Tiny Dancer

He's got some moves for a one year old (LOL). We especially enjoyed the "piano playing arms", the "wings", and the stomping- while shaking head to the beat (seen in last clip). Watch out dance floors across America, this is only a sneak preview of what lies ahead..........

Who knew that Ben Fold's music was so "dance-able", and appealing to a baby????

Getting Ready for Thanksgiving

Brayden has been a big help with getting ready for Thanksgiving this morning. First, he made place cards for everyone coming to dinner, and put them out as he helped set the table. Then we gave him a "task" to occupy his time, and make him feel like he was a part of all of the preparation that has been taking place. He got to make dessert; turkey cookies. How cute are these??

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Yay

I haven't said much (actually, pretty much nothing) about the fact that I have been going through the interview process for a new job; teaching at the area junior college. Around here, we always joke about the "Atkisson luck", and I figured I was better off to not say anything, as it would probably just fall through anyway.


After the interview last Friday, I was feeling rather confident that things were moving in a positive direction, but still tried to keep it on the "down low". Today, my friend, "T", who happens to be a professor in the same department, called me and asked if I had heard anything back yet. I said, "no, not yet". She very excitedly said "Well, check this out", and had me go HERE.


Now, nothing is set in stone yet, and things can always change based on registration and if sections get closed out, etc. But, for the time being I am so excited. I have waited a long time for the right thing to come along- a job that would allow me to use my background and experience, and start down a career path again. This couldn't be a more perfect situation; I am getting my foot in the door, gaining experience and professional fulfillment, while still being able to primarily be home with the kids.


Keeping my fingers crossed that this is just a sneak preview to good things in store in 2009.

The Boys @ 16 Months

It has been quite some time since I have done a side by side picture of the boys at the same age. Here they are (and both eating- no big surprise if you have ever met our kids) at 16 months:

Rhylan

Brayden

Little Man???

Brayden was offered a "prize" for cleaning up after himself at a local business today, and of all things, he chose a fake mustache. (That's our kid - as strange as he may sometimes be!) He has been wearing his new facial hair, with pride, all day. He even asked to take the van out for a drive. When I asked him what would happen if he got caught by the police, his response was: "I will just tell him that I am not really a kid, just a midget- kids don't have mustaches."

Clever story, and nice try Brayden, but somehow, I don't think it is quite that convincing of a get up..........

Makin' (more of) A Mess

Brayden has been begging to go back to the Fun Center that we went to on a field trip a while back. Yesterday, he got his chance! What better day to spend a cold day than with a friend, and Making a Mess and playing hard all day?

Mr. Rhylan showing his artistic side

The Boys being all BOY

Thank you to "K", and his Mommy "C" for a fun day. We can't wait to do it again soon.

Meeting Emily

My new little niece Emily, born last week. Welcome to the family, little princess- We love you.

First Haircut

My baby boy is growing up way too quickly!!!!

I have been resisting for a while now, despite how many times I have heard "He needs a haircut", but the time had come. I didn't want to do it- they never look like as much of a baby after that first haircut, and I don't want to admit I don't have a baby anymore. However, if I didn't keep them swept away from his face, Rhylan's bangs were down to his nose. And in the back, when his little ringlet curls had been slept on for one too many naps, they straightened out and hung to his shoulders- great, if you are into mullet babies, I suppose.

He was a bit apprehensive at first, but did great. The feeding fruit snacks trick, that we started using with Brayden, worked wonders yet again:

All done, and looking so handsome (and big boy)

Up Up And Away

We had another wonderful "field trip" with our Mom's Group yesterday- to the airport. We got to see the field, touch and go into planes, and even the on site fire station. It was a 5 year old boy's version of heaven on Earth for an hour or so.

A view of the hangar we got to tour:

Here we are inside a private charter plane (this plan can go about 550 miles per hour. The tour guide said we could make it down to Disney World in about an hour and a half, have lunch with Mickey, and be home in time for dinner. I think Brayden was ready to sign up for that part of the tour!!!):

Rhylan seemed rather intrigued with propeller on this one:

I had never given it much thought before, but airports have their own fire departments. We got to tour this as well. The trucks look different than regular fire trucks- they are a lime green/yellow color, not red. This is because they are more easily seen on the airfield when they are this color. They are also equipped differently, and are able to be manned by only one fireman to use a "gun" to extinguish a fire.

Fireman Brayden:

Thank you so much K for organizing this, what a wonderful idea for a trip !!!

Halloween is OVER

After a week long celebration, for a one day holiday, tonight was our final Halloween festivity. Some friends of ours hosted a kid friendly Halloween party. The kids had a great time, and the food was wonderful (thank's P family).

Just a couple of pictures of a some of the yummy desserts:

On to Thanksgiving.............................

Halloween Part 6

We had unseasonably beautiful weather for this time of year- as in still over 65 degrees during evening trick or treating hours. Brayden decided that he would like to hit the neighborhood for a bit of door to door trick or treating, after finishing at the church event. I obliged, and with Rhylan in the stroller, we went to about 4 or 5 blocks in our subdivison. He pooped out before the official hours for trick or treating..... I can't imagine why- especially with no nap because of all the excitement over Halloween.

Halloween Part 5

To begin the OFFICIAL Halloween evening, we went to a local church that sponsored a Family Fun night. They had tons of inflatables, games, and food. It was a really fun time, and a great traditional trick or treating alternative.

Halloween Part 4

Brayden and his friend C walking through the halls of a local nursing home during the annual Trick or Treating parade that I organize. This is a heartwarming event that we do every year- the joy that the children bring the residents in the facility is absolutely priceless.