Oh my little princess turned 2 last Sunday the 21st! Happy Birthday Tian! It appears you had a great day! Our first celebration as a family. Hunter was awesome. Making her breakfast and decorating a Happy Birthday placemat. Played with her most the morning. He's a great big brother. I'm very proud of this boy. He's been asked a lot and is also adjusting well.
In the early afternoon, Angie and the girls showed up, Mom and Dad, then the Jeffries followed by Norah and Jacob. I really don't want to bore you with details, but the kids played, the parents played, Dustin grilled, the guests ate, the song was sung, the cake was cut, presents were opened. Then more playing, some swimming, some more music. It was a fantastic birthday party cookout! She got some cute clothes, sunglasses, a golf club (from Uncle Tracy), pool floaties, a toy piano and a Barbie Bike.
Tian's vocab is up to around 15 - 20 words now, but she understands almost everything you ask her. And she's very good about getting you to do what she wants. She'll grab your leg or hand and pull, then slap the couch and say "sit". So then I comply. The nighttime routine has changed a bit. Seems the bottle is no longer needed, but still need to get in that cuddle / bonding time. She insists on carrying her lunchbox in the morning and climbs into the car seat on her own. We are currently working on the self-buckling technique. Since November, she's grown an inch or so and gained a couple pounds. Only suffering the "daycare given" sniffles occasionally.
There is one thing I am concerned about. Tian has a ridiculous love for shoes and accessories. No joke, this girl lives to model every pair she owns with, if available, a matching purse. This obsession has the potential to be a financial disaster for me. ;-)
Hunter impresses me everyday. When his back was against the wall, he pulled it out and made the Honor Roll. Good job buddy! Also, he's getting the hang of this Lacrosse game. I've seen so much improvement, confidence and aggressiveness. His coach has seen it and Hunt's getting much more playing time.
Basketball too. Kid's got skills. Dribbling through the legs, his shot is good and learning how to set picks. I hope he continues to get good grades. I don't have the heart to tell him he'll never be taller than 6'.
I'd also like to wish my Father-in-law a very Happy 80th Birthday! It was quite a treat for us to visit NJ and see the entire Searles Clan for the celebration. We got to spend time at the Patron's, Clarks and Papa Searles. The kids threw a wonderful party for Ray, dinner was terrific, Mary Ann's Video was brilliantly done and Ray Jr. gave a super speech.
At the Patron's, Tian got some quality time with Mikey and Chris the first couple of days.
(Mike, just to let you know, Tian and I were watching these photos on slide show and every time you were in a photo, Tian said "Mike" and pointed at you, so now she has 21 words in her vocabulary. She does like you Mike!) I can honestly say I did not see Hunter for the first 36 hours from arrival. Just whatever happens in the basement, stays in the basement. The boys also played some Lacrosse in the front. It was no more than 50* outside and yes, Mikey is barefoot!
Then off to the Clarks! Hunter and Alex had a blast playing soccer, basketball and such. Tian and Katie got some quality cousin time in. Way better than Skype! Right Katie?!
