How to Spell Success

Seth loves to eat at Gramma's.

Most babies learn sign language with their hands.

Seth demonstrates "More" with his feet.

We rarely see him sign "All done."

The saddest words to Seth are,

"It's all gone."

Nolan is doing really well with his potty training.

He comes and goes in the same underwear, now.

He gets an M&M or a chocalate covered craisin or blueberry from Gramma,

if he tells her he wants to use the potty.

Grampa is slightly horrified, but Gramma knows you can spell success;

M&M.

An important part of Seth's day is to check in with the boy in the mirror.

The boy in the mirror is so friendly.

Seth loves the boy in the mirror.

They have a lot in common.

Grampa reads a book to Nolan.

Seth reads a book to Grampa.

Nolan has his jammies on and is ready for a "shoot out."

Of course, he will only be pointing at a target.

It never shoots back.

Gone are the days of cap guns and cops and robbers.

We now have superheroes and Star Wars.

News from the California Gentlemen

Nathan and Andrew follow in Daddy's footsteps.

On their way to a black belt?

Nathan gives the piano a kiss and a hug.

He also tickles the ivories.

Nathan (our Spiderman) demonstrates his skills.

Andrew (our Batman) demonstrates his skills, too.

I need to spend more time at the playground.

It's way more fun to exercise there.

Brotherly Fun

Nolan, wearing his favorite jersey #55 (two 5s), 

is working on screwing and nailing.

Seth is working on swinging.

Seth is trying to get a height advantage for his slam dunk.

Nolan was sitting on the floor hiding under the laundry basket.

By the time Grampa called and told me to bring the camera,

Nolan was on the move.

Snow returns to Chicago and it's so beautiful.

I wanted to take Nolan outside to ride in his sled, 

but he preferred his tricycle.

I got him to make one circle with the sled,

and he asked again for his tricycle.

Since the snow was really deep and my boots were already full of snow,

I thought the tricycle might be a good idea after all.

We were almost back home when Nolan said 

he wanted to walk the rest of the way.

I told him to walk right next to me.

We went a little further and the handlebars fell off of the bike.

I picked them up and gave them to Nolan to carry home.

A few more feet and the front tire fell off, too.

The neighbor saw us and offered to put the bike back together.

I explained Nolan and Grampa would love the repair project.

A few more doo-hickeys fell off on our way, 

so we continued to pick them up and carry them home.

The sunset is early in winter,

so Nolan and I could enjoy it.

This is Grampa's drawer.

He has the best "stuff" in it.

I wonder what he does with it.

I am pretty sure this is the way to the "man cave."

Nolan gets points for the pin.

Seth warns him, "Just wait.  I won't always be so little."

Nolan is on strict orders not to shoot people.

Targets are acceptable.

Gramma hasn't taught him to shoot with a bow and arrow, yet.

We told Nolan, Mary and Ray were coming for dinner.

He was excited and wanted to see their dog.

Nibbler was a very polite guest.

Nolan offered Nibbler a treat.

News from the California Gentlemen

This is Gentlemen's week in California. 

 Mommy went to a veterinary conference in San Francisco.

You have to be careful what you attract in California.

By the time you get to the bottom, 

your tummy will be dizzy.

Nathan is always ready to take the plunge.

When you can do that, the universe aligns for you.

Andrew is always the first to talk to the animals.

Meet our Dr. Doolittle.

The gentlemen like all the twists and turns life has to offer.