Happy 4th Birthday Keaton

Happy 4th Birthday Keaton! 
We remember the night you were born like it was yesterday.  Over the past 4 years you have turned into a happy, goofy, imaginative boy who likes tape, scissors and Nolan.  Your a perfectionist with big ideas.

We love you Keaton!!

 

 

I think you must have stayed out late the night before partying because you look pretty tired. 

 

 

Looking forward to sharing year 4 with you and all the fun exciting things that will happen!!

 

 



Christmas 2014

Christmas is a vague memory since I'm doing this a week late.  A week doesn't seem long but we have been busy so it's hard to remember it all.

We did the usual: Visited Santa, saw the giant light display at a house in West Seattle, went to church on Christmas Eve, decorated cookies, decorated a ginger bread house, made ornaments for the tree... and I can't remember the rest but we did more.

I found it to be hard to keep the magic of Santa a secret.  Almost all the gifts came in mail so Keaton was always questioning why we were getting so many packages.  TJ brought a package home and left it on the front porch so Keaton got a delivery.  It was a tape dispenser which was a bit hit.  Keaton also noticed one of Nolan's gifts in the garage but was too distracted Christmas day to remember.

Becky and Kids came visit between Christmas and New Years.  The kids were crazy and Keaton was all packed ready to go home with them.

I'm pretty sure Nolan had no idea what was going on.  And of course Manny thought every gift was for him on Christmas morning (just like every year).

TJ and I barely survived due to the "train table" disaster and last minute purchase at Toys r Us. 

 

 

Best gifts: Rachel's orange suit and TJ's Christmas tie.



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!