11 Months~

Landen, you have turned into quite the curious george. You want to explore everything! You know exactly what you want and are getting very good at telling us. Mostly you just fuss and lean and reach, but we are working on that. You can sign please, more, nurse, and all done without prompting. You are also starting to say yes! You finally say mama sometimes and you started saying momo for elmo. You really love to see elmo, but I don't really let you watch him yet. You are still sleeping all night most of the time and mostly just nurse, but you are starting to like food more.

All I said was, "Sorry, you can't touch mommy's camera."

And then it led to a

full blown

tantrum!

You are sweet as can be, but you are king of the tantrums.

But you can't stay mad for long!

You can stand up holding onto things now and you love it! Sometimes you let go and stand alone for about 15-20 seconds. Usually you just fall backwards and expect me to catch you, which I always do!

You still crack up at your brobro and would be perfectly content playing outside with him 24/7.

You love to sleep on your tummy now and always wake up with handprints on your cheek.

You can army crawl now, but you hate it. You'd much rather be walking!

I bought you the world's most eco-friendly walker for your birthday and instead of trying it out you went straight for the box!

You love to play ball!

You love to take all your books off your shelf and rearrange them. You can spend a long time doing this and be completely content.

This is your new disgruntled face.

It is so cute you usually get what you want.

You love to play peek-a-boo! Where's Landen?

There he is!

You love it and we love you!

A School Year~

First day of school~August 10th, 2009~Landen-9 weeks, Zachary-7.5 years, Mikayla-9 years

Last day of school~May 21, 2010~Landen-11.5 months, Zachary-8 years, Mikayla-9.75 years

At the beginning of the school year Landen would sleep through the whole process of taking the kids to school. By the end of the year mostly I would have to wake him up to go, he would talk to the kids on the way to school, and go back to bed when we got home. What a little trooper! He only cried a few more times when dropping them off at school. I figured out that it was mostly because he was sad he wasn't going with them!! What a sweetheart. He just loves his sissy and brobro so much !

Mouse ears are delicious~

Our last day in California we finally made it to Disneyland! The kids were so excited! It actually was pretty cool and overcast that day. I think the park was less crowded because of that and we hardly had to wait in line all day.

"Prepare to enter the happiest place on earth Mikayla, no scrunch faces today!"

A little shopping perked her right up! I have to admit we were a little surprised at how small the castle is here. Having been to Disney World the last 2 times we are spoiled by the giant blue castle!

Definitley had to ride the teacups first and Zachary wanted to ride all by himself. He looks so small in that giant teacup.

Landen loved it!

Landen also loved the carousel. He did better than any baby so far!

All three in there.

Me and my girl on Dumbo!

Landen didn't mind Dumbo, but I don't think he smiled. He just looked around and took it all in.

Zachary, Bryson, Mikayla, & Heidi at the Castle.

Who's taller? Bryson~6'2", Zachary~just a hair under!

It's a Small World~the kids thought it was pretty boring, but it's still one of my favorites!

Another pic for Kelly!

Buzz Lightyear, which I think is the all time favorite!

Landen steered.

Mikayla and I had a little snack while Jeff and Zachary went on Star Tours. We decided that mouse ears are delicious!!

It was a wonderful day! Zachary and I even went on Big Thunder Mountain and Indiana Jones. Haven't screamed that much in my life! Zach covered his ears the whole time, but I was so impressed that he was brave enough to even go. We finished up with a yummy dinner at the New Orleans cafe and then had to say goodbye to everyone. We were so sad to leave, but so happy for all the wonderful memories we made!!

California Adventure~

Another shot of the Golden gate bridge for Kelly. We really wish you could have been there!

My 2 beautiful nieces, Courtney and Natalie!

We finally made it to Anaheim by the end of our week in Cali for some fun with my family.

My sisters Nikki, Heidi, nephew Jake, Mikayla, nephew Austin, Landen, Jeff, and Zachary.

We didn't even wait in line to see Mr. & Mrs. Incredible, they just stopped for a picture with us and then just had to say hi to Landen.

Landen wasn't scared at all, not even when he touched his nose. He just stared and stared. What a treat!

My nephew Jacob got a high five from a country bear.

Courtney, Austin, and Landen.

It took Landen a long time to warm up to my family, there are just so many! Austin was especially determined and so patient with Landen and it paid off. I think he is the only one who held him.

Courtney & Mikayla.

These two have such a special bond. Courtney was Mikayla's favorite person when she was a baby and I don't think that has really changed much! Can't believe how close in height they are.

Zach and Jake were 2 peas in a pod the whole day. They had a blast talking about Star Wars and acting out little scenes while waiting in lines. I was just so neat to see them bond. Zachary really misses his cousin.

RuthAnn was so smart and brought ponchos for the brave people who wanted to go on the river rapids. Zach wanted to go, but Jeff, Mikayla, and I did not want to get wet, so I sent out a text and within 10 minutes he had a bunch of wonderful cousins to ride with!

Chase and Jake.

Seriously still can't believe this is Chase. He is only 13 and already taller than me. We didn't see him that much this weekend because he had a basketball all-stars tournament, which his team won! And apparently he made the winning basket and was the team hero!

They had a blast and I think Austin was the only one to get really wet. Either that or he peed his pants.

Me and my sweet girl!

Nikki, Mikayla, Jake and Zach on the world's slowest bumper cars!

It was a great day!