Two and a Half Man

Zane is two and half today, accurately described as full toddler and then some. He thinks he's older some moments -- when he asks to go with the schoolkids  into their classroom, or when he's hanging with the big kids playing in rooms upstairs, downstairs and down the hallways. Or when it's an eating occasion, and time at the playground. But don't let him fool you -- when it's time to go into a toddler room, he's not having it -- He is often in the family worship room, performing for other informal worshipers. We've attempted but he's relentless, so yeah, we give in. He looks so sweet when he crosses his arms and sticks out and up his lips to say "NOoooo!" He usually compromises quickly though.

His favorite things to do are paint and draw. His favorite color is still blue, but pink and purple run a close second, and I think it's because he says them so adorably. He likes to make pictures of people and he draws circles really well. He likes to sing and dance. His favorite song is Across the Field. One day I'll grab footage. A really silly one he gets kicks out of is Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes. It's awesome to speed it up. He becomes too extra funny.

He loves to try new foods. The boy was lovin' some crab cake. Quite the opposite of his sister. He asks for "Teen?" which is Ovaltine.  He initiates prayers often. He's constantly making requests to do things. When we say not today, he'll come back with  "Morrow?" We reply "Maybe tomorrow." He loves to shout "Yee-haw!" while galloping through the house. He loves candy and gum.

His energy levels are high and he doesn't require as much rest as Vanessa. Baths are awesome. He takes them whatever time of day. He hops through the house and runs circles around islands and table and couches. He likes to count from many given numbers up to 10.  He likes to ride bikes and skate and dig.

Where do I stop? Maybe here for now, and not because I can, but because I should. We have so much love this little guy. He's quite the little man, with enough energy for two and a half men. (Okay, so I had to be cheesy.) :)

One thing is for sure -- a lot has changed in two and half years, including the building where we were first surprised of his existence.

Set in Motion

 

I know it's an amazing feeling when you find something you enjoy. Whether momentum is built with this, I'm anxious to see the self-perpetuation phenomenon for Vanessa with whatever it may be. For this experience, she says her favorite thing is to meet new people and make new friends, which is a good thing since the group changes every several weeks. It's been said she does extremely well with encouraging others. That comes as no surprise . . .

Classic Meals

It is a work of art. Grandma and Grandpa have it down pat.

Mother Approved

More often than not, he's great at focusing his energy. How can I complain?!

Tumbling Down

Snow, Snow, Go Away!

It's fun for a moment, but we're ready for prettier days!!

 

The kids are moving on to warmer weather activities.

It wasn't a great idea to cast the fishing pole into the snow, at least with the casting fish that came with it -- it would sink into the snow and you couldn't reel it back in. Oh . . .but you can bet Vanessa was determined to try.

Happy Birthday, Celia & Tucker!

A Dollop

 Topping off the season with peacefulness. . . 

Saturn; 2AM

I can't help but venture out into big snow systems in the middle of the night, with it so quiet and calm . . .

The Tunnel

The light at the end of the tunnel. We found it.

Happy Birthday, Luke!!

time-out

 (Just one place where a mom and dad can be kids too.)

When craziness and so forth erupt and kids can't seem to settle, we know it's time for a time-out with mom and dad. It's evident that sometimes they need us to focus all of our attention on them and to not have to share us with anyone or anything else. The kids love celebrating friends and others in places like this, but there's something different when we go with just mom and dad. The impression seems to be more incredible and everlasting.
We try to make it a point to take a big time-out for family at least once a week. And even if we can't always afford the costs for a place like this, we're certain we can afford the time-out. We're extra grateful and satisfied when we do.

 

 What's more perfect than a toddler having time to release aggression and energy with a hammer?! And the result is a little faster than with a tree trunk and nails out back.

Who needs points? Getting the ball to the gutter is quite rewarding! Zane loves ski ball as much as Vanessa always has.

During our visit a couple of weeks ago, Vanessa played games to earn tickets for prizes. She doesn't always. But on this occasion we were determined to use all of our collection of coins from previous visits, and we did. I think it was our first time to 250!