Mall Crawl and Father-Son Bonding

Colton petting the gator at the mall.

Colton cruising in the mall strollers.

CHEESE-IT!

So Blaine decided that we should get these markers that work on glass surfaces for Colton [really, I think he was getting bored of me dragging him around Micheals and needless to say we got them], and the funny thing was when Blaine tried to assist Colt drawing on the glass and not every other surface in our house, Colton would melt down and scream and kick because he wanted to be a big boy and do it on his own. Not so much father-son BONDING time.

A Bushel and a Peck and a Hug Around the Neck

Dragging Your Feet

Colton was dragging his feet at the mall in Gainseville until he happened across this store. . .

The Cutest Gator I Know

Colton got new p.j.'s and pardon the favoritism from both parents, but he's pretty cute if you ask us. Granted, he wasn't too keen on having his picture taken but he's still #1 in our book.

The WORK of Children is PLAY

t

We went to Orlando this weekend and of course we dropped by Disneyworld for Colt to have some fun. The rides and the shows were blah to him, but the little slide in Pooh's Corner was top notch in his book--isn't that how it goes? He must have gone up and down those stairs 20 times, but hey it wore him out and made him happy.

Rinse and Repeat

we have hit the 'do it myself' phase with Colt and so lots of BATHS and LAUNDRY happen at our house. he is our little entertainer and moments like this remind me that childhood lasts a very short time--might as well enjoy it.

Don't Worry. . .I Didn't Die

I have been on a blogging hiatus enjoying Christmas break and it was the busiest one yet. Here are a few of the highlights:

After being exposed to FREEZING cold Washington weather relative to our balmy 75 degree Florida weather we started the vacation off with a bang by attending my brother-in-law Dallin's wedding in Pasco to his wonderful wife Ashley Henry--congrats you two! Don't they look great together?!

After a short weekend the happy couple rejoined us in Seattle for a night out at the Fifth Avenue Theatre watching Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Thanks Valerie for not giving up on the guys--it was SO worth it! Here are some pics from that which apparently are valuable since you are NOT allowed to take pictures inside--one strike on Hillary's naughty list for Santa. . .

Janelle and me

Bryce and Devin

Valerie and Jeff

Derek, Bradley and Dallas

The next event was the annual Calaway Christmas Party in Mattawa and this year I will say was my favorite so far. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Calaway for this tradition and we enjoyed the opportunity to see everybody.
The three B Brothers Bryce, Blaine and Bradley--thanks for the nice shirt Grandma!

Colton enjoying himself before opening presents.

Colton and his new pal buddy getting acquainted.

From here we scrambled last minute preparations for Christmas and what a day it was. The younger kids somehow held off until 6:30 a.m. to see what Santa had brought (typically it's 3 or 4 a.m.), and we all enjoyed 'swimming' in the beautiful gifts Santa gave. It was only made better this year by the fact that Blaine and I had Colton to enjoy Santa with--kids make Christmas magical. . .

One of the favorite traditions in the Calaway family started a few years back when Santa brought the kids an Erector set that they played with all Christmas day--by the time they were ready to open gifts from one another it was after 9:00 and so it drew the magic of giving and receiving gifts out all day. The tradition has remained over the years so that the evening of Christmas day is reserved for opening gifts together and it is the best way to finish off the day.
Close your eyes honey--it's that good. . .

Sorry Bradley--I had too. I think your shirt is on backwards!

The WebKinz of the Month--HOORAY!!!!!

We missed our family in Idaho so much. These pics of Colt are especially for you Grandma Furness-we know you missed your grandbaby and he missed you all too! (side note to my younger bro Jordan whose wedding I wasn't able to make it too--I love you and I wish so badly we could have been there. Jordan literally married the girl next door this Christmas and we love her to pieces--welcome to the family and we can't wait to see you both!)

Janelle is wishing the day wouldn't end! We all felt the same way.