Christmas with the Johnsons

We spent the past six days in Ephrata with the Johnson crew and had a lovely time!

Mitch was rarely still, but he did take a break to admire the falling snow.

He and Haylee bundled up and went outside with Jack to build snowmen.

Here's the crew out for a snowy stroll.

Despite the scowly face, he loved the sled and got antsy if we stopped.

We went to the Christmas Eve service sporting a new sweater from Great Grama Allstot. Note also the festive red and green bruising on his forehead. Poor guy should wear a helmet!

Christmas Eve revelers.

Post-fondue near coma. Thank goodness for elastic!


The patriarch.

Christmas morning gift mayhem was almost too much! We were showered with generosity and the kiddos were overloaded with stimuli.

Jack was elated with his Star Wars legos.

A rare moment of camaraderie. These two are ultra-competitive and Mitch got schooled by little Miss Haylee more than once. Soon enough brute force will be part of his arsenal, but for now he'll have to keep running!

Haircut

Mitch got his haircut again. This time my mom and I took him in to get his curly locks shorn. The good news is that he is not Sampson. The bad news is that I really miss the curls. However, they will grow again (hopefully!) and he's still cute.

Non-Stop

At 16 months, Mitchell's speed is overdrive.

He's always on the go at top speed.

Climbing is a new pastime: chairs, tabletops, cribs, you name it.

The best part is that if he can't get to his desired height, he'll move a chair over and then climb. There is no stopping him!

As the number of clothes decrease, his speed increases exponentially.

Mastering the art of spoons. Eat it or wear it is his mantra.

The pace has finally caught up with him. Rosy cheeks, wild hair and visions of sugar plums, no doubt.

Giving Thanks

We were fortunate to see lots of family and friends over the holiday week, spreading out our Thanksgivings over several occasions. We are blessed by a happy, healthy son and wonderful families and friends. Hope your holiday was special!

Harry Potter!

That's right! I'm going to the midnight showing. Last time Harry came out, I was uber pregnant and went to that one, too.

In another 10 years, maybe Mitch will share my love of all things Potter . . .

Fun at the Farm

On Friday and Saturday, Bryan was in Astoria for football and I was taking a test for my masters. So, we needed childcare and the Johnson grandparents were happy to oblige. Mitch had a great time with them and especially loved being outdoors. He slept really well and seems to have behaved himself, so I think he'll get invited back!

He rode the mower with Grandpa Johnson for hours!

A big help with the Stihl. I mean, his mittens even match!

There's so much room to roam and he loved walking all over.

None of the play would have been possible without a snuggle nap with Grandma Johnson.

Grama and Grampa Allstot came over to visit and Mitch put on a show. He was thrilled to have four grandparents all to himself. Who wouldn't love the attention!?

Bibliophile

After Mitch's bath and pjs, I was tidying his room pre-bed. When I came out, he was on the couch reading his favorite books!

He's such a book worm!

15 Months

Mitchell spent much of the day with his Grandparents Allstot.

They are the epitome of doting!

An Autumn Afternoon

We're enjoying a beautiful autumn with lots of walks and playing at the park.

Happy Halloween!

Mitch helped us answer the door tonight in his cute bear costume. He liked wearing it, actually, and even kept the hat on as long as we didn't fasten it.

Fascinated as ever by electronics, the bear stretched his stripy legs.


You want me to wear this? You've got to be kidding!

Mitch's buddy, Quinn, came over dressed as a cow. Quinn could say "trick or treat" (at least a close version) and was delighted to be collecting candy! Here Quinn had just taken off Mitch's hat in the process of inspecting the new duds.

After one group of ghouls left, our bear escaped out of doors in hot pursuit!

Fall Colors

Out for a walk with Dad, Mitch stopped at Yucky Park.

My childhood Yucky Park was full of goose poop. His is full of vulgar graffiti. Still, a very cute kid!

Snuggled up and still chilly!

Cousin Chaos

The LaVines and Johnsons came down this weekend for a nice visit. Mitch and his cousins, Jack and Haylee, had a good time romping around together. They are a very busy trio!

Here they try a jail break from the backyard.

Aunt Rachel helped them dig in the mud and devour grapes.

The little ones contemplate escape.

A very full bathtub! Mitch was SO tired!
He's going through withdrawals already - refusing to sleep and crying, crying, crying . . .

Sleeping Beauties

A Visit from the Greats

Mitchell's great grandparents Pobst came down for an afternoon visit. They read books together, went for a walk, danced, ate grapes, and generally enjoyed each other.

What a lucky little boy!

Here are some scampy baby blues.

Grape Crush

Mitch is a huge fan of the grapes in our backyard!

He has now discovered he can reach some clusters and has a feast each time he goes outside.

Homecoming Week

So, we survived Homecoming Week. Sadly, our team was not victorious. However, we still enjoyed the dressing up.

Monday was Nerd Day. Bryan came as a cougar!

Tuesday was College Day.

Wednesday we did pink for our breast cancer awareness. I went to walmart dressed like that. It's not everyday you get to wear underwear to work . . . at least on the outside of your clothes!

And here's a co-worker coming as a white Mr. T from the A Team.