What is it with boys and the bathroom?

This is a whole new type of baby proofing for me. Avery was never interested in the bathroom. Dane is in there any chance he can get; unrolling the toilet paper, flushing the toilet, and/or opening and slamming shut the toilet lid! Luckily he hasn't tried sticking anything in the toilet. Was Avery just an odd toddler to not be interested?

Ohhhh, now how can I be upset at this!

An Update........FINALLY!

So, I doubt if anyone is even checking this blog anymore since the last entry was made, what, 9 months ago. Sorry I have been so lousy at getting some updates sent out. Here are some highlights of what we have been up to.

Dane is 1!

My sweet little baby turned one this month. The morning of his birthday we went swimming at the pool and then that afternoon drove up to the Denver aquarium. Since the kids fell asleep on the way home from seeing the fish, Dane opened up birthday gifts the next morning, and then we had his birthday cake and icecream with good friends that weekend! We got to celebrate his big day throughout the whole week.

Devouring the birthday cake

The cake

Some of Dane's favorites:

• Balls
• Being outside
• Watching for airplanes
• His passie
• His bottle
• Playing with whatever big sister is playing with
• Unrolling toilet paper rolls
• Being in the bath tub

Favorite Foods

• Vanilla Yogurt
• Crackers, Cheerios, anything he can crunch
• Peaches
• Noodles

Words he says

• ma ma
• da da
• uh oh

Some of mom's favorites

• I love his hugs
• I love how he points his index finger to show us something and says "Ooooh"
• I love how he giggles when he sees his bottle

Dane has been the sweetest little baby. His grin can put a smile on anyone's face and that giggle, well, I just can't get enough of it. His mischievous side is starting to show, this little boy is into everything now! Happy Birthday Dane.

Trips to Visit Family

The kids and I made a trip to Idaho in June to visit the Geisler family and then we all headed out to Utah in July to visit the Dial side. We had the best time visiting, playing games, swimming, feeding the horses, and just hanging out. It was especially hard for Avery to leave each place this time. She had a blast playing with all of her cousins and seeing Grandma's, Grandpa's and the Aunts and Uncles. It's tough being so far away, so come and visit us soon!

Playing with the cousins at the pool

Dane loves to be in the pool and splashes like this the whole time

Avery has been in love with horses for almost a year now. She was in heaven when she got to feed and ride the horses that are down the street from my parent's home

The House

Almost exactly a year ago, our builders started digging the hole for our house. We spent countless hours picking out flooring, light fixtures, paint colors, door handles, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, counter tops, etc. They finished up in about 8 month and we were able to move in the middle of April. After living in a 2 bedroom apartment for nearly 7 years, we are loving having a place of our own! This summer we have especially loved having a backyard, planting flowers, and taking care of the yard. Now we are just trying to get all of our boxes completely unpacked and settled in!

Good Times

This post is long overdue, but I couldn't help posting pictures of our little guy in his blessing suit. We blessed Dane the end of September in Utah. All of my family came down from Idaho and all of Dustin's were there to participate in the blessing and to meet Dane. Thanks to our family and friends for your support! It was a quick weekend, but it was so great to see everyone. Avery especially had a blast playing with all of her cousins, aunts, uncles, and both grandparents. I think that she wore both Grandpa's out! She never gave them a break. They were either jumping on the the tramp or pushing her on the swing.

My mom made Dane's blessing suit. I thought he looked so handsome in it.

Avery has been such a great big sister! She loves to sing to Dane, help get diapers, and is always getting a toy for him to play with. It is so much fun to see them interact with eachother. Dane gets the biggest smile on his face when Avery talks and plays with him. It's these little moments that help me get through the tough days!

HALLOWEEN

Minnie Mouse

Cute little monkey

This year for Halloween we were in St. George with the Geisler family. We had a great time going to the Sand Dunes, golfing, shopping at the outlets, hiking at Zion National Park, and of course trick or treating.

Sweet Boy

Happy Birthday!

Our sweet little Avery turned 3 a few weeks ago. This year she wanted a lady bug birthday cake. I couldn't quite figure out how to make black frosting, so we settled for a pink and brown lady bug! She had a birthday party at a nearby park with a few friends where we had pizza, cake and ice cream, and went on a bug hunt (the kids captured little plastic bugs that Dustin hid in the grass).

The following weekend we were in Utah, so we were able to celebrate her birthday with both of our families.

Some of Avery's favorites from this year:

Playing tickle tackle with Dad

Having parties with her stuffed animals

Playing with her cars

Talking to Grandmas and Grandpas on the webcam

Jumping on the trampoline

Nola bars (granola bars)

Being a big sister

Dum Dums

Preschool

Listening to "her" music in the car

Dates from the granola cereal

Playing catch

Reading Curious George

Happy Birthday Sweetie! We love you!

Meet Dane Dustin Dial

Dane joined our family on August 10th. He came one week early by c-section and was 6 lbs 3 oz and 19 inches long. It has been so much fun cuddling with a little newborn again!

Avery is taking the role of big sister very seriously! She has done a great job and loves to help take care of baby brother.