Halloween 2011

Halloween was great. We carved a kitty pumpkin and a scary pumpkin. Grandma Brady sent a care package with candy, play-dough, and a card. Thank you!

On Halloween, Alex and Julia first did a parade and party at their school. Then, they did a party at Mommy's office. Then, at home later, we went trick-or-treating in our neighborhood with Nathan, Brock, Kayden, Sophie, and Caroline. Both Alex and Julia were really good at trick or treating and they each got a lot of CANDY! Alex dressed as Batman. Julia dressed as a puppy. Julia picked it up right away even though it was really her first time. She said 'trick or treat' and 'thank you' at each house. Last year (when she had just turned 1), Julia needed to be carried most of the time. This year she ran just about the whole way. Alex was good at being Batman and helped fight bad guys while he was getting candy. He was also very polite as he was trick or treating.

Below is a Picassa web album. I hope it works on your computer.

Halloween 2011

Alex Reading

Alex and Mommy finished a book of short lessons and stories for early readers. Mom an Dad are very proud of his hard work and focus. As a reward, Mommy and Alex worked together to make a pie that tasted like Oreo cookies! Well done Alex!

Below is a video of Alex reading the last story, a story he has never read before.

Bye Bye Crib

Maybe because of the 'sleep experiments' from last week, Julia has figured out that there is a better way to sleep than a crib and she will not go back. One night this week, Julia jumped out of the crib 7 times because she was so determined to get a new sleeping arrangement.

So, after 2 kids and 4.5 years we are probably done with our crib. We got the crib on Craig's list way back then and hopefully we will be donating it to a baby who can use it. It has served our family well.

Julia is sleeping on a mattress from our extra room while we order her a big girl bed. She is doing great so far.

Alex was a Renaissance man this weekend. He read 3 short Dora books on his own. He played chess, soccer, and 'first grade' on the ipad. He did great playing tennis against Mommy (his backhand is already better than Daddy's), playing baseball with some neighborhood kids, and he scored a goal in his soccer scrimmage yesterday.

Sleep Experiments

We are experimenting with a new sleep arrangement. Julia can now easily jump out of her crib. Alex tends to climb out of his bed at 4am to sleep next to Mommy or Daddy.

We moved Julia's crib into Alex's room to see if everyone sleeps better. Maybe we can get by with reading fewer books too. The first night was a big success.

Visit From Grandparents

Grandpa Stewart and Grandma Jane visited Alex and Julia from Minnesota last weekend. They went all over:
-- the fish hatchery in Issaquah
-- Cle Elum
-- Leavenworth
-- Hiking at Icicle Creek
-- Easton State Park

They had a great time. Alex especially liked playing chess, sports, and ipad. Julia liked making pancakes and hiking.