nappy headed Joel

It seems Joel like to nuzzle the back of his head against his fleece bedding during the night. He often wakes up looking the way he did this morning. While we were examining Joel's tuft, Trevor decided that Joel needed some toys so he brought and piled up on Joel's lap a multitude of playthings.

flowers for trevor

Trevor made this flower in Sunday School. Paired with his "Hug Me" sweatshirt and backwards "choo choo" hat, Trevor is approaching ultimate cuteness. Todd is reading to him "Grouchy Ladybug" by Eric Carle. Trevor grouchy? Never :)

elmo

Singing Spiderman is Joel's favorite character toy; however, Elmo is a close second. Here is Joel grabbing a hug from the lovable, furry, red monster and also playing at the Elmo tool bench (not with his older brother's willing consent!)

snow leprachaun

We found a little green man waddling in the snow in our backyard that looked an awful lot like Trevor. He saw me shoveling and wanted to help, so he grabbed a broom and started digging.

couch buddies

Joel insists upon claiming his half of the Sesame Street couch, but that's fine by Trevor -- as long as Joel lays off his cup of cereal!

christmas season

This Christmas and New Year's was joyfully spent with family and included visiting a critter barn, sledding, and opening presents.

white elephant

We attended a Christmas party last night and enjoyed exchanging white elephant presents. Trevor's reaction to his present reminded us of the adage: "one man's junk is another man's treasure." We never could've guessed that a kitsch, fiber optic light would provide him so much joy.

teeth cleaning

Joel's two bottom teeth are in the process of coming up so he chews on everything. Trevor loves to mimic anything we do, so, anytime I clean, he needs to clean too.

advent

Trevor enjoyed the lit purple candle on the Advent wreath signifying the first Sunday in Advent (December 2nd).

gobble gobble

Oma, Papa, and Uncle Bud joined us for Thanksgiving. In addition to the requisite feast, the boys enjoyed reading books, playing trains, playing dominos, and eating out (which we avoid when it is just the four of us -- but Papa has the magic touch in keeping the boys calm and occupied.) Uncle Bud (Trevor finally mastered the pronunciation) found an optimal configuration for the train tracks, but Trevor keeps "fixing" them.

etch-a-sketch gang

The boys and P-ster gather round the etch-a-sketch and admire Todd's lovely drawing. Joel is now very fascinated by Penny and grabs her fur when she nears. Trevor likes to give Penny "hugs" (more a wrestling pin than a light embrace). Between the two boys, Penny doesn't stand a chance at a peaceful existence.

flips

When Trevor says "leaves" it comes out "flips." He enjoyed raking the "flips" and putting them in the cart. Joel was content to look on and take in the fresh air.

bubbles

not by the bubbles on my chinny chin chin...

happy halloween!

For Halloween, Trevor dressed as a dog and Joel as a pumpkin. Trevor was shy at first with trick-or-treating but eventually it went something like this....

Trevor approaches house and says "Hello?"
Todd rings the door bell and prods Trevor to say Happy Halloween and thank-you

Trevor is mute but willingly accepts candy

People go in house

Trevor says "Bye!"

Trevor turns to us and says "Mo Candy?"

Trevor runs to the next house

yogi master

I walked into the living room and found Trevor unfolding the mat and doing this move....apparantly, he has been watching Todd do yoga.

steelers fan

Trevor is admiring his new Pittsburgh Steeler's tracksuit and showing it to Daddy. He is also practicing numbers by counting the ladybugs in his new book. Meanwhile, Joel looks on and dreams of his future birthday presents.

mmm...?

Joel tried solids for the first time (rice cereal) but doesn't know what to make of the taste. Check out the video on the silver screen.

happy birthday!

We went to Michigan to celebrate Trevor's 2nd birthday with a "Thomas the Train" party (Erin and Adam also celebrated their 25th and 22nd birthdays - the theme was really for them.) Trevor wore his conductor hat and special ribbon while opening a wooden "choo choo" set and eating his special train cake. Other highlights of the trip included picking apples at Crane's Orchard and seeing a sunset on Lake Michigan.