Flashback to Christmas

The recent snowstorms make it feel a little more like the Christmas season, than March!  So, in honor of the snow, here is a fun pic of "L" opening his gift from his Godparents.  He received the most fun book and a cute Mickey ornament.  He certainly loved the wrapping paper too!

Of course, "L" had a little unwrapping help from "K," who simply cannot resist lending a hand when needed.  We are excited to add "L's" first ornament to our tree next year!

Picasso?

Crayons.  I loooovvveee art!!!  Folks that know me, know that I love to make projects and create things.  Mr. Fixit loves projects too, and we both love the challenge of creating something new from something old.  We think "K" will love creating too.  So, I had to introduce "K" to crayons.  I just had to!!  So, we did!

Mr. Fixit taped a large sheet of paper -- covering the entire length of the island -- in our kitchen.  "K" could draw to his heart's content.  I must snap a photo of this sometime, to give you the full affect!  I selected a box of washable "big" crayons.  Perfect for toddler hands.  I chose the box of 16 colors versus 8 because, well, I always like color options. ;)

Fast forward three weeks later, and we have broken crayons - which still work quite well - and a curious artist.  He decided to test the crayons on a new surface - our floor!  Cleaning crayon out of grout gives you a bit of workout, in case you might like to give it a go yourself!

Be Mine

Sweet "J" remembered the little guys for Valentine's Day!  "K" is opening his bag of treats, which included two terrific books, along with some sweet eats too.  By the way, "K" now knows the word candy, and says "Grandma" with it.  Mr. Fixit's Mom has been trying to coax a hug or two with candy =)

We read the "truck" book at least half a dozen times that night, and read it each and every day.  "K" loves trucks, and we notice all the items with wheels on the roads to and from "school" each day.  Don't worry, he is not getting his driver's license until he is at least 20!

Cousin Cast

The calendar occasion was spring break, although, the weather certainly did not behave like spring!  We experienced some cold and a bit of snow, but the kids had a blast just the same.  The boys' childcare center was closed, so we headed west to hang out with the cousins for a couple of days.

All 9 grandchildren were there at Grandma and Grandpa's.  Age range is 12 years to 8 months.  Childcare providers for the day: myself and Grandpa.  Let's just say Grandpa may have been a bit in denial about the amount of work 9 little bodies can create!  It was a good thing that nap time happened for the three little ones, because lunch time brought a crescendo of meltdowns!

Finally when the thought crossed our mind to photograph the clan, well, the older boys had already departed for the day.  So, here is 7 out of 9 kiddos.  We promise to do better next time!  Thanks sis for snapping this shot at the end of our day!  (Note: Unhappy baby is a must for every family photo, and next time, I will make sure my animated hand is not in the photo!  But on the bright side: everyone looked at the camera!)

Eight Months!

Wow, eight months of life have passed since "L" had his birthday!  Who would have thought that the 100 degree day would yield a day of a late spring snowstorm -- eight months later??  "L" has been busy mastering all types of tricks.  His eyes are constantly on "K," which means, that he is learning things much faster!  Here's the latest:

*Battled his first ear infection.
*Crawling like crazy!!  The "first" crawl occurred on March 10.
*Pulling himself up around the tables and chairs.
*Dumping the box of toys.
*Beginning to eat crunchy crackers and cereal pieces.
*Got stuck under a chair.
*Can put himself to sleep, when placed in bed -- most nights.  Still plenty of wake up calls to contend with though!  I think he was up 4 or 5 times last night.

I look forward to warmer days so that we can enjoy stroller rides outside and pack the socks away for the season.  I have decided that socks really do not stay on a baby's feet!  I get lots of practice putting them back on throughout the day =)

Peru

Today my classmates are halfway through the international agricultural experience.  Destination: Peru!  I have been following their daily updates and experiences on the KARL Facebook page.  I chose not to travel because of the baby that I am feeding, but I still miss ya Class XI!

The class has visited Chinca, Lima, Tarapoto, Machu Pichu and many other smaller communities.  They have strolled the streets of local markets, tasted countless varieties of potatoes, dined on avocados, seafood and plantains.  My cohorts have toured a chocolate factory, wine facility, cigar factory, numerous local farms, schools and villages.  They have also endured varied climates as they have made their way across the country.  I look forward to reuniting with them to listen to all they have seen and learned.

I am especially jealous of the avocado part, because they are sooooo yummy!  I also am envious of all the waterfall pictures.  Waterfalls truly are one of my favorite nature scenes.  I think they are so breathtaking!  Keep doing great work, and I shall see you soon!

Keep on Truckin'

"K" officially entered the world of two-year-olds on Sunday.  We enjoyed a breakfast out with Grandma and Grandpa, and then headed to Orscheln's to take in "Chick Days."  Not familiar with "Chick Days?"  Well, read on then, my friends!

Orscheln's conducts this event, in the early spring, each year.  This is the time when baby chicks and bunnies are for sale.  Little kids go ga-ga over chicks and bunnies, this is a fact!  So, we thought since we were in town, why not go check it out?  "K" viewed the chicks and bunnies and then found the toy aisle.

Mr. Fixit and I really did not know what to get him for his birthday.  So, this actually turned out to be a win-win for all involved.  The toy pictured here is what "K" picked out.  It is pretty cool!  The trailer part lowers and the little wood cars can be driven on and off of it.  The entire toy is carved out of wood!  Mr. Fixit also informed me that the wheels are riveted to the car frames.  i.e. -- They are virtually indestructible!  Bonus, bonus, bonus!  The brand of the toy is Melissa & Doug.  We have several puzzles by them, and all their stuff is durable.  If you are curious, visit their site to check them out!

Two!

"K" is officially 2, and certainly has no qualms about making his independence preferences known!  We enjoyed a quiet celebration with Grandma and Grandpa S. after Saturday night church, which included cake and a few presents.  The fare included:


*Two pairs of pajamas
*Two new outfits
*A pair of shoes (sensing the 2 theme here?)
*A green chair (sorry, end of the 2 theme!)
*A truck
*A toy drill and hammer set
*Wooden cars
*Money

We think "K" enjoyed his day!  The list of things "K" has learned since last year is long, but here is what he is currently mastering.  Can identify the letters "K," "A," "B," "C," and "D."  Can identify a triangle, circle, star and heart.  Learning how to drink out of an open cup, how to share toys with "L," and how to recall past experiences.  We are excited to see what else is learned during his second year of life!

Toy Wash

I think we may be playing pass the runny nose, cold, respiratory germ in our house.  I am pretty sure that ALL the tots and babes in childcare have cards in this game too.  Literally, I think little kid noses run nonstop from the first sign of fall until probably June.  Yuck!  So, I decided it was time for a toy bath!

On the rare moment when both boys were asleep for about 30 minutes at the same time, I ran a sink full of hot, soapy water.  All toys that were not plush, and not battery operated, received a plunge.  I toss the plush into the washer nearly every week.  So, here is to dead germs!!  I will raise my soap bottle to that one!!

Sweetheart

We had a wonderful Valentine's Day surprise: Sweet "J" gave the boys treats!  "L" was super pleased with his gift of a bear.  This is his very first bear!  He loved the bear so much, that he promptly spit up on him moments later.  So, the Valentine Bear had his first spin in the washer!

"K" received a new-to-him book on trucks and a new alphabet book too.  The truck book is an absolute hit!  We read it, on average, of about 5 times a day.  "K's" new word is "ick-up-a."  For those who are confused by this new English word: "Pick-Up" is the actual translation.  We spot "ick-up-a" trucks to and from school each day!

Saucy Saucer

We received this toy as a second hand item when "K" was a baby.  It has been a fun toy, and "L" is really beginning to love it!  "L" can stand, or sit, and play with various objects around the seat.  As an added bonus, the seat will rotate 360 degrees, allowing him to access all items.  Well, for some reason, "K" now wants to play too!

Both Mr. Fixit and I just have to laugh, because he never liked being inside this toy when he was "L's" age.  Instead, he would walk around the outside of the toy, and play with all the gadgets.  So, I could not resist snapping a photo of "K" trying out the saucer!