#1

Joel turned one today, and we had a party with friends to celebrate. Although he has yet to say his first word, Joel makes really good car noises -- so, we went with a car theme. He has also been practicing walking this week and can now cross a room without falling. Trevor enjoyed helping Joel celebrate, but is very much looking forward to "Trevor's party", "Trevor's birthday", and "Trevor's presents."

spring visit

Grandpa and Grandma made the trek from Pennsylvania just in time for Quincy's Dogwood festival. It was a fun-filled 5 days of bonding with the boys (and Penny). Highlights included a parade, several walks, going out for pizza and Mexican food, a Sunday School picnic, reading books, and going to the park.

first haircut

So, we finally gave in and cut off Joel's "tuft" and "earmuffs." He looks much more like a little boy. Here are before and after pics as well as a sweet one of him waking up.

florida forever!

We've been back for over a week now and a post is long overdue. We all had fun on vacation and enjoyed being spoiled by Oma and Papa. Oma's Yellow Fin Tuna is the best! Trevor loved the ocean, the sand, and the pool. Joel loved the golf cart rides and the giant chair. Erin's Easter egg hunt was also a big hit. We can't wait to go again :)

trike

Trevor and Joel enjoyed some outdoor fun on a Spring-like day. Trevor has really been into his tricycle lately and Joel scooted along in the walker. They both had fun swinging: Joel in the blue swing and Trevor, aka "I do it," in the yellow one.

choo choo

One of Joel's favorite activities is the train table. He is able to support himself while standing, and the trains are perfectly sized for chubby fists. Trevor likes it when Joel joins him in play, and he is getting much better at sharing the trains. Trevor has now learned all the names of the trains and likes to create stories with the characters (he especially likes to put them to "sleep" by laying them on their sides and then putting them in the Roundhouse). I also think that "Harvey" is really Todd in disguise (he helps the other trains, goes to work, and comes home from work).

spring tease

Quincy was a balmy 60-something degrees on Sunday so we enjoyed playing on the front porch and making sure the swing set was still functional. Trevor enjoys sitting in his own pint-sized chair. Joel also now has his own little seat at the big table indoors. Check his 2 new top teeth.

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).