thankful for SCHOOL

It's the last day of 2012... We have had a good break but are very ready to get back to our daily routine. I should say, that we are very ready for BLUE to get back to his daily routine. That kid really needs the physical and mental exertion of school everyday. We just can't quite get him tired enough on our own. So in honor of one of the things I am most thankful for in the past year I am posting these pictures of my mom with her grandkids. She runs an amazing school and we are grateful to be a part of the community.

 

 

 

happy merry CHRISTMAS

I wonder what the first Christmas will be that the kids remember? My guess is not this one so good thing we have pictures! It was Wiley Girl's first Christmas and a fun age to celebrate with. Blue was only a couple months old for his first and my most vivid memory of him on that day was him spitting up on Pepita, the inflatable bouncing donkey he got from my parents.

 

 

 

This go-around there was no spitting up but present opening became a two-day affair. Blue would open a present and then want to play with it for the next couple hours. And then he wanted to take a break and ride his scooter outside. It was all fine. Just different from years past. In the end I think all the presents were a big hit. Blue got a doctor kit (with a doctor's jacket and shoes to go with it!), a wildlife rescue airplane, a music symphony machine, a ukelele, a trash truck, and lots of fun books. Wiley got a Pippi Longstocking doll and book set, a new sippy cup, various dolls in various sizes and textures, the awesome Fisher Price stacking ball set, and a highchair to match Blue's. 

big city CHRISTMAS

SuSu had been requesting a picture with Wiley Girl and we kept on forgetting. We kept on forgetting until the last possible moment when it was dark outside and we were all headed to bed. But their cuteness still shines through.

 

 

 

 

We spent the weekend before Christmas in Houston with Papa and SuSu enjoying the sights and sounds of a big city holiday. Blue enjoyed the smooth, quiet streets of the area around their townhouse and finally mastered his scooter skills. We all headed out on Christmas Eve, us back to Austin and them up to Boulder to see Ashley and Jeb. They all got to enjoy a white Christmas!

tuck ME in

Blue had steadfastly been refusing to sleep under a blanket. In fact, he didn't even want to try getting under one, much less sleep that way. And then something happened and he has been requesting a blanket ever since. Maybe he got cold? This is the one my grandmother made for him when he was born. Sweet sleepy face...

trail of LIGHTS

This Christmas light fest is an Austin tradition. Last year it was canceled for lack of funding but this year it was back and going strong. It is always super-crowded but a fun and festive way to kick off the Christmas season.

 

 

 

  

 Other highlights of the evening... Wiley sported her first hair accessory! And a stranger walking behind Blue and me took this last picture. She asked us for our camera because he was being so cute!

true DAVIS man

We all got Christmas cards from my Grandma Burchfield last night in the mail. Blue and Wiley each scored $10. We were opening the cards with Blue and talking about Grandma and what he might want to buy with his "monies". He thought for a minute and then said "batteries" - specifically so he could fix his broken excavator truck!

 

 

 

Very practical indeed. We do have several toys in need of batteries. Sounds like a trip to Target is in order... Thanks GmaB!

#minimichaeljackson

fall comes LATE

While most of the rest of the country is well into winter we are just now having fall. Growing up, we had tons of Live Oaks in our yard which don't shed their leaves so no leaf piles to jump in. Nice for the adults who don't have to deal with the mess, not as fun for the little people who like jumping in them. This was Blue's first big leaf pile. I had Wiley strapped in the Ergo and Blue was on the move so they are pretty blurry.

 

 

 

I caught Lucy taking a nap in the pile yesterday. That dog loves a cozy spot.

happy FIVE months

And two days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

She rolled over! Both ways. She rolled from front to back about a month ago (I have a video waiting in the wings) and from back to front a few days ago. I have yet to actually see her do the latter. I have just left the room and returned to find her on her tummy. She continues to like toys, especially eating them. And she continues to be a great sleeper.

bits AND pieces

Here is a roundup of November pics... Thanksgiving was in there but I used my dad's camera to take pictures so it will have to wait.

 

 

 

 

 

1. Watching for trucks.

2. Watching videos. Most likely Wheels on the Bus.

3. Perfect profile.

4. His hair grows so fast!

5. Typical.

6. He loves to feed Wiley.

7. Reading books.

our BOOK lover

 

Some switch flipped in Blue's brain about a month ago and he has been loving books ever since. Before, he would sit and read select books for a few minutes. But now he will sit and read multiple books and often it is all he wants to do. He specifically asked to read books in bed by himself right here. I joined him for the next one.

you CRAY cray

 

 

Blue is still working on controlling his body around Wiley and probably will be for the rest of his life. He makes her cry more than anyone else but he is also the only one who can consistently get her to laugh. She is quick to smile but you rarely get a giggle out of her. Blue seems to have the magic touch.