Such a Full Day

We had nothing scheduled on Friday, but it turned out to be an eventful day. The morning was relatively peaceful. Jasper looked at a puzzle book while I fed Joe. I noticed he had it open to a space-themed page. Out of nowhere he said, "The sun is a star." I said that was right, but I was a little shocked and asked if Daddy had told him that. "No," he replied, "I watched Dinosaur Train and the conductor told me that."

I'll take it!

Later, the boys had a bath.

After the bath, Jasper wanted to pretend that Joe was an adult boy and he was an adult girl and they were going to get married. I helped Jasper make a dress with his white towel. I guess Joe's Seahawks shirt was acceptable. I was told to speak into a microphone which he decided was the baby boppie. Jasper had a huge smile through the entire 30 second ceremony. This was the best picture I could get.

Jasper's imagination has really been on a roll lately. Sometime in the summer he started talking about how strong and fast his "robot muscles" are. At times he describes himself as being "spit-powered," as I cringe. I'm invited into the action occasionally as I'm called upon to "activate car powers" while driving. And there is a new superhero on the scene--Jasper sometimes refers to himself as "Rescue Center Jasper." It is no coincidence that the Island of Sodor (Thomas the Train) has a Search and Rescue Center.

Jasper calls our vacuum his "water mine" and he loves to point to the tubes and attachments while explaining where he used to do this with the pipes near the toilet, so the vacuum is a welcome replacement.

Construction trucks smoothing out roads is a major theme. This morning he was playing with his trucks as I crossed the room with a piece of paper. "Mom, I have to sign off on this road repair," he said. I thought it was so funny, I let him have a pencil and sign away.

As the end of the day approached, it was Joe's turn. He walked for the first time! Twice to Jack and once to me. It was very exciting and we are so proud of him.

Go Joe go!

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Joe Turns One!

We had a little family Birthday party for Joe the Sunday before his actual birthday. It was very special because Mimi and Baba were able to make the trip! They were a big help with all of the preparations leading up to the party. It was so nice to have them here.

The theme was "Baby Bear".

Joe was surrounded by family.

Then came the gifts...so many gifts!

Big brother Jasper was a big help when it came to opening presents.

Next up, cake time!

Joe took his first taste of chocolate in stride...

He really didn't get into it at all. We were all shocked. I must say, he had missed his nap that day AND I totally forgot to put on his Birthday hat.

Later that night he wore the hat with dad.

Two days later we celebrated again on Joe's true birthday.

He had a second chance at chocolate...this time with the hat.

An improvement over the first attempt I'd say.

Smiley as ever and clapping at the end.

Well done Joe!

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Our Halloween 2014

We had a nice little Halloween. Jasper dressed as Curious George and Jack was a trooper, dressing as the Man in the Yellow Hat. I made a pumpkin costume for Joe which might be better described as the Great Pumkin costume. I made up the pattern and I overestimated Joe's size. Hey, I had to work on it while he was napping.

A little pre-trick or treating fun with friends.

Joe could still crawl in his costume.

Aunt Molly and Uncle Rick are ever "the Foxes".

 

I didn't dress up...next year maybe.

We all went to Jasper's preschool for his Halloween party. Jack took this cute picture. I sure love these boys!

 

 

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Joe is Eleven Months Old

I can't believe Joe is almost one...

For now he is eleven months old and he is as smiley as ever! We can see four teeth and it looks like more are on the way. Joe started clapping a little over a week ago. He loves music. He also loves to eat, but is more picky than Jasper was.

Joe's learning his way around the kitchen.

He loves to do whatever Jasper is doing. This tagging along goes smoothly about half the time.

Playing tiny symbols.

Jasper has been having fun "transporting" his little brother around the house. It's so sweet to see them play.

Two boys!

 

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In Which a Monkey and His Candy Corn Sidekick Experience the Devine Apathy of a Baby Goat Resting in the Sun

Like many in the Pacific Northwest, this family loves Fall. The cooler temperatures, the changing colors, the wild weather, and the fun Fall events.

Last Saturday, we went to a carnival put on by Shoreline Cooperative Preschool (Jasper attends Shorenorth Cooperative; the two are neighbors). The kids (and many parents) all dressed up in their Halloween costumes. There were games of all kinds, a bake sale, a silent auction, and lots of play.

Curious George, a candy corn baby (hat made by Aunt Laura!), and two happy parents.

The next day, we went to Fairbank Farm where the boys got to see lots of goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, peacocks, a cow, and other furry and feathered critters. It's a funny little farm that is actually only a few blocks from our house and opens up to the public every weekend in October.

Joe was really digging this baby goat. We had to keep him from pulling on his ears too much.

Joe checking out some chickens. I think he wanted to get in there with them.

Jasper thought the piglets were pretty cool.

I'm pretty sure Jasper's favorite part of the farm is the hay bale tunnel which ends in a little area where kids can go wild tossing hay in the air.

I met a pretty lady twelve years ago and she's still with me today. True story!

Pumpkin patch time.