Almost christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Josh likes the Santa hat!


It's been a while, it seems that I'm getting worse and worse at remembering to blog--does anybody read this thing?

Here are some things that we've done recently that I've photographed.

First, we went up to Bumpa and Grammy's house to take a picture of Josh and Tobey playing in the Christmas trees. Of course it didn't work out that way exactly. We got there later than I'd hoped because of a later than planned nap, so we were losing natural light. Despite the conditions, I'm pleased with the result.

Josh and Bumpa playing with sticks.


Bumpa took a family shot. Tobey was on high alert because someone was there getting a tree and Dave was shooshing him and Josh was looking at him.


THIS is the kind of lighting I was hoping for...


One of the many shots of the back of Josh that I got.


One of the final contenders, however, we're not sporting enough tree.


The final one!



The next thing is quite amazing! Josh got to ride in a firetruck in the Festival of Lights parade in Rockland! It was the Saturday after Thanksgiving and it was COLD. We ended up walking a lot more than I was expecting and I did not dress Josh or myself appropriately. Oh well, we lived to tell about it. It was a great experience, and I think the Madre for setting it up! Josh was so amazingly good too, after the parade Santa was there, and Josh was so well behaved and held my hand and walked a bit. It was around his bedtime by then, and he had had a snack, but not dinner, and he was sooooo good. Love my boy!

Josh and Bumpa, walking around before the parade, looking for Grammy and the firetruck.


IN the firetruck during the parade.


Afterward, Josh saw Santa--first time of the season. He was a little scared-but no tears!

Josh is two!

I can't believe you're already two!

Almost two

Lots of catching up to do, as usual! I seem to be so bad about updating the blog.

First off, is Halloween! Josh had a blast with the pumpkin. For a while we had the pumpkin on the counter and we carved it on Halloween eve. I traced the face first and suggested the triangle eyes, then I asked him about the nose and he thought for a minute and told me "square"--so it's a square! Not sure I've even seen a pumpkin with a square nose... oh well!





The finished product:


The next event was Grammy Ri's birthday, November 1st. We had dinner/cake/presents at our house. Josh loved the ice cream and cake, plus he had fun getting ready for his birthday. Unfortunately, I did not take any pictures.

The next event is an unexpected one--it snowed! It's gone mostly now, but for a first snow so early in the season, I was surprised by the amount of snow.

It was November 6th


Josh was very excited to go out and "step in the snow", so right after breakfast, we got dressed and went out in the snow. Here's Josh in Mama's scarf. I told him to say "cheese" so I think he's trying to smile with that binky in his mouth.


Tasting the snow.


Tobey loves the first few storms!


Walking in the snow. Note the rain boots and lack of snowsuit and gloves! (I was not prepared for plowable snow on November 6th...)




Ta-da! Two days later, we have green grass! Gotta love Maine!


In the shady part of the lawn, Josh made a snowman with Daddy. He was very proud.


My cutie pie - 1 year, 364 days old.


Today, the day of his birthday party. He LOVED the balloons!


Isn't he adorable??

Playing in leaves

Yesterday Josh and I played outside for a while (in the COLD!!!) He was being particularly adorable (considering that most of the day he was grumpy...) so I ran inside and got the camera and got some adorable shots.




Being tickled in the leaves.






Taking a breather.



Posing for mama.



Playing in the sandbox:



I don't know why I like this one so much. He has a very serious look on his face.



Funny face when mama says "Don't eat dirt!"

The Fire Station

Friday night our town's fire department held an open house. Apparently they do every year during Fire Safety Week. We heard about it because Dave plays softball with 3/4 of the Fire Dept, heard that they were giving rides on a fire truck, games, etc... So we went and Josh had a blast!


"Driving" a fire truck.


More "driving". This is heaven to Josh!


As usual, he doesn't look at the camera all that much lately, but I thought this was a cute one. Every time the fire truck went by (they would give kids a couple trips around the parking lot) Josh would get all excited and screech "Fire Truck!"


All evening Josh was doing something funky with his tongue. Here's him in his fire hat, which he made me wear most of the evening.

Apple picking!

Yes, I am late with these... I only did one measly post in September! It's horrible, however Josh has not been cooperating with looking at the camera. And posts without pictures are not so much fun.

Anyhow - "Aunta B" visited a couple weekends ago and we went apple-picking in Jefferson. Here are some highlights of our adventure:



He looks like he's pooping, but he wasn't! I think he was overwhelmed... or this might have been when he spotted the tractor that would take us for a hay ride to the orchard.


Taking the hay ride to the orchard.


Seriously enjoying one of about six apples.


Momma, Josh, and Aunt B


Momma, Josh, and Daddy


The highlight of the day - DRIVING the old, broken down tractor.


In other news, we went to Greg and Mindy's wedding over the weekend. So happy for them--they are just adorable. Uncle Dan was the Best Man, and (drumroll please) CUT HIS HAIR!!!!! Wow, Greg and Mindy, he must REALLY like you, because he wouldn't cut his hair for the Bartlett/Perry wedding...

Studmuffin Uncle Dan



Family pic