Ander's 2nd birthday

Ander woke up to a large CARS mural on the wall wishing him a happy birthday. He was so excited he jumped out of my arms and ran over to the wall, saying "car, car" and touched it and then kissed it. Cars are big these days as are buses, trucks, trains and anything with wheels.

This was my first attempt at a cut-up cake. The photo in the catalog was of a monster truck. Mine turned out to look a bit more like a VW buggy that had been rolled once or twice. But, given my family history of broke down vehicles off-roading, I figured it was appropriate. And, heck, Ander knew what it was.

This year we had to concentrate on learning to blow... we re-lit the candles twice so he could do it again he was so excited. The angel food cake in the foreground was for Shane (it is his favorite). We were celebrating his birthday too... but he didn't want in the photos. :)

Silly boy enjoying his cake.

One of Ander's gifts was a tent to play in. Aunt Jeanette, ever so playful, climbed in first which had Ander in a fit of giggles. He joined her and together they played hide and peek with the Cat in the Hat that grandma gave Ander. It was such fun and reminded me of the days Jeanette and I would play together when we were young.

dad's hairdresser days

Shane once told me that he had once thought about being a hairdresser. I think he still acts on these impulses. This is his latest work of art.

A's glasses\

With 50% of the family wearing glasses, it's no surprise that Ander wants in on the action. These $1 specials from the dollar store sufficed. He uses them regularly, which is why we don't let him drive.

napping with dad

I know that genetics can determine looks, but does it determine sleeping positions too?

Santa's new ride

Forget the sleigh! This Santa's coming at you on 3-wheels. (Taken outside our house on the 22nd. The outfit was a gift from Grandma Dawson - I figure it is one of the few times I'll ever be able to put him in anything like this).

A visit to Prescott

Jeanette and I took a day trip to Prescott to visit Grandpa Bill and Shirley on the 21st. It was wintry cold and, though I wanted to introduce Ander to the snow, he was not fond of it. But he was fascinated with the two trains they have and spent most of the visit watching them. In his arms is his "baby" which goes everywhere with him.

our little charlie

Halloween saw Ander and I headed to grandma and grandpa Dawson's in Temecula, Ca for a nice weekend. Friday night, we pulled out the costume and Charlie Chaplin went trick-or-treating for the first time.

And, boy, did he catch on quick. He loves going up to folk's doors when we walk in the neighborhood anyway, but to have folks answer and want to give you a treat, that was a big hit.

Grandpa and aunt Kim went with us to share the fun.