Ike on the Mountain

Monday, December 29, 2008

We are in Vermont right now with minimal internet and the power was out for 12+ hours so stay tuned for pics & video. But the big story is that Ike went to the "big big big mountain" yesterday with the whole crowd and hit the slopes for the first time (thanks to the Steffens for letting us borrow the skis and boots). Ike did really well and had a great time which was the most important thing, he even lasted at the mountain until nap time! He went up the chair lift with Tom, Peter Fitton and Harcourt- and then came down with lots of help from Daddy. All the while, it was 60 degrees, the most bizarre weather I have seen during our annual trip for the last 9 years!

Getting ready for his first ride on the lift with Peter Fitton, Daddy & Uncle Tom!

a little post run snack in the lodge

To Santa, Love Ike

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Quick Christmas posting. We had a very fun Christmas and Ike was definitely into the gifts and opening them! Maybe Harcourt was right afterall about building the anticpation with the wrapped gifts under the tree. First we made some cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve and Ike helped decorate them (and he continually taste tested to make sure they were ok for Santa).

post Santa's visit! Wow!!! New toys!Somehow Santa knew what Ike AND Daddy would like... a new helicopter! Mommy got a huge surprise from a collection of Santas, the new laptop she has been dreaming of for so long, it was a little overwhelming and I couldn't hold back the tears.
Bing is just like a little kid with his new Flight Simulator pedals His favorite toy, "My BACKHOE!"

Scrambler

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Henry & Peter joined us for a "Scrambler" snow ride on Saturday. As the photographer/backseat passenger I loved watching Harcourt & Peter play with their little boys!

I just love the 2 pom poms (Ike & Hentry) squeezed safely between the Dads.

Snow Dog

Snow Day!

On Friday, we got a good 8+ inches of beautiful snow and we loved looking at it and playing in it.

Friday night before Ike went to bed he got to dust off his sled from last year to make some fresh tracks out back.

Saturday morning we hit the hill behind Bing & Kyle's barn.

What? This isn't a frisbee?

Tradition 1. Present Anticipation

The tree is trimmed and we are in full on Christmas mode. This is the first year that I had my box of ornaments from Charleston to add to our tree here in Guilford so it was very special for me. (historical note: my Mom always gave us an ornament each year that was symbolic of the year whether it was from a family vacation or something significant for the year, i.e. graduation, so it is like a charm bracelet on the tree. It is my favorite part about decorating for Christmas because it is a fun trip down memory lane.)

As for our own family traditions were are working on what those are going to be exactly. Harcourt's first thing was he wanted there to be some presents under the tree so Ike could "start getting excited about Christmas"- I thought he was crazy because I didn't think Ike would understand that he wasn't allowed to open them until Christmas. Yes, there were some tears initially (see below) but he has definitely gotten the idea and as Harcourt says he is learning the value of anticipation. Many more traditions to iron out but we are really excited about Christmas morning with our little family.

Luke Steffen

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

We are so excited about the arrival of Luke William Steffen early this morning, 6lbs 13ozs. Luke joins his 2 big sisters Anna and Paige so will be a fun Christmas at their house!

Congratulations Amy and Mark!!!

click here for more photos....

Ike the Builder

Ike loves watching Bob the Builder and he gets to be Harcourt's #1 helper with projects around the house. His vocabulary has recently expanded to include "HAMMER!", "painting" and "sanding". Harcourt has been working on the kitchen floors and as you can see from these pictures Ike gets very involved.

The proof is in the laundry!
Maggie & Matt gave Ike this Home Depot tool set - complete with talking tool belt... what more can you ask for!

Our Tree

Sunday, December 07, 2008

We all ventured about a mile from our house today to find our Christmas tree. We were gone for 30 mins round trip- NO JOKE! Ike has a little bug and cranky was his middle name all day so we weren't sure how long he would last. We headed out and about the 5th tree we passed and I said "that one is it!" and they all thought I was joking as usually I have to look at about 100+ before I can confirm a cut. I gave Harcourt the thumbs up, he cut it down, Dean, Dad & Harcourt loaded it onto the car and we headed home with a very beautiful tree!!!

Let it Snow!

Jimmie, Pepe and Dean are here visiting and we woke up with beautiful snow this morning. We are headed out to cut down our tree a little later this morning.

Ike's 2 Year Stats

Monday, December 01, 2008

We went for his check-up today and all I could say was that he was doing awesome, no complaints (at least not yet, we are only 2 days into this 2 yr old world):

• Height: 36 1/2 inches (80th percentile)
• Weight: 27lbs 8 ozs (50th percentile)

He is still riding the growth chart as predicted with a slight increase in the height percentile.

The Clan

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Bing and Kyle

The kids

(a big thanks to CB who came to help with photos!)

Me and My Daddy

2nd Birthday

Saturday, November 29, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Today was Ike's 2nd birthday and we weren't sure if he really got it but when he finally got his choo choo he started to get VERY into it. He really went crazy! To preface the train fixation, we often take Ike to our amazing new library where they have a Thomas the Train table and he gets so excited and loves to play with it. We also have several train books and Thomas sticker books to aid in the obsession- that is what parents are for right! So, it was an easy decision to get Ike a train table for his birthday.

It was a beautiful day and we fit in lots of fun- he helped me make cupcakes in the morning and while I had a shoot he rode tractors and the Polaris with Daddy, Boppy and Dana (Dana and Ike are great buddies now and he has enjoyed her visit from Oregon). After a good nap, we did some quick family pictures and then we let the celebration begin. The pictures really explain the rest from here.

"What's in here?" (Nilla seemed as curious as Ike)

"Oh my, is it what I think it is..."

"Eeek, Ahh!"

"MY Choo Choo!" (he was stomping his feet at this moment!)

Kyle, Dana and Boppy helping with the tracks

Flying my remote control helicopter with Daddy

Yummy cupcake (or mostly frosting)!