Family Portraits

Besides finding a date that all of us are available for pictures or determining what to wear the day of the pictures, determining which ones to pick for our Christmas card or hang in the house is HARD!!!  There are too many to choose from. Here are some that I really like:

Collin was in a REALLY shy mode that morning and would not walk too far away from me or want his picture taken.  We spent a lot of time getting him to look at the camera or not hide behind me.  However, this one is really cute of him and shows his playful side.



This one was taken about an hour later.  He FINALLY opened up to having his picture taken.  By now, we were all getting hot and tired....but this one did turn out well.

This one was on our way back to our house were a few more pictures were taken.  What do you think he was thinking when she took this picture?  This is a regular pose for him.

Florida Trip - Last Day

All great vacations must come to an end....even if you are not ready for them to.  We had a great time this week in Florida.  Collin did fantastic around the water and had a great time.  We spent the last day on the beach building in the sand and jumping waves.  I bet he will miss Caroline the most.  They had so much fun playing together. 

Not looking forward to the 9 hour drive home but it will be good to be back home.  Bye Florida.....

Florida Trip - Day 4 & 5 - Happy Thanksgiving

Yesterday and today were spent on the beach most of the day. Collin is getting really comfortable with the water. He still likes it when one of us are at least standing at the shoreline when he is playing in the water. Yesterday, Daddy took him out in the water to the sandbar. He loved being that far out but held on tight to Daddy's leg most of the time. Today, it was my turn in the water with Collin. It was the coldest day so far (70 degrees) so I was not interested in getting wet higher up than my calves. Collin was satisfied for a little while jumping the waves with me. He then wanted to go to the sandbar but I was not interested. I distracted him by having him help me build a sand castle near the water. I used one of the buckets to build the walls while he used another to get water to wet the sand for us. While running back and forth from the water, he would stop and just stand there. I thought maybe he was feeling the sand form around his toes or the water over his feet. After standing a little while, he would start walking toward me, dump the water and then go back out to get more. I asked him what he was doing. He told me "I'm frozen and cannot talk". The water WAS cold so it does make sense he was frozen. He did this another 8 times or so before asking to go back inside so he could warm up. I wrapped a big towel around him like a cacoon. He thought this was funny and walked back to the room this way.

We had a great Thanksgiving meal and enjoyed the company of our friends. I am so thankful for these friends, our other friends and family. We are so blessed with what we have.

Florida Trip - The "condo"

Here are pictures of the place where we are roughing it on the Penthouse floor for a few days.  It's 3500 sq feet and bigger than our house.  There are 5 bedrooms all with their own bathroom, a dinning, family and living room plus a HUGE kitchen that fits several of us in there cooking at one time.  There are 14 of us so we did need the space.  We don't feel like we are on top of each other either which is REALLY nice.

Off to the beach now....

Living Room and stairs up to 3 bedrooms and laundry room

Looking through the Living Room to the Dining Room and breakfast area

One of the balcony areas.  There are more around the corner and one upstairs off the master bedroom.

View of the condo from outside.  We are on the top floor.

View off one of the balconies.  I could not look over too long....little afraid of heights.

Florida Trip - Day 3

Yesterday, all of us went to breakfast at the Donut Hole which is a local breakfast place.  Collin was a little hungry because he had 14 donut holes (yes, 14!) and several large bites of my pancakes.  After breakfast, we all headed out for some shopping in the next few local towns and a new beach to look for shells.  Our beach is beautiful...but there are not that many shells and the kids really want to find some. 

After a few hours of shopping and stopping for lunch, we did finally make it to a new beach area.  The crew that we are with have been here before and new there were lots more shells for the kids to pick.  They were right!  Collin went crazy picking up shells.  Instead of picking up every shell he could find, he did seem to have a system of picking up certain ones.  I was not sure what that system was but he did pass over a lot of them.  He found half sand dollars, spotted clams and scallops.  We searched for shells for about 30 minutes....just long enough to fill up one of Mommy and one of Daddy's hands with shells.

He found just the right one

So many shells to choose from

I could not resist taking this picture.   What a cute little footprint!

We came back to take a late nap, then dinner and games.  The last two nights, we have all gathered around the dinning room table to play games.  It's a lot of fun and Collin enjoys hanging out with all of us instead of having to go to bed. 

Florida - Day 2

We are having a great time so far.  Mommy and Courtney are getting up in the morning to run along the beach.  It was MUCH harder than expected to run along the water in the sand.  We finally took our shoes off and ran barefoot.  It was much easier that way but still a great work out.  Yesterday morning, we ran 3.5 mi.  This morning, we ran 4 mi in less time. 

Today was a beautiful day.  Unlike yesterday where it took most of the day for the clouds to blow off, it started out as a cloud-free day by the time we got up.  After eating breakfast, we were on the beach.  We did not leave until 4pm only because some of us wanted to shop before a store closed and then it was time for dinner.  Otherwise, most of us were out on the beach.  Collin played with Caroline most of the time in the sand.  He got in the water a few times but was happier to spend time in the sand.  He and Daddy had fun burying each other.  Daddy buried my feet and the cold, soft sand felt great.  Collin did get hungry for lunch so we went inside to eat and then relax. He did finally fall asleep so I went back outside while Daddy watched Collin.

After taco dinner (we plan to cook most nights because it's easier for 14 people), the boys went outside to hunt crabs.  Yes, it was dark.  They brought their flashlights and walked along the water to watch the crabs scurry back into the water.  Here is one of the crabs.  It was much bigger than I expected it to be.

Florida - Day 1

We left Saturday morning after the Turkey Trot race to Florida for the week.  We are meeting two other families to spend the week in Destin for Thanksgiving.  It's huge that Daddy and I could get away for a week.  We are looking forward to spending time with Collin. 

Collin was a trooper on the car ride to Florida.  Not until 30 minutes before we arrived at the condo did Collin asked "Are we there yet?" and "How much longer until we are in Florida?"  The entire way there, he entertained himself by playing with his toys or watching movies.  We only stopped to get a quick bite of lunch or to use the restroom.  Over 9 hours later, we were in Florida.  I did ask him if he was having fun on the road trip and he said he would.  How could he not with this sweet set up?

Here he is watching Lion King and having a snack

The next morning after breakfast, we went out to the beach to play in the sand.  Based on the first time Collin played at the beach, I assumed, incorrectly, that he would not be interested in the water.  I was WAY wrong.  Not only did he spend time in the water, he played and played for over 2 hours.  He had a blast jumping the waves, picking out shells and chasing the birds.

Running from the waves

This picture shows how much fun he is having. 

After lunch, the entire crew went out to the beach.  Collin played with the boys in the water and then built sand castles.  He later swam in the heated pool to warm up.  Still no head under the water for him. 

He is having a great time so far.  He adores Madison, a 10 year old, and Caroline, a 20 month old, at least in the condo.  When outside, he wants to do what the boys are doing. 

We have several more days of this fun.  What a great start so far.

Collin's First Race

Saturday, Collin and I met some friends to run in the annual Turkey Trot through the trees.  In the prior years, Collin has wanted to walk this with his friends.  I only assumed, incorrectly, that he would walk with his friends this year.  I was so far from being right.  Not only did he run, he ran the entire mile.  He only stopped to get a quick drink or to catch his breath.  Otherwise, he was running.  He was very efficient and had a good-looking stride.  I was SOOO proud of him!  After he crossed the finish line, he headed back to the park to play which is what we did for an hour and a half before the race.  The boy should have been worn out but was not.  Not sure where he got the energy from because he did not eat a big breakfast.

Collin and Matthew on the Jungle Gym before the race

Collin warming up before the race

Night Time Excuses.....Again!

Collin is a master of thinking of excuses to either not get in bed or not fall asleep.  Last night, I heard some new ones.  In an hour, here is what I heard:

• "My tummy hurts" - Not a new one at all.  I told him to lay down and that might make his tummy feel better.
• "I am freezing" - This is a new one.  I told him to cover up.  "The covers are cold".  Then I told him to get under the covers.  "The bed is cold".  I asked if he wanted one of his soft blankets.  Yep....those are cold too. 
• "I am bored of this" - He said this after less than 5 minutes of me holding him in his chair and rocking him.  HILARIOUS....except that I was not getting bored but frustrated. 
• "I need to sleep in your bed" - He was not interested in doing this when I said that I would not be in there.
• "I need more water" - He just had a large glass to drink before going to bed....which does not help him keep a dry Pull Up in the morning

Eventually, I laid down on the bottom bunk bed because I was exhausted from the week.  He laid next to me and the discussion about the cold covers and him freezing started all over again.  He then asked for water.  I told him he could go get some himself.....which he did.  Daddy saw him and asked if he was getting water because he did not want to go to bed.  His response...."Yes".  I knew it!  He did eventually fall back asleep around 10:30pm.  So much for working after that.

Bike Lessons #2 - With Pedals

Collin did great this afternoon when he started his second day of bike riding lessons.  This time, he rode with the pedals on.  The main focus was for him to keep his balance and to not let go of the handle bars.  Towards the end, Mr. Tom did let go of Collin for a few seconds and Collin did continue to ride on his own.  He is picking this up very fast and will be riding his bike on his own soon. 

He was awake longer last night at least enough to eat dinner this time.  He ate cheese and a few pieces of rolled up meat (sandwich meat).  He ate some other things Daddy told me about which meant that Collin was really hungry from the lessons.  He was asleep when I got home but did wake up to want some water.....and did not go back to bed for another hour and a half.  I suspect that some of the reason for this is because he missed me.  I have been working over 14 hours a day again and not seeing much of him....especially because he is falling asleep before 7pm.

One Tired Boy

Between "gin-nasticks" and bike lessons, Collin has not been able to make it past 6:45pm at night without passing out.  Last night, you possibly already read about him passing out after his first bike lessons.  I was able to transfer him to bed without him getting up.  This morning, he was very hungry like I thought because he did not have dinner last night.  Tonight was not any different.  He was laying on the couch having strawberries for a snack while Daddy was cooking dinner on the grill.  Daddy past by him and asked if he was hungry, Collin told him "No" and was asleep right after that.  It was not even 6:30pm.  I let him sleep a little while Daddy and I had dinner.  Collin was really snoring by then.  I hated to wake him up just to give him a bath.  I moved him to his room, changed him into PJs and his Pull Up (yes, he is still wearing these but has talked about wearing underwear the last two nights) and put him to bed.  He did not wake up at all....which tells me that he is really tired and needed to sleep.  Two nights now, I have not gotten to visit with my little guy after coming home from work.  Maybe I will get to see him in the morning......

Bike Lessons

Nope, the lessons are not for me.  After school, one of the bike shop employees, Tom, started teaching Collin how to ride a bike.  Apparently, Tom is WONDERFUL at this and has lots of patience.  Today's lesson was learning how to move forward on the bike without the pedals and training wheels.  He has to learn how to balance on the bike first before he can learn how to ride. 

Here is Tom talking to Collin about what he is about to do. 

At first, Collin was not interested in learning how to ride a bike.  Daddy mentioned Oreo cookies to him and Tom had Collin's full attention the rest of the day.  For about an hour, Collin pushed his bike around.  Between the first video Daddy took and the last, Collin made HUGE improvements of being more comfortable on the bike and going faster and faster.  Here is one of the videos of him riding during is first lesson:

All of this work wore him out.  When he got home, he was out on the couch within minutes.  When I got home to take him to his room and get ready for bed, he did not wake up at all.  I knew there was no way he was going to wake up enough for a bath so I changed him into PJs and put him to bed.  This was before 8pm.  It was a big day for him.  His next lesson is Wednesday night.

"I Already Know That!"

Collin's new phrase the last month has been "I already know that" when you tell him something or answer a question he asks.......even though he does NOT know the answer.  Why would he have asked the question?  For instance, "Mommy, why do I need to brush my teeth".  I tell him "So you don't have stinky breath (he does not like stinky breath so this works every time) and that his doctor said he needs to".  Before I finish, he is responding "I already know that".  Well, then why did you ask the question?!?!?!

Jeep Ride After School

Daddy picked up Collin and his friend, Jacob, from school in the new Jeep.  They were so excited to be riding in a vehicle with the roof off.  Instead of coming straight home, Daddy drove around a little so the boys could enjoy the wind in their hair.  Apparently, the theme was using "shooter guns" (anything that looks like a gun) to shoot in the air at things as they drove by.  Daddy said that Collin is usually quite on the way home....not so tonight.  Him and Jacob where asking Daddy lots of questions including "Do you see a bad guy?" so they could "shoot" the guy with their "shooter guns". 

When they came home, they played around in the Jeep a little before getting out and playing in the house. 

Being little Monkeys

Here they are thinking it's funny to be standing up where the roof should be

The boys played inside for about an hour before announcing they were hungry.  Jacob wanted Macs n Cheese and Collin said he wanted nuggets.  I made what they ordered and Collin decided he wanted Macs n Cheese like Jacob.  I should have known better but he has not eaten Macs n Cheese in at least 8 months that I am aware of.  They also ate all of the strawberries I cut for them.  Jacob's mom arrived to pick him up about 10 minutes after they finished....and 10 minutes after that, Collin was asleep on the couch.  It was not even 7pm.  He stayed asleep while I changed his clothes and put him in bed where he is still asleep as I am writing this.  I think he still needs naps....because he sure has been a tired boy in the evenings now that he does not have naps during the day.  However, it's also nice for Mommy and Daddy to be able to spend a little more time together at night.

PS.  He did sleep through the night and did not even get up early like he has been after Daylight savings time.  When I left the house close to 7am, he was stirring but not up yet. 

Gymnastics + PJs = a VERY Happy Boy

Collin got to wear his PJs and bring a stuffed animal to gymnastics today.  Daddy said that he was so excited about wearing his PJs to gymnastics.  Collin wanted to know why his buddy, Merle (a cat) was going also.  He asked question after question about what he was going to do in class with Merle and was anyone else going to be wearing PJs.  I surprised him by being able to leave work early so I could see how much fun he had during class.  I had not seen him at gymnastics for months now because of work.  Collin has improved a lot with following directions an doing all of the skill sets.  He still is not fond of the cartwheel and tries to skip it every time he should be doing it.  He is MUCH better at including his "finish" after every skill set which is him standing up and raising his hands over his head. 

Merle was Collin's coach in class today.  He was also used for Collin to jump over and tumble around.  All of the kids seemed to really enjoy class and be involved today.  Collin did not notice I was there until about 15 minutes left of class.  He saw me, stopped what he was doing and smiled really big.

Here he is after tumbling, with assistance, the the balance beam.  He jumped and then finished with his hands in the air before heading to the lower beams for a Monkey crawl.

Morning with Mommy

I expected to have Collin come visit me this morning while I was getting ready for work because of the time change Saturday night.  Yesterday, he did sleep for 12 hours but still got up before 6am.  This morning, he was up about the same time.  He arrived at the bathroom door with his guys (Monkey, Penguin, Puppy and Merle) and went straight to the closet.  He left the bathroom again and came back with a soft blanket.  I got a pillow for him because I knew what he was doing.  He was making a bed in the closet for him and the guys.  This is where he usually lays for 10 minutes and talks to me while I put my make up on.  He did the same this morning and explained to me that he did not want me to put my work clothes on yet.  He wanted to go to the living room and watch Casper.  I said I needed to get ready first and we could do that. 

Here is what he looked like while I was getting ready.  He explained that the white soft blanket was at the door like it is so that I could not get into the closet to put my work clothes on.  He is also blowing me a kiss in the picture.  The guys are there but buried under the "black soft cover".  The kid sure does like soft covers and PJs. 

We did make it to the living room.  While I was cutting him slices of "Mommy Bread" (homemade banana bread), he was picking out a movie to watch.  I told him it needed to be a short one because he had school this morning.  He picked out Mickey Mouse which did count as short.  Daddy eventually woke up as I had to leave for work so I got to see both of my boys before I left.  What a great way to start the morning.

Collin and His New Buddies

This afternoon, I picked Collin up early from school to meet some new friends, Page, Zach and Jake.  They are 6 year-old triplets of a co-worker of mine, Robyn.  We have been tyring to get together for WAY too long now and finally made it happen.  When we arrived, the kids were in the backyard jumping on the trampoline.  Collin did not want to jump but to watch the kids.  It did not take him long until he wanted to join in.  He jumped and showed me what he has learned in gymnastics.  He jumped, sat with his legs out and then jumped back up.  He also bounced on his knees and then back up again.  He was not only doing great jumping on the trampoline but he was interacting great with the other kids.  They jumped outside for at least 30 minutes before they came inside and played in the boy's room.  Page sat on my lap and read me a book.  She did a great job. 

The kids finally got hungry.  We ordered pizza ans salad.  They only sat long enough to eat and then played some more.  Getting tired, they sat on the couch to watch Spiderman.  Here they are on the couch. 

We will have to play with the triplets again soon.  When we got home, Collin wanted to eat dinner.  He ate and then sat on Daddy's lap to watch a video.  Within 5 minutes, he was asleep.  Good thing I already put his PJs on.

International Parade at School

Today, we watched Collin walk in the International Parade at school.  Remember the flag and paper doll Mimi made last week?  He walked along holding his flag up high or down low.  I could tell that he loved having us there watching him....and even stopped to pose a few times for pictures.  Daddy and I were in awe at how many different countries where represented.  We asked the Administrator if he knew the number of countries and he did not.  I counted at least 20.  This is only one of the reasons that we like Collin going to this school because he is exposed to so many different cultures.

Collin Wrote His Name

This week, Collin brought home a paper with his name on it.  He was supposed to be practicing writing certain letters of the alphabet......which he did not do.  What he did do was right his name the best I have seen so far.  I showed the paper to Daddy when he got home and he was SOOO proud of him.  We both gave him lots of kisses. 

That night, he was drawing and coloring for show-n-tell the next day.  He was supposed to draw what he was thankful for.  I noticed that he not only holds the color better but he colors in the lines much better and more controlled than he has before.  Amazing what just a few months makes.

Bookworms

For a few weeks now, Collin has been attending Bookworms class during school.  This is an extra class that he attends once a week with other students that have chosen to attend.  During the class, they read a book, discuss what they read (or the teacher read) and then they have a small art project related to the topic or a character in the book.  Collin has talked about this class a few times so I assume that he has really enjoyed it.  When he comes home on the days he attends Bookworms, he is happy to show me what he made and even sometimes discusses the book.  He started to recite a book the other day but I did not recognize the story.  Here is what he has brought home in the last few weeks:  turkeys, pumpkin and corn on the cob. 

Making Smoothies

I have been making homemade smoothies for many years now.  Collin started helping me in the Spring.  He loves to scoop out the protein and flaxseed powder and dumping it into the blender container.  He then watches me put in the banana, other fruit, yogurt and juice.  He wants to turn on the blender and watch it blend all of the ingredients together.  He is uninterested in what happens after that.  He sometimes will take a sip of the smoothie.  It's not the smoothie itself that he likes but making the smoothie.  If I start making my smoothie without his help.....and then get caught........I am in BIG BIG trouble!  I do actually enjoy making the smoothies with him but it sure does take longer to make them with his help. 

Here is a picture of him after we made the smoothie.  Not sure why he does not look happy in this picture.  Maybe because there is nothing else to do......or he has not really woken up yet.  Until tomorrow......

Halloween Parade and Friends

Collin had not talked about Halloween or trick-or-treating much all month even though we put decorations out at the beginning of the month and they talked about it at school last week.  So, when I got home last night, he did not know that it was Halloween and time to get dressed in a costume.  I laid out the costumes he could chose from:  Pirate, Buzz Lightyear, Dinosaur, Woody or Spiderman. 

After thinking about it for about 10 minutes while walking around the customers, Collin chose the Pirate clothes.  I thought this might be the one he would pick because he has been playing with the sword that goes with it since Mimi brought it over about two weeks ago.  I put the pants and shirt on and noticed he was getting sad.  I asked what was wrong and he said, "Will people make fun of me?"  Awwww....that made me sad too but I did not show him that.  I said, "It's Halloween.  All of your friends are coming over and will be wearing customers also."  He thought about it and then took off the Pirate costume.  I asked if he was going to wear another customer or just wear his shorts and T-shirt outside for the parade and then trick-or-treating.  He said he wanted to be Woody instead.  I was not going to do this for every costume that was laying on the floor.  I asked if he was sure that he wanted to be Woody and he told me he was.  I said Woody wears jeans and a long-sleeved shirt.  He ran into his room and started to get these out to wear.  I put the rest of the Woody costume on him and he was happy about it.  Good thing since his friends had arrived.  Once everyone was over, we went outside for pictures before heading to participate in the parade.

Saige, Collin, Ellie, Connor, Kevin, Alex and Linden

We waited around for everyone else in the neighborhood show up.  The kids had a great time (and so did the parents) checking out all of the other costumes. 

Daddy as the Tooth Fairy trying to pull one of my teeth out.  Ouch!

Here we are walking down the street as part of the parade.  The fire truck was leading us to a house towards the end of the street there were treats and snacks such as Boo dogs, chips and juice or water.  The kids were hungry but also anxious to start trick-or-treating.  We did get them to sit and eat before heading out down the street.

Collin eating his Boo Dog

Collin and his pals at their first house

Last year, Collin pooped out from trick-or-treating after less than 5 houses so I was not sure how long he would last.  With his friends there, I thought he would at least try to keep up with them....and he did.  We went to at least 20 houses.  Collin did great by going to the door saying "Trick-or-Treat, Smell my Feet, Give me Something to Eat!"  After each house, he would show me what candy or treat he got.  Here he his during one of the many times showing me the treat he just got from a house.  He would quickly then put the candy in his pumpkin and run to the next house....usually the last of the bunch to arrive.

We went home only because it was getting dark.  I also knew that the kids would want to check out their loot and eat some of it.  Collin ate less than 3 pieces of his candy and then wanted to play.  He has not been interested in candy to this point and Halloween did not change that.  He actually did not ask about it today either.

Here is only half of what he came home with

Most of his friends went home.  Two of them stayed for a second dinner and then played in his playroom while I cleaned up.  Even with all of this activity, he still went to be at his normal time.  He was wound up though and did not want to go to sleep.  At one point, he told me "My brain will not let me shut my eyes to go to sleep".  Now, that's a good one that I have not heard before.  The kid is very creative when it comes to bed time and not getting into his bed.  I had a presentation to practice so I let him lay in the bed next to me while I read and practiced my presentation.  He was asleep in 5 minutes.  We both had a great day with family and friends.  Good night my little boy.