New Year, New Look

Celebrating the new year with a new look on my blog.  The pink font is in honor of baby sister.

A Very Merry Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas with Grandma Debby, Gaga and Papa, and Aunt Hillary and Ashley.  The boys got everything they wished for a more! Who knew the most fought over toy would be Hunter's Monster Trucks from Mater's Tall Tales? (We have another set on it's way for Xavier's Birthday.)

Xavier's Thomas Trains were also a hit, as were the Playmobil Pirate Ships, Lego sets, basketball hoop, air hockey table, and scooters.  Now it's time for mommy to clean out and organize the play room. Here is a link to the Kodak Gallery pictures from Christmas as well as some snapshots below.

 

Candy Cane Cookies

One of our favorite Christmas traditions is making candy cane cookies with Grandma. Of course Hunter's favorite thing is to eat the dough! Grandma loves to sew aprons and we decided for next year she needs to make us all matching Christmas aprons.

Fall

Don't let anyone convince you that there aren't seasons in California.  We have a wonderful tree in our front yard that changes colors and drops it's leaves for tons of fall fun!

Halloween

Hunter was Super Grover 2.0 from Sesame Street for Halloween this year.  Xavier wanted to be Elmo, but when it came time to actually wear the Elmo costume, he changed his mind.  On Saturday, Xavier went as a Michigan football player to a party, and for trick-or-treating he wore his brother's Fireman Raincoat. Anyone need a 2T Elmo costume in perfect condition?

Facemask

Doyl was explaining to Hunter what it means to facemask in football.  He said, if you do it one time it is a personal foal, and if you do it again, you can get thrown out of the game.  To which Hunter replied, "in a canon?"

Pumpkin Patch

This was our third year visiting the Underwood Family Farm for their annual Fall Festival.  Hunter and Xavier had a wonderful time climbing on tractors and combines, playing games, and picking out pumpkins.  Doyl's favorite activity was shooting corn out of the corn canons.  Here are a few pictures from our day and a link to the full Kodakgallery Album.

Fire Breathing Dragon

Hunter, "Mom is it OK if Xavier comes with me on a very dangerous mission? We are going to fight a fire breathing dragon."

Mom, "Yes, just keep your little brother safe."

Hunter, "Ok, I won't let him get fired up."

Saturday at the Park

Most Saturday mornings Doyl loads both the boys in the double jogger and heads to the park.  Hunter, who usually protests having his picture taken, requested that dad take a photo.  It's not clear in the picture, but Hunter is wearing his regular Saturday uniform -
his Denard Robinson jersey. Go Blue!

Expecting!

We are expecting baby #3 in March 2012!
Here is a picture from our 12 week ultrasound.

First Day of School

Hunter had his first day of Preschool 4 last Tuesday.  At his school, the students stay with the same teacher for both years of preschool (3s and 4s), which made the transition back to school very easy this year.  You can see from the pictures how excited Hunter was about going back to school.  Hunter ran from the car, to the playground, and into his teacher's arms, and said, "Bye, mom."  While I was a little sad that Hunter didn't even need to give me a hug and kiss goodbye, I am thrilled about the easy transition back to school and how much Hunter enjoys it.   

 First Day of School Pose

 Hunter and Mr. Nick (the school gardener)

Hunter Signing his Name

Xavier also had his very first day of school ever, last Wednesday.  He goes to the same school as Hunter, but only two days a week, in the "Tiny Seeds" 2-year-old program.  He was very excited about going to school because he was going to be just like Hunter, but he was a little teary when mommy said goodbye.  When I picked him up, three hours later, his teacher reported he had wonderful today.  Xavier says that he is excited to go back.

Seattle Highlights

Here are some pictures from our annual August trip to Doyl's parent's beach house on Spee-Bi-Dah, just North of Seattle.  Hunter had a blast catching crab, digging for clams, fishing, and riding the inner tube behind the boat.  Xavier also enjoyed the beach, particularly climbing on the drift wood. 

 The Fort

 Digging for Clams with Gaga, Aunt Claudia, and Cousins

 Xavier Climbing the Drift Wood

 Hunter Fishing with Gaga

 Tubing 

Xavier's preferred method of boating (on dry land).

July in Michigan

Here are a few pictures from our three weeks in Michigan during July, and a link the 350 pictures on Kodak Gallery.  (I will also try to fix the link the Nancy's Snapfish album from the 4th of July.)

 Finger Painting

 Making Cookies

 Lake Michigan

 Sand Surf Board with Dad

 Chocolate Ice Cream

 Playing in the Beach Grass

 Kayaking with Grandma

Aunt Ashley