October Adventures!

We've had a very, very busy October so far and it isn't even Halloween yet! The month started with our trip to Day Out with Thomas. We rented a mini-van and got to stay in a hotel for 2 nights while enjoying the attractions in Oklahoma City. Here's Gwydion at the beginning of our journey.



Bright and early Friday morning, we went to the Oklahoma City Railway Museum. It is full of old engines, cars and cabooses, some restored and some waiting for restoration. Thomas the Tank Engine fit right in. Here's Gwydion at the gate.

This year, we rode in the caboose. As you can see, it was Very Serious Business.

After playing with lots of trains and spending his money in the gift shop, Gwydion got as close as he dared to Sir Topham Hatt.

After we visited with Thomas, we went to the Oklahoma Science Museum. They have lots of education and entertaining exhibits for kids of all ages. Gwydion particularly enjoyed the water table.

And flying the airplane simulator.

And exploring the firehouse, where his slid down the pole all by himself.

Gwydion also put on a puppet show for Mom, Dad, Papa, and Gavin.

He also enjoyed the PVC xylophone. Papa was enthralled as well, and may be building one soon.Here's the tired boy at the end of our trip, waiting for a trolley ride back to the van.

The weekend after our trip, the weather was beautiful. We decided to camp in the back yard, figuring it would be fun for Gwydion and a good test run for the real camping expeditions we'd like to make in the future. Of course, Gwydion loved it. Gavin proved to be a bit more temperamental about the whole thing, so he and Mama slept inside for the majority of the weekend.


Gwydion will make a fantastic camper though- he was bright-eyed and cheery when he woke the next morning.

On the days when playing in the yard wasn't an option, we constructed train layouts to Gwydion's specifications. Here he is with his favorites.

We also spent some time trying on new clothes sent by Aunt Shawna. Isn't he cute?

And best of all, Grandma Susan came to visit for a week. We spent a lot of time out and about, but I think everyone's favorite excursions were to the zoo and the pumpkin patch. Here's a picture of the family at the Tulsa Zoo.

The boys driving a truck on the playground. I think all three of them were making truck noises.

Showing off for Grandma.

Gwydion is... Monkey Boy!

My little pumpkins at our favorite pumpkin patch. They have a wide variety of pumpkins, a petting zoo, and lots of locally produced treats. Of course, the boys liked the petting zoo the best.

Gwydion carefully selects pumpkins.

Cheeeeeese!!
Gwydion wanted to ride the camel all by himself, and he did!
One pumpkin for each of us, plus one for Grandma.

Luckily for us, on the one day it was too wet and cold to play outside, Gavin got a present in the mail. He happily shared it with Gwydion.

Super September

The whole month of September was a blur. Gavin is acting more and more like a toddler and less like a baby. He's a very vocal, opinionated boy, though he's also very sweet. He loves to give Mama kisses and loves to snuggle. He's learning to identify facial features. He's particularly fascinated with noses and teeth. Michael thinks maybe he'll be a dentist. He's very close to walking now, though he prefers speed crawling as a means of locomotion. Here are some pictures of my big boy.

Happy boy at the park.

Too tired to play anymore.

Gavin and Grandma Diane.

Silly baby!

Ready, set, go!

Goodbye September!

September flew by. We were so busy with school and having fun that we didn't get many pictures taken. Gwydion is really enjoying school and making lots of friends. He's learning how to write and is reading very well.

Big boy on the playground.

Blue!

Hopscotch (or what Gwydion does while Mom pulls weeds).

Trying a costume, just for fun. He's adamant that he'll be a doctor for Halloween, just like last year.

Gavin pictures, yay! He's quite the active little monkey, crawling around, eating grass when he can sneak it, chasing cats, and generally causing mayhem- in a good way, of course.

I ended up not needing to make more baby food, as Gavin has quite quickly learned how to self-feed and is eating chopped up table food. He regularly eats bits of fruits, vegetables, and bread of any sort. He's not quite ready for meat yet, but I expect he'll make the transition soon. He is also quite vocal in voicing his opinion. If he sees that what I'm feeding him is different from the food on my plate, he loudly demands that I share. He seems determined to grow up quickly- he's got a big brother to keep up with after all!

He's getting his top front teeth in, too. The one on the left has already broken through, and judging by his crankiness, I expect the one on the right any day now. He's quite adept at crawling and pulling up, and can even climb a bit. He seems to prefer all fours to standing or walking, though I've seen him stand alone for a second or two at a time. He loves to play ball and will attempt to roll a ball back and forth, with limited success. He also rolls a ball and chases it around, amusing himself quite well.

He's learned a few new words besides Mama and Dad dad. He now says 'good', which means anything that goes into his mouth, but particularly food. He also says 'bird', as we've visited the tropical bird exhibit at the zoo several times in the last few weeks. He loves to watch them eat while we hold them.

Gavin at Grandma's house, playing in the sprinkler and of course, the mud!

Watching Mommy work in the garden.

Look, Mom, I can do it myself!

He wants to go to work with Daddy.

Little chubby baby boy.

Playing with Gwydion while Mom tries to get some work done.

Gwydion loves his giraffe.

A day at the lake, testing out the mei tei carrier Mommy made.

Gavin wants to eat the camera. Big surprise, hmm?

Showing off his new tie dye shirt and matching diaper.

Gwydion goes to school!

Well, it finally happened. My little boy has started school. It is only for 2.5 hours a day, but he loves it! It gives him plenty of opportunity to gain some social skills and practice for the academic stuff he's picked up here at home. He loves library time (daily!) and music time once a week. He's even made a friend already. His teacher has said he's doing quite well and is impressed that he's such a good reader already.

There are lots of other 'firsts' below. It has been a big, busy month for Gwydion.

Gwydion explores his classroom on the first day. He's already helping the teacher organize things.

Daddy and Gwydion in front of the school.

Gwydion's first carwash. My car never looked so shiny! He had so much fun that he washed his bike too.

Gwydion goes bowling for the first time. He had a blast!

A winning team!

Riding the new rollercoaster. This thing sees nearly non-stop action when we're outside.

Big 4 year appointment

Gwydion is such a big boy now! I know I sound like a broken record, but he's growing and changing so fast that it is hard for me to adjust. He had a fantastic time in swim classes. He's never been afraid of the water, but at least he's a bit less likely to drown himself now. He's mostly learned how to keep his mouth closed in the water and knows the mechanics of a dog paddle (though it will take a bit of practice for him to build up the strength to keep himself afloat while doing it). He's also learned how to put his face under the water.

He will very likely start preschool at the beginning of August. We're going to check the school out in a week or two. If I feel like it isn't a good fit for him, I'll look for other alternatives. Here are some recent pics:

Gwydion doing yoga. We try to do a little every day. He really likes it.

Hi Mom!

So strong!

Swimming in Uncle Ben's pool.

Swim class. Gwydion is the little blob in the green suit, next to the
first instructor in the yellow shirt.