Santa Claus is Coming to "my house"

This Christmas season has been so much fun! Owen understands the idea of presents and Santa delivering them. He has even changed the words to the familiar Christmas carol to "Santa Claus is coming, to my house" instead of "town". He was very brave asking Santa for a bowling alley this year, a toy that took both of us by surprise. Good thing there were still 2 weeks until he came! Although Eli has no problem saying Santa's name followed by "ho, ho, ho", he was still uncomfortable sitting on his lap. That's ok, Owen took care of sharing what Eli wants with Santa too. (Apparently another bowling alley.)

Better than all the excitement around present sharing comes the time spent with family and friends. We had a big Christmas Eve party at Aunt Heide's house with all the cousins. Christmas afternoon we went to Aunt Christine's house. Snow and ice kept us from Grandpa Paul's house this year, but we will get together another day to celebrate.

One of my favorite memories of Christmas this year was watching Owen give Nana the gift he made for her. It was a snow globe made from glitter, fake flowers and wooden hearts. He was so proud to give it to her and watch her open it. He explained to her what it was and how to use it, as if she had never seen a snow globe before.

This was the snowiest Christmas in Portland's recorded history. We were hit by a snow storm for almost 2 full weeks and cold temperatures kept the snow around for days. These photos are from the things we did inside and out during these snowy weeks.

Halloween!

Halloween was the best day ever! The boys were ADORABLE and so much fun! I was amazed at how quickly Owen caught on to the trick or treating routine. He led the way through the neighborhood oohing and ahhing at decorations and being out at night. Eli was right behind, not wanting to miss out on any of the action. When we got home Owen sorted his candy by color before choosing the perfect surgary snack. Eli was facinated with the "balloons" or lollipops.

School Starts Today!

This fall Owen started going to preschool. He is having a great time making friends and playing with new toys. He mostly enjoys doing arts and crafts. Sometimes he makes 2 of the projects the class makes because he likes doing it so much! He is getting more outgoing and starting to share his show and tell that he brings each week. He also went on a field trip to the pumpkin patch with school! He loved riding on the school bus!

Eli wishes he was in school too. Mostly he likes to carry Owen's backpack for him. Eli goes to the room next to the preschool while I'm at work. I am told by his teachers that all day long he points at the door and says, "Mom, mom, mom." or "Daddy, daddy, daddy." depending on who dropped him off. At least he isn't crying!

Chicago

In August we took a trip to visit Granny Mo and other family members in Chicago. We had so much fun touring the city, playing at water parks and just hanging out with family. Owen and Eli were so happy to be around their cousins non-stop. It was a special vacation for all.

Camping at the Lake

This past week we went to the White Family camping trip that happens each year at Detroit Lake, OR. When I say family I mean about 100 people, so this is no small trip. I was so nervous about the sleeping arrangements, all 4 of us in a tent! Things actually turned out ok. Eli slept great for the first 3 nights, the last 2 I almost had a nervous breakdown from sleep deprivation, but we all survived. Each morning I went to town around 6am for a nice warm latte. Getting out of camp made sure we wouldn't wake everyone up and also gave us someplace warm to relax.

Owen and Eli could not get enough throwing rocks in the lake, playing with their big cousins, grandparents, and aunts and uncles, and going for wagon rides around camp. We all had a lot of fun, but it is really nice to be home!

Maui!

The boys and I kicked off summer with an 8 day vacation to Maui. We had an unbelievable time playing on the beach, in the water and visiting fun little towns! We traveled with my friend Lara and her 2 year old daughter, Amelia. The three kids got along great. Here are some shots that captured our adventure.

Sleepers

Look what dad caught when Owen and Eli were both too tired to wake up after nap time one afternoon. They look like they really like each other!

It's Rose Festival Time

Last week was the Jr. Rose Parade only a few blocks from our house. At the last minute we decided to skip nap time and check out the parade. At first Owen was not interested in seeing the parade. In fact, he told me he was scared. But after we got there and saw the dancers and bands and performers, he loved it! The next morning he told me he wanted to go to the parade again! His favorite part was the drums and horns! I didn't bring my camera so my only proof of the exciting day is the photo above of Owen crashed in the stroller after our walk home. And, of course, the photo below capturing our new obsession with drums.

We are growing like weeds!

Owen

Owen celebrated his 3rd birthday on May 1st. I can honestly say the past 3 years have soared by. He is a real big boy these days, using the potty, helping take care of Eli and singing the alphabet whenever he can. He talks non stop. Some of my favorite things I hear him say are:

"I love you too mommy(daddy.)"
"You're welcome."
"Nice throw."
"I want to stay at my home."

"Oh my!"

Eli

Eli looks like a different baby than he did coming home from the hospital one year ago. His hair now has cute little curls in the back and its blonde! Eli imitates things we say like flower, ten, thank you and purple. He also eats all the time...you better have some to share if you are eating around him! If not, you might see his feisty side with a foot stomp and deep grunt!

Our trip to the coast

This is a picture of Owen enjoying the sand at the beach. He usually doesn't like the feeling of sand on his feet and hands, but he was having a great time this day. It was so hot that the cool, wet sand was a fun way to escape the heat.

Eli, on the other hand, loves to roll around like a little sand bug. He didn't stop playing all day, not even with a binky covered in sand or clothes dripping wet.