Caleb is 2!

This baby turned 2 today!

 We are way overdue for an update.  This boy has grown and changed so much in the last few months.  

 One thing that hasn't changed -- he LOVES his daddy.  He wants to do everything just like him.

 As far as development, we were a little worried about his speech and had him evaluated at 21 months old.  He was borderline for speech therapy, so we decided to give him a few months and boy has he caught up!  He's talking up a storm now.  One of his first words (and something he's obsessed with) was chapstick.  Seriously, he would look me right in the face and yell "Plapstik", spitting all over me.  He continues to beg for it, although he says it almost perfectly now.  He also loves lotion although he usually calls it soap.  Toothpaste and brushing his teeth are also favorites!

 All of his Cs sound like Ts.  So he says "tow" and "tat" and "tar" and for a while he said his name Taybee.  It's now Taybo.  

 Other cute words: Dillon = Didi, Wesley = Sess-sess

 apple juice =ah ju, airplane = ahp ahm, thank you = dee doo  (cookie sounds exactly the same) 

He also really enunciates any F sound.

 Caleb is into EVERYTHING!

 He loves making messes by "cleaning," i.e. spraying cleaner all over the kitchen and unrolling a whole paper towel roll to wipe it up. 

 But his face is awfully cute!

He's a pretty great little singer.  He sings right along with "I am a Child of God" ,"The Caleb Song", "Elmo's World" , "What makes you Beautiful" and several Disney songs he's heard over and over.   He puts his whole heart and soul into the long notes!

 He's extremely independent and likes to do things on his own -- walk, put on his shoes, etc.

 And he's getting fast!

One of his latest activities is opening doors.  He also likes to take things outside after he's figured out how to unlock the front door!

 He loves reading before bedtime.  Favorites are Goodnight Moon (he calls it Boom), Goodnight Gorilla and Elmo's Baby Love.

 Today he woke up from his nap just as I was finishing his birthday cupcakes, so of course, he got to lick the spatula.

 Then we made a trip to the park, so I tried to snap a few shots of the birthday boy.

 Oh man, I love that face!

 Tonight we shared our cupcakes with some friends.  Unfortunately our house is suddenly under renovation due to some water damage, but our friends graciously offered to host.  Caleb and Julia always have fun together!

 The birthday boy did not like the elastic from his hat around his chin, so we tried a different approach -- The Rhino!

 He didn't really get the blowing out the candles thing, but sure enjoyed picking the sprinkles off the top of his cupcake!

 Then he opened his presents.  He was pretty excited to see Elmo.

 Elmo is ticklish! 

 Then on to his other present...

 his very own vacuum!

 He had a pretty cute audience.

 We love our little Caleb and all the crazy that comes with him.  He is full of energy and excitement all the time, but is still super sweet.  He's the cutest singer, gives great kisses, and his cheeks are really to die for.  Happy Birthday to my big boy!

Day with a Dog

We had some awesome friends move away this month.  This comes as a huge blow to Chicagoland and we already miss them.  As they packed for the move they stayed with us for a couple nights.  Their 4 month old puppy, Binx, stayed too, and we got to take care of her during their final day of packing.  We all fell in love!

 The boys were in heaven, especially Wesley.

 How could you not love this face?!

 This picture was one of my favorites.  Nothing better than a boy and his dog (or one he's borrowing)!

 We were grateful it was nice enough outside to take her out a little.

 Caleb mostly enjoyed her crate.  Maybe I need to get one of those!

 This was the moment when I fell in love.  She is so tiny and a really good snuggler.

 We'll definitely have to get a dog someday.

I decided this is a great way to do the dog thing for now -- just borrow one for a day...one that is already house trained!  Thanks to Eric and Tiffany for letting us "help out."  We really do miss you two and wish you the best in your new adventures.

Easter 2013

My favorite things about Easter:

• An opportunity to focus on our Savior and His resurrection
• Easter Egg Hunts
• Dying Easter Eggs
• Springtime weather (sometimes, but not really in Chicago!)
• Discovering the Easter Bunny's trail and baskets
• Mini Cadbury Eggs -- especially when placed on top a peanut butter cookie fresh out of the oven
• Seeing everyone's new outfits at church -- although we're never included in that group because I'm lame

This year we fit it all in, staring with a playgroup Easter Egg Hunt at the church.   I like doing these because it is controlled.  Everyone brings 10 eggs per child and each child gets to gather 10.  After that, they stop.  I've been to too many hunts where we leave in tears, empty handed while the bully next to us has 30 eggs!!

 Here are my boys, ready to go!  I LOVE these 3 boys!  (I should crop it, huh)

Caleb got to come in with the first, youngest, group.  He picked up the first egg and looked at me and said, "Egg!"  He was pretty proud of himself!

Holy cute face! 

 This little man kept stopping to open the eggs and I had to remind him to keep gathering while he could :)

Wesley does everything with excitement -- this event was no excuse.  I love this fun kid!

Looks like Dillon found some fun stuff too!

Check out that great smile!!

Reaping the benefits of their work

Three happy boys!

I couldn't get Caleb to stop shoving candy in his mouth long enough to snap a picture of him and best friend Julia. It was amazing how much he packed into those cheeks!

We made it back from our trip the night before Easter so the Bunny could find us.  And find us, he did.  He even left a trail.

The trail to the baskets

On Easter morning the big boys gathered jelly beans in their shirts while Caleb once again shoved them in as fast as possible.

The Easter Bunny did a great job this year, getting just a few things they really liked.

They enjoyed opening their cars and jets with Daddy.

After ingesting way too much sugar for 7:00AM, we headed to the kitchen for egg dying -- always Aaron's favorite.

We had just spent a week traveling as a family and I honestly loved this moment more than all of that -- just time at home with my boys!

Proud little Wes!

Then off to church to celebrate the best part of Easter -- The Savior.  I love our ward.  The speakers and musical number were phenomenal.  What do expect with 1 pianist, 3 violinist and a soloist, all professionally trained?! 

I made sure to have a friend snap a quick family picture before heading home.

I am so grateful for my Savior and for His sacrifice.  Because of Him, we have the opportunity to return to live with Him and our Heavenly Father someday.  There are days when I get real worried about the world around me and am so comforted by this knowledge.  I know my Savior atoned for me.  That is so humbling to consider.  I've been teaching the Young Women using the new curriculum this year and it is so amazing.  How fitting that we focused on the Savior and His Atonement during the month of March, leading up to Easter.  Studying and preparing for those lessons really helped me feel the Spirit of Easter this year.  How grateful I am for a calling that helps me grow closer to my Savior.  Happy Easter!