Weekly Storyhour

 

Every week we take a trip to a nearby library for storytime.  Miss Sharon and Miss Beth are so sweet to our kids and they love to go.  We read a story and talk about it, while Gibson crawls around next to me,

...then we do some sort of coordinating craft, 

...and finish our time with some little games--like ring around the rosie, london bridges, and mother may I.

 

A big milestone and a treat

Owen reached a HUGE milestone this month!  He is now night-time-potty-trained! YAY!!!  He wasn't sure he wanted to be at first.  It took some convincing.  So we did a sticker chart.  He had to get 10 stickers stickers and then we told him we would take him to the store to pick out a toy.  We knew the toy he had in mind was pricy--but he had been talking about it since he'd seen it in the store a couple months ago.  So, we owe a big thanks to Great Grandma Johnson for helping out---we used some of Owen's Christmas money and then covered the difference.  It was a win-win!  

Lilly wanted to be like her brother and pick something out too, so we let her use some of her Christmas money to pick out a little toy.

Here they are back home with their treats and ready to play!

I cannot tell you how excited this boy was to earn this truck!

Lilly picked out a birthday cake toy. Here she is blowing out her candles.

And singing...

Remember this face?

Remember when Owen used to make this face ALL the time!? It's like deja vu.  

Here's a few more of the little cutie all proud of himself for being mobile and standing up at everything.

3 little monkeys

Going the extra mile

This week Owen has really been embracing his role as the eldest and thinks it's pretty cool.  I told him one afternoon at nap time this week that he didn't have to take a nap that day.  He tried taking his training wheels off his bike (no pictures of that yet because my hands were tied trying to help him balance.  But, I must say, he did way better than I anticipated he might!)  

Then one of his "morning routine" tasks is to feed Barkley, our dog.  On this particular morning, the bin of dog food was empty so he transferred the dog food one cup full at a time from the bag to the bin until the bin was full.  :) Thank you, Owen!

Today he was building a "ship" with the couch cushions and dining table chairs...but noticed there were crumbs in the couch.  So, he got the vacuum and swepts them up.  :) You're the best, Owen. Thanks for helping Mommy!

Snapshot: Gibson

Gibson is growing waaaay to fast!  Faster than I remember Owen and Lilly growing...but it's all in my head. 8 months old now. Crazy.  He is crawling all over the place and trying to pull himself up on things.  He hasn't mastered that yet, but it won't be long.  He does NOT like to be alone, ever! He likes to watch the happenings around him.  He is easy to make giggle, laugh, or smile.

Food--well he loves certain food.  He is pickier than the others. He can't get his food quick enough and then all at once he is done and cries because he doesn't want a single bite more.  Some of his favorites are: banana, applesauce, peaches, pb sandwich, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.

Gibson just preferred to watch at Christmas.  Opening gifts was a little too advanced for this guy, but that will not be the case next year- I have no doubt.

He loves to ride this rocking horse he recieved from Christmas from Mimi and Papa.  His balance is quite amazing for only being 8 months old.  

 He adores his sister and is always watching what she is doing.

Like I said, he is all over the place--soon to be climbing. YIKES!

Snapshot: Owen

It's hard to believe we have a 3 1/2 year old on our hands!  He is a blessing and full of sweetness. He loves to read and tell stories.  He is quite the little diplomat, too.  He soaks in everything and is always trying to figure out how things work and why they work the way they do.  He keeps us on our toes!  He asks deep questions--things I never would have thought a boy his age would be thinking about. For example, Owen kept contemplating how Santa (and being a good boy) could fit with Jesus dying on the cross because he does sins.  

 Owen is focusing on longer tasks.

He dresses himself (these are the jammies Grandma made for him for Christmas).  AND just recently started wearing undies to bed!!  A BIG milestone!

He continues to love building and creating things!

And using his imagination.

Owen, you are loved! And as you might say "a lucky guy"

Snapshot: Lilly

Lilly's personality continues to develop and she is such a joy in our lives.  She is a quite the cuddler and loves to love and be loved on. 

 She plays so well with Gibby and is a little mommy to him.  She always has her eyes on him. (and his eyes are on her too) 

 She's a mommy's girl, especially in new situations and places.  She will stay at my side or on my hip.

And a Daddy's girl.  She loves to listen to his funny songs and sing along with him.

 She loves to be with Owen.  They are pals.  They have lots of fun together giggling and playing together...and an occasional sibling fight mixed in there too, of course.  But really for the most part, they are good friends.  Lilly tends to play "boyish" things with her big brother like train, car races, tractors, etc. But she holds her own!

 I love her spunky spirit

She is also Miss Independent.  We hear "No, I do it!" ALOT!!

Lilly Grace, You are loved!

We're back!!

Well, the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season got the best of me and I haven't been on here to post for way too long. Sorry.  And I have been TERRIBLE about even taking pictures.  So, now that we are back into routine around here and things have slowed down, I will try my best to be more regular at posting--no promises though.  

We had a lovely time over the holidays with family and friends.  Fought some sicknesses but are all back and at 'em again.  Yay!  These pictures are of the only snowfall we've gotten this winter season that has stuck around long enough to play in.  The kids loved it, especially the slide on our playset.  It was super slick. :)

And Gibson---Oh, boy!--Where did my baby go??  He is eating mostly table food now and can finger feed himself.  He is classified as our "picky eater." He is particular about texture and seasoning and makes it very clear what he likes and doesn't like.  I have some work to do to get him to like veggies!  Fruit: no problem. Starches: no problem.  It's just those darn veggies!  

And he has his two bottom front teeth poking through!

And Gibby is CRAWLING everywhere!!  He even will be standing up in his crib trying to peer around the corner on occasion.  I'm not sure I'm ready for him to stop being a baby!