Tyler being cute

The serious artist at work

The finished product - clapping in joy over his masterpiece!

Ready for Christmas...the shepherd looking on with his faithful beagle by his side.

A Montessori moment playing with his toys neatly on his blanket.

Swimming at the YMCA

Getting in the pool with Daddy

Dancing at the library's Tot-time

Tyler was all bundled up to help me hang Christmas lights outside. I had to get something out of the car, where I had previously left a box of animal crackers, and Tyler seized the moment. You can see how much help I had after that.

Santa Take 2

Okay, so after we saw Santa in Texas we decided to try again when we got home to Indiana. I wanted a Santa picture that was memoriable and cute. Something I could tuck away and pull out when he's like thirty and show his kids. (You know the picture that everyone has where their mom's dressed them up in their "Christmas clothes.") Apparently, my child isn't interested in sitting on some strange man's lap and talking to him. Even if he does get candy-he's not interested! Poor kid has a look of terror, and Santa is trying hard to comfort him.

Christmas Festival in Colleyville, Texas

After Tyler's afternoon nap, we headed down the street to downtown Colleyville. It started to rain after we arrived at the Colleyville Festival, but that didn't stop Tyler from checking everything out. It was great even in the rain, and totally made for a toddler!!Tyler's first pony ride. He was really nervous on the pony, but determined to hang on. I was thrilled to be walking around the cirlce in the rain in pony poop! The things you do for your child!Can you see the fear in his eyes? Yikes!!Petting zoo- goat Tyler petting the donkey. Right after I took this picture the donkey sneezed, and it just about made Tyler jump out of his skin. After he realized what it was he said, "Bless you!" to the donkey.

FIRE TRUCK

Walking with Grandpa

The grand finale- Santa!! Tyler looks terrified, but didn't cry.

He wasn't sure what to make of it, so he sat there still as can be, glazed over.

As soon as we left, he asked for Santa - Go figure!

Site-Seeing in Dallas

To start the day of outings, we went to brunch at a place Mom, Dad, and Jared are regulars at. It had a buffet that was great, but the best part of the trip was the talking deer. Tyler is looking up at it in the picture. The deer was connected to a microphone and they talked to Tyler with it; when the deer talked it moved it's head and mouth. Tyler thought it was the funniest thing in the world. I think his laughter entertained everyone there. He truly couldn't believe the deer knew his name!A family picture at Great Wolf Lodge. We stopped by here to walk around and check it out. Surprisingly, it has some really neat things besides the pool! Me and Tyler cuddled up next to the fire at Great Wolf Lodge.
Next, we went to Gaylord's. It is a huge hotel that was decorated beautifully for Christmas. Tyler is checking out the steer from underneath the fence. Sitting in the sleigh for a family picture.

Around the House at Grandma & Grandpa's

Here are some pictures of Tyler playing at "Grammy's." This one he was sitting on the stairs playing with all the teddy bears collected since I was born.
Outside he loved playing in this tree in the back yard. It made for the perfect photo opportunity.

He wanted to sit on the LED deer that were set up. Daddy had to pose him on top. He seriously would have flatten that deer if he really had sat on it!

Blowing bubbles!

Thanksgiving

We spent the weekend of Thanksgiving in Dallas this year. We flew down on Wednesday and came back on Sunday. Below is a picture of me and Tyler on the plane. The lady next to us asked, "if he was a seasoned traveller?" I guess he is since this is his fifth flight in 20 months.

During the day on Thanksgiving, Travis and Jared went to the Cowboys game. Tyler and I stayed at home and played with Grandma and Grandpa.We had a late dinner because of the football game. By the time dinner was on the table, Tyler was ready to chow down.

Christmas Decorations

I decided to get the Christmas decorations out today, since we will be out of town for Thanksgiving. Tyler was pumped when he got up from his nap to find all of the new things around the house. He hardly knew what to do with himself. He loves to point at items and name them.

The tree is definitely going to be a challenge!! He is constantly pulling things off the tree to show us. He also enjoys a plastic Snoopy snow globe we bought him last year. It lights up and plays music! Travis says he is going to go crazy!! (But I love it!)

Look for our Thanksgiving blog from our Texas visit next weekend!

Nativity Set

To begin the holiday season we bought Tyler a Little People's Nativity Set. Several of my friends really recommended it. It came with the manger, Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, the three wise men, two shephards, animals, and an angel. When Tyler pushes down on the angel the star lights up and plays"Away in the Manger." Tyler thinks this is really cool and enjoys dancing to the music.

Tyler was pumped about his new toy!

Tyler kissing baby Jesus

The Nativity Set

Check out all the pieces- this might be the only time they are all together.

I can't wait till next weekend when we get all the Christmas decorations out. Tyler loves to go places and look at the decorations. He even says "Santa, Ho, Ho, Ho!" We saw Santa at the mall yesterday and he just stared at him. We are waiting till after Thanksgiving to sit on his lap. Some things just aren't natural before then. It should be a fun holiday season!

Tyler playing at church

Our church has an area called Bibleland for small children. Tyler loves going to play here whenever we are there, which usually means he plays there about three times a week. Different parts of Bibleland represent different stories in the Bible. Its a great place for him to play.

Halloween

TRICK OR TREAT

Tyler and I were waiting to go get his skunk costume on.
His Halloween shirt says "Funny Bones!"

Tyler liked watching the other kids trick or treat. He did a good job holding out his pumpkin for candy.

Tyler got tired of walking and enjoyed Daddy pulling him in the wagon.

This is Tyler and our next door neighbor. He was a penguin.

The boys looked so cute sitting on the curb together.

The highlight of Tyler's night was handing out candy with Laura. He loved putting candy in the other kid's bags.