Playing Hopscotch

Learning to Stand Up

One week ago today Ethan learned to stand on his own! (I know, I know, I know. Mommy is behind AS USUAL.)

He can even stand up in the middle of the room, not just by pulling up on something and then letting go. He's so strong!

(Yesterday Ethan took his first two consecutive steps! Mommy's trying to get it on film...)

Yup, That's About How Things Go

This video is a perfect example of how our days usually unfold around here. Mommy trying to do something, Katie having a conversation with herself, and Ethan scurrying away right in the middle of it all. Hilariously chaotic. I love it.
BTW: I love that she's saying "What are my feet doin'?" She knows she not supposed to get in the shower, but her feet have a mind of their own.

Helpin' Out

What a good big sister. Every time we put Ethan in his highchair, Katie comes over and says, "We're feedin' Ethan?" Then she helps me pour chopped food or snacks for him. So cute.

Workin' on That Coordination

Ethan has been bust learning how to hold on and take steps. Every time he stands a little straighter and steps a little faster. I wonder how long till those special first (independent) steps.

Adventures in Bowling

[Also] while Grandma was in town, we went bowling. It was the first time for both Pumpkin Wumpkin and Little Buddy. Mommy helped Katie roll it down the lane...and also kept her from chasing it down the lane!

Ethan sat back and enjoyed some snacks.

Katie bowled 3 frames and then the popcorn arrived. That was it. She was all over that basket like white on rice. No more bowling for her.

Here's Ethan showing off his Toy Story shoes. (I know this picture isn't really relevant, but he looks so cute!)

We all had a great time!

Even though none of us are very skilled bowlers.

(Sorry no pictures of Mommy and Daddy.)

In case you're wondering who won... Mommy had a non-impressive, but steady lead made possible by the 'granny bowl,' but in the end everyone pretty much caught up and Daddy pulled out a win by TWO POINTS!"

Our Gingerbread House

The day after Christmas we finally got around to decorating our gingerbread house.

Ethan got to try his first candy cane.

He loved it!

But, he wasn't thrilled about being all sticky.

Meanwhile... Grandma, Katie, and Mommy started applying the frosting, M&M's, candy canes, and peppermint drops.

Well, Mommy and Grandma decorated. Katie scarfed the M&M's.

After awhile, she got the hang of it.

Daddy even helped out a little. (He sampled the goods.)

Ta da!

Beautiful, isn't it?

Those are chocolate trees on the side of the roof, in case you were wondering.)

Good job, Berrys!

Merry Christmas, 2010

It was a very special Christmas for Pumpkin Wumpkin and Little Chubber Man!

After a fun time on Christmas Eve, we woke up to find...

Santa came! We were all so excited. Especially Katie. (Maybe she was a little worried she hurt his feelings by not wanting to sit on his lap at the mall?)


He sure filled our stockings up!


We all had lots of fun discovering the treasures they held.


Katie and Ethan made some music with the instruments Santa brought for them. (The recorder is Katie's favorite.)


I think there's talk of forming a real band...


Ethan and Katie also loved the Mickey Mouse laptop Santa left for us.

After we played with Santa's gifts, it was time to unwrap the presents from each other! YAAAAAY! Ethan was very excited to pull apart the ribbons and bows and paper.


We all had fun watching Grandma unwrap her fancy new pots and pans.


...and Grandpa unwrapping his nice laptop. (Not a Mickey Mouse laptop, but Katie still approves.)


The kids pitched in and helped Mommy and Daddy open their gifts. Aren't they so helpful?


Ethan and Katie both received lots of great stuff. (Here's Ethan 1st ornament with his name on it.)


Here's Katie seeing if her new Minnie Mouse gear fits. (It does, and she loves it. Thanks, Auntie Jenny!)


We took some breaks to do a little reading.


Last, everyone pitched in to set up the vanity from Grandma and Grandpa.


Katie thinks the talking princess voice is so special and she loves the magic mirror. Every day she spends time "paying wiff my bantity." So cute. (Yes, she's commando in this pic. She had an accident and started to get upset about panties, so we thought, "What the hay...it's Christmas.")


After a morning of presents and a solid nap, we all got ready to go to Grandma's house for dinner.


We were all excited because so much family would be there. More than any other Christmas to date!


Katie wanted to bring all of her animals with her, as usual. Mommy and Daddy were able to get it down to just two. "Everyone" else stayed home to take a nap.


When we got there we chatted... (silly Auntie Laura!)


...took lots of pictures...


...played...


...ate a very yummy dinner, and exchanged more presents. Here's GG opening one. It's her 85th Christmas! (She'll probably be upset with Mommy for broadcasting that number, but we all think that's pretty cool.)


We were all so happy to have so much family to spend the holiday with.


It was a very special 1st Christmas for Ethan and us all!

Christmas Eve

Ethan enjoyed getting all dressed up for his first Christmas Eve!

Great Uncle John came over to spend the evening with us.
(That's him on the right there, trying not to be in the picture.)
It was so much fun hanging out with him. (Katie and Ethan have never met him before.) And...he brought presents!!!!!!

Ethan loved his gifts!

Katie loved to "borrow" them.

We all had a great time eating and chatting and playing with the gifts.

Uncle John's gifts were a real hit! (He did his homework and brought lots of Mickey Mouse stuff.)

Katie's favorite was a stuffed mickey mouse that has a giant head and regular sized body. We affectionately named him "Big Mickey." (He has joined "Little Mickey" and "Magic Mickey" as a must have on Katie's bed for naps and bedtimes.)

We had fun hanging with Grandma ...

and Grandpa...


and Auntie Jenny. (No pictures of her on Christmas Eve. She was the one behind the camera. In fact, we might not have anything to post if it weren't for her. Thanks, Auntie Jenny!)

And what's a super fun day without a nice, big fit to finish it off? (Katie really wanted more of Grandma's cookies.)