Hi Ho, Hi Ho, A Camping We will Go!

One weekend we packed up the car and headed to the Lake Ray Roberts with some friends for a weekend full of camping, hiking, and biking.

Tanner was definitely in his element. He LOVES playing outside, digging in the dirt, and running wild. He's completely entertained 100% of the time.

We set up tent Friday night and stayed until Sunday morning.

Tanner "helping" setting up camp.

When we first told Tanner we were going camping, his response was "Ohh! And see my SOP-ie!" We went camping last fall and these two were inseperable. This time Sophie wasn't able to come -- something about her mom being 7 months pregnant.

Luckily, Tanner was still plenty entertained by his younger friends Leah and Madeliene. They thought Tanner was hilarious and laughed at everything he did -- which ended up being the only encouragement he needed to be.

In the wee hours of the early morning, Tanner woke up. A few minutes, we could hear little Madeliene wake up in the tent next to ours. I asked Tanner why Madeliene was crying, and his response "She wants to play with my digger."

Cooking breakfast Saturday morning.

Umm...Bacon. Is it just me, or does food just taste better when you're camping?

On Saturday morning, we took the kids to the park to play. As we were leaving our campsite, Tanner saw the HUGE group of teenagers leaving on the same trail. Tanner yelled, "No, we're going to the park!" and took off running as fast as he could until he got ahead of the gang.

Notice the feet off the ground!

The beautiful lake. I can't wait to come back in the summer when the water is actually warm enough to swim.

If you challenge Arthur, he'll never turn it down. He dived into the freezing cold water.

Bonfire!

Tanner loved being next the the fire. He was our little firemaster. A little on the dangerous side - but what worries me, always excites him.

Definitely the best part of camping - S'mores!

Tanner cuddled on my lap and just let me sing him songs forever as we sat next to the camp fire. So precious.

The weather was in the 70s-80s, absolutely gorgeous on Friday and Saturday, but on Saturday night the temperature unexpectedly dropped into the low 40s. We were NOT prepared. I wore 2-3 layers of clothes and still was freezing cold. I didn't sleep the entire night.

With the freezing cold weather, racoon raucous (imagine 2 racoons in heat in your campsite), and various children crying in the middle of the night, I barely slept.

But there's just something about being outdoors is naturally calming and soothing -- and I always want to go back for more.

Spring Break!!!

[This time with actual PICS]

For Spring Break, we had lots of visitors. Katie flew in for over a week, and then Chels, Avery, and Brandon came up for the weekend.

We were spoiled when they lived close by so we had to overindulge and do as much as we could while they were here. And we LOVED every minute of it.

Dallas Arboretum

The cutest little flower "thieves" who happened to steal a flower before we were even inside the Arboretum.

Tanner was obsessed with Katie when she came to visit. He wanted Katie to be next to him 24/7 and I was easily replaced. When I'd go to get him some juice, he'd tell me "No, Mommy. Katie do it!" Katie always likes to spoil him and give him all sorts of extra attention -- so it's no wonder. Now, if only she lived closer. We miss her being all the way in Seattle :)

Dallas Zoo

Feeding the giraffes is always the highlight of the day. Tanner is all about feeding them until they get an inch away and then he makes a run for it. He always freaks out at the very last second, but then turns around to do it again. But I admit, those giraffes are not shy and want their lettuce!!

We got to see the trainers feed the elephants too. They were feeding them pieces of fruit (ie M&Ms to elephants). We love the new exhibit and all the space they have to roam about. Avery like asking additional questions to the instructors.

We even splurged and took a train ride around the zoo. Turns out the real 'animals' were in our own train the entire time....haha.

Riding on the elephants -- we could have stayed here all.day.long.

Tanner is still talking about the bird landing on his head months ago...that silly bird. And this time, it happened again. These birds virtually attack once they find out your have food.

Chels and I were freaking out too -- just trying to keep it together for the kiddos. Chels looks like a pro!

Swimming at the Allen Indoor Natatorium

Tanner lost his footing on the stairs and was completely underwater for several seconds before I could scoop him up. As soon as I picked him up, he was so relieved and happy -- he didn't even cry. I think I was more traumatized than he was...but then again, he held on TIGHT afterwards!

Avery is quite the little swimmer -- can swim completely and totally on her own. I think this year might be time for swim lessons for Tanner, but without Chels & Ave living close by, we'll have to figure out a new pool to crash.

Bowling & Arcade Games

Bowling was top of Avery's list of things to do in Dallas -- and it didn't disappoint. Loves these little kids moves. Just look at them :)

Every time I see that pic of Ave's smile, I just want to hug & squeeze.

Caden is a lil professional -- he has better form than I do :) And I love how excited he gets!!

Don't think Tanner was going to pass up his turn at bowling! "I do it myself Mommy" is all I kept hearing...even when it comes to picking up the heavy ball.

Chels didn't seem to mind being 6 months prego and bowling.

And even shy little Brynlee remembered Katie and cuddled in her lap!!

Arcade games. Tanner was barely tall enough to play some air hockey!!

The best part about little kids -- Tanner still desn't care if he doesn't have quarters to power the game :)

Pedicures -- This time, girls only

But the best part -- just hanging out together.

Just plain stinking adorable.

They were holding hands, laughing and singing. It just doesn't get any better than that!!

Avery's Quote Book:

When Avery woke up on Thursday morning, I was telling her how excited Tanner was when I told him you were coming to visit.

Avery asked, "Did he wake up and go OH MY GOSH, we're going to see Texas to see TANNER today??" with enough energy and excitement to wake up the whole neighborhood.

My response, "Well, it wasn't quite like that."

Avery: "We'll, I did!"

On Friday morning, this is what I heard while I was lying in bed half asleep and half awake:

Avery: "Tanner, do you still read this book? -[pointing to a baby book about colors]"

Tanner: Yesssss

Avery: "Well, can I have it? I want it for Quincy!"

Tanner: Ummm... no response.

Avery: "Well, you already know your colors and Quincy doesn't. I have to teach her and she needs it.

Keeps following Tanner around. "So it is okay if I have it?"

Finally, Tanner realized she wasn't going to take no for an answer. "Okay Avey"

Seriously, I credit Avery to half the things Tanner knows. She's an amazing teacher - and will do very well with little baby Quincy once she makes her grande debut.

Spring Break!!

For Spring Break, we had lots of visitors. Katie flew in for over a week, and then Chels, Avery, and Brandon came up for the weekend.

We were spoiled when they lived close by so we had to overindulge and do as much as we could while they were here. And we LOVED every minute of it.

Dallas Arboretum

The cutest little flower "thieves" who happened to steal a flower before we were even inside the Arboretum.

Tanner was obsessed with Katie when she came to visit. He wanted Katie to be next to him 24/7 and I was easily replaced. When I'd go to get him some juice, he'd tell me "No, Mommy. Katie do it!" Katie always likes to spoil him and give him all sorts of extra attention -- so it's no wonder. Now, if only she lived closer. We miss her being all the way in Seattle :)

Dallas Zoo

Feeding the giraffes is always the highlight of the day. Tanner is all about feeding them until they get an inch away and then he makes a run for it. He always freaks out at the very last second, but then turns around to do it again. But I admit, those giraffes are not shy and want their lettuce!!

We got to see the trainers feed the elephants too. They were feeding them pieces of fruit (ie M&Ms to elephants). We love the new exhibit and all the space they have to roam about. Avery like asking additional questions to the instructors.

Tanner always is talking about the elephants.

We even splurged and took a train ride around the zoo. Turns out the real 'animals' were in our own train the entire time....haha.

Tanner is still talking about the bird landing on his head months ago...that silly bird. And this time, it happened again. These birds virtually attach once they find out your have food.

Chels and I were freaking out too -- just trying to keep it together for the kiddos. Chels looks like a pro!

Swimming at the Allen Indoor Natatorium

Tanner lost his footing on the stairs and was completely underwater for several seconds before I could scoop him up. As soon as I picked him up, he was so relieved and happy -- he didn't even cry. I think I was more traumatized than he was...but then again, he held on TIGHT afterwards!

Avery is quite the little swimmer -- can swim completely and totally on her own. I think this year might be time for swim lessons for Tanner, but without Chels & Ave living close by, we'll have to figure out a new pool to crash.

Bowling & Arcade Games

Bowling was top of Avery's list of things to do in Dallas -- and it didn't disappoint. Loves these little kids moves. Just look at them :)

Every time I see that pic of Ave's smile, I just want to hug & squeeze.

Caden is a lil professional -- he has better form than I do :) And I love how excited he gets!!

Don't think Tanner was going to pass up his turn at bowling! "I do it myself Mommy" is all I kept hearing...even when it comes to picking up the heavy ball.

Chels didn't seem to mind being 6 months prego and bowling.

And even shy little Brynlee remembered Katie and cuddled in her lap!!

Arcade games. Tanner was barely tall enough to play some air hockey!!

The best part about little kids -- Tanner still desn't care if he doesn't have quarters to power the game :)

Pedicures -- This time, girls only

These two are just plain stinking adorable when they're together.

They were holding hands, laughing and singing. It just doesn't get any better than that!!

Avery's Quote Book:

When Avery woke up on Thursday morning, I was telling her how excited Tanner was when I told him you were coming to visit.

Avery asked, "Did he wake up and go OH MY GOSH, we're going to see Texas to see TANNER today??" with enough energy and excitement to wake up the whole neighborhood.

My response, "Well, it wasn't quite like that."

Avery: "We'll, I did!"

On Friday morning, this is what I heard while I was lying in bed half asleep and half awake:

Avery: "Tanner, do you still read this book? -[pointing to a baby book about colors]"

Tanner: Yesssss

Avery: "Well, can I have it? I want it for Quincy!"

Tanner: Ummm... no response.

Avery: "Well, you already know your colors and Quincy doesn't. I have to teach her and she needs it.

Keeps following Tanner around. "So it is okay if I have it?"

Finally, Tanner realized she wasn't going to take no for an answer. "Okay Avey"

Seriously, I credit Avery to half the things Tanner knows. She's an amazing teacher - and will do very well with little baby Quincy once she makes her grande debut.

Quote Book

We don't know where he comes up with all it, just glad that he does!

On Valentine's Day, Tanner was bursting with excitement to show me my gift:

Tanner: Look Mommy what I got for you [pointing to homemade card and flowers]. Me color it. And flowers -- I pick out for you!
Me: Oh - thank you! And the chocalate, those look yummy!
Tanner: No, those are mine.

No wonder he was so excited!

Every now and then, I attempt to potty train Tanner.

Tanner saw me putting the pee in the pot, and just told me, "Great job mommy, I'm so proud of you!"

Now...if only he would just do the same.

Right before bedtime, I was smothering him with hugs and kisses:

Me: Ohhh. I just LOVE you! You any my little baby.

Tanner. No, I not a Baby. I Tanner.

Now when I do it, he just whispers Tanner so it's barely audible. He's learned he doesn't mind at all being treated like a baby when it comes to my holding and rocking him at night, just like I did when he was just a wee little one.

While we hardly ever drink pop at our house, Uncle Kenneth brings it every time he comes over to watch and play with Tanner.

As I was pouring myself a class of Coke out of a 2-liter bottle, Tanner started freaking out, "No, Mommy! That's Uncle Kenneth's Juice!"

One day I saw Tanner drinking OJ out of the carton! At first I was horrified thinking he would spill the entire thing all over himself, but he did just fine. Then I started laughing. He's already trying to be a teenager. And hmmm, I wonder where he got this from :)

We were at our friends house, and Tanner was admiring all their kitchen play stuff. He especially loved the Melissa & Doug Cookie Set, but was not keen on the idea of sharing.

Tanner was going around asking everyone if they'd like a cookie. When I another little girl chimed into help, he was not happy.

Me: Tanner, we need to share our toys.

Tanner: No, Mommy, they're too hot!

Any excuse not to share, right? How do you teach an only child to share?? I'm out of ideas...

Tanner's favorite thing to do it bake cookies. At Christmas, this was almost a daily occasion. He loved to help, but for one obvious reason.

Tanner would help gather, measure, pour and stir the ingredients. But with the addition of each new ingredient, he'd ask: Is it yummy or yuck now?

He made the mistake of tasting pure cocoa bar he thought was regular chocolate, so now he asks every time. And as soon as I say yes, he'll be dipping his little paws in there to snatch a few bites.

Another time we were cooking dinner. I asked him for the salt and started measuring it out.

Immediately, Tanner got defensive. "No Mommy, it's for the cookies."

How the kid remembers salt goes in cookies, I have no clue! But he definitely didn't want to risk running out of salt to make cookies, it would be a tragic day indeed.

Tanner was admiring my new necklace with shiny beads.

Tanner: Mommy, I like necklace!

He came up to me, running up on my lap to look at it closer.

Tanner: Here's a football and there's a soccer ball.

This is how Tanner views the world. Not in the form of shapes, but only forms of different sports & balls.

Tanner has a lot of adorable expressions, like how he says, "Ooooookay" just like Alfalfa from Little Rascals or "Yep, I suuuurrre did" with as much excitement a 2year old could muster.

This kid is just too dang cute. But unless I write it down, I always forgot all the silly randomness that comes out.

Obbsession

Tanner has a new love of his life and his name is "Bob the Builder." I'm pretty sure it was love at first sight. At first it was innocent and cute, now it's borderline obsessiveness. I hear this is normal for a 2 yr old...

Like he'll wake up in the middle of the night asking to watch Bob the Builder. 'No Tanner, it's 2am in the morning, go back to bed!'

Or he'll ask, "Let's play. You're Wendy and I'm Bob".

He inherited a loot of Bob the Builder toys when a friend, which was very fortunate for him since they're impossible to find at the stores these days.

His hammer goes with him everywhere he goes. It's his favorite toy. He uses a hammer complete his masterpieces. Now instead of building Legos with his hands, he places them loosely and pounds them together with his hammer. He'll open and close the kitchen cabinets with his hammer, pretending he's building them for the first time.

But then again, he does love his tractors. Every digger is named Scoop, bulldozer is Rolly. And his diggers pick up everything. He'll save a few snacks so that Scoop can pick them up for him.

Just look at how dreary eyed he gets.

In the car and on the go, he always finds a tractor. He thinks we can always pull over and drive the construction vehicles for fun. If you can at Chuckie Cheese, then why not everywhere else? And at the Children's Museum, guess what he wanted to play with??

It's true what they say -- boys will be boys!

Snow, glorious snow!

Living in Dallas, there's usually no hope. Last weekend, we were at the lake feeding the ducks enjoying the 70+ degree weather.

And then this week, we have 4 snow days in a row. Every kids dream, right? Usually it's unheard of.

But until today, it was nothing but sheer ice. Finally, the snow came pouring down. It's over 6 inches and still coming. You almost need sunglasses, but it's just beautiful!

Here's our attempt to make the most of it!

We tried making a snow man, but gave up since the snow was too soft and fluffy -- and wanted nothing to do wiht compacting together.

Then we went sledding on our driveway. Tanner loved every minute and kept going, again and again.

The neighbors even came out.

I fell trying to take a picture. The snow masks all the ice underneath -- and well -- our driveway is steep. It really hurt!! And then I realized I'm getting old.

And unfortunately, this is as close to snowboarding Anthony is going to get!

It was all fun and games -- until the snow soaked through Tanner's glove. His little hands were like ice. He was NOT happy, but a bowl of homemade chicken soup cheered him right up!

All and all, Tanner's favorite part was EATING the snow! I should have known!!