Ladies and Gentlemen...we have a PRESCHOOLER!

Adam started preschool a couple of weeks ago and it has been fantastic for him. He loves going and seems to have already learned so much. It's amazing and so fun - we're so proud of him!

All ready to go with his backpack (a Thomas backpack, of course).

Walking into school with his teacher, Ms. Jessica. He's looking to the right to look at the buses that park by the curb. He loves to watch the kids get off the bus.

Clara and I got to visit Adam at school last Wednesday for a Thanksgiving feast. It was so fun to see him in his classroom and do some fun activities together.
They made pizzas for their lunch. Here's Adam putting the cheese on his pizza. Look at that concentration! (Clara's hanging out in the background)

Playing some little games.

Play - doh.
This was a game with music that instructs you to tap your sticks in a certain way (above your head, fast, slow, down low, etc...) Please notice that Adam is the only one following the directions all on his own :) I think they had done this before because Adam was very excited when Ms. Jessica handed him his sticks.
Each of the classrooms has a Smart Board (as a teacher, this is amazing to me). Adam was so excited for his turn! I think he likes it so much because it's like a giant iPad. Ms. Janine is helping him in this picture and Adam is laughing because when you touch the dice it rolls around on the screen before it lands on a number.

Using the pointer to move the pumpkin onto the fence.

Playing with water is one of Adam's favorite activities.

After all the activities, it was time to eat the pizzas they had made.

A few days later, I visited Adam at school again to bring cupcakes for his birthday.
"Do I have something on my face?"

Swenson Thanksgiving 2011

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with a great visit from the Swenson side of the family. Adam and Clara LOVE when Grandpa and Grandma are here!

Unfortunately, I didn't get a good picture of the table and everyone, so you'll just have to trust me when I say that dinner was completely awesome. Everyone made something and it all turned out great.
This girl enjoyed her first Thanksgiving. She liked the green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, carrots, and the cranberries.

Bummed that this photo is a little out of focus, but a good shot of the fam hanging out. You'll notice that it was unseasonably warm this year. We enjoyed temps in the 60s all weekend long! Great for spending lots of time outside.
Uncle Matt, Grandma, Grandpa, and Adam

Adam and Clara took lots of walks to the park and played outside in the yard with Grandma and Grandpa.

Clara and Mama.

Daddy and Adam - getting some serious air!

Girl loves her some dirt!

Happy Three Years, Adam!

The Boy is three and we can't believe it! We had a great time celebrating with Grandpa and Grandma Swenson, Uncle Matt, and some dear friends.

Opening his presents.
He got matchbox cars and a cool carrying case from Grandpa and Grandma Leibrock and Aunt Grace. He and Dad got right to work playing with them.

Grandpa and Grandma Swenson took Adam to the Marine Corps Museum and got him this jeep from the gift shop. Adam loved his trip to the museum with all the big helicopters, trucks, and tanks - right up his ally.

Some more matchbox cars from Uncle Matt. Building his collection.

I think angels started singing in Adam's head when he opened "Gordon," his favorite Thomas and Friends engine. Notice he would not even let go of the box while Phil was taking Gordon out.

He was so excited!

He got to try Gordon out right away on the new track we got him. The new track makes playtime much more fun for Adam (and Mom and Dad) since we can make more elaborate configurations.

Gordon finds his new home at Tidmouth Sheds. Since Adam's birthday, Gordon has done everything with Adam including sleeping and riding in the car.

Here is his cake - I anticipated its creation for weeks and was pretty pleased with the way it turned out.

Adam was very excited once he saw his cake. Notice the Thomas in his hand, as well.

Maybe a little TOO excited...

Licking the frosting off of the Thomas from the cake.

Eating cake with his very good friend Mason.Clara got to try some of her big brother's birthday cake, too.
There was lots of investigating before the actual eating took place.

In the end, it was a hit.

I can't believe my boy is three. I remember the moment I saw him for the first time and my life changed. He brings us so much joy, even with the challenges, and we are so proud of him. He makes us laugh every day and his sister absolutely adores him. It is so amazing to watch him grow and we are so blessed by this little man.
We love you, Adam!

Happy Nine Months!

She's nine months old and she's HAPPY!

She has so much fun playing with Adam and follows him (and the cat) everywhere. Adam has figured out that Clara says "BA BA BA BA BA," and they have great conversations back and forth using this language. Clara also mimics waving, clapping, and does "so big." It's been a fun month!

Playing peek-a-boo...where's Clara?

There she is!

Haven't found a food she doesn't like, yet.
Lovin' the mandarin oranges!

And, the peas and carrots.

Getting much better at the sippy cup.

She weighed 17 lbs. 11 oz. at the doctor - getting so big. She's lovin' life and makes life so fun for us. We'll see Grandma and Grandpa Swenson for Thanksgiving AND her big brother's third birthday - YAY!
Here's a silly picture to leave you with :)

Conquered!

What once seemed insurmountable...

inconceivable, even...

has now been conquered!

And now...the world is her oyster!

Happy Halloween!

Our Halloween kicked off a bit early with our friend Avery's FIRST birthday party. It was a costume party at Chick-fil-a and the kids all looked great.
This was our attempt to get a photo of all the kids. Ha, right!

At least this little butterfly was willing to hold still long enough for a photo with Mama.

The fun continued on Halloween night with trick-or-treating.
Monkey and Butterfly all ready to head out.

It was really fun because Adam really "got" trick-or-treating for the first time this year. He walked up to each house, said "Trick-or-Treat," and picked out his own candy to put in his pumpkin. Then it was off to the next house. Clara liked looking at all the decorations and costumes, and she earned her brother some extra candy at many of the houses.

Examining his loot. This year, Adam also discovered that he likes chocolate. Excellent.

I think it's safe to say that he likes Halloween.
Just for the sake of remembering, I need to tell you that according to Adam, he is a "Ski" and Clara is a "Buckyfwy."

Telling Daddy what it's like to be a butterfly.

"Watching" The Game

My boys "watching" the game. Must have been a nail-biter.