Static Electricity

This video was actually an accident, I always seem to have the video button on when I mean to be taking a still photo! Anyway, in the end, it caught the crazy hair better than the photo did! This was after rolling around on the fleece cover on our couch.

Christmas Tree Etiquette 101

Miles will now illustrate 'Look with your eyes'.

Catch and Release

These pics were actually taken before Christmas (12/13/11 I think. Sheesh, it wasn't that long ago and already I've forgotten!), a week before our Christmas break started. Isaac has actually been home with his parents for the last two weeks, enjoying a little bit of sleeping in and staying home. But, I digress...so, this was a little outing to our new Natural History Museum. It is gorgeous and full of hands on activities for kids throughout. The fish and water are located in an actual room devoted to little ones. There's a cave, some live animals/bugs in cages, this stream, costumes, a play garden and little activity backpacks. Lots of fun. I love that with the reflection of the flash, the fish actually looks like it might be real. But, the best part, it's indoors and has lots of ground to cover. Perfect for our cold, cloudy, inversion-filled winter. Yes!

Trying to get a shot at the archaeological dig site (which you can walk down into!!). Oh well, I did my best! :-)

Up, up, up

Merry Christmas!

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! Miles really enjoyed opening presents this year...a lot! We are missing family and feeling blessed to be close to family. It's a bittersweet day. Our love to you all!

Just for Fun

A little stroll down memory lane!

(this one was taken today 12/15/11)
I wish I had dates for all the other ones, I'll try to organize that, but today...no time! :-)

First glance

Waking up after his nap to find the Christmas tree in place and full of lights!

The Perfect Tree

Out at the Christmas tree lot looking for the perfect tree. We went a lot earlier this year, so the selection was huge. It was also super cold that day, so we didn't waste a lot of time. Miles thoroughly enjoyed running up and down the rows of trees though.

Uncle Archie

Miles playing with Uncle Archie and his new play food at a recent family dinner.

Oh those cold, dark nights....

Yes, winter is here and it's dark by 5 pm, so this is what we've turned to for our entertainment. Unfortunately, this may have been one of those 'you had to be there' moments.
The second video is cuter because Miles finds the whole situation quite hilarious.

Happy Thanksgiving

Visitor

My sister came to visit us for about a week in early November. She brought a few belated birthday gifts, which were a huge hit. Isaac seemed to take our guest in stride. He called her Aunt Stephanie (and why not, that's what we all call her! :-) ) and was sad to see her go. It was great having an extra pair of hands and eyes around to help me out too. We took a few trips I may not have otherwise. I tested out a mall run, thinking this might be a good way to get the boys some exercise without going out in the cold. I was really thankful she was there, since Miles and Isaac were moving at very different speeds that day. It will take some serious planning and organizing to take them by myself. I'm sure I'll be desperate come January/February, so plenty of time to strategize!

Giant box of balls=serious fun!

New Legos and Lego boards.

A quick stop back in Salt Lake after her departure. She was driving a car back to Seattle from Louisiana, so we got to see her for a night and half a morning.

So behind

I'm really behind on posts for this blog. Yes, stating the obvious, I know. I just seem to be out of energy, time or both these days. Parenting a two-year old is certainly challenging. Oh the negotiations all day! And, I haven't mentioned this before, but most days we have another little guy, Isaac, joining us as well. When his parents mentioned they were looking for a new childcare situation, we talked about it and decided to give it a try. Both are teachers, so we're on a nine month calendar that began at the end of August. I think it might be safe to say we've finally made the transition and things are running much smoother. Isaac is about 7 months older than Miles, very bright, very verbal and very active. He keeps us on our toes!

As for Zion, I should have mentioned that was a trip we took at the beginning of November. It was a great little weekend getaway, although as you saw, cold!

See, that's all I have in me right now. So, I'll leave you with this and promises of more to come:

Miles and Isaac posing in front of their respective paintings

Shuffling through the leaves

Zion pt. II

Trip to Zion

Piggyback

Roughing it

Snacks in the fun tent Miles got from Isaac.

Visit with Nana

We were excited to have Nana in town for Miles' birthday. Here they are doing a little baking together.

Miles letting Nana help him with his shoes. (this is a big step for Miles) :-)

Happy Halloween

Yep, I'm behind the times and late with this post, but here it is! Halloween costume, check. I decided not to get all fancy and make anything more detailed on the off chance he wouldn't wear it. Success-he loved the pumpkin shirt (as I'm sure you noticed him wearing it in many of these recent posts!). In fact, he was a big fan of pumpkins in general this year. And weirdly, not at all spooked by scary decorations.

I was very proud of the kitty pumpkin I carved this year.

Two Years Old!

Music Lessons

This is how it looks when he catches me taking the photo

This is really what's going on

Pumpking Carving

About a week ago, our friends hosted a little pumpkin carving party. It was pretty much a night of anything goes for Miles, and as you'll see, he enjoyed himself mightily!

First taste of candy corn. I eventually had to hide the bowl. He also got into the other candy bowl with daddy and tried M&M's and Skittles. yum.

Serious carving decisions were made.

Pumpkin Days at Wheeler Farm

I just love a good photo op with huge tires!

I'm glad we have a few more years before he starts driving.

Always a crowd pleaser around here: LIGHTS!!

But the best part:

the hay maze!


After exploring for awhile, Miles started running up to dead ends and giving them a little stare down. Of course, we thought this was hilarious, which just egged him on, as you will see.