belated merry christmas!

We had a terrific Christmas in Michigan with the Bock family. Trevor and his cousin, Ella, enjoyed being pulled on a sled by Papa's John Deere tractor. Joel is very much into his new pint-sized lacrosse stick. It was a freezing cold holiday season -- but we survived by bundling up with blankets and playing several rounds of dominos.

turkey day

For Thanksgiving, we traveled to Pennsylvania (a two day trip with the boys) where we spent time with Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Tara, Uncle David, Aunt Melissa, and Uncle Troy. We also met baby Elijah -- a source of great fascination for the boys. Grandpa was happy to reconnect with Penny too. We all enjoyed a meal at Super Panda prior to making the journey home.

two boys in a tub

Trevor and Joel are big fans of the bathtub. Both like to "swim" on their bellies. Joel is always up for bubbles, Trevor about 50% of the time.

fireman and pumpkin boy

Trevor and Joel had an exciting Halloween. Auntie Erin was here to visit and helped the boys carve pumpkins and roast seeds. Everyone at the courthouse enjoyed seeing the boys in costume. The boys went trick-or-treating around the block, and then we all went to a Halloween weenie roast with some of Trevor's friends.

dental hygiene

Joel likes to brush his teeth... a huge understatement. Joel LOVES to brush his teeth.

the big kahuna

Okay, so some of our shoe choices are questionable....but Trevor remains "the big kahuna"

bye bye grandpa & grandma

Grandpa & Grandma left Quincy yesterday and started the long voyage back to Pennsylvania. Here they are with the boys and the new wagon.

This link takes you to a video clip called "Sit Down Joel" rather than "Wagon Ride" -- you'll see why: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9WVsz_AVkw

happy birthday trevor!

Trevor celebrated his third birthday today. Grandpa and Grandma were here to celebrate and several of his friends came for a "John Deere" party. He requested pizza and cupcakes and friends. We had all three.

scooter boys

Vroom, Vroom! No worries...the boys only foot-coasted along the driveway.

attention future outdoorsmen!

Todd has already begun instilling a love of the outdoors in the boys. He has to make-up for my less than enthusiastic embrace of camping, hiking, backpacking, etc. :)

A tent in the backyard provided Trevor with his first out-of-doors sleeping experience.

do you know the muffin man?

I know two muffin men.

my mom is not my stylist

Trying on winter clothing for size has led to interesting combinations in wardrobe choices!

not so laborious

Labor Day weekend was laid back family time. We were joined by Oma, Papa, Aunt Heidi, Uncle Mike, and Ella -- all the way from Michigan and Arizona! We rode on the Mark Twain riverboat in Hannibal and celebrated b-day party part 1 for Ella and Trevor.

balloon rally

Trevor and Joel attended their first balloon rally and had a fun time watching the balloons inflate and take-off into the sky.

mr. mud

Joel is not afraid of getting a little dirty or off-roading on his John Deere ATV.