3 Days, 89 Years

Over Memorial Day Weekend we took a little road trip to Southern Utah for some family time.
We spent a day hiking with some cousins at this little rock formation park they knew about.

Hiking and tolerating the backpack

Blaze wanted to climb on eveything, especially if the big kids were doing it too

A little high adventure bouldering...

...Blaze is already a pro!

  The purpose of the trip was for my Grandpa's 89th birthday. He has accomplished a lot in 89 years, not the least of which is a wonderful family. It was nice that so many of them could get together to celebrate!

Following in or Under Parent's Footsteps

One day a while back Blaze grabbed a shirt of Mike's and insisted we put it on him. He wore it around the rest of the day, trying a few different styles.

I like the wizard robe style, especially with the bruise on his forward and the magic trick he seems to be performing.

But then again the toga style is more practical for coloring

Blaze loves it when he gets to help in the kitchen. Mostly because it doesn't happen very often and there are so many fun things in the kitchen, pantry, powder room, and laundry room (everywhere that is usually blocked off by the baby gate). And the reason it doesn't happen very often? Because he likes to do this.

Can you guess where he put the dishes so that there was room for him in the cupboard?

Easter

Happy Easter!
Here is some of the fun we had:

 

We started a tradition of creating our own baskets. Mike and I made this one for Blaze from a milk jug. Blaze helped color one side.  

 

 

Discovering his basket and going straight for the good stuff .

 

Ready for church! (With a mouthful of treats he snuck when mommy wasn't looking ).

 

Egg hunt with the Groves family, I am so ready for this!

 

Under the deck? Easy!

 

In the rock wall? Really guys?

 

Found out the plastic ones have candy, all interest in hunting  is gone. Mom was still interested in saving the outfit.

 

Total haul: 6 plastic eggs, 1 real egg, and 3 rocks.

February Fun

We spent President's day with Mike's brother and his family. We spent the weekend fully enjoying the freedoms the founding fathers envisioned for us: museums, recreational activities, desserts at every meal, and ibuprofen with more desserts after all the kids were finally in bed.

First time bowling

Fire truck display at the children's museum

Blaze  and cousin  Madelynne

All the chicks in the nest

Blaze got to  practice  the one word he says  "bah" many times

Not sure about this one

little gardner

Family Pics

We had these done in December. I would upload all 71 pictures but that would make a ridiculously long post. But I had to post at least a few of our favorites.

Ok, maybe more than a few but it's hard to narrow them down! You try picking a favorite, go ahead and try!

"Coleslaw Convo"

Real text conversation between 2 parents:

There once was a lad named Blaze
Who drove his ma to a craze.
But each night before bed,
she'd lay a kiss on his head
and pray Lord, let this be just a phaze!

I'm aware of said cute little boy,
And his ability to irk and annoy.
So what has he done, to make it no fun
To hang out with him todoy?

No doubt when he sleeps he is terribly sweet
When he plays he is something to adore
The trouble comes when he eats and no matter the treat
He likes it best dumped on the floor!

I cannot imagine the stress you are having,
This behavior simply must stop .
You must tell him "no more more throwing good food on the floor .
Do it again and it's your turn to mop!"

Christmas Vacation

I'm less than a month late in posting these pictures, so that's not too bad, right?? Plus, now you have something to brighten up your dull and boring January!

We had a great Christmas. Luckily, Blaze remembered all of the unwrapping skills he had mastered with his birthday a few weeks earlier.

Fine, I'll rip the paper. But then we get breakfast, ok?

Unfortunately, his mom hasn't mastered the "take a crazy amount of pictures for each holiday moment" skill that is part of parenthood. So there is only one picture of that day for the record. Oops, better luck at the next holiday. It's still a cute picture though.

The best part of Christmas was the entire week that Mike had off of work. We spent a lot of time taking naps, eating leftover ham, and just enjoying the time together. We also snuck in a few activities and outings including a trip to the aquarium with Grandpa and Grandma Groves.

petting the sting ray

getting a closer look into one of the tanks

Blaze loved climbing on the frog, we went back multiple times

Shark Teeth. And I thought breaking in the 8 little chompers I have was hard enough. I bet this guy's mom didn't put up a fight about brushing twice a day though.

Mike tackled a few woodworking projects with his extra time. Blaze was an excellent helper.

It's ok mom, this is man's work. We've got it.

 

Uh yeah, that's uh 3 and uh 1/8th there. Yep.

Snow Day

A few inches of snow + a saturday afternoon with absolutley nothing to do and nowhere to go = lots of backyard fun!

All bundled up in a snowsuit his daddy wore!

While technically, this isn't Blaze's first introduction to snow, it's the first time he can really enjoy it.

Tastes cold. I like it!

Helping daddy with the snowman.

After the snowman collapsed (was pushed over by a toddler), we turned it into a snow slide. Whee!

1 Year older and wiser too

Blaze had a birthday, shout hooray!
We decided to celebrate for a whole week and included a trip to Pennsylvania as part of the festivities, as well as a party here at home. Here are some of the highlights:


Thanksgiving
A holiday all about food? Blaze couldn't ask for a better way to kick things off.

Parties

We had 3! All full of presents, cake, and people that love Blaze. One even included a free tractor ride.

Presents
Blaze had such good manners, he read the cards carefully and said thank you with each gift!

Cakes
Each time the situation was similar. Blaze started out cautious, only picking at the sprinkles or frosting. But once he realized that the stuff was good (or once he was sitting properly at a table, again manners!) he went to town eating as much as was put in front of him or anyone sitting next to him.

 

I think overall he likes the whole birthday thing. We are just amazed that the year went by so quickly! It's been incredible. We like the little guy a lot and can't wait to see what the next year brings.