Our Family December 2010

While we were in Utah for Christmas we had my little sister take some pictures of our family. I feel like I need to do a better job of getting pictures of all four of us together, because our boys change so fast!

I think they turned out great. Will has his hand in his mouth for almost every family shot, but he skipped his first nap of the day, so what did we expect? Thanks Stephanie!

Success!

Today I had my first successful outing just the two boys and me. I was determined we were going out today (after all it was 25 degrees at 10:30am, you've got to cease the moment). Also, Joe had already been in timeout four times this morning. His behavior was just increasing my desire to get out of the house. But, I wasn't going to go out without taking a shower. So I had Joe take a bath while I took a shower and William was asleep. I got Joe and myself dressed. Then I changed the baby and got him dressed and bundled up, complete with shoes and a hat. Then I loaded him up in the car seat and stuck the car seat in the stroller. Joe flipped out. Apparently he doesn't like the idea of the baby in his stroller.

My original plan was to push the baby and let Joe walk around outside. Obviously that wasn't going to fly so I got the baby carrier, took the baby out of the stroller and car seat, put him in the carrier and strapped the carrier to me. In the meantime Joe manages to spill water all over his pants. So we changed his pants and put on his socks and shoes and coat, and he climbed into the stroller. I bundled up me and the baby. I decided since we were out and Joe was contained, we might as well walk to the botanical gardens that are practically next door. We make it down the hill and the gate for walkers is frozen shut! Now, I wouldn't mind going through the car entrance except it has a cattle grate which makes it difficult to cross with a stroller. But, I was also determined we would make it to our destination so I start to cross with the stroller. It was going slowly, with much difficulty. Thankfully, a sweet couple (not old, but not exactly young and spry either) pull over and help me carry the stroller over the grate. It wasn't exactly easy for them to navigate the grate. And I was pretty embarrassed.

Finally, we make it to the gardens. The indoor exhibit was beautiful and we headed home. The gate was still frozen shut, but the gate-keeper, or whatever the guys job is who sits in his truck next to the entrance all the time, kindly helped me carry the stroller back over the grate and we made it home.

So, it might not have been far, but I felt like it was a pretty big accomplishment. I might actually be able to do this whole mom of two thing...

We Love the Zoo

Well we have enjoyed Zach's break from school. His first day of his second year of dental school is tomorrow! We took the chance to go to the zoo again as a family. I'm pretty sure Joe really enjoys it, but I sometimes feel slightly guilty because I think I might like it even more than he does.

Joseph was too distracted by some little kids to look at the camera


Butterfly


more butterfly


Hippo


Rhinos are HUGE animals





Some ginormous fish






I can't remember the name of these crazy lookin' animals


Some monkey, just chillin'


Me and Joe in the butterfly house. I think that was his favorite thing this time.