Maple Maze and a Haircut

Joel got his second professional haircut today! You may not remember hearing much about the first and that was for good reason... it was a complete disaster. In fact, I may have even been crying when we left the hair salon (the first time). But... now I know that these kids haircut places were created for a very good reason... they work! I was so impressed with Joel today. He had a sucker, a movie, and some sort of Thomas figure on his lap... he was happy as a clam. I REALLY could not believe it. I was prepared for the absolute worst. Yeah for "Kid's Hair"!!

Since we were going to Maple Grove for the hair cut, we decided to stop and play at the "Maple Maze" at the Maple Grove Community Center before-hand. I definitely think we'll be back there soon. Joel had a blast, and I was really impressed by this place. It's one GIGANTIC play structure, all netted in and padded and perfect for kids Joel's age and much bigger as well. Grant has a ways to go before he can play, but he even had fun watching the kids run around.

This slide was FAST!!

Honesty

This past Thursday, Mitchell was honored, along with some other students at Tatanka, for being an example of the word "Honesty". Each month, a couple students are picked from each classroom as a "Star Student" for the month, and every month, there is a different word.

While at conferences recently, Mitchell's teacher told us a story that we think may have something to do with him being chosen for "honesty". The teacher recently asked Mitchell what he thought she could do to help him not talk so much in class. Mitchell responded with the obvious answer... "Well, Ms. Steuber, I can't sit next to any of my friends in class." She was impressed with his honesty, and apparently the new seating arrangements have been working quite well, too.

Bison Hoops

Mitchell's basketball season started several weeks ago. He's been enjoying it so far and his team has been improving each week. Which, I have actually had a change to notice this year, since we have a baby-sitter come each Saturday morning so that Jeff and I can actually watch the games. It's nice! He still has a couple more Saturday morning games if you would like to come and watch... Go Bision!

Bumped and Bruised

This picture was taken about a month ago, but it is really a pretty typical look for Grant... his face usually has a combination of rashes, bruises and scratches. (Click on the picture below for a close-up view) Poor guy, and I sware, I keep a close eye on him! He is dangerous!! I guess I am getting used to it though... during his first week home from the hospital , he made a trip to the Dr. about a rash and got his first bleeding gash under the eye from Joel's finger nail. Some things will probably never change :)

Dirty Laundry!

It fascinates me that, at times, I cannot find a single toy in the house that Joel or Grant will play with for more than 3 minutes, but yet, a dirty basket of laundry that I left sitting by the basement door entertained them for probably close to an hour. Leave it to them to have so much fun rolling around in the dirty laundry... hopefully not the too dirty laundry!

More Bath Time

As you can tell, these 2 need to be right on top of each other while in the tub. Who needs the other half of the tub.

Joel copies EVERYthing Grant does these day, mainly involving biting on things, crawling, and babbling like a baby. It's quite interesting actually :) It makes you wonder what is going through the mind of a 2 year old.

Bed Head

Gotta love Joel's hair...

Wow, I need to catch up! I haven't posted much lately... not sure why. I think I need to get back on the ball. Nothing major has been happening around here. I've been working some, so maybe that's why it seems busier than usual.

Dance Party

Seriously, I've watched this 10 times and I cannot decide who is funniest... Mitchell, Joel, or Grant... all three busting their own moves. They were dancing like this for quite awhile, but it took me about 20 tries to get all three of them in the same picture, looking towards the camera. I hope you enjoy watching as much as I did.

More New Tricks

8 Months Old

The first picture is Grant (when he was 3 weeks old). Isn't it fun and crazy how much they grow and change so quickly. Grant just seems to get cuter and cuter. The other photos I just took tonight, after his bath. Not sure if you can see it very well on the pictures, but there is a curl on the top of his head :)

I distinctly remember when Joel was 8 months old, because I found out I was pregnant with Grant... wow, we must have been nuts! Yikes - good think Joel was easier at 8 months than Grant.

It's easy for me to get Grant to look at the camera, because he RARELY takes his eyes off his mommy!

Grant has been ALL about standing for over a month now... I won't be surprised if he is walking soon. He has always been so strong!

36 Big Ones!

Guess what Dad got for his birthday... football and baseball cards of course (Upper Deck Masterpieces) - he couldn't be happier :)

Joel, helping Dad blow out the candles

Joel just doesn't like the Happy Birthday song!

Lucky Joel, got to help mom make the frosting earlier in the day.

Artist at Work

Joel got an easel for his birthday, since he has recently taken more of an interest in all kinds of art. I personally think it's great that we get to do something other than play with balls, cars, and trains once in awhile :) We tried out some new paints on this day... here he is, hard at work.

Joel wasn't "all done" painting until all the paint was gone :)

2 Big Years

Wow, it doesn't really seem possible that 2 years have gone by since Joel was born. While some days I wish for the time to pass quickly, today, I just want to try and enjoy this 2 year old, before I blink again, and he turns 4! While this 2 year old phase has been quite challenging some days, there is still nothing sweeter than the sound of all the words that Joel has learned to say in the past few months and certainly nothing like his hugs and kisses.

Cake made by mom

Joel's reaction to us singing Happy Birthday... terrified!

Much happier now that he has cake

He is REALLY getting the hang of this opening presents thing... after the hundredth one in 3 weeks!!

Grant, eating paper :)

Not done with Christmas yet...

This past weekend, we had our final Christmas celebration with Grandpa John, Grandma Jane, Uncle Mike, and Aunt Kelly, in Buffalo. It was nice to be able to spend a whole day with my brother and sister and thanks to Grandpa and Grandma for ALL the wonderful gifts. We love them all.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

One in a Million (literally)

I've got plenty of blogging to do... we celebrated Christmas with my parents and brother and sister this weekend, as well as hosted Joel's 2 year birthday party. However, in the meantime, this picture must be posted. Grandma Jane took it this weekend and I think it's one in a million. It captures Joel and the joy of Thomas the Train absolutely perfectly. Thanks for this unforgetable picture, Mom.