The One-Year-Old Class

Ronan and I attend a class for one-year-olds and a parent or guardian that is run through the local technical college. The classes are two and a half hours long, once a week, and they are a lot of fun for both Ronan and I. In addition to singing, playtime, and time for making crafts, there is also time for the Moms to have an adult discussion on topics relating to emotional growth, nutrition, and language development, etc away from the toddlers. Half of the Moms watch the kids for half an hour and then we switch. For class today many of the toddlers were dressed up for Halloween.

A group picture - Ronan and I are in the back row, third from the left.

Ronan during snack time in his adorable dragon costume.

He loves bananas!

When it was our turn to watch the kids we took them to the Tot Lot which is right across the street from the church where the class is held.

He can't get enough of the corkscrew slide.

Rear view of his super cute costume.

Trying to go up the wrong way, AGAIN!

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!

Tidbits from this week

Today I got a picture of Ronan actually holding his own bottle! While this isn't earth-shattering news for any other child, those close to Ronan know how he prefers that the bottle be held for him.

As evidenced by the photo, he can even do it with a toy in each hand!

Ronan did this all by himself - he got all the toys in the laundry basket and then climbed in himself.

Watching TV with his toys in the laundry basket.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Autumn Fun at Stoney Ridge Farm

Ronan and I, along with our friends Krissy & Danielle, went to Stoney Ridge Farm today. Our primary purpose was to buy a pumpkin from their pumpkin patch, but there was so many other fun activities to do also; such as...

...playing cowboy - "Rope 'er up!"...

...having his picture taken beside his girlfriend Danielle...

...watching the tractor pulling the hay rides...

...going on a hayride...

...looking at the farm animals...

...especially the goats...

...and checking out the weird pumpkin tree!

It was a great day!

At the playground...

There is a small park four blocks from our house called the "Tot Lot". It's called that because the playground equipment there is specifically for toddlers and young children.

Ronan has mastered the corkscrew slide - he climbs up the steps all by himself...

...turns around...

...and slides down!

The larger slide is a bit more difficult for him.

You're going up the wrong way!

Ronan also loves the swings at the Tot Lot.

Cookies and Milk!

Ronan had his first taste of chocolate chip cookies recently. He loved them!

Story Time with Grandma

When Collin was recently away on a business trip, Ronan got a visit from Grandma Holte. She brought him a new book and he had a great time having it read to him. Thanks Grandma!

Our house...

Collin and I have been working on the exterior of our house since we bought it from our landlord in August. Here are two "before" and "after" pictures so that you can get an appreciation of what we've done. So far we've replaced the gutters (the old ones were made of wood!), fixed some siding, got it painted, and replaced the shutters, mailbox and house numbers.

We're quite happy with the results. Now we have to tackle landscaping and the inside...

BEFORE (yikes!)

AFTER (much better)

Taming the Swath...

Ronan was in very bad need of a haircut. His swath - what I call the large "swoop" of hair in the front - was out of control, although it was nothing that a trip to Momma Megan's Hair Salon couldn't handle!

Not too bad considering I only had a comb and a pair of craft scissors.

Side view

Ronan's GQ pose

Mommy, I like my new haircut!

Looking so grown up!

Attack of the pajama monster!

I'm not really sure how it happened, but Ronan walked into the kitchen one morning dressed like this...

The Children's Museum

Ronan and I visited the Children's Museum in Bellingham with our friends, Brenda & Gracyn, and Carrie & Cody. It was a great way to spend a Friday afternoon!

Ronan (left) with his friends, Gracyn (center) and Cody (right).

Ronan liked watching the train go 'round and 'round the track. He learned that if he wanted it to move, he had to press the red button.

Ronan and Cody (background) at the train track.

Mommy and Baby Boy in the pirate ship.

Ahoy, Captain! Captain Ronan will steer the ship out of harm's way.

Ronan and Cody coloring the fish tank with crayons (so much for Mommy's supervision!).