Library Day

Going to the library is one of our most favorite activities as a family. We probably hit up the library at least twice a week and have been doing so since before Matthew could walk. Not only are there lots of books, movies, music, and video games to borrow and take home with us, but there is lots of (free!) fun to be had while we are there. We have our favorite locations, but we have visited nearly all of them and Matthew often has a preference as to which location we visit on any given day. Matthew usually spends a lot of time on the computer while we are there, but we also make sure to spend time enjoying some of the other stations for kids.

Today we went to the "big library downtown," and spent time in the children's room. Matthew invented a game using the magnetic board. He set up a trail with the magnets and then turned a small round magnet over, so it would roll down the path to the bottom. I thought it was very creative!

Tree Skirt

I picked up sewing as a new hobby in 2010. Thanks to some very inspiring and creative friends and a multitude of internet tutorials, I'm not doing too bad. I really don't know how someone from a non-sewing family would ever have learned before the internet though!

Following the tutorial here, I made my own version of a new skirt for our Christmas tree. It's not perfect, but a definite improvement over our makeshift tablecloth one we've been using. This was a great project for me because I learned a lot of new techniques - log cabin, bias tape (thanks to this tutorial and this video), binding (thanks to another tutorial that I can't find again), and I applied a snap.

Thanksgiving

We had our third Thanksgiving celebration at my mom's yesterday, followed by board games. Someday Matthew will let me play when Grandma is around! Sammy's hairstyle was greatly helped by mashed potatoes. Aunt Jessica isn't sure what to think.

Brothers Playing

Matthew generously allowing Sammy to play with his birthday present. It's so nice to see them playing together.

CAKE!

I cannot believe our little Thanksgiving baby is already 1. Time really does fly when you are having fun and Sammy has brought more fun into our lives than I could have imagined. He's easy-going, funny, sweet and loving, busy, and so curious. We love him for how much he's like all of us and even more for how much he reminds us we have to learn. The priviledge of watching him turn from a tiny baby into a determined nearly-toddling toddler has been one of my greatest pleasures in life.

We had so much family around during the Thankgsgiving holidays this year that his birthday was a little disjointed, with pie instead of cake and presents at several houses. We did take some time to have a small 1st birthday party at home though, because no first birthday is complete without cake!

 

Sammy's Hat

Brotherly Bedtime Stories

One of Matthew's favorite things to do each day at nap and bedtime is to choose books for Sammy and "read" them to him. Sammy loves it too.

Then and now: Big Helper

Sammy loves to help with the dishes. If he hears the dishwasher open, he comes running (OK, crawling at top speed) to begin to empty it. He takes all of them out and will hand them to you, often faster than you can get them put away. And when you close it, there are often a lot of tears. Of course, he doesn't discriminate between the dirty and clean dishes, all must be put away!

 Matthew also really loved to help with the dishes when he was Sammy's age. It's so fun to look back and to see them doing similar things.

First Snow 2010

During Sammy's morning nap today, we went out to enjoy our first snowfall of the year. Nearly all of the snow in the city had melted completely yesterday, but luckily we have a shady front yard and there was still enough to play in. 

Gingerbread Houses

Last year, Owen's mom started a tradition of building gingerbread houses at Thanksgiving. She really goes all out! She actually makes the gingerbread and cuts the houses out herself. She assembles the houses a few days ahead of time, so the icing "glue" has time to dry and set. And then there is more candy than you could imagine to decorate them with.

Before we started

Matthew working on the roof, complete with icing on his lip. His favorite part is the "sampling."

Each family did their own house. Here is a group shot.

Sammy and I were indisposed last year for the event, but I was happy to get to participate this year.

Thanksgiving & Sammy's Birthday Part 1

We celebrated Thanksgiving and Sammy's birthday early with Owen's family yesterday. Matthew spent a lot of time with Uncle Evan playing with the big boys' old toys. His favorites are the wrestling guys and the fact that Evan was finally able to show him how the crash test dummies work.

Sammy made the most of his first Thanksgiving meal. He is pretty sure that eight servings of formula at the hospital doesn't cut it. Look buddy, hospital food didn't cut it for me either.

I can't believe my baby is almost 1. I have no idea where the time goes. And no one should be surprised that once again, Sammy was worn out by the events of the day.

Gotta Bounce

Today was Sammy's first trip to our local play center where he could actually play and wasn't confined to the car seat or Ergo. He had a blast and I know it'll be a popular destination for us this winter. Matthew didn't slow down long enough to be photographed.

Cooking With Mommy

The time between 4:30 and dinner is not our best time for attitudes here, mine included. They get much worse when it's time for me to make supper and the boys to play nicely together. So, Matthew has started helping with the cooking. Problem solved. And, he's actually getting quite good at it. With his memory, I'm waiting for the day when he reminds me that I have forgotten a key ingredient.

Then and now

Taking a look back at Matthew's first haircut. Some days I think they look so much alike and others I don't. You decide.

First Haircut

 Matthew needed a haircut for preschool pictures this week and I just couldn't resist getting Sammy's done too. So, yesterday afternoon, off we went. As always, Ocean is the best! She didn't even mind all the sand from the earlier playground visit.

Ready for the cut...not sure about the chair.

First snips

"Yay! She gave me my own comb!"

Both boys, with new 'dos, showing off their rewards for a job well done.

New Card Game

We are always looking for special Mommy/Matthew activities to do during Sammy's morning naps. So, I made Matthew a new card game to match the beginning sounds with the ending sounds of words. The red cards have the beginning sounds and the blue the ending sounds. To play, you draw one of each and if it's a word, you get to keep the cards. If not, put them back and it's the next person's turn.

I think that the nonsense words are almost more fun than the real ones because usually Matthew defines them as "a funny little dance," and then continues on to demonstrate said dance.

Pumping!

We have been working all summer and fall on pumping on the swings. So, imagine my surprise when I look over and Matthew's swing is completely kid-powered! Of course, after he was proud of himself and felt great about being cheered on, he announced, "I could pump a lot better if you push me, Mommy."

I guess he still needs me...at least a little.

Trike

Matthew hasn't yet decided whether he'd rather be on film or watch himself on film. It is a tough decision.

Pirate Ship Park

Our friends introduced us to "The Pirate Ship Park" last summer. It's a requested favorite, when I'm in the mood to drive to a park or reward errand running. We have a couple more days of unseasonably nice weather to do some leaf jumping and swinging. With daylight savings time ending over the weekend, the sun was nearly setting, but we still enjoyed ourselves.

Aunt Jessica came along for some extra fun. She is currently the boys' favorite playmate.

Owen's Birthday

The kids were very excited to celebrate Owen's birthday this morning. Mostly, Matthew was excited to help wrap and open the presents. Sammy just knew there was paper to shake.