Some pictures from today: November 29, 2011

Since working consistently at "please" with Nate, James and I have talked a lot about needing to have a "happy heart" when we ask for things. Now, whenever Nate cries, James yells as loud as he can at Nate - "NATE! APPY-HERT! NATE! APPY-HERT!".

Now, there's another way to use the race track!

When I went out to play ball with Hugo, I left them eating crackers at the table. When I came back in, I found this!

He's got some big shoes to fill.  (da duh, duh!)

November 28, 2011

I just realized this morning:

Today, Nate is the same age that James was when Nate was born!

November 26, 2011

Saturday was a big day in the Carruthers house. After 11 months of a half-completed toddler bed sitting in our extra bed room, James now has a real bed to sleep on!!

"Help Dad"

 

TAH-DAH!!

I love the look on Nate's face.

November 25, 2011

I love love love Thanksgiving weekend. To have a holiday on a Thursday, then have 3 bonus days to hang out and be with the family is wonderful!

Friday, we did our own version of "Black Friday" shopping. After a leisurely breakfast, we loaded into the car and hit Fred Meyer for their 1/2 price socks! Then, we headed next door to Home Depot - just because.

The rest of the day, John did a little work in the shop, the boys took naps, and I did some cooking and cleaning. Now that I type it out, it doesn't seem that relaxing - but it was, I promise! Later that night, we had our friends, the McKeowns, over for dinner and a movie!

Breakfast!

At Fred Meyer - looking at bicycles. Maybe next year James will be ready for one??

Nate was so excited to help Dad drive the car next door to Home Depot.

And James got to ride in the front seat with me!

 At Depot - James was way too interested in tools to care about a picture!

The boys and Liam (who is like, 14) created this disaster in the play room. I have yet to clean it up!!

November 24, 2011 - Thanksgiving!

We came home late Wednesday night from Chelan and spent Thursday with John's family. It was a very low key afternoon with delicious food, family, and -of course- endless: "I'll give you 5 bucks if you.....".

We all got to skype with Becca for a little bit. It was really really good to hear from her. I don't want to get all sappy, but there's just something missing when the family gets together and Becca's not around. It's like there's no one there to even out the Carruthers Brothers craziness! We're so glad Becca gets to be "abroad" right now (ha ha ha ha!), but we can't wait for her to come home! Love you "An-eee-Ek-uh"!

More "James throwing".

Mom with the turkey. I'm talking about the actual turkey, not James!  ;-)

Nate hanging out with Dad.

James loves Uncle Reed!

More guns!

We tried to get a family picture for our Christmas card. FAIL!

 And the Thanksgiving festivities begin.... 

First up, "Hey Matt, I bet 'cha couldn't eat an entire raw crescent roll."

Then, "Hey Matt, we'll give you $7 to eat this teaspoon of cinnamon."

Matt couldn't, so Reed did. I hope that 7 bucks was worth it!

Carving the turkey.

This is just for Becca. A steaming pot of fresh gravy. I'm sure they'll be more when you get home!

Happy Thanksgiving!

And just for Auntie Becca:

November 22-23, 2011

Last Tuesday and Wednesday, we headed over to my parent's condo in Lake Chelan to spend some time with them. The weather was pretty crummy so there wasn't a lot to do outside, but we still had a lot of fun! It was very relaxing and we always love a good road trip!

On the way up Stevens Pass, we passed so many cars and big rigs stuck on the side of the road. It was pretty icy!

Stevens Pass - open! We don't really do skiing or snowboarding, but I love being in the snow and am looking forward to doing some fun things this winter!

We wanted a quick lunch, so we stopped at Safeway in Leavenworth. The boys loved riding in the car together. We were even stopped twice to ask if they were twins!

Daddy's choice - the boys enjoyed their first "Lunchables". Blegh!!

Nate enjoyed his "meal" too!

Finally at Wapito, Grandpa helped the boys set up their new race track. (Thanks Great-Grandma C!)

And James enjoyed playing with matches next to Grandma. Ha ha!  ;-)

Mom and Dad will kill me for this picture, but I couldn't help myself. Tuesday night we were in the living room talking about something that we had just seen on tv. Not 3 minutes later, I looked over and both Mom and Dad were OUT sleeping. It was great!

Nate is so close to walking!

Morning nap for Nate and reading time for James

The Masseys were also staying at Wapito so we hung out with them most of the day. They also joined us for a Blueberry Hills lunch!

Sitting with Mom, checking out the "planes" and "tractors" on the wall.

Grandpa teased Nate with his hamburger.

Nate had a few minutes to play alone with the new car toy when we got home from lunch.

Of course, James immediately labeled the hair dryer as his "gun".

Sleepy Nate after a long day!