August 31, 2012

Catching up on the fam


 Toby

 He starts preschool on Tuesday.  He is so ready!
 

His classic scowl.


  
I still can't believe next year he will be in kindergarten. What happened to to my little baby boy?

 

I wish I could say he and Aspen get along swimmingly and play well with each other all the time.  But they don't. They fight a lot. Well, actually Toby just gets really mad and impatient with her toddler tendencies. Every once in a while I catch them laughing together which always gives me a big smile.  

Aspen

She climbs

onto everything


and into everything


all. day. long. 
(she also likes to put random things in Loki's cage: wipes, pencils, can openers, gum...)





And the tantrums have begun!
But she is very sweet and cuddly and so much fun to dress on Sunday (the only time I bother to doll her up)

Loki

He is getting closer to being potty trained, but still doesn't quite have the hang of it.


He does, however, help with cleaning up after a meal.  Lovin' that.


He's adorable.


He's obnoxious.


He's playful.


He's a puppy.


And he is really starting to grow on me, despite all the work he takes. 
Toby and Aspen love him and play with him constantly. Except we just can't wait till he loses his baby teeth. Even just petting him, all he wants to do is bite and man, are those little teeth sharp!  It's pretty funny when I tell him "no bite" and he starts biting the air. He already understands commands like "go potty" when we are outside and "get in your cage" when we are leaving to go somewhere.  It sure helps training a dog that has smarts and is eager to please.    


Nick and I have talked a lot about how much we still miss Kaya though.  We are grateful for the new pup but he definitely doesn't fill the void or take her place. Toby even tells me now and then that he wishes Kaya was still alive (tears my heart out every time).  Kaya will always be missed and hold a special spot in our hearts. :) 

And now for your viewing pleasure, here is a little video of Loki burning some of his puppy energy!



Summer snapshots

Thanksgiving Pt. Farm Country


 Toby and his buddy Canton






 Deborah and Debbie


 Cowabunga Bay

Nick's work rented out this very cool water park for the afternoon.  We had a blast.  The best part? No lines!  And the fact that it was completely paid for is always a huge bonus.  Toby went on nearly every slide in the park and Aspen loved the kiddie area. It was a great family night.








Yellowstone

Toby and Nick went to Yellowstone with Nick's parents and cousin Kiki.  I opted out because, well, the idea of driving long hours with a 16-month-old and probably getting little or no sleep in a crammed camper sounded just slightly unappealing. I am not an adventurous mom.  And I know eventually we will be able to go together as a fam when Aspen is a little older. Babies and camping just don't sound like a winning combo in my book.
Toby had fun with his daddy and I loved my one-on-one time with Miss Aspen.








Thanksgiving Point Gardens

My brother from Rexburg (left) and sister from Alaska (far right) came down a couple weeks ago. The pic below is 4 out out of the 7 siblings. It's always bittersweet when we get together because we are acutely reminded of Mikel's absence.  We try keep her memory alive by quoting favorite movies and reminiscing the good times.
Life is sure a lot less colorful without you, Mikel.


Tim, Vanessa, Me, Beckie

8 of the 22 cousins.



Aspen and Eleanor (they are about 2 weeks apart)


Discovery Gateway









Neptune Park










It has been a fun summer, but I am looking forward to my favorite season: fall! Bring on the cooler weather, cute sweaters, corn mazes, and autumn leaves!