Handy Helper

We have our own little handy helper that is right by his dad's side whenever something needs fixing (or in this case, assembling).  He started out in his chair, doing some light Saturday morning reading. 

But as soon as the big pieces on our new bookshelves started coming together, he had to be right in on the action.  He actually was a big help and put all of the washers on the screws and pushed them into the correct holes.

 I'm sure if you asked him though, his favorite part of the morning was when he discovered this big toothbrush. 

We sure love having this toddler (& his imagination) around!

It really is January.

I guess this post should've been titled "It really WAS January."  How is it February already?!  I neglected to blog about quite a few happenings in January.  Our first "big" snowfall of the winter, Colin's first downhill sledding experience, John's 31st birthday, the start of underwear ALL DAY, and certainly not least - the birth of our first niece.

First up, snow.  We were starting to wonder if it was even winter here in the tundra but the 5+" of snow a couple weekends ago helped solidify the fact that it is.  Colin and Will had so much fun sledding together on a snow day.  I'm not sure the dad's enjoyed pulling the wee ones back up the hill each time though. 



Ready, set, go!




Priceless



That same weekend Colin decided he was ready to try wearing his Mickey underwear all day.  We had started by having him wear them for the couple hours between arriving home after daycare and bathtime.  He did great those couple weeks so we agreed we'd give it a go.  So far it's going really well and Colin has only had a few accidents at daycare.  I think he gets so wrapped up in what he's doing/playing with, that he sometimes forgets he has to go...until it's too late.  We've now graduated to boxer briefs and it's quite possibly the cutest thing ever.  Of course his favorite pair is full of baseballs, basketballs, and soccer balls.

John's birthday didn't receive the pomp and circumstance it deserves, mostly because homework got in the way. We were able to shower him with a few gifts - some new clothes and snacks for school nights - and enjoy dinner and cupcakes.



Look at those underwear!
He no longer has that bulky diaper to hold up his pants!



Our first niece also arrived in January, the 13th to be exact.  Peyton Elise has a full head of dark hair and resembles both her mom and dad (so I think).  We cannot wait to meet her in a few weeks when we finally have a free weekend!

My Blue Eyed Boy

I've posted about blue eyes previously, but Colin's been obsessed with talking about the color of his (and our) eyes lately.  So we took a picture to see just how blue our eyes are. 



Please don't judge on the lack of makeup & sweaty hair.
I had just gotten home from the gym. :)



The next few minutes were spent pointing to the picture on the camera and saying, "boo eyes!", followed by touching my eyeball and his own while claiming, "Momma boo eyes. Nahnin boo eyes." 

Such is the world of a toddler, discovering even the smallest things around him.

Sick days

Sick days have been logged at work and daycare this week, as the flu (or a version of it) has over-extended its welcome.  Colin's uneasy stomach has been on and off for a few days now but it seems to be on the mend. 

The positive side of being confined to the house for 48 hours straight?  The Christmas toys are all broken in!  One of the go-to items includes this letter monster from the Gilje's (handmade by Elizabeth).  The boy LOVES it! 



Proud of himself for spelling his name. Notice the "L"...

No sick day would be complete without a proper Lego building session.  We were pretty proud of our little village. 

Although I enjoyed the relaxing time off with my boy, here's to hoping the sick time balance can start to accrue again for a few months.  

Ice Skating

Colin, you again proved that you are a boy after your dad's heart.  You received hockey skates for Christmas from your grandma and grandpa and you've been wanting to use them ever since.  Any other January and I'd probably be writing about how we had to wait for the wind chill to be manageable before we could go outside and skate.  This year, however, we were waiting to see if any of the rinks in town were actually flooded!

We drove by the rink at Clara Barton on Sunday to find that there was indeed ice.  All day long you talked about ice skating after your nap (it's always ice skating, not just skating).  I wish I could put into words the pure excitement on your face when you got on that ice.  I hope it's something that continues with you throughout your life.  Your dad has some wonderful memories of playing hockey as a boy (although he wasn't so happy when he had to turn off Saturday morning cartoons in order to go to practice!) and he would love for you to have that opportunity.  If Sunday is any indication, I'd say you're hooked!    



This is prior to explaining that he needed to stand on his feet.
He was kind of a limp noodle.



Loving it!



Trying to get back up after chasing the puck on his hands & knees




Home, warming up with some hot chocolate



A little bit of this. A little bit of that. (Holiday-style)

Here we are, the second week into 2012!  And I have to say that we all thoroughly enjoyed our Christmas and New Year vacations this year.  Colin was so enjoyable the entire holiday season.  There was excitement and joy on his face whenever we plugged in the lights on the tree, moved Santa on our countdown calendar, or drove by the light displays in the park.  Add in that he would eagerly answer "Baby Jesus!" when asked whose birthday we celebrate at Christmas and it's enough to make me want to freeze him.  When does this naivety turn into reality? 

Now, a photo recap from the happenings over the holidays.  Be prepared for photo overload! 

We spent the Christmas weekend with the Holt side, skating on the river, opening presents, eating too much yummy food, and playing with new and old toys.

But first, we shoveled the driveway & sidewalks.
The first real snow of the winter!



Christmas Eve




Uncle Luke & Auntie Alexa



Santa left some good loot in CJ's stocking

Can you tell it was warm? Look at those cheeks!



Helping Grandma open her gifts



A John Deere tractor from Luke & Alexa



So excited for a new backpack!



Ice skates from Grandma & Grandpa

Santa brought a workshop



Christmas Day - playing with cousin Brynn




Picture time with cousin Helena


Next up was testing out the new workshop at home.

New Year's weekend brought a trip to Grandma and Grandpa Rau's.  We consumed even more yummy food and had fun opening presents and playing outside.



Passing the time in the car





Pizza party



Can you guess what I gave you, Grandpa?



No more messy fireplace ash clean-up



Colin's gift to Grandma



Ready for church

The end!