Our #1 Boy

I don't have a lot of time.  The living in two places is keeping us pretty busy, but I figured I better at least post a few pics from Eli's birthday.  On Eli's actual birthday we worked at the house in the morning and then I took him to the mall to get some pictures made (coming soon), let him play at the playground, and get a treat (a mini chocolate chip cookie).  That night my parents took us to Rib Crib and the staff sang to him and brought him ice cream, which of course he loved.  I didn't take any pictures that day, but here are a few from our recent play date at the same playground.

   

Eli and Jesse on a rocket and Eli and Emmy peering over the edge of a slide the is way to steep for them.

 

Birthday boys Eli & Sam.  The crawlers all loved crawling off the edge of the ledge at the edge of this raised play area.  Eli's other favorite thing was crawling through this fire engine tunnel and if there was someone in his way he would just crawl over them.

 

Eli and cousin Marus out for a drive.

House News

Derek's pride and joy, the shower, is done and ready for tile.  We got a lot done on Saturday.  Derek primed the living room and dining room with our paint sprayer, Dad finished our bedroom door and framed our bedroom wall, Mom and I did paint prep and cleaned tiles, and the Southward family watched Eli for us.  So, thanks to everyone for your help.  We still have a lot to do, but we are starting to see results, which is fun.

Winter Storm

We got a lot of ice and snow last week.  We didn't get out much, but I did bundle Eli up and let him play a little.

New Videos of Eli

Here are some of Eli's new skills. Enjoy!

Road Trip!!

After Christmas we drove out to Utah to see some of Derek's family and my brothers.  I was worried about the car trip, but Eli did great and we had a blast.  Randomly throughout the journey I would yell, "ROAD TRIP!"  Derek and Eli both loved it every time.  I think my parents just thought I was a little loony.

 

On the way there we went over Hoover Dam.  It was pretty cool.  At one point a Pringles can was the only thing that could keep Eli happy.  If we took it away he would burst into tears.

 

Eli had lots of fun with his uncles.  They got him the hat and boots for Christmas.  We also had a great time with Derek's cousins.  Eli loved having so many kids around.  The pic is of 4 year-old Aaryn holding him.  She helped me a lot.  I'm really glad I got to meet all of them and Derek enjoyed catching up with everyone and being computer geeks with his buddy Vaughan.

   

 

The sledding was all fun and games until somebody (Vaughan) broke a collar bone, which was a huge bummer, so we are praying for him.  Eli looked like a marshmallow man.  He didn't love the sledding, but he did enjoy watching until he passed out. 

We went to the temple and saw sights around temple square.  It was really pretty with all the lights.

On the way home we decided to see Vegas and the Grand Canyon since none of us had seen either.  We drove down the strip at midnight on Friday, so that was pretty cool.  We arrived at the Grand Canyon at 5 in the morning in a snow storm, so we decided to sleep for a few hours until the sun came up.  Well, as you can see, when the sun came up the canyon was a complete white out, so we couldn't see anything.  It was a bummer, but what'a ya gonna do. 

Christmas 2008

Eli sat on Santa's lap at our church Christmas party.  He wasn't quite sure what to think.  He loved the Christmas tree though.  Every time he would see it with the lights on he would start whispering "wow wow wow."

Eli loved opening presents.  The first present he opened was from our friend Darryl.  He was so excited that we were letting him tear paper cause usually that is a no no.  He also had a great time opening presents with his cousins Jacob and Marcus and chasing Marcus (who is walking). He couldn't actually catch him, but he still tried.

On Christmas Eve we video conferenced with Derek's family in New Zealand & Australia and they got to see Eli open some prezzies.  One of his favorite presents is the singing ark full of animals that his Aunt Amanda sent him.  It made him dance for the first time and he dances all the time now.

 

 

Christmas morning was lots of fun.  He loved it all, from the fancy push toy and light-up toothbrushes to the empty coke bottle and old shoes.  Of course he loved the all-fruit candy in his stocking too.

 

I made mincemeat pies for Derek.  It was my first time making them, but they turned out pretty good.  Eli totally chowed on Christmas dinner.

 

Nick & Kira and Derek & I started a new Christmas tradition of heaving the Halloween pumpkin.  Then we all talked to Elder Doug and played baci.

Later on Christmas day, Dad's side of the family was over and Derek did the traditional reading of Luke 2.

Exploring

These pics pretty much speak for themselves.  He keeps me busy!  Keeping him out of things he shouldn't be in is a full time job.  Sometimes, when I tell him no several times, he'll respond with, "no no no".  Like gosh Mom all you ever say is no.