Portraits in February

"Like Brother"

Daniel loves his big brother Jason and really looks up to him. Jason likes to hang out with Daniel and help mom keep him happy.

Jason the Gymnast

Here is a look at Jason during his Monday afternoon gymnastics class. They warm-up with stretches, and then work on handstands, roll-jump-tucks, and backward somersaults. Jason has lots of fun, he gets to wiggle and sit next to a bunch of girls who he asks to hold their hands (they all just scoot away). His teacher, Ms Landa is patient and agreed to take Jason on with the class, even though she usually only takes 3 yr. old's and up. FYI-the above picture is best viewed on a widescreen monitor and all of these images are available as individuals or smaller block images upon request to one of our e-mails.
Jason is working on his cartwheels here. Notice that shorter toddler arms make it hard to keep your head off the floor. Handstands and cartwheels also take a lot of strength. Jason has playtime training at home (when we think about it) to build strength by doing wheel-barrels down the hallway as daddy or mommy hold his legs (also a great way to use up lots of energy). He still likes to do headstands on the sofa and practice stretching with mommy when they watch TV. We don't plan on him being a super gymnast, just smart and limber enough to keep from hurting himself while playing like the monkey he is.

A Cute Little Mess

Daniel is moving on and starting to eat baby cereal and baby food. So far he eats peas, pears, bananas, peaches and apple sauce. Yum.

Our Cross Country Christmas Road Trip

This Christmas break we decided to rode trip it to Utah and Idaho. We left on the 21 of Dec. and returned on the 30th. Our travels took us through New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Idaho going over 3,200 miles. We got to see lots of friends and family and a lot of road. This was our usual arrangement for traveling, making full use of our TrailBlazer's space. We made Jason a special tray for his car seat that he could use for playing and eating. Momma got lots of leg room and Daniel got to have a seat next to her. Daddy'O drove the whole time keeping an eye on the mostly icy roads. Jason liked to wear his PJ's Grandma Jeanie made for him when we were driving.
Hey, I look pretty good for having been on the road for over a week now.
Potty Break on the return route home. Pant's are tricky things.
Honk, honk, Grandpa Dave's truck horn is loud. Jason got to go for a ride and press all the buttons in the truck.

Daniel was the first load in Jason's new Dump truck from Grandma & Grandpa Hogg.
We had a nice visit with the boys Great Grandma Ricks, it was Daniels first time to visit her.
Jason and Grandpa Ricks and Daddy'O went out pulling sleds around, but never made it to the hill. We got distracted making snow walls and snow balls.
One of Jason's many cool christmas presents was a Thomas the Tank Engine wooden train with add on pieces from the Ikea train sets (great way to add to the set without breaking the bank).
Daniel opens a present, his own toy train from Grandpa and Grandma Ricks.
Jennifer got a new bike for Christmas, but had to wait until we got home to ride it.
Christmas Eve at Temple Square was wonderful with all the lights.
Daniel and Grandpa Ricks riding the Trax Train for fun.
Jason had so much fun on Christmas Eve, he got to ride a train, see a big dig site with lots of diggers and loaders, hear a bag piper, see horses drawing carraiges and lots of christmas lights, a nativity scene, play with snow and stay up late when the family and Grandpa & Grandma Ricks all went out for dinner.
Daniel dressed as Santa on Christmas Eve to stay warm and look cute.
Jason and cousins Will and Anna play together at Grandpa's house.
While we were in Salt Lake we got to get together with our old college friends and see how all of our families are growing (most have had kids). It was a great visit and fun to see everybody and their families.

Meeting Santa Clause

Daniel got to go with his big brother Jason and meet Santa Clause for the first time. They were both a little shy, but I think Santa still knows what they want for Christmas. He does have a list.

Family Photo

Well, for all those of you who wanted a large family photo of us, here it is. It is a fairly good size and will print alright if you want to. We climbed up Eaton Hill and had a friend help with the shot.