Look, Mom, I made a bird!

This is what Owen told me at breakfast yesterday. He had eaten his bagel into the shape of a bird!

We've had a nice week full of friends. We had dinner at the Cagle's Monday, the boys had an afternoon of Molly Tuesday (our sweet babysitter - while I went to yoga!), more time with the Cagle's Wednesday, a playdate with a boy from Owen's school on Thursday and playgroup at the Campbell's today! To top it all off, Molly came again today so Jer & I could go see Slumdog Millioniare this afternoon. What a week. 

I was also pleased to expand and update our picture wall this week. Walter is 19 months and there are now a few framed photos of the sweetheart in our house. All in time...

And I am walking on a 2 inch wide mountain cliff.

Owen received a new Your Big Backyard magazine Friday and it was all about bighorn sheep. After reading it a few times, he decided he needed to become a ram. He dressed himself all in brown, then talked me into dressing Walter similarly, topping both outfits off with pipe-cleaner ram horns. He crawled around the house head butting pretend rams and climbing on furniture telling me how he was walking on a 2 inch wide mountain cliff - a direct quote from the magazine.

At the end of yet another bitter cold weekend we got a bit stir crazy and decided some family bowling was in order. When we arrived at the alley, something got into Walter and he turned into an intense little dude. He was so excited about all of the balls and the idea of throwing them that he couldn't stop screaming. Half of the screams were of delight and the other half were of frustration that he had to wait his turn. I think the picture below sums it up quite well - proof that our sweet little laid back boy does have a pretty strong opinion sometimes.

Batman.

We discovered Walter's newest word in the tub tonight. Owen decided he had to then dress in his Batman pj's to celebrate.

Walter had his 18 month check up today, even though he is 19 months now. (I've never been known for my promptness.) He is a healthy 28 lbs 11 oz and 33.5 inches - ~80% for both! He had one vaccine today and didn't even flinch when the nurse did it.

I will decorate his bowl with treats.

Today was an exciting day. In addition to being the inaguration of President Obama, it was also Griffin's 8th birthday. When I told Owen about Griffin's birthday this morning, he decided he was in charge of Griffin's breakfast and was going to 'decorate his bowl with treats.'

Walter & I had our last day of music class today, we may be signing up for next semester. I'm just not sure yet. Owen enjoyed going back to school after a 4 day weekend today. He wore is "Obama Rama" pin to school today and they got to watch the inaguration at school. At home we celebrated with a cheers and some sparkling juice. 

Here is one of the pictures Owen made for Grif today (I drew the outline of Griffin):

It starts with 'd, d', has a collar and runs faster than a t-rex.

Owen & I were playing animal guessing games in the car on the way home from MI/WI today. Can you guess what animal he was describing? (Answer is at the bottom of this post.)

We had some ups & downs this weekend. First, the boys & I went to Stevens Point for a night at Jer's corporate apartment Thursday. Friday morning, Walter threw up and then was acting just normal, so we went on with our plans. My parents drove down and picked up the boys while Jer & I went to Chicago for his project's holiday party. It was a fun night with a nice dinner followed by some dancing and socializing. Saturday we lazily got out of bed and went across the street for breakfast (maybe we should say lunch!). We walked along the Magnificent Mile and found our way to a movie. We did some shopping on the way back before returning to our hotel to get ready for dinner. Well, we never made it to dinner as Jer started to get quite sick and was sick all night. Sunday morning we checked in with my parents and found out that my dad & Owen had both gotten sick in the middle of the night. So, I guess Walter was truly sick and it wasn't some random incident. As of today, both boys are doing just fine, however Jer & my dad are still on the mend.

We made it home this evening. I felt pretty badly being away from my boys when they were sick and then also getting my dad sick. Knowing how terrible Jer felt & looked, I'm sure my parents did a ton of work this weekend. Still, they both said they would love to do it again (thankfully, as Jer & I enjoyed having some alone time together...even if he was ill half the time!) and felt lucky to have the extra time with the boys. Luckily they had a nice healthy day together Saturday, during which they went sledding, made soap, wrote some books, played ping-pong and played and played and played some more.

Last year we met my parents in the Dells to go to this party. Here is a picture from that weekend. The boys were just really starting to play together then, as Walter was beginning to sit up and interact more. They are such buddies now, its fun to see the development. Thank God for siblings!

(Answer: a dog)

That's mines.

I'm not sure how Owen decided mine should be mines, but he whenever he says mine, it comes out mines.

We had a nice weekend together. The highlight was an impromptu sledding outing at a nearby hill. Luckily there was a broken sled left for the garbage trucks waiting for us at the hill, as our garage door was frozen shut, so we only had one sled. (another bit of luck that we didn't put the one sled away!) Both boys loved sledding and Owen mainly wanted to ride solo. He tried his hardest to make it onto the creek every time. The hill was quite speedy and slick. Here's a clip of Jer & the boys zipping down together (Walter is in the middle):

How to clean your fingernails.

Owen was sad that he did not receive a presentation today at school and that Jamie did. When I asked what her presentation was on, he told me this. I know some people think Montessori is a bit wacky and don't quite get it and I have to admit I couldn't stop giggling to myself after Owen said this, but really, isn't it great to hear them wanting to care for their bodies. 

Owen has been asking me over & over when I'm going to start sewing again, so today when he asked, I said what should we make? He decided he'd like a hat so we set out on a journey to make a hat. I've never been a pattern person, so wung it and after tossing out half a hat and then using my seam ripper a few times, we ended up with a hat! He choose the red & black fabric colors along with green bobbin thread and pink top thread. So the seams don't quite match up, oh well, I don't think he cares. He's looking forward to wearing it to school in the morning.

Walter & I had music 

again yesterday after a few weeks off for the holidays. He was happy to be back boogieing again. One of his favorite parts of class is when he gets to put a ball under his shirt. It always makes him smile. He also loves the parachute and bouncing to 'Jelly in a Bowl'.

Flashback

Here's a couple photos from a year ago. So cute.

Dada.

Owen & I weren't the only ones missing Jer today. Walter was saying 'dada' all day. He'd walk around looking for Jer saying it, he was saying it in the car, he'd find a shoe or hat of Jer's and say it. 

We are easing back into reality. Owen had school today and was happy about it. After Walter's nap the boys & I ran a couple errands and grabbed dinner at Noodles. I decided to take the easy route today.

The bath got a bit rowdy tonight with fights over toys and some hair tugging by a younger sibling. Owen milked it all for all it was worth. Thankfully bedtime was in site so my patience lasted through it all. 

No.

This is Walter's new favorite word. He says it perfectly clear, nice and loud, and with great emotion. At first this meant no and yes, but just yesterday he began to give a yes nod (accompanied by a really sweet smile). I'm hoping this will be a new favorite.

We've been enjoying a nice holiday vacation together. Christmas was wonderful in da U.P., complete with a visit from Santa. Owen was star struck when he walked into my parents' house, answering all his questions very seriously. It was pretty cute. 

Since returning home we've been busy visiting with friends & family, going to yoga, ice fishing, ice skating, going to movies and relaxing as a family. One more day until reality and we will be enjoying every minute of it.

Here is Owen practicing for our upcoming Hawaii trip. Maybe he'll get called up on stage at a luau with these skills.

Give me one more chance.

I get to open up presents tonight, Mommy.

We are celebrating Christmas tonight with the Hipps family. Owen is a little bit excited.

We have started vacation out right. We had the ultimate lazy, snow day yesterday and it was great! I skipped yoga, Jer skipped his Christmas shopping and we all lounged around our house all day. We did get bundled up to play in the fresh snow for a bit.

Today I did go to yoga and Jer & O are out doing their Christmas shopping now. I'm going to finish up some wrapping and maybe do a little baking before we head over to Joanne's to celebrate. Vacation is a good thing.

Roar

Walter has a new 'word' or maybe a sound. He says this with his fists clenched and raised in the air. Its pretty darn cute.

Today was a big day in our house. It was Owen's winter concert, followed by a pizza party for all the families of Sunny Hollow. At the last minute Jer & I decided bringing an 18 month old would make it a bit difficult so my dear mom's group friends came to the rescue and watched Walter while we were at the event. His class sang Fre're Jacques (in French, English & Ojibwa), Three Little Birds, and Let it Snow to a packed house. It was quite cute. During the last song, Owen decided it would be fun to sing with his hands on his head. Here's Three Little Birds, Owen is in the front row, second from the right.



Here are a few other photos from school. First, Owen & his teacher, Gina, followed by O & Jer.

I just need to finish this advertisement.

This is what Owen told me when I told him dinner was ready tonight. He has been making books all afternoon. I guess this one was a magazine.

I dropped Owen off at school this morning while still in my pj's. I'm struggling getting us out the door in time with all this intense winter gear these days. Children have no sense of urgency when it comes to time. Refreshing idea, but sometimes I wish they got it...like when we are running late for school!

We made cookies this afternoon. Owen was in charge of unwrapping the kisses and rolling the dough balls in sugar. He was pretty pumped about these cookies as we are bringing them to Sunny Hollow to share with the other families after his concert on Friday.

After dinner the boys took a bath together. There was tons of laughter and splashing going on in there tonight. The bathroom floor was drenched by the end of it all.

I need to get my santa hat.

This is what Owen said as I tucked him in to bed tonight. Here is the result:

In four years, I will be eight.

I am continually surprised by Owen's smarts. It is so fun to see and hear him learn. 

I have one and only one complaint about my minivan - which could easily pass as a complaint about our garage instead. This morning as I tried to get the boys in, one of the doors wouldn't open, it was frozen shut! I guess I remember this happening on previous cars, too. However the van doors are power doors, so when I try to open the door it will open just enough for the sensors to think its open. Thus, when we all finally get loaded in and are ready to be on our way, the interior lights stay on and the van dings over & over again warning me of an open door! Now on top of this, Owen is asking why the van is dinging, why the door won't open, why the door won't shut, why, why, why?!

Oh well, welcome to winter in lovely MN. Although incredibly freezing today, its fun to see everything so frozen, especially as we drive over the Mississippi to Sunny Hollow. Its beautiful.

And I'll make a thank you mat here.

We were making a fort with a cardboard box today and I told Owen I'd make a welcome mat in the front. This was his response. It took me a bit to get it...thank you & (your) welcome go hand & hand in his mind! I really wish this picture wasn't blurry, but oh well. This is the boys in the box and  Walter's 'cheese' face. So cute.

Peanut butter & jelly & honey.

For the past 2 weeks when I ask Owen what he wants for lunch when I pick him up from school, this is his answer. He makes it all by hisself and I supply a little fruit and veggie. Lunchtime made easy!

Owen made his first snow angel of the season yesterday when we were shoveling. He also threw a good amount of snowballs at me. He's loving the snow.

We've been listening to some Bob Marley lately to prep Owen for his winter concert and make us feel like we are in a warmer climate, too. Walter enjoys jamming to it, as you can see:

Can I do my projects now?

We hear this often throughout the day. Owen is Mr. Project. He loves doing arts & crafts. He's been busy recently making us necklaces, bracelets and ornaments for our tree.

We've had an exciting week of Christmas preparations. We've been receiving gifts left and right...a light up Santa from Great-Aunt Jeannie, ornaments and snowman cards from Grandma & Grandpa Harala, an outdoor light up deer from Great Grandma Donna and our annual delivery of a Christmas tree from Grandpa Monster. All these gifts and its not even Christmas yet. We are feeling the love! Owen has been the primary decorator of the Christmas tree this year. I'd say at least half of the ornaments are handmade by him over the past couple days. The boys and I made a batch of Christmas cookies on Wednesday. Jer & the boys went sledding today. The holidays are certainly upon us!

Here's a video of the boys having some fun with bubble wrap:

Muskie Hunter & In Fisherman

These are the "books" the boys picked out for their bedtime stories tonight. Whatever happened to The Little Engine that Could?

Reality hit us today as Jer went back to work after being off for a week. Just three more weeks and then we have two weeks off together again for Christmas!

Owen enjoyed his first taste of snow for the season yesterday. He was outside making snowballs and eating the snow. Today as I was unloading Walter from the van I looked over and saw him crunched over licking up some more. 

Walter & I spent the morning at playgroup. He's enjoying his new social life. Tomorrow we have music. He's playing more and more like a big boy these days.

Our house is the world and these planes are flying around it.

Jer and Owen have been making paper airplanes this week. Yesterday Owen told me this. He said his planes were full of people going to places like Asia and Hawaii.

Jon & Rachel went back to Tennessee yesterday. We met at Red Savoy for a farewell lunch of pizza. When we got home we started organizing the storage side of our basement that got destroyed in prep for the boys' bedroom reorg, Owen's birthday party, and Thanksgiving. When the kids went to bed Jer & I had big plans of watching a movie in the basement. I think I made it through 5 minutes and Jer said he made it through about 10 before falling asleep. Maybe we'll have better luck tonight!

Here's a video of sweet Walter being silly (he's really interested in trying to get himself dressed lately) and showing some of his tricks: