Mine! No Mine!

Last weekend we headed to Boise to visit Dan, Rachel, McKenna, Ryleigh, and Violet. It was a fun weekend punctuated by Brooke and Ryleigh's back and forth of "Mine", "No Mine!" Here are some of the highlights.

Despite the constant back and forth, I think they really had a fun time playing together.
Going to the park, down the slide, and playing in the walker.













On Friday we went up in to the mountains to McCall. We enjoyed the cabin by the lake, and the fireplace within. Despite getting stuck in the snow on the way out of the cabin's driveway, we had fun at the Winter Carnival. We enjoyed the snow sculptures, the pizza, and the spectacular fireworks show to end the night.

On Saturday we enjoyed the arcade. Brooke just liked all the bright lights, but wasn't too sure about Spiderman.

All in all it was a very fun weekend, and Brooke was worn out in the end. Thanks Dan and Rachel, for the fun, the food and the relaxation.

The Verdict Is In...

Our baby is not so much a baby anymore but a little girl. :( Where did the time go. Her stats for her 18 month well check were:

Head: 18 3/4" (75%)

Height: 32 1/4" (50-75%)

Weight: 22.2 lbs (10-25%)

Sunday, Brooke turned 18 months and got to celebrate it by going to nursery for the first time. And let me tell you, she did fabulous. I don't think she even batted an eye when we left and the leaders said that she did great.

Other things that she has been up to are:

Feeding herself (definite work in progress)

*Side note: I had to fill out an 18 month questionnaire to help gauge where Brooke is at in her development. One of the questions was "Does you child get a spoon into her mouth right side up so tha the food usually doesn't spill?" Do I even give her a spoon at all to feed herself. She's lucky if she can get the fork into her mouth with food on it.

Finding things that are too small and demanding that they be put on

Being the princess of the houseTalking up a storm (I can't download the video onto here but it's worth the click on the link...at least for the grandparents)

http://www.facebook.com/l/bfba9;www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1kpw6Vqr7M

Girls Just Want To Have Fun

I just got back from a girls' weekend with my old college roommates and it was fabulous. I want to say it had been about 5 years since we had all been together but it was just like old times. Here are some of the highlights:

Running my long run Saturday morning in shorts and a tank top. ( no pics but just imagine my face with a big smile enjoying the warm weather and 6200 ft. difference in elevation)

Eating lunch at Hodad's (it was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives) Super delicious and totally worth it

Touring the USS MidwayLooking sweet in our audio tour headphones

The lady who took this picture obviously had never used a camera before

Getting pedicures (Tracy's pretty toes with a flower)

Jonnelle's baby shower
Hanging out on the beach
Being plain silly

There are more pics floating around among the roommates so stay tuned...only if you want to see more pics. :)

Christmas Part Deux

Tracie's parents came to visit this week, so that meant we had a second Christmas of sorts.
Brooke is a quick learner, which means that she didn't need to be reminded what to do to a wrapped present.


She really likes the Aquadoodle, and we enjoy the mess free marker.

We also went to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science to check out the Ghengis Khan exhibit. It was pretty cool, but Brooke was soon over being in the stoller, being held, being on my shoulders, you get the picture. She did enjoy the rest of the museum a little more, since it was a bit more interactive. It was a fun week, and Brooke enjoyed all of the extra attention. We appreciated the extra hands towards the end of the week as Brooke battled a bit of a stomach bug. All in all, a nice relaxing week of good company, great food and lots of laundry!

Year End Review - 2009

I can't believe 2009 has come and gone in a blink of an eye. Here are some of the fun memories of the past year:



January - We spent a lot of time taking pictures of Brooke and rang in the Chinese New Year with some friends.



February - Decided to sell our trusty '91 Acura Integra and upgrade to something a little more reliable in the snow - our Honda Pilot. Decided to get away from the cold and head down to California to visit family and friends.


March - Went to Hong Kong for my grandpa's funeral while Troy got to live it up at the Ritz Carlton in Puerto Rico for "business". Brooke decided to start crawling.

Troy's view from his hotel room. Rough.

April - Brooke finally gets crawling down and realizes she can get places...or take her clothes off. We get to celebrate Taylor's entrance to the world. My parents and Will and Kristin come to visit during Easter. Both kids and adults got to participate in an egg hunt. My friend, Megan, came to visit and check out the area.



May - Shane and Heather come to visit and partake in some Wii action. Add some flowerbeds to liven up the backyard. Take our first road trip with Brooke to surprise Troy's family...his parents decide to head to CA that weekend.



June - Troy's family decides to make it up to us and head out here to visit. Troy surprises me with a trip to Beaver Creek.


July - Enjoying the summer heat by heading to the pool. Celebrate Brooke's first birthday with my parents.



August - Enjoyed the Ware family bi-annual family vacation. Brooke starts taking her first steps. Also celebrated our 5th anniversary.



September - Head to Dallas with Troy while Brooke stays back and hangs our with Grandma. Then head down to California to celebrate my dad's and my birthdays. Also make a visit to the happiest place on earth, Disneyland.


October - Spend some time with Uncle Jonathan. Troy's parents and little bros come out to celebrate Troy's birthday, see Wicked, and Halloween. Brooke enjoys her first tastes of candy.



November - Make a quick trip to UT while Troy heads to Chicago and S. Carolina. Brooke hams it up for the camera. Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with the Steeles.



December - Enjoyed the holiday season by baking and making treats. Brooke gets spoiled by Santa for Christmas.