More Christmas pics

It was so fun having Aaron another year older this Christmas..... Of course it isn't all about the presents, but it was so cool just watching him get so excited about all his toys.

Lots of tools this year....

His blower is a big favorite. He happened to open it first, and after he played with it for awhile, Lee asked him if he wanted to open his other presents - he just said, "No, this" as he clutched it happily....

A "choo choo" from Gi Gi and Papa.....

It was also fun this year as Auntie Serina and Uncle Steve were in town from Wisconsin. Aaron loved playing with them and it was great to visit and see them, as we miss them a lot.

And I have to throw in a pic of my Christmas present, a brand new Specialized mountain bike....

Nuff said. It was a good Christmas. =)

Christmas 2009

Like everyone else, we have been busy these past few weeks.... A little of this and that, and suddenly a few weeks go by and I know I need to post SOMETHING...

Anyway, in our present circumstances along with the season of Christmas, I have been trying to remind myself to find joy and thankfulness even in the little things that each day brings. I am reminded of the little miracle Aaron is and how grateful we are to have him in our family.

Here we are on a little hike up Falcon Hill near our house. Aaron has just learned this word "hike" and LOVES to go anytime we are willing to venture out. If we are driving and within eyesight of ANY mountain or pile of dirt, "Mama!!! Hike??"

I love how little boys invent ways to entertain themselves with virtually nothing....

And we celebrated some Christmas a little early as both of my bros will be out of town visiting in-laws this Christmas. Aaron is in absolute heaven with a mini drum set from Uncle Kyle....

Thank you for your sympathies on the noise factor. But honestly, they are really not that loud and he is so happy playing them..... Here's some video of him in action if you are interested.

Anyway, like I said a little of this and that - living in moments such as these, being thankful for all we have, and continuing to reflect that we have hope and joy because of that tiny baby boy born in Bethlehem.... God is so good! Merry Christmas!

Funny Conversations

I have always looked forward to documenting the funny things Aaron would say when he hit the appropriate age, as I always get a kick out of reading about other kids' crazy talk.... I realized that this week I had a few....

*Unfortunately, Aaron has had a terrible case of the croup this past week. Poor little guy always cries and complains when he coughs that he has "owies" in his "hole" (pointing to his mouth).

*With the croup has come a decrease in appetite, so I have had to really encourage him to eat at times saying things like, "Honey, eating this applesauce will help the owies in your hole" (i.e. story above =) ) He went pee pee on the potty yesterday so I gave him a piece of candy and he said, "Mommy, candy help Aaron's owies" with a little grin.

*He loves to throw his little nerf football around but he is getting too strong to really do it in our little house without avoiding the danger of breaking something. He tossed it in the air the other day pretty hard and so I said, "Aaron, you cannot throw your football in here!" He then threw out his hands impatiently at me and tilted his head, "Mama!!! Football guys THROW footballs!"

Looking forward to a very funny future with this little man.

In preparation for Christmas, I am continuing the tradition from both Lee's and my family of advent. So everyday as soon as he wakes up, Aaron says "Addent?". We then hurry and open a little door corresponding to what day of the month it is for a Bible verse of the Christmas story and a piece of chocolate....

It has been fun teaching and talking to Aaron about Baby Jesus and I love the fact that some things are starting to click....

And this is just a random shot that I walked in the door upon that cracked me up....

Looks like the life, doesn't it?

Big Boy Stuff

I'm constantly amazed at how much these little ones quickly develop and grow up right before our eyes. Aaron has been doing lots of "big boy" stuff these days and never ceases to surprise me with a new activity....

He discovered these miniature rock walls at different parks that we go to and loves to scale up to the top....

Just posing for mom....

Trying to encourage "poo poo on the potty", I bought a mini garbage truck and told him we could open it if he was successful....

Look at him longingly gazing at the packaged truck as he sits. So pitiful.

He even tries to push.... Such focus.

One thing I love about this age is getting Aaron to say words and repeat whatever I say. It's the little things like this that keep me entertained throughout the day....

He does really like oranges by the way - we live in the right state....

Someone gave us a little bike with training wheels that is super nice. Aaron loves to ride this big boy bike and is slowly getting the hang of it....

Family Pictures

Most of you probably caught these on facebook, but our dear friend Rilie miraculously captured some great family photos for us a few weeks ago.... I say miraculous, because..... well, Aaron was grumpy that day (shock! What kid isn't on family picture day) and we just never seem to capture even one decent shot of the 3 of us. Anyway, here are a few of our favorites....