Ben picked this oufit himself.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 301
Monday, October 27th
Monday we decided to relive our hiking days by driving into the mountains, cooking lunch on the camp stove and going for a hike. I have to admit - I really enjoyed the Uncle Ben's broccoli au gratin rice we had.
It's hard to tell, but he's in the middle of a jump here.
Ben and Izzie both loved it. Izzie was upset when we put her in the car. Ben had fun running around and telling us where to go. "Dad, no, you go at the front now, and then Mom, and I'm at the back..."
Monday we decided to relive our hiking days by driving into the mountains, cooking lunch on the camp stove and going for a hike. I have to admit - I really enjoyed the Uncle Ben's broccoli au gratin rice we had.
It was really cold so we all had multiple layers on. Here's Daddy helping Ben put his hands inside his fuzzy tiger hat to keep them warm.
Ben knows all about the white blazes on the trees.
It's hard to tell, but he's in the middle of a jump here.
Ben and Izzie both loved it. Izzie was upset when we put her in the car. Ben had fun running around and telling us where to go. "Dad, no, you go at the front now, and then Mom, and I'm at the back..."
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 300
Sunday, October 26th
We stopped by Sycamore Shoals on the way home from church to let the kids run around. There's a nice walking path with benches and swings - and even Ben went on the swing.
Checking out the view from a bridge.
We stopped by Sycamore Shoals on the way home from church to let the kids run around. There's a nice walking path with benches and swings - and even Ben went on the swing.
Checking out the view from a bridge.
Here's Ben helping Izzie walk. What a sweet brother!
Izzie was most excited about all the dogs we encountered. Every time we passed one she would kick her legs and gesture with her arms as if petting it!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 299
Saturday, October 25th
Today was Milligan's class of '98's ten year reunion! I met some of my friends from college that I hadn't seen in... ten years. In the afternoon a band played music from the 60's and 70's and everyone milled around with their kids, ate Kettlecorn and had a good time. There was even a little train that took us on a short loop and three different inflatable activities. First Ben ran around inside a rocketship. The older kids were playing some sort of game with toy guns but we just pretended it was a maze. With a little help he also climbed over a series of walls and went down a big slide. And, most exciting for him, he went in a parachute/hot air balloon ride. I'm not really sure which one it was supposed to be.
I waited outside with Izzie and hoped Ben wouldn't get scared when he suddenly started rising into the air. (Colin was at work so he missed all the fun.) You can't get a real good look at his face in this picture, but Ben's mouth is open in delight.
Here's Ben relaxing on the bridge at Milligan just before we left to eat dinner. For dinner we got together at Cici's pizza - a pizza buffet. (You know, the kind of place you go when you're in college because you're concerned with quantity, not quality.) Ben didn't eat very much because he was so tired. He kept switching his glassy stare between a TV mounted near the ceiling, and a clown who was making balloon shapes for the kids. (Ben got a sword which he later popped in the car.) At one point he wanted to tell me something but couldn't remember the word clown... he kept talking about "the thing with the big red nose." It was great to see some of my friends after so long and catch up with them. We may even get together again before the next ten years go by!
Today was Milligan's class of '98's ten year reunion! I met some of my friends from college that I hadn't seen in... ten years. In the afternoon a band played music from the 60's and 70's and everyone milled around with their kids, ate Kettlecorn and had a good time. There was even a little train that took us on a short loop and three different inflatable activities. First Ben ran around inside a rocketship. The older kids were playing some sort of game with toy guns but we just pretended it was a maze. With a little help he also climbed over a series of walls and went down a big slide. And, most exciting for him, he went in a parachute/hot air balloon ride. I'm not really sure which one it was supposed to be.
I waited outside with Izzie and hoped Ben wouldn't get scared when he suddenly started rising into the air. (Colin was at work so he missed all the fun.) You can't get a real good look at his face in this picture, but Ben's mouth is open in delight.
Here's Ben relaxing on the bridge at Milligan just before we left to eat dinner. For dinner we got together at Cici's pizza - a pizza buffet. (You know, the kind of place you go when you're in college because you're concerned with quantity, not quality.) Ben didn't eat very much because he was so tired. He kept switching his glassy stare between a TV mounted near the ceiling, and a clown who was making balloon shapes for the kids. (Ben got a sword which he later popped in the car.) At one point he wanted to tell me something but couldn't remember the word clown... he kept talking about "the thing with the big red nose." It was great to see some of my friends after so long and catch up with them. We may even get together again before the next ten years go by!
Daily Photos: Day 298
Friday, October 24th
A parcel arrived from Grandma, and Izzie was eager to explore the box. I think she wants me to mail her off!
A parcel arrived from Grandma, and Izzie was eager to explore the box. I think she wants me to mail her off!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 297
Thursday, October 23rd
For the past week and a half Izzie has been getting steadier on her feet. Instead of crawling she attempts walking - without us encouraging her. 5 steps is the most I've seen her take at one time.
Ben has taken to singing the alphabet song with a few personal twists - his version goes like this: ABCDEFG, HJQLMOP, QRSTUV, WXY and Z. Now I know my ABC's. Next time won't you sing with me. He's pretty close, but he won't let me sing along to try and help him. Even though, as Colin pointed out, he was the one extending the invitation.
For the past week and a half Izzie has been getting steadier on her feet. Instead of crawling she attempts walking - without us encouraging her. 5 steps is the most I've seen her take at one time.Ben has taken to singing the alphabet song with a few personal twists - his version goes like this: ABCDEFG, HJQLMOP, QRSTUV, WXY and Z. Now I know my ABC's. Next time won't you sing with me. He's pretty close, but he won't let me sing along to try and help him. Even though, as Colin pointed out, he was the one extending the invitation.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 295
Tuesday, October 21st
It must be Fire Safety Awareness month because the fire department was at the library again.
It must be Fire Safety Awareness month because the fire department was at the library again.
Ben got to sit in the truck. Unfortunately who can tell that it's a firetruck? I couldn't back up because there was a wall behind me... and I was trying to wrangle two other kids. Ben's friend didn't want to go up in the truck and Ben kept trying to convince him to go. He kept saying, "But I want you to go." Peer pressure begins early... "Everybody else sat in the firetruck..."
Izzie admires herself in the wheel - it was taller than Ben.
Of course we had to stop at the park on the way home. Ben had to eat a stick since his friend had all the raisins.
I'm so embarrassed... or maybe just a bit uncoordinated.
Daily Photos: Day 294
Monday, October 20th
On Tuesday (Oct. 20) we went for a drive to see the fall colors, get Ben to sleep and take some pictures. Ben was extremely tired from going to the library that morning - he walked all the way home from the library and played at the park on the way. He (and we) were so much happier after the nap. I'm still cheating on dates here because I didn't take any pictures on Monday!
On Tuesday (Oct. 20) we went for a drive to see the fall colors, get Ben to sleep and take some pictures. Ben was extremely tired from going to the library that morning - he walked all the way home from the library and played at the park on the way. He (and we) were so much happier after the nap. I'm still cheating on dates here because I didn't take any pictures on Monday!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 293
Sunday, October 19th
I have had the rocking chair in the master bedroom, but since Izzie is climbing everything I thought I would bring it out to lure her away from the white chair and the table. I think I prefer her standing and rocking on the rocking chair to standing on the kitchen table, or trying to rock a chair that is not meant to be rocked! (She loved it, of course.)
I have had the rocking chair in the master bedroom, but since Izzie is climbing everything I thought I would bring it out to lure her away from the white chair and the table. I think I prefer her standing and rocking on the rocking chair to standing on the kitchen table, or trying to rock a chair that is not meant to be rocked! (She loved it, of course.)
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 290
Thursday, October 16th
We went out for a little evening walk in the wagon. Ben only stayed in for these pictures and then wanted to walk - a good thing, because the two of them are over 50 pounds combined!
We went out for a little evening walk in the wagon. Ben only stayed in for these pictures and then wanted to walk - a good thing, because the two of them are over 50 pounds combined!
Izzie thinks it's a great game to "push" Ben down. Ben enjoyed it too.
Here they are checking out our neighbor's cat which was trying to climb a tree in our yard.
As we walked down to the end of the street and back Ben kept running ahead and coming back and stopping right in front of me. (Almost ran him over a time or two...) When I managed to halt Izzie's momentum he would ask me a question and after I answered him he would say, "Oh. Okay." Then he would run off and return with another question. With all the running he ended up falling twice. The first time he skinned one knee. The second time he fell flat out and knocked both elbows and knees on the cement. Luckily he didn't get his chin or bite his tongue. He screamed like a banshee until I pointed out the blood on his elbow. He found that interesting enough that he stopped screaming and wanted to talk about it...
Friday, October 17, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 289
Wednesday, October 15th
I love Izzie's big smiles!
This is what I was doing to make her laugh so much... touching her nose with my finger!
I love Izzie's big smiles!
This is what I was doing to make her laugh so much... touching her nose with my finger!
Daily Photos: Day 288
Tuesday, October 14th
At the park there is a nice tree for sitting and sipping.
At the park there is a nice tree for sitting and sipping.
Daily Photos: Day 287
Monday, October 13th
Izzie is interacting and communicating much more these days. She likes to put away blocks, and has started helping (instead of hindering) when I dress her. We've started wearing socks now that it's getting cooler, and Izzie likes to have them on. One day I dressed her in a shirt and pants and thought I was done. Izzie found a pair of socks (Ben's) in the laundry basket, attracted my attention and gestured at her feet with them. (I don't remember, but I suspect they may have been off a few minutes later!) If Colin and I are hugging Izzie will come over and pull on our legs until we pick her up and hug her too. Ben does this, but Izzie has a twist... sometimes after we pick her up she will shove one of us away as if she only wanted to hug one person. Then she will reach out her arms to whomever she has just rejected and offer a hug after all. Once taken she will push away the person she hugged first! She does this all with a big grin on her face.
Izzie is interacting and communicating much more these days. She likes to put away blocks, and has started helping (instead of hindering) when I dress her. We've started wearing socks now that it's getting cooler, and Izzie likes to have them on. One day I dressed her in a shirt and pants and thought I was done. Izzie found a pair of socks (Ben's) in the laundry basket, attracted my attention and gestured at her feet with them. (I don't remember, but I suspect they may have been off a few minutes later!) If Colin and I are hugging Izzie will come over and pull on our legs until we pick her up and hug her too. Ben does this, but Izzie has a twist... sometimes after we pick her up she will shove one of us away as if she only wanted to hug one person. Then she will reach out her arms to whomever she has just rejected and offer a hug after all. Once taken she will push away the person she hugged first! She does this all with a big grin on her face.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 285
Friday, October 10th
Ben spent much of the morning running to the tree in our yard and back. He was so funny trying to run and hold onto his hat at the same time!
Ben spent much of the morning running to the tree in our yard and back. He was so funny trying to run and hold onto his hat at the same time!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 284
Thursday, October 9th
In the morning we took a short drive to see some of the fall colors - and to let Ben do his thing.
In the morning we took a short drive to see some of the fall colors - and to let Ben do his thing.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 282
Tuesday, October 7th
Izzie's new conquests: the kitchen table (via the white chair) and the high chair. Yes, she somehow managed to climb up the front of the high chair until she was standing on the footrest. From there she attempted to get into the high chair. At one point I pushed the little white chair all the way in to the table to keep her from climbing on it. It was only a few minutes later that she made her way under the table, grabbed hold of the seat and got stuck between it and the table.
Here's Izzie after the first stage of her kitchen table assault.
She also took two steps today. I couldn't find the camera that we use for taking videos so I tried to use the (previously unused) video feature on my cell phone. That didn't materialize because once Izzie saw the phone she became so desperate to have it that she started fussing and nothing but holding it would appease her. I tried to entice her over to me with it but she was too busy voicing her displeasure to walk over and get it...
Izzie's new conquests: the kitchen table (via the white chair) and the high chair. Yes, she somehow managed to climb up the front of the high chair until she was standing on the footrest. From there she attempted to get into the high chair. At one point I pushed the little white chair all the way in to the table to keep her from climbing on it. It was only a few minutes later that she made her way under the table, grabbed hold of the seat and got stuck between it and the table.
Here's Izzie after the first stage of her kitchen table assault.
She also took two steps today. I couldn't find the camera that we use for taking videos so I tried to use the (previously unused) video feature on my cell phone. That didn't materialize because once Izzie saw the phone she became so desperate to have it that she started fussing and nothing but holding it would appease her. I tried to entice her over to me with it but she was too busy voicing her displeasure to walk over and get it...
Daily Photos: Day 281
Monday, October 6th
I'm getting a little creative with the dates and pictures these days. I didn't take any pictures on Monday, so these pictures are from Tuesday at the elementary school near our house.
I'm getting a little creative with the dates and pictures these days. I didn't take any pictures on Monday, so these pictures are from Tuesday at the elementary school near our house.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 280
In addition to going up slides at the park Izzie has made it onto our headboard, and recently conquered a small chair. I was in the family room cleaning Ben up after an accident when I heard a suspicious noise in the kitchen. I dashed in but Izzie was already standing up on the chair. Her next step was to try and rock it like a horse!
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 279 (Izzie's Encounter with Jello)
What is this stuff?
Hmm...
Quick, suck it up before it falls apart!
You... more Jello, pronto!Friday, October 03, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 278
Izzie checks out the morning news. The paperboy must have had an extra, because I found this on our lawn today. Izzie thought it was great fun!
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Daily Photos: Day 277 (Potty Pictures)
Ben has been doing a great job of using the potty recently. We finally found the one thing that motivated him - computer time. It also helps that I've been taking care of a little boy about 6 months younger than Ben who is potty trained. Ben and I had a little talk and I told him that the kids at church would think he's a baby if he keeps wearing diapers. Apparently he took that to heart, as he has repeated it several times. Today Ben made it through the whole day in one pair of pants and I didn't have to clean anything off the carpet! I've tried to get him to sit on the toilet - in an effort to cut out the middle man - but no success there. Oh well, one small step at a time. 
Izzie likes to sit on the potty sometimes too. She hasn't actually used it. She prefers taking it apart and putting it back together, or trying to climb inside of it. We've therefore had to move the potty from its place of prominence in the family room, to the bathroom where Ben never goes. I'm pretty relaxed about some things - like eating food that has been dropped on the floor - but I draw the line at playing in the potty. 
If you are wondering, our bathroom isn't carpeted, although it was (in several different colors) when we first moved in! I moved the potty into the hallway because there wasn't enough room in the bathroom to take the pictures.
Izzie likes to sit on the potty sometimes too. She hasn't actually used it. She prefers taking it apart and putting it back together, or trying to climb inside of it. We've therefore had to move the potty from its place of prominence in the family room, to the bathroom where Ben never goes. I'm pretty relaxed about some things - like eating food that has been dropped on the floor - but I draw the line at playing in the potty. 
If you are wondering, our bathroom isn't carpeted, although it was (in several different colors) when we first moved in! I moved the potty into the hallway because there wasn't enough room in the bathroom to take the pictures.
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