Birthday Boy!

Sorry that these pictures are so late. Keeping up with my two little monkeys takes a lot of time! Here are the few shots we got of Gavin's birthday. He had a great time at the party, but was not at all interested in the cake. He really, really loves the little rocking horse and the Nascar track.




He was also quite fond of his Bob the Builder sheet set, as you can see.

Gavin's October Adventures

Gavin went along on all of our adventures this month and he really enjoyed himself. Here he is taking his new view from inside the mini-van. Gwydion was sitting in the seat behind him, so he had someone to keep him company.

Gavin in the caboose. He explored as much as we would let him.

Those big brown eyes didn't miss a thing!
The baby area at the Oklahoma Science Museum was perfect for Gavin. He loved this little rocket ship.

And he loved the bead toys.

The water table was interesting.

And even the cannon wasn't so bad.

But this is what he really loved!

After our trip to Oklahoma City, we expected a quiet week or two. Instead, Gavin spent the week processing all the new things he learned. He's more toddler than baby now, and it really shows.

Here he is, looking out the window. He's not shaped much like a baby anymore.

Gavin loved the tents we set up in the back yard, though sleeping in them was difficult for him. Michael and Gwydion were just too exciting for sleep.

And again, here's Gavin with one of his favorite toys. The boy loves to drive and he loves playing in the yard. He's quite mobile and can get from the patio to the playhouse all by himself.

He's also keenly interested in anything Gwydion likes to do, so Gwydion's computer draws his attention every time.
And of course, how will he get to Gwydion's toys unless he can walk? He decided to walk a few steps at a time the day before Grandma Susan arrived. He spent the rest of the week nearly running while holding on to someone's hand.


Since he's decided to be such a big boy, we've had a lot of trouble getting him to eat solid food. We finally figured out that he will only eat if he can feed himself. Messy and not terribly efficient, but fun!

Gavin loves to go to the zoo almost as much as Gwydion does. Since he really started walking the day before, this trip was more fun than usual for him. He was very interested in the meercats, and they were very interested in him. I'm sure the cookie in his hand doesn't have anything to do with it.
A trip to the zoo wouldn't be complete without a stop at the playground, and of course, a chance to drive the truck.

And the train!

Sliding is fun with Daddy's help.

Gavin checks out the turtles.

Musical instruments are a big part of playtime here. Gavin loves to play the maracas while Gwydion drums. Just this week he learned how to play the flute and the kazoo.


And just when we thought the week couldn't get any better, a new toy arrived. He could hardly wait for Michael to get it out of the box.

Gavin loves to make faces. Here's his fishy face, made especially for Grandma.

The last of our adventures for the week of Grandma's visit was a trip to the pumpkin patch. Gavin was quite festive in his little pumpkin suit.

He was absolutely delighted by all the animals, but particularly the goats.

He really wasn't sure what to do with the pumpkins though.

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.