Cabin Day!

Today we went out to the cabin for some sledding, snowshoeing, and fun.  Steve and Patti, Tom, Grandma Ruby, Debbie and Rick, Ali and Nick, and the Brice family all came to spend some time together.  Nolan was so excited to wear his Mickey Mouse longies and get dressed up in his winter gear.  He even decided to wear his tie and fedora hat for the occasion!

Nolan was such a big, brave boy and went sledding down the hill all by himself!  He had a blast!

Livi even came outside to join in the fun!

After some outside time, we came inside for some soup and a lively game of Scattergories.  Nolan snuggled up with Ali and Nick and really enjoyed playing with Finn, the Brice's 11 month old.

It was a fun and relaxing day and the kids were so well behaved.  It was so nice to get to have some great family time together.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Miles!

Miles turns 2 today!  In some ways, it's hard to believe that he's only 2, as it seems like he's been with us much longer.  In other ways, he's still such a puppy that I feel I'm constantly reminded that he's only 2.  He remains to be such a gentle and fun companion for our family, particularly Nolan.  He and Nolan have really enjoyed playing together a lot lately, mainly by roughhousing and snuggling.  Nolan calls Miles his "best buddy."  Miles is so careful with him; Nolan is not very careful, so it's good that Miles is so forgiving.

Miles is still so dorky and one of the strangest animals I've ever been around.  His antics continue to amuse us daily, and sometimes I can't believe how ridiculous he is.  He chews through plush toys in hours, and will demolish any toys (or anything else - lately it's been notebooks) left on the floor of the family room.  He "spider-mans" off the fence, leaping and barking as people go by.  It's annoying, but amazing how athletic he is with how high he can jump!  He really likes to lay on his back and I often find him in a really odd position with his jowls hanging down, exposing his teeth.

He loves to put his head in my or Eric's lap and look up at us with his sweet and gentle brown eyes, and wait for some petting.  Most of the day he spends sleeping, particularly through this cold part of the year.

Though some days are frustrating, I really am grateful to have such a beautiful, loyal, fun-loving, and gentle friend in our sweet Miles.  He is such a delight to our kids and an irreplaceable part of our family.  Happy 2nd Birthday, buddy!

Swimming!

Today we took the kids to Holiday Acres to swim.  Nolan was ecstatic, which was a little surprising considering last year he didn't show any interest in the water at all.  He always loves going to Holiday Acres and longingly looks at their pool, but this was the first time we took him to swim.

I was shocked at how fearless he was - even jumping into the pool! It was so fun to watch him having a blast!

"Pinch me, I'm cute!"

The water was pretty cold, so Livi and I were content to snuggle poolside.  She did get dressed for the occasion, in her adorable purple tutu suit from cousin Kristin.

Eric practiced teaching Nolan to float and blow bubbles, and he was getting pretty good at dog paddling with a little help.

It was a fun way to spend the morning together and I'm sure we'll be going back again soon!

"There was a little boy.."

There was a little boy 

who had a little curl

right in the middle of his forehead.

And when he was good

he was very, very good

and when he was bad he was horrid!

Nolan James Clubhouse

It's the Nolan James Clubhouse! Come inside, it's fun inside!

Nolan spent this morning playing in his Clubhouse tent.  He brought his stuffed Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and My-My to keep him company and spent lots of time in there reading and playing with his spelling tablet.  It's so fun to what his imagination comes up with!

Storytime Shenanigans

Every Thursday Nolan, Olivia, and I head to the library for their Preschooler Storytime.  They have such neat programs there with stories, puppets, songs, and crafts each week for the kids (and parents) to enjoy.  Nolan particularly likes going when his buddy, Isaac, is there to play.  They especially like to work on the big floor puzzles.  Today things got a little crazy when the boys started kicking puzzle pieces across the floor on all fours while screaming and squealing with delight.

Somehow Livi managed to sleep through it all!

We're so grateful the library offers such great services for our kiddos.  Nolan has already read over 900 books in the 1000 books before Kindergarten program.  He just started in May of 2015.  Some of his favorites are the Bear books by Karma Wilson, ANYTHING by Eric Carle, and any other books about animals.  Here's to a lifetime of loving books!

"Scott the Plumber doesn't go in time outs!"

While I was in the shower today, Nolan dismantled my piano lesson chair, leaving it in two pieces.

"Nolan, please stay away from the chair. It's broken."

"I want to fix it.  I'm Scott the Plumber."

"If you touch the chair again, you are choosing a time out."

"Scott the Plumber doesn't go in time outs!"

<sigh>