Water Baby

Yep, it really was that much fun!

It's Potty Time

No words required...

Skateboarding

I didn't learn to ride a skateboard as a kid, not sure why, it just never came about.  I figured that Xander should have a chance.  I tried to show him how, but it turns out that none of the skills that I have picked up between childhood and now are at all helpful with this.  I still can't ride a skateboard.  Maybe one day Xander will teach me!

Xander's happy- and miscevious- nighttime face.

Xander with all his nighttime friends.

This is is Maya's happy morning face... what a way to greet the day!

Big, Little

(Mommy's horse, and Xander's horse)

Happy 3rd Birthday Alex and Leah!

Grandpa Charles comes for a visit

It is not often enough that the kids get to see their grandparents and this is especially true of Grandpa Charles, who's teaching schedule makes coming out to Colorado difficult.  I was really surprised then, and pleased, when my Dad decided to take the few days he had off from teaching over Halloween and fly out.  We packed in a lot in just a few days, and I kept the camera handy.
First on the agenda was a good night's sleep- Dad barely got in 8 hours of sleep before I left Saturday morning to spend the day launching my new business (a separate post for that!).  Jake helped a bit with that and also took a long run, leaving Grandpa in charge, right from the start.  He did great, and the kids instantly bonded with him.  Grandpa is a wonderful grown-up, willing to tell stories, read books, crawl around on the ground, draw pictures, give hugs, feed hungry mouths and even change diapers, all with a well-practiced hand.  As I had a major exam that weekend, plus the launch parties, he got more than his share of one on one time with the kids and was a really big help to me.

We also hit the local kids Museum, and Xander had fun in the bubble maker, with the train set, and with the pirate ship. He also enjoyed a new exhibit (for him) on photosynthesis. The museum really does a great job and we are lucky to have it be just down the street from us.

Maya's still just a little young for most of what the museum has to offer, but I just knew she would love playing with the big "dress up" mirror.  Maya is one of the most social creatures on the planet.  I keep saying it but she is so fascinated by faces and loves to get as close as she can to you.  She loves people and has never once met ANYONE she didn't greet with a warm smile and open arms- literally!  I do sincerely hope that she keeps this trait because it is dynamite.  Anyway, here's Maya and, well, Maya!

Guess who's eating on her own?

While not the eater that Xander was, Maya is really enjoying the ability to feed herself, and is happily gobbling up graham crackers, cheerios, puffs, peas, soft carrots, soft fruit like bananas and pears, and freeze dried yogurt melts (which, to an adult are disgusting and to a kid are nirvana). 
Nothing beats getting Dad to feed her though- she's a little slow to adopt a new flavor, but then goes after it with gusto.  Favorite so far?  Yogurt, or anything fruit.  Sweet tooth?  This kid's got 2.

Good for you, Maya!

Halloween

Oh yes, that is our very own "Dinosaur Astronaut" for Halloween, making the rounds with some buddies, Jackson Fossum and Connor Horton.  Xander has Dino PJs on under his astronaut costume because he couldn't decide which he wanted to be more.  The Astronaut outfit was a purchase by Jake on his last visit to Huntsville - Marshall Space Flight Center.  By honest pure chance, Jack had the same outfit, in orange.  These two do *everything* together!

Maya's costume was a loan from her cousins, McKenzie and Ella Kaufman.  Gosh, that kid even likes ghouls!  Will the baby always be this easy and happy?