serious! Not one of them was working! Finally (it has to have been at least a month) Daddy got the laptop working well again. And with Mommy spending a lot of time packing, I'll have plenty of time to catch you guys up on everything that has been happening (which is a lot!).  Here goes:

April

  This month started out pretty cool with my Daddy's dad coming out to visit for a week. We had a lot of fun laughing at each other, learning to sit up, and having my first taste of raspberry shake (!). I really enjoyed that last one.

  I got to meet a ton more extended family when they came for my baby blessing. Mommy dressed me up in this awesome white tuxedo that her mom had made for me. I also had a special blanket and booties to wear. I could tell that this day was important for Mommy and Daddy so I tried my best to be very good and I even kept my outfit in pristine condition!

  For some time now, Mommy and Daddy have been talking about something they call "graduation". I'm not quite sure what that is, but I can tell that Mommy is proud of Daddy. One day he put on a blue dress and hat and we took some pictures. Then we went hiking. Mommy carried me in a pack so I could see everything.  We went to a waterfall. Mommy let me feel the water--it was pretty cold!

May

  Mommy was eating something blue one day while we were sitting outside together--I figured that something that colorful must taste pretty good. Turns out, I was right! I managed to steal it away from Mommy when she wasn't looking, and not only did it taste good, but it was also really cold! I love cold things. Since then, I've found out that these colorful treats are called "Popsicles". Try them, if you haven't already!

  Mommy was acting unusually emotional the last part of this month. I'm not quite sure what was wrong with her, but I know it had something to do with where she goes when she's not home with Daddy and I.  After a few weeks of this, Daddy and I went with Mommy to work. There were a lot of other kids there and they wanted something they called my "signature" in a book that Mommy made for them. I was glad that they liked me. Then we all went outside and sang a song. Mommy was holding me pretty tight and getting my hair wet. Then all the other kids gave us a group hug. After that day, Mommy was home all the time. It was nice having the three of us together again.

June

  We finally went geocaching! For those of you who don't know what that is, what we do is go on a walk with a tiny computer that has an arrow on it which Mommy and Daddy follow. Then they stop and look around, up, and under things. Mommy found a hidden container that had paper in it. She was so excited!  She wrote on the paper and put it back. Then we followed the arrow on the computer again. It seems like a pretty interesting game. I can't wait until I am able to look on my own (I totally would have found it before Mommy if I could get around better!)

  One night when we were hanging out in the backyard with Mommy and Daddy's friends, they all started setting up these little house things. Then they turned on a movie outside. I didn't think we could watch movies outside, but it was pretty cool. I fell asleep during the movie and when I woke up it was dark but we were still outside! I woke Mommy up to tell her what was wrong and she explained that we were "camping". I still thought sleeping outside was a little weird but decided I was tired enough to go back to sleep. When it was morning time, all Mommy and Daddy's friends were still there. They had slept outside, too! They made breakfast outside as well (though they wouldn't give me any). Everyone was having so much fun. I think I could come to enjoy this "camping" thing.

  One day, while we were taking a walk with some friends, we stopped at this place that had tons of people. We went inside and Mommy covered me with white stuff then put a hat on my head. Mommy took me to a huge bathtub and actually got in with me. We were both still wearing our clothes and the water was cold! It was weird. Mommy told me this was called swimming. It was kind of fun to walk around in the water. Then Mommy put me in a big, yellow tube and I got to float in the water. She twirled me around. It was so much fun! I can't wait until we get to go swimming again!

  I do not particularly like long drives in the car, yet we did plenty of them this month! Luckily one of them actually had something cool after the drive. We went with my buddies Peter and Claytin to some place called the zoo. We saw all these animals but I couldn't touch any of them. Mommy tried to interest me in these huge grey rocks she called "elephants", but I wasn't interested. Then we walked into a place where I saw an animal just like Kitiara, only it was yellow and huge! We got to stand right next to where it was walking. It looked at right at me! I could have watched it for hours. It was so cool!

July

  I finally got fed up with just watching Mommy and Daddy eat so one day I gave them a piece of my mind. They didn't quite understand that I wanted some of their food, but they did give me something new. Mommy got this little jar labeled "bananas". Daddy held me and Mommy gave me spoonfuls of this "banana" stuff.  It tasted great! Since then, Mommy and Daddy have done much better at feeding me dinner when they eat--I just wonder why they don't try any of my food ever…Now I've had apple, pear, and sweet potato. I can't wait to try more!

  Now, I've saved the best for last. Mommy took me to DI to get a bunch of toys. It was great since she just handed me the toys and bought the ones I that I played with as we went through the store. When we got home she put me down and pulled out all my new toys. She tossed my new Tigger ball right in front of me. I was so excited, but when I reached for it, I couldn't get it. I really wanted to play with my new ball so I reached and kicked and pulled and I MOVED!! I got my ball then I decided to try again. I got my knees under me and pushed and reached. I moved again! Awesome! Since then, I can get anything I want to play with. It is great. Mommy puts me down and I can just have fun! It doesn't seem like Mommy likes my new discovery as much as I do because sometimes, just when I have tried so hard to get to a new toy, Mommy picks me up to put me far away from it so I have to try again. It didn't take me long to figure out that if I could move forward, I could also move up. Now I can climb up against the couches, into my bouncer and carseat, or onto Mommy and Daddy. Life is much more interesting now that I can decide for myself what I want to do and see (not that Mommy and Daddy were bad at entertaining me, but they just didn't always understand what I wanted).

  Okay, so Daddy just started driving off with some of my stuff every morning. I didn't know where he was going with it or what it meant at the time, but at the end of the month Mommy and Daddy packed me up with a bunch of our other stuff, and we went to a new place (we haven't had a long car ride since!). The new place was completely full of boxes! I had a lot of fun exploring, but they've started disappearing as of late. We haven't been to our other place in a while, now, and I'm beginning to wonder if "moving" isn't as much a verb in this case as a change of state. Anyway, this place is at 7870 S. Promontory Way, Apt #H301, Sandy, UT 84094 (I saw it on one of the bills). And, sorry again for being so long between posts. Hopefully you'll think this was worth the wait!