Nolan's One

The big news in November was Nolan's 1st Birthday. And he was walking well at 1 year so we better include that since everyone always asks.
It is crazy that we have a little toddler already. I guess that's what he is since he's definitely not a baby anymore.

He's a happy, silly guy that makes our family complete.

Here is our wonderful little 1 year old.

 

 

They say the days go by slow but the years go by fast.  They sure do.  Look how this guy has changed.  He's changed so much that we do joke that he may have been switched at one of his first doctor's appointments.

 

Nolan when he was 1 day old:

 

 

Nolan when he was 1 year old:

 

 

Oh and it snowed in November. That was exciting too!!

 





 

Bye Bye October

October wasn't the greatest month for our family.  Thank goodness TJ had the month off or we probably wouldn't have survived.

• TJ was sick the beginning of the month and still recovering during our trip to Boston.
• Our trip to Boston immediately began with TJ's aunt passing away.
• Keaton had really bad diarrhea for a good week.
• We didn't have power for 2 days.  We had to deal with Seattle public utilities who are clueless.
• Nolan spent 2 days in the hospital due to breathing complications.

• This picture was the extent of Nolan's Halloween adventure.

 

• Keaton was chased by monsters but at least got this medal.

 

The most exciting part of October, besides the above, was that NOLAN TOOK HIS FIRST STEPS!!!!

Across the Country 3,200+ miles away*

TJ has the month of October off from work (paternity leave which needs to be used within one year of having a baby).  So thank you Nolan for this. We went to visit the family for a few weeks since we hadn't been back for awhile and also wanted them to meet Nolan.

There were some unexpected and extremely unfortunate family events which changed the trip quite a bit. We were happy to have been there during this time and spend time with family.

We got to be there to celebrate TJ's parent's 40th wedding anniversary.

Keaton and Wyatt got to hang out a lot.

We got into Boston a few times, taking the subway one of the times.  Keaton looks like he's drinking coffee...and looks like he needs more.

The family got to represent Seattle during the Seahawks game. 

And TJ and I got the world's two best boys ever!  They were great traveler's!!

And I got to do this blog within days of returning because I've got more time with TJ home.

*Approx. 3,200+ miles according to MapQuest.  Seattle to Boston. 

Nolan and Manny

After writing the last two blogs I realized I mostly share about Keaton but not much about Nolan or Manny. Rarely about TJ and I but that's because we are part of all these experiences (and we are less interesting).

Nolan and Manny are doing exciting things too. 

The most exciting things in Manny's life include getting food that he will eat, getting as many treats as he can con out of us, and his family of course.  Everyone in the family really adores him even though he is crazy. We always remind him that he is living like a King compared to most other dogs.

Nolan spends his days standing up on anything he can...over...and over...and over.  Getting lots of bumps and bruises.  Or chewing on anything that will fit in his mouth.  Manny conveniently leaves his toys/bones in the middle of the toy room and Nolan always choses them over anything else.  So Manny gets lots of attention since we are always grabbing his stuff from Nolan.  Nolan follows his brother around wanting to be part of everything he's doing.  It took him awhile to move but boy does this guy move now.  So much that he has an interesting hair cut from not sitting still.  I won't mention who did the hair cut.
Nolan pretty much looks like this the majority of the day.  He is such a sweet little guy with so much personality.  And so much to say (must run in the family).

 

 

 

What's going on with TJ and I?? Watching Netflix marathons.  Going to bed at 9:30.  TJ slept till 6:30 this morning!! That is big news!!!

Fall's almost here

Which means Back to School and Football. 

I know next to nothing about football but have jumped on the "bandwagon" to cheer on the Seahawks.  It's fun to see Seattle fans explode with enthusiasm.  Speaking of enthusiasm, Keaton is pretty excited about the whole thing too!  Although he was pretty disappointed when we wouldn't turn off the TV so he could dance during the home opener.

 

 

Keaton started a new preschool this week.  And he's had a great time so far.  On his first day he found out there was a guy in his class he already knew.  Plus he got a birthday invitation on the first day...and cinnamon rolls for breakfast.  Nolan looks pretty excited to have him out of the house for a few hours!

 

 

So on Mon/Tues he goes to the YMCA school to get strong and healthy and on Thurs/Fri he goes to the Andover School to get smart.  And Wednesday's have been reserved for fun with grandpa.  My goal is to have a consistent schedule, which will be hard since I typically decide what we're doing the morning of.  But I think it will be good for him (or super boring since he's use to spontaneity).

 

Up next...Halloween...already have 2 pumpkins and more scarecrows than I can count!

Summer's Over

We tried to do as much as we could before Summer was over (well I guess it hasn't officially ended).  Getting outside was the priority since rain is right around the corner.

Whidbey Island

The fair

Scarecrow extravaganza at Remlington Farms

 

 

 

More Cousin Fun

Becky, Emerald and Crystal were hear a few weeks ago. When I was getting ready to take them to the airport Keaton starting packing his suitcase.  When we were leaving I told Crystal she could sit in Keaton's car seat.  His response was "Where will I sit?" I think he really did think he was going with them.  Then the next day I asked him if he wanted to go to the park.  He asked if we could call Crystal and Emerald to see if they wanted to come too.  It must be very confusing to a three year old to have them in his life around-the-clock for a week and then gone.

Swimming!

 

 

Dance Party!

 

Craft and Reading Time!

(Keaton is wearing pink pants, a straw belt cause they were too big, and a brown/pink shirt. Thank you cousins for letting me borrow your clothes since I had SO many accidents.)

 

 

 

 

Group Picture!

 

Nolan Couldn't Keep Up...Nap Time!

 

 

 

Mt Rainier

When we were kids we practically lived at Mt. Rainier.  Running around and around the visitor's center (that use to be round) waiting for mom or dad to get back from climbing. Somehow our parent's even got all three of us to Camp Muir when we were very young (base camp for those going all the way to the top).

My dad has climbed Mt Rainier 26 times and my mom 4 times.  This was a very, very special place for both of them.

This weekend we took a trip down there to remember our mother/wife and honor her wishes at this mountain that was such a big part of our parent's life.

Annual Swedish Summer Run

I'm not sure how many years we have been doing this but it's something I started with my Mom and my friend Misty started joining us back then.  This year "Leah Morgan's Marchers" were: TJ, Rachel, Keaton, Nolan, Dad, Aunt Claudia, Misty and Rae.

We did take a little short cut this year which was expected due to a certain 3.5 year old walking instead of being in stroller.  But Keaton's practice at the YMCA paid off and he ran pretty fast for awhile, until he fell down  Instead of learning to walk, he started out running before 1 years old and skipped the walking part!

It is probably the activity we look forward to most during the Summer. Spending the day remembering the most giving, patient, loving Mom/Wife. 

Summer!

We've quiet for since the beginning of June.  That's because we've had a busy summer.

Taking swim lessons at the YMCA. Playing at the YMCA where they have fantastic activities during the Summer.  Yes, we've been spending a lot of time there. 

 

The second child sure does get to do many activities a bit sooner than they probably should.  Big brother always thinks his little brother can do everything he can do.  And big brother adores his little brother and want's him to be part of everything.  At least until Nolan starts playing with his toys, then things will change.

 

Keaton driving Nolan around on a bike made for two.  Poor Nolan wearing a boxing helmet instead of a bike helmet.

 

Keaton showing Nolan how to hold the kayak paddle before he goes off into the lake with Grandpa.

 

Keaton convincing Nolan it's a good idea to cruise down to Alki to check out the toddler girls.  Luckily they didn't make it out of the backyard.

 

Keaton sharing his shoe with Nolan.  Nolan was pretty excited to get it in his mouth as soon as possible because everything goes in his mouth.  I was there to intercept before shoe was in mouth.

Keaton playing in the wading pool at Lincoln Park and only wanting to play with Nolan.  Nolan only got to dip his feet in but next time we will remember his swim suit so he can splash around with big brother.  Nolan did get to taste the grass while Keaton found a friend from preschool to play with.

 

These are only some of the many, many fun things we have been doing to keep busy this Summer.   It is great that Keaton has so much fun with Nolan.  And you can already tell that Nolan really looks up to his big brother and has more fun with him that anyone else.