Down Time & Anson's New Words

I'm not sure how we had down time as a family, but one night Claire got her play camera and had us pretend like we were using the self timer.  We had so much fun we decided to get our real camera out and let her push the timer button.   Just in case you thought we were always serious take a peek.

In other news, Anson's working on two new words:  "Amen" and "Diaper".  It might seem like a funny combination but it made me realize we say both of those words consistently and about the same amount of times per day.  So, son, well done on picking those up!

Father's Day 2011

We he'd a really nice Father's Day. Well, at least I did and I hope it was great for Blake, too. The day started off like this:

And with a card with this message from the kids (as dictated by Claire):

To Daddy,

Thank you for reading stories, big hugs, tickles, snuggles, big kisses (mmmoo-wah!), going to the park & library, smelling flowers, playing & jumping high, singing songs, playing dress-up, and playing ball. We love you very much!

Love,
Claire & Anson


We hope all you fathers out there had a happy Father's Day, too!

Anson's First Birthday!

We had a fun first birthday party for Anson.  Yakitori (marinated Japanese chicken kabobs) on the BBQ, potluck sides, creamsicle cupcakes, and a pinata decisively not filled with candy (we filled it with organic fruit snacks, 100% fruit roll-ups, crayons, and mini bubbles).

Happy 1st Birthday, Anson!

Here are some pictures of Anson at 1 year.

Our washing machine gives rides during the spin cycle.  The knobs are fairly kid-safe and Anson loves buttons!  He gets to play while I'm doing laundry.

Anson loves music.  He'll conduct music or dance or clap (almost in rhythm) when he hears it.  If the guitar is out he's all over it.  If he's at the piano with you his hands are the only ones allowed on the keys.  We bought him a little toddler electric piano for his birthday

Pre-hair cut.  His hair was in his eyes and he had knappy hair after every nap in the back.

And, of course, didn't hold still....  I make no attempts to consider myself skilled in the hair cut area.

Baths are pretty much his favorite thing to do.  If you say or sign "bath" he'll drop any toy or any food, gets to the bathtub as soon as he can and squeals with delight!

And when Jiichan comes over with his laundry basket the poor grandfather doesn't get a break from pulling the kids around.