Music to my ears!

I was able to catch Cole doing his AWESOME cover of "oompa loompa" today! Enjoy!

Touch A Truck

Saturday, I took Cole to the Touch A Truck event in Prescott Valley. Basically, it was a little boy's paradise. They had everything from fire trucks and semis, to construction trucks and a military grade Hummvee. Of course, there was Cole's personal favorite- the garbage trucks. They had the trucks set up for the kids to climb around, play on, and honk the horns.

I can't even begin to tell you the squeals, gasps, and giggles I heard from the backseat as I pulled up to the event to park. Then, once Cole realized we were headed to the very spot where all these trucks were, he was beside himself. Marching his little legs and swinging his arms with such determination, headed for the glory of all glories (the garbage truck) with the greatest of anticipation, until, about two feet from the back of the truck, some stinkin' kid blasted the air horn! Cole jumped a mile high, latched on to my leg, and spent the rest of the morning with a death grip on my finger.
I did manage to get him into the garbage truck, briefly, and had to snap this picture quick, before he did his leap to safety into my arms!His little pointer finger was going a mile a minute, and as we were leaving, the Waste Management folks made his day/week/month/year! We walked up to their table and I explained to them how, as much as he loves garbage trucks, his true obsession lies with garbage cans. You know what, they gave him a miniature Waste Management garbage can, complete with lid and wheels (his two favorite parts!) Let me tell you, that little boy did not drop that can for hours! It was the first thing he wanted when he awoke from his nap, the first thing he went for Sunday morning, you get the idea. He instantly (and I mean, in the car, on the way home) figured out that his new garbage can was ideal for holding beverages (he poured half his cream soda, which he got as a "prize" for getting all the "trucks" signatures, into the can, and then drank from it!), it was an even better location for his sandwich and snacks, and best when used to carry cars! He was so proud to show it to his dad the next day, and it just absolutely has thrilled him beyond all belief.

The only thing that would have made it better is if Abe had gone with us (he was in Phoenix for the day), because Abe could have helped him get in and out of trucks, shared in the excitement, etc. All in all, I think he had a great time- minus the air horns, of course!

I'm back

So- I've been away for a while, and oh the amount of things that happen when one takes a break. I won't bore you with all of them. Cole and I took a trip to Utah with my family (I may post pictures of that later), I started a blog for my MOMS Club (sorry, its private), Abe took a trip to Alaska, I have been dealing with endless amounts of drama (boring to talk about), and helping with my upcoming 10 year reunion. Cole and I also took cookies to the firemen on September 11, as part of a MOMS Club function, where Cole made friends with the firemen and got his very own (plastic) helmet! He was in heaven and now yells hi at the station (which is down the street from our house) all 4+ times a day that we drive by. That's just what I can think of right now, though I know there was so much more!

Cole has started saying several more words including but not limited to, MA- FINALLY!!!, "hops"- for when he's showing off his awesome hops, and "housh"- house. He sings the "oompa loompa" song from Willy Wonka- his new obsession (he doesn't sing it well, but he gets the gist of it), and he has become an expert eye roller- which is so hard to not laugh at! He has also been consistently saying "plis" which is so hard to turn down, though he still won't say please when you ask him to. He is definitely quite the entertainer, and makes me laugh most of the day!

We also went on a MOMS Club "camping" trip this past weekend. We stayed at a KOA, hence the quotes around camping. We'd never been to a KOA before, and it was interesting. I think it would have been ultimately enjoyable if it hadn't been for the I-40 within throwing distance, and the railway, not far beyond that, keeping us up most of the night. We did have a good time though, and really enjoyed getting to hang out as a family, too.

Cole had fun. In an effort to try and "pack light' I neglected to bring toys- I know, WHAT WAS I THINKING??!!?? I guess I figured there would be stuff for him to do, and kids to play with, so carting toys was unnecessary. Abe ended up pulling out his tool kit and letting Cole play with his tools- he enjoyed it way more than he would have his toys, so it all worked out.

Dozer taking a break on the cooler.

Cole still playing with the tools- notice the "tongue of concentration"

This is one of Cole's friends from playgroup. He's a bit bigger than Cole, so I had to assist with the teeter totter momentum.

These next few are from our MOMS Club potluck dinner. We sure had quite the turn out!

Cole kept running up the ramp at the Kabin next door, and jiggling the door knob (a cabin which I believed was occupied. Poor people, dealing with my obnoxious kid playing with their door and running around on their porch, not to mention the gathering that formed just outside their door!)

We finally gained control by doing this...

Shortly after, Cole came up, told me bye bye, shook my hand (which he picked up from a TV show) signaling he was ready for bed. Really, he was ready for this...

Dozer taking a break on the luggage.

Breakfast in bed.

(This really wasn't his breakfast, more of a morning snack. We went and had real breakfast at a cute little diner in Williams. Notice he pulled the DVD player into bed with him,too!)

We needed to get the camper packed up, and needed Cole wrangled. This was what we came up with, and as you can see, it was pretty devastating!

Thinking about making a break for it...

Before the other MOMS Club people began arriving, we broke down and bought Cole some toys at the little KOA convenience store. Here he is playing with Dad.