Hook'em Horns

Our friends Kyle and Missy were in town so we met up with them at their tailgate before the Texas football game. It was great to see them and meet their 2nd child, Kendall. The kids have never been to a tailgate and Bryce was very excited to go see some football. We didn't explain that he would not be attending the game and he didn't seem to notice once he saw all the food and activity at the tailgate. It was more than a little crazy trying to park and get to the tailgate. With 100,000 people attending the game and probably another 200,000 tailgating, it took a while to find a place to park. We had to walk a long way but we had the jogging stroller so it wasn't terrible.

Bryce wandered around with Russell to check out other people's set ups and then he and Ivy proceeded to eat everything they could get their hands on. When Bryce was stuffed he announced that it was time to go. Perfect timing, we headed back to the car and made it home in time for Russell to watch the start of the game.

L'Shana Tova

We had our own Rosh Hashana service on Friday. Paige made a nice dinner and we lit candles and said prayers. Bryce was anxious to sing happy birthday and blow out the candles since he saw that Paige had also made a (honey) cake for dessert. Apparently 'honey cake' is the Jewish equivalent of Christmas Fruitcake...personally I think it gets a bad rap since ours was delicious. We even had an authentic blowing of the shofar thanks to YouTube (and Uncle Arnold's email). Happy New Year!

Bugville

For Bryce's birthday one of his friends got him Bugville. Instead of digging in the dirt to find caterpillars, you send away for them...much neater. They arrive in a little container where they live for several days until they cocoon and then turn in to butterflies. Bryce anxiously watch them make their way to the roof of the container (although he kept his distance so they didn't bite...do caterpillars bite?). Once they formed their cocoons, every day we checked to see if there was a butterfly...and then all of a sudden...THERE WAS!!!! We hatched 5 butterflies. They lived in their cage, but after a day we set them free. One was smart enough to stick around since we kept providing food and water. We'll see when and if he joins his friends. I think for his next brithday he's ready to graduate to GrizzlyBearVille.

Finger painting

Bryce wanted to paint today and Ivy didn't want to miss an opportunity to get messy. This was her first time to try it. She quickly smeared paint all over her paper and then got an evil glint in her eye as she looked around for other things to get paint on. Bryce tried to teach her how to keep paint on her OWN paper but she just wasn't listening. Luckily this project was started right before bath time so the damage was cleaned up quickly.

Also-you may notice Ivy in pigtails. Her hair is always falling in her eyes and she started pulling out her bows so I gave piggies a try. The first time I did it was Saturday. Her her was styled before Bryce woke up. When we he woke up and first saw Ivy he looked at her strangely and then asked "Mommy, where's Ivy?" He didn't recognize her...too funny!

Tot Shabbat

We are going to try to go to Tot Shabbat at the Temple on a more regular basis this year. We went once last year and Bryce was nervous and we didn't make it through the whole program. One year makes a big difference...Today was all about Rosh Hashonah and the kids had so much fun. They sat on the steps of the bima while the rabbi led everyone in songs. I was worried when the rabbi opened the ark to take out the Torah that Ivy would wander in and touch things. She was very respectful and didn't do that but another kid did. We were model participants :) Both enjoyed the rabbi's blowing of the shofar and the "sermon" since a cookie monster puppet helped explain the importance of Rosh Hashonah. Afterward Bryce made a challah cover using apples for stamps and the kids loved the apples and honey snack. I didn't think to bring the camera so here are some not too good shots from Russell's phone.

Also-Ivy had her 15 month checkup this week. Miss Personality loved "talking" to the doctor and got a good report. She is 20.6 lbs (10%) and 29.25" (25%). This is where she has been the whole time so that means that she's growing consistently.

Back to School

Bryce went back to his nursery school today. He is going 3 days a week this year and was pretty excited to go. Last year the first couple days were tough on him so I was relieved that he was looking forward to class. My pictures are terrible. He was much happier than I could capture...

Ivy also had a great day. We are doing a gymnastics class and she loves it. Today the teacher asked if Ivy would like to do a forward roll. Ivy grinned and climbed up on the mat. Sarah started ti put Ivy into position and before you could spot her she did her perfect roll. Sarah and I were very impressed. She loves flipping off the furniture at home so I'm glad we have a nice safe place to let her experiment...