Caleb's first day of nursery

This is random in the summer catch-up blogs but this was Caleb's first day of nursery. I had to put in the cute picture!

Manassa Colorado

We chose to head back down to Manassa Colorado this year for the annual pioneer day celebration. The Haynie's were pioneers that settled in the area and it is fun to go see the history and hear the stories. Joe's grandpa and grandma Haynie grew up there as well and his dad spent summers there so there are a lot of memories. We took the kids to the rodeo (which isn't close to pbr or the stock show we go to every year) but it was a lot of fun. My children are obessed with horses, cowgirls and cowboys so its always a great time.

They let all the kids run out and chase calfs that have money tied to their tails. Madison was super excited to go out there until we got to the gate then she didn't want to go until all the fun started and she was over the fence to fast and went chasing the cows!

Running after the cows

in the middle of the pen and the games are over... Now what do I do mom??

Here she is proclaiming hey mom I was a real cow girl!

My cute little cowgirl!

 

Cheering on the bulls

Caleb enjoyed himself as well. He was really interested

Yep they are brother and sister! After  long day of driving and rodeos there is nothing better than milk and a movie!

Caleb was upset he didn't have a hat so we got him his first cowboy hat while we were there. There they are at the parade.

Watching the floats not quite sure what was going on...

As I said there were a lot of firsts for caleb.

First walking

first rodeo

first cowboy hay

and first parade.

 

Alligators

On our way to Manassa this year (more on that trip later) We stopped at the good 'ol Colorado Alligator farm! Let me tell you it was a fun stop but we probably won't be seeing these guys again... and it was smelly! But the kids had a good time looking and touching the alligators.

Giant turtle that Caleb wouldn't go near.

Yes he was afraid of a turtle but not the Alligator with all the teeth....

Ash joined us and was able to hold her first (and probably only) alligator!

Group Pic. At this point Madison was still greatly afraid of the alligators and would not touch them. She was nervous just being next to them.

It's not a shark but I guess its cool!

Yep she's still afraid, here she was worried it was going to eat Caleb

Ok... I guess if grandpa and grandma Haynie say its ok, then I will pet it

it got a little boring by this point so grandma brought out the i phone. What would we do with out Iphones!

Not so sure about all these alligators that were snapping...

feeding the alligators

This was Calebs first walking trip. My goal was to have him walking by Manassa so I didn't have to carry him everywhere. Well we made it (with one day to spare) He was still a new walker but was having a great time trying.

I told Madi that I was going to take this sign and put it up in her room. We also told her that the sign said "No Whining or you will be eaten by an alligator." It worked for this trip but about 2 weeks later she began to really read and we can't make stuff up anymore.

Feeding the gators

Bye Gator farm!

Coldstone Tour

We took Madi's preschool group on a tour of the coldstone icecream store on day this summer. It was so much fun to see how they made the ice cream and have fun with her friends!

Camping!!

Ok so we really aren't camping but our house sure smelled like we were. Part of the backyard renovation uncluded a firepit. We love getting together and sitting around hanging out. We are looking forward to when it is cooler and we can enjoy the warmth of the fire!

Finishing his grilled pizza dinner! (a favorite in our house)

Caleb hit the halfway point!

August 22nd marked the halfway point of Caleb's first year and it brings much excitement!! First he FINALLY gets to go to nursery, unfortunently I was called to be the nursery leader about a month before this so I don't get to leave him and go to my own classes but oh well i guess! Also he has become officially a walker, climber, runner, etc.. He is doing so well with his walking and such that just by looking at him you would have no idea that he had any issues at all. At his appointment he was 32 in long and 26 lbs. He was also fully caught up with his development a week later he graduated from weekly physical therapy and from his OT appoinments. No one wants to see him until he is 2 and that is TOTALLY fine by me! I am so happy and proud of all the progress his has made in the past few months. While he doesn't have as many words as Madison did he has about 4 more signs and knows how to let you know what he wants. He does talk a lot and is currently learning the ABC's, so far we know up to D, XYZ, and OP. He is crazy about horses and cows and will play with anything that is round (he calls them all balls) and is known to throw apples and oranges through the kitchen. There is always a smile on his face and usually a giggle as he runs away. He loves his sissy and loves to play with her all the time.

Madi the monkey

I love this girl! I can't believe how big she is getting. Lately we have had a lot of fun doing mommy madi things like shopping and cooking. She is very thoughtful and a wonderful big sister. She has also become mommys little helping with her favorite chore being laundry.

The laundry according to Madi:
The laundry the goes to "the amusement park". The first ride is the catapult down the mountain (stairs) then a train ride to the water. Frist she has to find a train (usually what ever box or chair is available.) and then it takes a ride through the waterfall to get clean.

She loves horses and will take any chance to "ride" her horse at the local king soopers and be a rodeo princess. She is also currently planning her 4th birthday party (which is 6 months away still) where we will have a rodeo stockshow. She has passed this love to her brother and they can be found playing jesse and woody from toystory or cowgirl and cowboy on a regular basis.

A few of our latest conversations:

Mom when I grow up I want to be a zoo keeper!

A zoo keeper?

Yes because all the animals will love that I give them treats!

Mom Can I have cookies and ice cream?

No Madi you just had breakfast

please I will be good!

No

(a few min. later)

Madi please watch your brother while I take a shower.

No I don't think so...

Madison please I just want to take a shower.

Well mom I JUST wanted cookies and ice cream....(turns and walks away hands on hips)

(While Joe and I are cleaning the garage, Madi decided that she wanted to "help")

her idea of helping:

"Come on guys you can do it"

"we need to get this garage cleaned faster!, Faster faster!! (clapping hands)

"Wow this looks so great you guys are doing a great job!"

(I guess every saturday cleaning project needs a cheerleader right!)