We Are In Trouble

Keaton has recently found that her budding linguistic skills allow her many privileges.

• Friday she asked Amy for additional t.v. time.  When Amy told her no, she marched over to her kitchen and picked up her play phone.  She said, "No Amy.  I call Mommy and Daddy."  She then began a pretend phone call to the powers that be. 
• During breakfast at First Watch, Keaton told me, "No Mommy, Shhhhhh!"  I was caught between laughing and trying to ring her neck. 
• Later Saturday she told Larry, "No!  Daddy making me angry."

Please keep in mind she is not even 2 1/2 yet.  God help us.

New Years Eve

We rang in the New Year with one last trip to the Festival of Lights.  We did not get there nearly as much as I had hoped to this year.  The zoo really outdid themselves this year.  It was beautiful and we are looking forward to next year when Keaton will be a little older and able to stay up a bit later as well. 
This trip also served as Linda's first trip to see the Festival.  We sat eating snacks and watching the light show on the lake. 

Keaton with the "special whistle" she got at the zoo.

This is about as close as it is possible to get her to a character these days.  She is fascinated with them but does not want to get up too close. 

The Things Toddlers Say

Keaton has had a couple of really great quotes over the past few days:

• She woke up at 5 AM Sunday morning, when I tried to convince her to lay back down with me she said, "Sorry Mommy.  Keaton has no more sleeps."
• Yesterday we were eating breakfast and I noticed how long her bangs had finally gotten. I told her when they caught up with the rest of her hair she could grow her hair out like a big girl.  She told me she would also get big muscles and hair on her chest.
• Keaton told her cousin Ashton to say, "No Daddy" (by far one of her favorite phrases).  When Ashton asked why, she said, "Because it is funny."

Christmas Conversation

Finally. Here it is. Sorry. I have been having some problems getting a blog of this size to load.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Hot Stuff

Playing with the big kids on a Friday.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Beautiful Day

It was beautiful out this afternoon I took Keaton outside There was a cookie mysteriously sitting on the front porch. I asked Keaton where it came from. She looked at me and said, somewhat sarcastically, "probably inside." - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Merry Christmas!!!

We started off the week before Christmas with my family Christmas in Dayton.  Keaton had a fantastic time with all the kids and toys to play with.  She literally talked about it for days.  Here she is with the kids Kris Kringle.  It is so wonderful watching her enjoy these traditions that I remember from my childhood.

 Somehow, every year there is a picture of Perry modeling some type of clothing.  Here he is with his newest pair of pants. 

 As I post this, I realize that a week ago tonight was Christmas eve. I am not sure where the time has gone but I wish we could do it all over again.  This was by far the best Christmas I can remember. It was super low key as far as the work to prepare was concerned. I truly felt I had time to visit with family members and enjoy the day. 

 This will be my favorite picture of Keaton for a long time.  She was beside herself when she spied the tree and could not wait to get to it.

 Opening presents with a two year old was fun but took quite a while. She would open something and then play. We actually stopped half way through to eat breakfast.  We hung out all morning, played and opened gifts.  It could not have been better.

 Her new camera has been her favorite by far. It is an actual digital camera.  She hasn't really got the hang of taking pictures but she is happy enough to say cheese and click away.

 Here she is playing with her new train set with Dad.

 Pic one of everyone hanging out.

 And more hanging out.  .  .

 Keaton adores Maddie right now.  There was this really sweet moment on Christmas eve up in Maddie's room.  Maddie was laying on the floor and Keaton scooted as close to her as she could to look-holding her feet, hands, and body all in the exact same way and staring at Maddie with adoration.  I can remember Lindsay doing the same thing to me years and years ago.

 And the final hanging out pic right before Keaton went to sleep.  Notice Larry still in his pajama pants.  That is what makes a great Christmas.  Very little work, lots of family, and jammies all day long!