Papa visits Tavin in South Dakota

We had a lot of fun at Raziel's for lunch with Papa! We don't go out to eat very often so it was a big treat for Tavin. I thought he handled himself rather well for being a squirmy, energetic toddler. He made a beautiful mess on the table and floor. (Which I cleaned up....after all those years working at restaurants we just couldn't be one of 'those families.') Raziel's wasn't very busy so we all took turns walking around with Tavin, or walking after him actually. He had fun touring the place and climbing up on the little stage and lounge area.

This was the most leisurely and pleasant dinning out experience I think I've ever had.

Thank you Papa!

The boys peruse the Sunday paper.

Our server was kind enough to take a few quick photos of us before Tavin launched himself off of my lap.

Tavin likes riding on his Daddy's shoulders, grabbing his Daddy's nose and using his Daddy's hair as reins.

Some quiet moments with Papa before going in the pool.

Splashing around with Daddy!

OH he is so cute!

Climb out or stay in?

Daddy is so much fun!

After a long day of fun, a family photo. We all are tuckered out. Both Tavin and Daddy are in bed sound asleep...I'm soon to follow....I hope.

Play-Dough!

We made our own okay-if-you-eat-it-play-dough for Tavin. I brought out the food coloring and let Tavin pick what color he wanted his play-dough to be and our little genius picked green. I should have added more food coloring because it didn't turn out quite as dark as I hoped. Tavin and Daddy had a good time with the play-dough and Tavin, of course, had to give it a taste. I think Daddy had more fun than Tavin (-;

Phones, Snow and Play!

Tavin loves to be like mommy and daddy and talk on the phone. We have given him our old phones to play with but he knows they just aren't the same. He wants his phone to light up and make all the noises that our phones make too.

One of Tavin's new favorite pass times is to climb up on the table and move everything around.

Tavin and mom just hanging out.

Tavin enjoyed his time out in the snow! It took him a few minutes to get used to the snow suit but once he did there was no stopping him. He was running all over in the front yard and babbling away. Whenever he would fall over he would just lay there waiting for mom to come and pick him up. He was like a little dough boy in that snow suit, he couldn't get up without moms help anyway!

Giggling with Daddy

A Tent in the living room?

That's right. A tent in the Gillen's living room. Those Gillen's sure know how to have fun! Just ignore the little girls bickering in the background.

New Home, New Year!

The new year has brought on a new home and an expected baby! (I am rather late in posting...) We are in Vermillion, my old home town, where Ted can walk to work. We moved at the beginning of January and found out we were expecting just a few days later. Tavin has been enjoying his new home very much! He has his own cupboard where he keeps his bowls, plates and cups. He is now sleeping in a big boy bed. He hated his crib so we didn't bother putting it together. I guess we will have to put it back together soon for his little brother or sister.

We rang in the New Year with the Gillen's and Tavin had a blast with his Gillen cousins. He enjoys playing with his cousins, but he mostly likes pulling their hair. He did give Piper a kiss good-bye the other day so at least he has a sweet side as well.

I joined MOPS (Mothers Of Pre-Schoolers) where Tavin has a little time without me. He doesn't seem to like being separated from me and cries for a good portion of the time. I was told that the last time he didn't cry quite as much so that gives me some hope. I think the poor girls that watch the kids his age are working very hard for their money.

Tavin has been communicating more with words and with signs. He does get frustrated from time to time when he can't get his point across. He recently had a growth spurt and is long and lean. The shoes I bought for him before Christmas were too small for him before he even had a chance to wear them. New shoes and socks were in order. The pants that fit him are now too short so, of course, the pants that were too big now fit him. We are very grateful for all the hand-me-downs from his cousins!

Tavin recently inherited his cousin, Sara's, froggy potty chair. He does sit on the chair but no potty yet. It's a bit early, I think, but at least he is getting familiar with the potty chair.

The brief few days of somewhat warm weather we went outside for some puddle splashing fun. He got very wet and dirty but didn't seem to mind one bit. In fact, when it was time to go inside he was rather upset with me. I also got the chance to take Tavin on a few stroller rides.

He can't seem to get enough of his stroller lately.

Well, here are some more photos and videos...enjoy!