We're Back!!

Wow, where to begin?! Half a year has gone by since our last blog post on my birthday, and now we're finally back just following Austyn's first birthday.

Since our last post, the biggest news at our house was that Dad got back from his second deployment (which you of course know by now). We're all so happy to be back together and have taken a zillion pictures in the last six months, but we'll just share a few. The pictures are all a-jumble, but since it's taken Mom this long just to update the blog, we won't worry about it! These are just some of the many pictures taken at home, at the beach, and in the mountains. Wishing you all the best!

Have You Heard?

Well, I don't know if you've heard the news; but,...

I'm 3!!! Yep, it's true. And as soon as I woke up on my birthday, balloons were delivered right to my door! I knew it was going to be a great day!

Check out these cool dinosaur balloons that Grandma Robin ordered for me!

Later, I discovered a surprise in the kitchen. "A train!" I shouted. Yep, I knew what Mom was going for with this cake.

Mom sliced me off a nice piece of cake. But, sometimes I don't know what she's thinking. Doesn't she know that it's best just to dig right in? Maybe some day she'll learn.

Yes, I do love trains these days. I really like making a wagon train with Austyn when we go for walks. Sometimes our engine thinks she's running out of gas. But, me and Austyn are real good motiviation. We'll have Mom whipped into shape in no time!

Austyn really thinks I'm the coolest person ever, and I love entertaining her now. She thinks it's pretty awesome when I splash in the tub or in the pool. And she's just like me; the bigger the splashes, the harder she laughs!

Austyn is a good pal to watch videos with as well. She loves the videos Dad makes for us just as much as I do!

Sometimes, though, we both just like to do our own thing.

Oh, my silly Austyn! She loves sneaking under the table!

Austyn sure gets tired trying to keep up with a busy boy like me!

Cruisin' Through Summer

Even though we had a really nice summer, we're all getting anxious for fall to get here. Most days I choose to play in the pool, but when it's a little cooler I decide to ride my Gator! I'm getting to be such a good driver now too. I really like to drive toward my neighbors' line of little pine trees and weave in and out of them to get Mom nervous that I'm going to run them all over. And, some days, I do smash into things; like Mom's flowers, or Mom. But, I've found that my Gator is pretty tough and most things I can just run over, or keep smashing into them until they're out of the way.

Apparently, Austyn has been paying attention to my driving. She enjoys smashing into things with her walker. She's only ran me over once though. I'm real quick now and get my feet off the floor before she gets to me. (As you can see).

For a little while after we left Minnesota, I went through tractor-withdrawals since I couldn't drive Grandpa John and Uncle Nick's tractors anymore. So, I figured I'd use the time to study up on all there is to know about tractors. (I have accumulated lots of tractor books from the store and library).

Don't worry, I've been coping just fine; and I've actually found a new love for trains. This picture was the start of our 300 Megablock train tunnel that covered the coffee table. However, I did get a little upset when one part of the tunnel collapsed, and I decided it was best to demolish the entire tunnel in a very dramatic fashion. Needless to say, we are still finding Megablocks scattered throughout the house.

Austyn likes watching me play from her jumper so that she can be at the same level as me and get a better look at what I'm doing.

And I've made sure she knows how to use her jumper toys properly. The lights are our favorite.

I actually have been teaching Austyn all kinds of fun stuff, and she makes sure she pays close attention to everything I do and say. The thing she likes best, is watching me jump on the bed. So, I make sure I do that all the time; you know, to make Austyn happy. She thinks I'm pretty cool, and I don't think she's half-bad anymore.

Fun in Minnesota

So Silly

Mom is always telling me to "be careful" with all my stunts I try around the house. I decided I should listen. I still like to do silly stuff that gets Mom nervous, but maybe if I wear my helmet Mom will settle down a little bit. We'll see if it works...

My silly little sister is so full of giggles. She thinks she's SUCH a big girl now that she gets to play with some of my old toys.