At 18 months Christian is…

Is starting to answer questions with a simple “yes or no” or shaking his head.

Loves to be chased around the house by either the dogs or Kayla.

Has started asking "what's that?" but usually just says "that?"

Is starting to say phrases like "down Bo" or "Mommy up/down"

Loves to cuddle especially when he is tired and loves to give kisses.  My heart melts every time!!

Loves to dance to "The wheels on the bus…”

Loves to eat.  I have to make sure and close the pantry door.  Otherwise, our little ones finds his way to the chips or crackers.

Can point to his body parts and say some of them or at least he tries.

Loves reading books.  favorite book is Good Night Moon.  We have to read that one EVERY night before bedtime.

Really enjoys going to school and is learning so much.  He has already started recognizing colors and shapes (orange, yellow, blue, triangle, star and circle)

He's changing so much on a daily basis and I can't believe the time has flown by so fast! He'll be 2 years old before we know it!

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Walking with Dinosaurs

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This past weekend was a weekend full of LOTS of activities. One of these events included Walking with Dinosaurs. And wow was it FUN! I had my hesitations about taking Kayla to see the show. Everyone said it would be loud (and Kayla hates loud noises, unless she is making the sound). Well, I am so glad that we all went. Jonah, Kayla, Jon, Josh, Monda and myself loaded in the car and the entire way to the arena, the kids roared like dinosaurs. So cute. They were so excited. The kids sat on their daddy's laps while holding their ears. However, their eyes were glued to the show and mouths opened in amazement. Once the show was over I asked Kayla what dinosaur was her favorite...."All of them! Can we go back!"

Tears to my eyes...

Monday was Kayla's Thanksgiving party at what she calls gymnastics school (Mother's Day Out at Kidsport). The kids were not at the gym when I walked in so I had time to look at the placemat and all the crafts that each child made for the Thanksgiving feast. At each place setting there was a small pumpkin pie that the kids made in cooking class, a stuffed paper bag turkey, and a placemat with their handprints and a list of a few things that they were thankful for. Kayla's placemat had five items that she was thanksful for...toys, Mommy, Daddy, and (here are the tear gerkers)Mommy making my fairy costume and God. Tears immediatly came to my eyes when I read the last two items. I really didn't think that Kayla noticed the costume that I made her. I sat down to make her costume more out of selfish reasons. Knowing that I made it for her was something that made me feel good. Wow, I am so touched that she realized and appreciated the effort that I put into it. And the last item, God. I dont even know how to put my feelings into words on this last item. I just am so touched. I must be doing something right.

Here are a couple of photos from the past week...

Kayla having fun at the First Annual Boo Run.

Christian saying cheeze.

Kayla and her buddy "Lukey" (as she calls him) at the park.
Another cheezy smile.
My little ones before heading to church.

Wine, good conversation and cream cheese icing

One of my friends creates the most amazing cakes and cupcakes. I have always been impressed with her creativity when it comes to icing those yummy looking cakes. Well, several weeks ago, she came up to me with a great idea. I would take her family photos and she would teach me to use the icing tips. (I think I came out ahead on this exchange). So, last night we got together and spent the evening icing a cake and cupcakes. What fun. Wine, good conversation, and cream cheese icing (yum). I never imagined that icing a cake would be therapeutic. But, it really took my mind off of everything around me....Thanks Jessica for teaching me a new hobby. Hopefully one day I will be able to create a cake that looks as amazing as yours.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

The kids had a great Halloween. The entire week was actually filled with Halloween parties and carnivals. However, Halloween night was the highlight of the week. The kids looked great in their costumes. Kayla was a beautiful fairy princess and Christian was the fierce dragon. Both kids were ready to go as soon as we got outside. There was no stopping either one of them. Kayla made sure that we hit every single house while Christian stole the hearts of everyone. He was adorable. He would sign thank you to the people and wave bye-bye as Kayla tried to drag him to the next house. I thought the the big kids rushing in to get candy would scare the kids, but no! Both held their weight and kept up with the big kids. After staying out for two hours, the kids came inside and raided their baskets. After a couple of pieces, I finally put a stop to the candy frenzy. Now what am I going to do with 100+ Twizzlers, a million Dum-Dums, and who knows how many pieces of chocolate.