Christmas Came a Little Early

Christmas came a little early, with Grandma & Grandpa's visit last week.

We decorated our tree:

Isaac got to unwrap a few gifts from Grandma & Grandpa:

He was very careful about unwrapping the paper...

Trying out his new gifts:  

Trampoline!

Skis!

well... "training skis"

Easel!

We enjoyed many good meals at home, and out in Park City... Including an extravagant Sunday brunch at the Stein Erikson Lodge in Deer Valley (a mountain resort area just a few minutes from Park City).

Enjoying the snowy views at brunch

Enjoying the Holiday Decor at the Lodge

Isaac with his Grandparents

"Hold on Grandpa, I just need to check facebook real quick"

20 Months

Life's a little hectic right now. But I wanted to pause and reflect on Isaac at 20 months:

He makes us laugh when:

• He pats us on the back during a hug
• He reminds us to put everything away, in the proper place
• He toots really loud and does the "stinky" wave
• He eats like a 20 year-old instead of a 20 month-old.  Last Saturday he ate 3/4 a box of mac n cheese, 1.5 hot dogs, 3 tangerines and 30 gold fish... for ONE of his 6 meals per day. Oi!
• He mimics a monkey or the dog, or any animal for that matter

He makes us proud when:

• His teacher at daycare says he's a very smart guy, and "really puts things together quickly"  
• He communicates concepts like the pills are for the doggy's ouchie, or that grandma and grandpa are coming to visit on an airplane (without our prompting).  Sometimes what he understands blows us away
• He wants to color 24/7 (and he seems to know all of his colors... they are all named "blue")

Things that have been hard:

• Weaning:  Isaac is officially weaned! I'm proud to say that I breastfed Isaac nearly 20 months. We slowly tapered off, but cutting it off totally wasn't easy (for either of us).  But it was time.  It's now been almost 2 weeks since the milk factory has been closed and we seem to be adjusting 
• Dinner time: After many months of eating successfully in his high chair, he now wants to eat only on Mommy's lap (most likely because of bullet above)
• Discipline: The terrible two's may have officially begun. We're still figuring out the best approach.

Things that have been easy:

• Bedtime:  For the most part, he says "night night" and goes right to sleep
• Daycare:  He loves it there!
• Social Time:  Isaac is a complete joy around other people, and seems to genuinely enjoy being around family and friends. Speaking of which, he won't shut up about grandma and grandpa M visiting tomorrow.

Aspens at Canyons Resort

These are photos I snapped last weekend, at Canyons Resort.  Isaac's not quite ready for the slopes yet...  but he's in training:

Sledding Part 3

He was a little scared after his last adventure sledding (and face-planting).  But, he held on tight to me our first time down and I could here him laughing, so I knew we were good again.  This video was our 3rd time down, and we ended up going about 10 times before we called it a day.  Back in the saddle again!

Elmo's got the Moves

For the most part, we've stuck to the "no screen time before 2 years old" guidelines.  Really, the only exception so far has been sports.  But Isaac was sick and a little grumpy this weekend, I needed a little downtime and Isaac hearts Elmo, so I found this video to watch with him... And oh boy does he love it!  We've probably watched it 20 times now, and he keeps asking for "Elmo" and "Kaa Kaa" (big bird). 

Warning! This song is charming and addictive.
Do you have the moves?

Let the snow season begin

Our first day of the 2011-2012 snowboard season at Canyons Resort (where we have season passes).

On the gondola (up to the main lodge). This was Isaac's favorite part.  He was a trooper today, despite a nasty cold.

On the chairlift with friends Angela & Austin (Eric & I took turns with Isaac in the lodge)

Only the beginnings of solid snow coverings, but a great blue bird day.

Oh, and this is all 5 minutes from our house!  It's gonna be a fun winter!

Gobble Gobble

Happy Thanksgiving!  

We celebrated with a standard fare:

Menu:

Turkey with Allagash Tripel Tangerine Brine for Turkey & gravy
Martha Stewart's Savory Bread Pudding (From the Dec. 2011 issue)
Scalloped potato gratin
Franziskaner beer

While I was busy chasing Isaac around, Eric was the super-star in the kitchen this year.  And, per usual, preparing this feast was an all-day affair. We filled in the time with a lot of play, and a quick trip to the park for some sledding.

Coloring is a big-hit this week

More sledding! (this was before his wipeout)

A quick post-turkey nap.  He's had a nasty cold and was a sleepy guy... 

Post-dinner visit with the Spicers (Michelle & Andy)

Dadda

This year, I am especially thankful for:

• An incredible husband and son; both of whom make me laugh, and amaze me, every day
• Skype: so we can still feel close to family and friends who are hundreds of miles away
• The new friends we're making in Park City, and that we're starting to feel at home here.
• Fulfilling jobs; that everything has worked out so well during this time of big transition!

What was on your menu this year?

What are you thankful for this holiday season?

Sledding Part 2: Wipeout

Too soon for a solo ride?

Perhaps....

Sledding

Isaac's first sled ride:

We didn't capture his huge grin and request for more on camera.  But he was pretty bummed when we had to leave (after a dozen times up and down the hill).

Eric's Movember Look

More cold and snow in the forecast, which means snowboarding might be in our Thanksgiving weekend plans!?

brrrrr

Just Gotta Laugh!

What a fun age! Despite the occasional temper tantrum and a strong sense of opinion, I am really enjoying this age of discovery and cognitive explosion, and watching Isaac's personality emerge.

He is mimicking everything: Words, songs/hand motions and even facial expressions, as demonstrated here:

(a self portrait)

Did I mention a strong opinion? Lately it's been around clothes (and in this case, lack of clothes):

But when he does put together an outfit, he kind of kills it.  Isaac would love to tell you that here he's a "duck" in "dadda's shoes".  He walked around like this for a good 10 minutes-- which is a long time in toddler-land!

And last but certainly not least, we have snow in Park City! It's probably here to stay for the winter. Eventually (we hope), Isaac will learn that gloves are a good thing, but at least he kept his coat and hat on for some fun in the snow at the dog park: