Family, Food, & Fun Times

We spent our Thanksgiving in Northern California. It was so great to see Ezekiel after 2 long weeks of being apart. We got a sneak peek at how Ezekiel spent his time... so here is a picture to show you.

We also got to hang out with family, eat, bake, take pictures, and just enjoy each other. We had 30 people over for Thanksgiving. Avery spent a lot of time eating and everyone was willing and waiting to feed her.
It was great to see my Grandparents enjoying their great grand children.
Here are some pictures of our family.
LOVE the boys and the fun they have together!
Eli has some great expressions.
These pictures remind me why I love where my parents live- amazing to see God's promise!

I love the beauty in this picture- this is just a typical day in Tuolumne!

Some Things You Can't Throw Away

As I cleaned off the fridge that was full of pictures Ezekiel colored at Sunday School I came across a picture I just couldn't throw away. It was Ezekiel's second time in his new classroom when he colored the picture. After Ezekiel turned three he moved up to a new classroom at church. This meant some big changes: he had to listen to a story, he had to do a craft/color, there is a schedule, and he would sit in big church with the other children for singing! Being the protective mother I am, I struggled with letting him go on these new adventures on his own and worried that he wasn't ready. Of course, my husband stepped in and actually stopped me from keeping him with us for the singing and made me stand in a place where I couldn't watch him through out the songs- a good thing because he is doing great! So here is where the picture comes in... after his second Sunday and mom in full doubt of his capabilities to move up I asked him about the picture he colored. I point to the person and said "Who is this?"
Ezekiel, "That's David."
Mom, "Who's that?"
Ezekiel, "That's Jonathan. They were good friends."
Right in that moment my heart melted. He is ready. He listened. He is learning and I need to let him go. I have now come to the realization that Ezekiel is right when he said the other day:
"Mommy, when I get big like Daddy I won't need you"
He is right- if I do my job- he won't need me! I still hope he wants me!

Eli is ....

Crawling!!!!! He crawled for the first time today. All he needed was a little carpet so his knees wouldn't slip. Here we go- he is on the move!

Flying Solo

Eli is currently an only child for 2 weeks. Ezekiel is off visiting with Papa and Mimi. While being at home by himself Eli is working on conquering a few new tricks.

First he is working on mobility. So far he is taking one crawl forward. He is also becoming a pro at wedging himself under the trampoline.

Second he is working on mastering sleep. While brother is away Eli will be sleeping until at least 6 am! So far we seem to be headed on the right path!


Here is a great picture of the boys enjoying Papa as he reads them a book. This was the day before Ezekiel left. Eli LOVES his brother and I think Eli will be the one that misses Ezekiel the most!
I LOVE the expression on Eli's face! This is just one example of the many expressions he shows us every day.

A New Delight

Ezekiel has discovered Sorbet. He LOVES it, as you can tell by the pictures.

Papa even taught him how to lick the bowl! A valuable life lesson.

Something in the Genes

There must be some part of our boys DNA that causes them to chew on their blankies. Ezekiel has been doing this for sometime and look how Eli has caught on. It is what they do to find comfort and help them fall asleep- it would be sooo cute- except it makes for STINKY blankies!

Trick or TREAT!!!!

We did our second annual Halloween with the Halls this year and of course it was GREAT!!! Our first stop is always Grandpa and Grandma Case's house. Ezekiel always scores big and we get to start our trick or treating off with a bang.

Next we headed off to be with the Halls. Ezekiel always has tons of fun with Chloe and Lexie. This year he really enjoyed trick or treating too. He LOVED going up to the houses, ringing the bell, and interacting with the people. He actually wanted to go to more house, but the night was long enough. He got plenty of sugar and we drove home with Eli completely asleep and Ezekiel barely conscience talking about his night. It was a great night for all of us.
Here is the whole gang.

What a difference a year makes. This is the house where Ezekiel melted down after having to put the candy in his bag last year- now see how he has grown.

Here is our little monkey in a tree! What a great end to a great night!