Apparently Chase is double-jointed

WHO KNEW?!?!?!? Although when I think back to him being a baby I do remember thinking his fingers seemed a little weird. Like, I remember him moving them and them moving in a way that I certainly can't. So now we know!

My little Photographer

I let Tyler loose w/ the camera and literally an hour and 1500 pictures later we looked at all his pictures and some of them were really creative. He had a blast and explained each one to me. There is purpose in each one. I whittled down to these few pics b/c he wanted to put them on our blog. Yes, he knows what a blog is! Kids are so different these days than I was!!!

Sports Class at the YMCA

In an effort to make Tyler love sports wether he wants to or not (sports are basically a religion to Phil) we enrolled him in a sports class. It's a general class that covers every sport you can think of-even bike safety. He had his first class yesterday and he's in love. He kept saying, "This is sooo much better than the soccer class you made me take." Well, that's some cash well wasted... Anyway, so it was great. He did really well and PHil was glad to hear that Ty was the most athletic of the class. The best part was there's a track running all along the top part of the gym that really should be called the geriatric track. The coach took the 6 kiddies up there to run 2 laps and this did not make these "older" people happy. These 2 ladies walked side by side so the kids couldn't pass by them and even scolded a child. I just sat down in the gym laughing. Good times... Some pre-soccer stretching
Dribbling. He really did much better than the other kids which I couldn't help but notice. So sue me!
My dramatic child. After each kick into the goal he very dramatically fell down. He got some good laughs, I just rolled my eyes.
Me trying to be artsy. I really should just give it up.

Cooped up and lovin' it

Since Phil works all the time (curse the accounting career) the kids and I are sort of going nuts...

A WINTRY WONDERLAND

I had to document that NJ indeed gets snow and it's beautiful. I loved how our backyard looked. The kids and I sat by the backdoor for a good 1/2 hour just looking out at the snow on all the limbs of the trees. So now I make you all look at it wether you want to or not!(why this is all underlined I have no clue. It won't go away.)

Tom T. Hall and Tyler

What do you get when you combine Tyler w/ some country music? Check out the video to see.

Let it snow!!!

New Jersey finally decided it was man enough for some snow! We got enough to make snowmen, shovel the driveway (literally the first time we've needed to since we moved in! Our neighbors were surely mocking me with their snowblowers. Don't you think my parents should let us borrow theirs while they live in Alabama?!?!? :)), use our sleds that were collecting dust. It was a fun day w/ the kids and I. (Phil still had to work) We had pancakes, hot chocolate, homemade bread, candy-really the necessities of a snowy day! Good times were had!

Please note that Tyler rolled this snowman himself and inserted all necessary body parts. This is quite the accomplishment for this kid! Not b/c he's not smart but b/c he gets easily frustrated. Chase just patted the snowman the whole time - which was really bugging Ty b/c he thought he shouldn't be hit.

A few thoughts from the last few days

Chase is saying "Help Me." We had him evaluated for his language (or lack thereof) and he didn't qualify for therapy, but he's still speaking at a 16 month level (he's 22 months). So the fact that he's saying two words together rocks!! By the way, for his gross motor and fine motor he's at a 34 month level. Let's just say this child is PHYSICAL.

Yesterday morning Tyler came in and said, "Dad-you know that red baseball bat in the garage?" Phil says, "yes." Ty says, "well, it feels like somebody is hitting me with it in my back." I guess his back hurts? Where does this drama come from?!?!? :)

Tyler is having alot of fun teaching Chase to talk b/c he likes to control and boss him around. Again, where did he possibly get that from?!! Throughout the day I hear him saying, Come on Chasey you can say it. And then if Chase does he freaks and comes running to me very excited. It's great. I told him he can be a teacher like all of Phil's family.

That's all. Goodbye.

I can't believe it's been a year...

Miss you buddy

BLACK TONGUE

Did you know Pepto-Bismal turns your tongue black? There oughtta be a warning on this. I thought I was rotting or something! And it tastes like sulphur!

Quick story...

It wasn't until halfway through President Hinckley's funeral that Tyler realized it wasn't my Grandpas funeral. I happened to have my grandpa's funeral program on the table and he seemed to think the Prophet and Grandpa looked alike. I thought it was hilarious. Don't get me wrong, my grandpa was an awesome guy, but his funeral wasn't broadcasted worldwide!!!

Oh, and for those of you wondering what the heck I'm talking about-The Prophet of our church passed away last week and his funeral was broadcasted from Salt Lake on Saturday.

A day in the life of Chase

He loves to put things on his head. He encouraged this.I laughed at the helmet, then thought it was pretty smart. The kid falls constantly and maybe this would eliminate some cuts and bruises.

Did you know that 4 year olds could ski?!?!??!

My friend called wondering if Tyler would like to take a ski class w/ her son Oakley. I know the first question you are each asking is "where in the heck do you ski in New Jersey?" So that's what I said. Sadly it was only about 30 minutes from where we lived in North Jersey and I'd never heard of it, but I said yes and off we went! On the drive up we gradually saw more and more snow on the ground and Ty kept yelling "we're here! I see white stuff on the ground!" The class was great and I was so excited to watch the boys figuring it all out. They were both a little nervous at first, but by the end of the 2 hours I think they'd figured it out pretty well! Asking Ty if he'd go again-he said sure! So I'd call the day a success!! (p.s. I however did not step foot on the slopes. I am not that stupid.)

The boys getting suited up. They were both really excited!Look at that boy! The helmets were a riot. Do you see those tiny skis?!?!?!Tyler is the one to the left. His legs are bent and then off he went. They called each position french fry or pizza. I had no idea what the kid was talking about forever. He's talking about skiing and wondering why he's talking about food. Christanne finally told me. Me no ski too much.That's Ty to the right finishing his 10 foot ski. They did each ski in increments. That big black pipe thing to the right was crazy. To the right of it was the "magic carpet." It's like a conveyor belt that the kids took up to the top of the hill. I guess it replacs the tow ropes of the olden days.

This is what happens...

When you make a cake, leave it precariously on the counter and leave the room.