Wyatt goes Easter Egg hunting with Nanny and Ardee!

White Thanksgving

Sorry my posts haven't been as frequent but I've been such a busy guy with preschool and visiting museums that I just haven't had much time to write about my adventures.

This year the week of Thanksgiving became an unplanned vacation for our family. Mommy was supposed to have school everyday until Thursday but Monday afternoon we were greeted by the first snowstorm of the year. Other areas of the country can still function when it snows but for some reason in Seattle we completely shutdown. (Poor G and Papa Boogs sat on the 520 bridge for somewhere around 5 hours!)

Mommy used the week to complete all of her Thanksgiving tasks,to do her Christmas shopping online, decorate the house for Christmas and do some cookie baking. Daddy and I were exhausted just watching her. After a few days of being stuck inside we were all happy to be able to leave the house on Wednesday.

I enjoyed filling my beach bucket with snow and sledding but the snow was too dry for us to build a snowman. I also don't like wearing a hat or gloves outside so Mommy wouldn't let me spend too much time in the snow.

We spent Thanksgiving day at G and Papa's house along with Nanny, "RD", Josh, Loren her boyfriend, and the Olsons. It was a nice big family gathering. Everyone at tons of food and enjoyed being able to watch the Saints play and beat those Cowboys! My favorite part of the day was eating dessert.

On Saturday we took our annual trip to Molbak's to visit with Santa. Once again this year I didn't want to have anything to do with that man in the red coat and beard. Mommy and Daddy and I roamed the store and took a few pictures..eventually the man in the coat and beard offered me a candy cane. I had never had one before, but I do love the sound of candy! Since I was getting the candy anyway from Santa I decided to sit in his lap and tell him what I would like for Christmas. I guess he really wasn't all that bad after all.

The Sunday after Thanksgiving I spent the night with G and Papa because Mommy was on a mission. She decided to participate in the Seattle Half Marathon (as if she needed another thing to do). She completed her 13.1 miles in just over 3:33. She was exhausted afterwards and Daddy and I had to take care of her owies. I told her not to cry and that everything would be okay. I'm a big helper and Daddy and I are very proud of Mommy.

I am very excited for Christmas this year, I love my Christmas tree and my neighbor's Christmas lights. I hope to help Daddy hang lights on my house this weekend if the weather is nice. Mommy and Daddy also told me that in less than 10 days we are going to Louisiana to visit all of our family. Daddy has big plans for the visit, that mostly include what we are going to eat. Mommy is insisting that our first stop has to be LSU to say "hello" to Mike the Tiger. I just can't wait to unwrap presents and fly on the airplane!

Big Adventures on the "Big Island"

Summer Vacation this year was great! Mommy and Daddy decided to take me on an island adventure in Hawaii. The flight to Honolulu wasn't much fun, but once we landed and saw the ocean and palm trees we were all in a better mood.

We landed and Hilo, Hawaii and didn't know what to expect, we were greeted by a very humid and warm climate but with a nice wind off the ocean. We stayed in a nice bungalow in basically a suburb in the middle of the jungle. We had the whole place to ourselves throughout most of our stay. It was a nice little place with it's own pool and plenty of room for me to run around and explore.

On the East side of the "Big Island" there aren't sandy beaches but we did find some fun lava beaches and tide pools which were great for fish watching. I mostly enjoyed swimming in the pool since Mommy and Daddy found me a neat turtle float and a pair of water wings. I think Mommy is going to put me in swim lessons very soon.

Where we stayed was also very close to the current lava flow and Volcanoes National Park. One night we went out to the lava fields and were able to see a few trees and bushes catch on fire from the lava. The park was also very neat because we drove all the way to the coast and were also able to see the steaming craters. While in the park we hiked into an old lava tube. I thought it was a bit scary but also a neat tunnel.

One day during the trip we decided to drive over to the Kona cost via Saddle Road. It was very neat to see the vegetation change in the middle of the Island. On the way we stopped at Mauna Kea and were able to see the observatories at the top. We could only go to 9,000 feet but it was impressive to be up so high. When we got to the Kona cost we weren't sure what to make of it, it was certainly hotter and more touristy than the East side but there were plenty of picturesque sandy beaches and well maintained golf courses.

Mommy and Daddy really enjoyed the town of Pahoa in the Puna area of Hawaii, it was very laid back and featured some nice quiet restaurants. There were also some neat trees and even a lava tree park. Mommy also really liked going to the Farmers Market in downtown Hilo, 2 days a week vendors packed the street selling everything imaginable from fruit and vegetables to sandals and soap.

We were lucky enough to stay and visit some well known factories and breweries during our visit. We sampled Big Island Candies famous sugar cookies, Mauna Loa's macadamian nuts, and Kona and Mehana beers. I didn't get any of the beer but I sure enjoyed all the candy and cookie samples.

We returned home from Hawaii on Mommy and Daddy's anniversary, we were all happy to get back home but miss the wonderful Hawaiian lifestyle. I hope we get to go back soon!
Aloha!

Camp Olson

If you ever need a Summer Camp Director my Mommy would be perfect for the job. She has kept me really busy this summer.

Most Mondays we go to the zoo and enjoy strolling through visiting the different animals.

On Wednesdays we have been visiting the library for story time. We read books and sing songs and dance, I really enjoy the dancing. Afterwards we usually visit the playground for a while before heading home for naps.

To wrap up the week on Fridays we have been visiting the Everett Children's Museum. It is a wonderful place for me to run around and explore. They have a lot of hands on activities, like a water table, pretend driving an airplane and a bus and even a large playground on the rooftop.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays I've still been attending school but I prefer my adventures with Mommy.

Next week we're off to Hawaii for vacation maybe then Mommy will let me relax but somehow I think she's going to keep me busy there too!

Saturday, Mommy, Daddy and I went over to Wanapum State Park on the Columbia River, to meet up with the Wyatt crew. Papa Boogs and I spent a lot of time in the water, and I checked out all the cute girls in their bikinis.

Sunday, I got to spend the morning with Thomas the Tank Engine! I didn't realize he was so big, and made so much noise. It was fun.

2 Bits!

That's right I'm 2 years old, and have the attitude to match.

I had an awesome birthday party this year, most of my family made the event and even a few of my friends made it; Stella and Tom. We had my birthday party on Mommy's actual birthdate so I had to share the spotlight a bit but we had a lot of fun. Mommy and Daddy surprised me with a Curious George cake and decorations; I couldn't have picked a better theme myself.

For my Birthday, Mommy and Daddy got me a big-boy bed and a sand box. I got to help put together the big-boy bed and I am really proud of it. I like my sand box and hope to use it more when we finally have some summer-like weather. Most of my gifts this year were Elmo, Curious George or Thomas the Train themed. I guess word got out about what I like.

The weekend after my birthday I got to spend the whole weekend with G and Papa Boogs, I was so excited to go to their house and wasn't ready to go home when Mommy and Daddy picked me up on Sunday. G said that next time I come to her house I have to eat more. I was a picky eater but I did manage to get her to feed me some Fruity Pebbles and Mommy never lets me have sugary cereal like that. Mommy said she and Daddy enjoyed their adventures without me but missed me a lot.

Today I went and had my 2 year old pictures taken, I was such a good model. Grammy made me a sailor suit so I could have a picture taken like Mommy has of her and Nanny. I thought I looked pretty handsome so I humored her. Daddy and Mommy thought the photos looked good (link) and hope to share them with everyone soon, so check your mailboxes next month!

Friday was Mommy's last day of work for the school year so now we are officially on Summer Vacation! Mommy said we're going to be making a lot of trips to the zoo and the parks once the weather improves and then in July we're going to Hawaii! I can't wait to play on the warm beaches and in the pool that will be just outside of our bungalow.

Mother's Day and other fun May events

We celebrated Mother's Day on Sunday the 9th with Grammy, Grandpa, G and Papa Boogs. It was such a nice day that we played outside and ate dinner on the deck. Mommy made a yummy lasagna. Daddy and I took Mommy for a walk on the trail, she really liked spending time with us and hanging out outside on such a nice day.

On Saturday we had a play date with my buddies Tom and Quincy. I hadn't seen Quincy in a while and boy has he gotten so big. He's 2.5 years old, I think it's cool to be friends with an older kid. We played in the sand, rode the swings and ruled the slides. It was so much fun, I can't wait until Summer vacation.

On Sunday the 16th Mommy, G and I participated in a walk called "Beat the Bridge" to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund. We were impressed by the crowds of people on the UW campus that day, it was the slowest 4 miles Mommy has ever walked (she's not a stroller with the stroller!). We finished in Husky Stadium and enjoyed the free events and giveaways then brought G to the airport.

Mommy's also been taking me to play soccer on Friday afternoons. I'm getting really good at kicking the ball, although I don't quite get the concept of "no hands". I like goal time the best.

Next weekend Mommy is off to join some girlfriends in San Francisco for the weekend. She's nervous about the trouble Daddy and I might get into but I think she's looking forward to some adult only time.

Here comes Peter Cottontail..

This past Friday Mommy and Daddy and I went over to G and Papa Boogs' house for the traditional dying of the Easter Eggs. I enjoyed it this year just like last year. I think my egg dying and cracking skills have improved but Mommy said my egg pocking skills still need a bit of work. I tend to drop my egg or make my opponent drop their egg before we actually begin the pocking ritual.

On Easter Sunday I awoke to find the Easter Bunny had visited my house. I was very excited to find a chocolate bunny in my basket along with some plastic eggs and a "Super Why" doll. Then Mommy showed me that the plastic eggs were filled with Sesame Street characters and I was even more excited! Later that day we went back over to G and Papa Boogs for dinner and some entertaining episodes of "Super Why."

Today I underwent my second hypospadia repair surgery Mommy and Daddy said Curious George and I were really brave and they were proud of us. I'm feeling very tired and sore so I think I'll sleep off the day. I hope to be hitting the playgrounds soon.

Chutes and Ladders

I haven't posted in a while, and once again the fans are getting restless, but not much has been going on in my life. I've been taking it easy the past month enjoying the buddings of spring and thanks to Mommy's keen eye, have been enjoying some new playgrounds.

I have become quite the master of the schoolyard. Mommy and Daddy have taken me most every nice weekend to a playground nearby that is just my size. I love climbing up the steps to the slides and even going down headfirst on the tunnel slides. Mommy has taken me on a few weekday trips to the nearby church playground but it's a bit harder for me to navigate. We've been enjoying the sunny warm weather and are looking forward to summer.

I'm finally eating lunch at school and am starting to eat big-boy food at home. I know Mommy and Daddy are so relieved that I am giving up the all oatmeal and yogurt diet. They are still my favorite foods but I'm adding some protein to the mix now. I even stole some sweet potato fries off Daddy's plate last weekend.

My vocabulary is enhancing at a rapid rate. I am very good at repeating words and phrases now. My favorite word and color would have to be "yellow" but "caco" (or as you say, Cisco) is probably a close second. My favorite phrase is "peas cookie" and boy do adults melt like putty in my hands when I say it.

Daddy celebrated his birthday a few weeks ago, Mommy and Daddy were able to enjoy a few nice dinners out and also Daddy got his 2 favorite meals, lasagna and bun bo. He appreciated all the nice birthday wishes and cards he received.

A few more weeks and it will be Spring Break for Mommy and I, we're looking forward to the time off but unfortunately I have to undergo another hypospadia surgery so I'll be taking a few days off from the playground.

Mid-Winter Break Getaway!

Mommy was feeling adventurous in January and decided that her February midwinter break would be a good time for us to go visit Nanny in Oklahoma City, alone. She tried to claim insanity as the reason for our adventure but Daddy was only too happy to send us off to Nanny's house so he could revisit the days of his bachelorhood and have a no pressure Valentines Day. I'm not sure why we chose to visit a colder climate rather than enjoy our Spring like weather in the Pacific NW but it seemed like a good idea to visit Nanny since we didn't get to see her at Christmas this year.

Our flight from Seattle to Denver was non eventful until I decided dirty my diaper a few minutes before landing...then because we left Seattle late Mommy had to speed walk through the airport to catch our next flight. (I really think she could make the Olympic team next year with how fast she pulled me through the airport.) The flight from Denver to OKC was so turbulent that we had to stay in our seats the entire time. Of course you can imagine when we landed in OKC not only did I not smell fresh but I was also mad that I had to sit in that filth for an hour! I got Mommy back though, when she pulled me out of my seat to get off the plane she came away with a surprise on her sleeve, gross!

The first day at Nanny's we were greeted by a light snowfall and the arrival of the Sherman's from Dallas. Wayne and Blane have gotten so big since October. We all went to lunch at a Mexican restaurant in Bricktown and then were supposed to go to the park at the airbase but it was closed. So we ended our visit early and went back to Nanny's for naptime.

The next few days were very relaxing just hanging out with Nanny and Rachelle and avoiding the wind and cold outside. I pressed a lot of buttons at Nanny's house, which she wasn't too happy about, and chased Max and Buddy around the house.

Finally it was time for Mommy and I to head back home, our flight we found out at the last minute had been changed and so we spent 4 hours in the Denver airport. I learned how to climb up chairs and dive off them and that not all jetway doors lead home. After 3 hours I was ready to hop any flight Mommy would join me on. I cried most of the flight from Denver to Seattle but I had had enough and just wanted to get home and away from my dreaded carseat.

Daddy met us at the airport and was so excited to see us, I was a little bit scared since it had been a few days since we saw him. I slept so good in my own bed without Mommy complaining that I snored or kicked her all night.

We wrapped up the week with a trip to a new playground where I can climb up the stairs to the slides all by myself and chased a bunny who crossed our path. Overall I had a nice week hanging with Mommy and hope that I didn't misbehave too much so she'll take me on more adventures soon.

Who Dat!

Who Dat indeed! What a game it was on Sunday when the mighty Saints took down Peyton Manning and his seemingly unstopable Colts.

I was very excited because Mommy and Daddy let me have my first Super Bowl party. I didn't have much control over the guest list because Mommy said we had to share in the historic event with her collegues who have Louisiana ties. I got to invite Papa Boogs, G and Uncle Josh. We also had my new buddy Stella over with her Mom and Dad and my new friend Michael. Stella's Mom is from Shreveport and Michael is from Point, LA. I think the cajun folk are starting to take over Seattle. I hear they even let Patrick into Spokane.

We were lucky that G had a last minute business trip to Arkansas so she stopped of at Aunt Josie's house to pick up supplies for the big game. You wouldn't have known we were all the way in Seattle for all the traditional cajun food we had.

Mommy cooked shrimp creole, G made boudin and brought sausage cheese bread and king cake. Stella's mom made shrimp and grits and made a king cake with using Saints black and gold sugar icing.

The game was so exciting; I had been wearing my Saints gear all the days leading up to the game illicting many wishes of good luck for the game - they didn't know with Mr. Brees on our side luck wasn't a factor.

I was a little scared when we finally were declared the winners for all the shouting in the house; I thought maybe I was in trouble, but then everyone was hugging and I think I even saw G with a tear in her eye, so I knew I was in the clear. I think we're going to be celebrating this victory for a long time; we've only been wainting 4 decades for this to happen!

Who Dat! and Happy Mardi Gras!