

p.s. if a picture could talk, this is what my house sounds like these days.


He is really working his way into being a big 2 year old. Lately he has been so hyper. It's funny to watch him because sometimes he has so much energy he just literally stands in the living room and spins in circles until he falls. There have been days lately where he has just been pushing my buttons to see where it gets him. Grrrrr! Being so big though, comes with its privelages. Luke's been working on getting his driver's permit.

Looking a lot like his daddy in this photo:




Not sure why I like this one so much. He just looks so hard at work with that Play-doh that I think its cute.

We've had some beautiful weather lately. The other day I sent all the boys outside to play so that I could mop the kitchen floor in peace. As I finished up I looked outside the window and saw this. I have no idea what was going on. Must be a boy thing. . .

Luke is talking up a storm these days. His list of words is nearing 25! He gets a new word every few days. He's getting very good at imitating words and sounds. Once he says a word spontaneously it goes on our word list. Our word today is "bear" after seeing bear on the Baby Einstein video. He doesn't have to many words for animals other than dog, but he has lots of animal sounds down. He can make sounds for cat, cow, duck, dog, lion, bear, dinosaur. His default sound is "grrrr" so any animal that might growl--Luke can imitate it. It's so exciting to hear him say real words. It feels like we've waited so long for this. He is also using sign language for "more", "thank-you," and "please." We helped throw a baby shower for one of our friends this past weekend. After cleaning up, Luke and Gene came to pick me up and Luke started showing off his sign language skills. The ladies were so impressed with him that Ashley fed him all her cake for politely using his signs for "more" and "thank-you." What a ladies man--talking a pregnant girl out of her cake!
Lastly, Uncle Mike came by to visit with us last week. Luke loves Uncle Mike. Here they are snuggling. Before he left, Luke talked Uncle Mike out of his hat. They had so much fun together. Luke was real impressed with Uncle Mikes big truck. He walked all around it, checking out the tires, all the toys in the bed. He got his little car out and parked it in between daddy's car and Uncle Mike's truck. He doesn't care much for mama's car. Whenever we are in a parking lot he is always trying to talk me into leaving in another car. He is constantly picking out big trucks and big SUV's. What a boy!

Oh, and the birthday part--Gene is now the big 32 yesterday, and today I am 29!






Let the festivities begin!!
This is Juli opening one of her favorite gifts. . . all our dead batteries! (Don't worry, we got her real gifts too!)

Hank enjoying his gift too. . .

Intermission:
Luke having breakfast--in the car.


And back to the gifts. Luke showing us the plate he made for his family at school. It was wrapped under the tree with a card and everything! We used it in the afternoon for our snacks. He is now sporting his new Curious George t-shirt over his PJ's, but still in the car!

Luke did come out of the car eventually. And when he did, he got to open this gift. . .

Elmo Live!! Elmo live is such a part of the family now that he has his own sleep spot--in the closet!

Even Grampa loved Elmo!

Cousin Alicia visited around lunch time. Oh no! Her ice cream slab got busted!

Grammy and Aunt Kim were there too!

It was a wonderful day! I think everyone had a good time. Gene busted out Elvis meets Nixon for everyone to watch, and we munched on tamales, sandwiches, dip, sweets, etc until I thought I was going to explode! Hope your Christmas was as fun as ours!


Grammy & Grampa's gift had a Christmas ornament attached to it. Luke refused to continue opening it until he got to put his ornament on the tree. It was kinda sweet. We have been working with Luke all month to leave the ornaments ON the tree and when they "accidentally" fall off he has to put them back on. He put this one on the tree all by himself.

Luke was sure to appreciate each gift. He had to stop and investigate each thing completely. Here he had to clear off half the table to make room for his new Curious George book. He is pointing to George on the cover.

Gift opening was fun. . . until this set in. The picture doesn't do it justice. There was kicking, screaming, arm flailing--the works. I just laughed and Grammy took him upstairs for his naptime.

After naptime, it was off to church where Luke enjoyed the songs and the pew pencils. He was very well behaved for the service. Following church, we headed back to our place to get ready for Gene's family to arrive.
Here is a cute PJ pic in front of the tree before bed.

It's funny, it looks like he can barely keep his eyes open, yet, this kiddo stayed up playing in his bed until close to 10 pm. Guess he knew Santa was on his way. . .

Prepare for a LONG Christmas day post. .. .