Cornwall Park...finally!

Is it too much to ask to have a picnic on a beautiful sunny day? I think so. Let me tell you why: Sunday was sunny and warm (kinda) so we thought a picnic would be a great idea. I made us sandwiches and packed up a bunch of snacks and off we went headed to Larrabee Park with shovels and buckets for Dawson to play in the sand. I can't complain about the gorgeous drive but when we got there the tide was all the way up so there was no beach to play at. We decided to get back in the car and head to Zuanich Park to play and have our picnic. If you haven't been there lately, let me warn you-the grass is COVERED with goose poop. So much that there was no way I was even going to lay down a blanket. We ended up finding an empty park bench where I started unpacking our lunch just as Chad came over to show me that Dawson had stepped in a huge pile of dog poo and it had covered his whole shoe and got on his & Chad's pants. So....once again we packed up (after we got Dawson's clothes & shoes changed) and headed to Cornwall Park. Third time's a charm! I got to lay down our blanket on a nice patch of clean grass and we had a wonderful picnic!

Dawson had a lot of places to run around and explore.

The playground is huge and a lot of fun.

But of course, Dad's rides are the best!When we got home Dawson got to experience his first Oreo.

I think he liked it!

32 Weeks

Yes, it's true. I really am that BIG and still have 8 more weeks to go!

Hovander Park

Chad had Monday off so after spending a lazy morning at home we went to Hovander Park to enjoy the rest of the sunshine and let Dawson burn off his energy.

Dawson barely noticed these turkeys until they made some noise, then he couldn't take his eyes off of them.

Dawson wanted a turn walking the dogs :)

We played at the playground on the slide and swings. I guess Chad decided I didn't need to be in this picture.

This old tractor was very interesting to Dawson...

...especially all the pine cones that were stuck in every opening.

One of my favorite things right now, when Dawson holds my hand while we're walking.

Tools

What 18 month old doesn't need a workshop for all of their tools? :) There's the favorite screwdriver. I asked him where his tongue was and a stream of drool came with it.

Jump Zone Fun

Dawson got to experience Jump Zone for the first time last week. For those who don't know, it's basically a big building filled with inflatable bounce houses. Dawson had such a blast running around watching all the other kids. He wasn't too comfortable being inside the bounce houses at first but he quickly warmed up. This is when he wasn't so sure of the whole thing. He loved this one! No closed off "cage" to be in, just a fun slide. There he goes! Cousin Aiden had to show Dawson up by going down the BIG slide.

18 Months!

My baby turned 18 months yesterday! How has a year and a half went by already? Dawson has grown and changed so much since his first birthday it's amazing. We've reached the point that he understands so much of what we're saying and he'll respond the right way. He is saying a ton of words and it's so fun to hear the new ones that come out almost every day. He loves to copy anything we do, especially when Daddy's using his tools as you've seen in the past blogs. I love my sweet boy so much and can't wait to see what happens over the next 6 months!

Here is Dawson's 18 Month picture (it was a little tricky to get him to sit still):

Here's a reminder of his 12 month picture: How it all started, his 1 month picture:

Crazy how his hair went from so dark brown it was practically black, then blonde and now brown with blonde hilites. And it's so straight, we all thought he would get Chad's curly locks.

Dawson had his 18 month check up today and once again he's doing wonderful. Developmentally he's doing great and physically he's went through a growth spurt (at his 12 month appt he was only in the 25th-weight and 50th-height & head percentiles). His "stats" are:

Weight: 26 lbs. 6 oz. (55%)

Height: 33 1/2" (80%)

Head: 48.5" (70%)

In the past I've tried to get pictures of Dawson in the exam room sitting in his diaper to chart his growth but since I knew that would be impossible today since I had to go to the appt solo, I settled for a picture of him standing in the waiting room.

A Day at the Park

Is it really January? We've been enjoying this great Winter weather we've been having by playing in the yard and going on walks. We still have to bundle up but at least it's not raining and dreary out. Today we picked up Aiden so Lynn and baby Owen could have some relaxing time and went to the park.

Check out our new stroller. It worked great for the two boys today. The thing I love most is all the different seating postitions, they can face eachother, both forward or both backward and our car seat will attach to either seat when the baby comes.

Anytime Dawson has the freedom to run he's happy. Aiden saying "CHEESE"

Down the slide with Daddy

Ready, Set, "GO"!

Hard at Work

Dawson is obsessed with his tools! The huge smile he gets on his face when I pull out his screwdriver is priceless. He runs around the house looking for things he can "fix". A couple nights ago Chad was installing a few cabinet door locks so Dawson had to go find his drill to help.

"Hi Cousin Owen"

Dawson is very interested in his new cousin Owen. He always wants to be right there checking him out. I think this is really going to help Dawson understand more of what's happening when we bring his little brother or sister home in about 12 weeks! Everyone gets a kiss!

Kisses for Baby

Chad and I have been trying to find ways to make Dawson understand that there is a baby in Mommy's tummy, but haven't had much luck. He's only gotten to the point that when he sees other small children when we're out he'll point and say "baby". One time I asked Dawson if he wanted to give the baby a kiss, so now any time that we do talk about the baby he comes over, pulls up my shirt and gives my belly a kiss. :)

Look at How They've Grown!

On Saturday we had another reunion with our childbirth class. All of us mom's get together for a play group every Thursday with the kids so we get to visit a lot but it's nice to get the husbands together at the reunions. It's so fun to compare these pictures from our previous reunions!

From L to R: Jack, Andrew, Maxwell, Mason, Riley, Alena & Dawson From L to R: Riley, Alena (not very happy) & Dawson Same order at the 6 Month Reunion

Close up of Riley, Alena & Dawson. Look at all those chubby cheeks!

Same order at our first reunion. Can't hardly remember when they all just laid there so still!

Close up of Riley, Alena & Dawson

Big Shoes to Fill

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Yesterday we celebrated my Grandpa's birthday, he turned 80 on New Year's Eve. It was a pizza and beer party complete with a champagne toast.

Dawson got to try on Grandpa's new hat. What to buy Grandpa?...a bottle of scotch seemed to be a good choice.

Mmm pizza, and there was even more in the kitchen. Party hats for our toast.

Happy 80th Grandpa!

We had a lot of fun celebrating with you!