You Messin With Me?

Sunday we spent the evening with Will's Cousins; Drue, Cameron & Aunt Stormy were in from Texas. The boys weren't into coloring with Will and Grace so didn't get pictures of them, but definitely enjoyed their company.

Grace is a very intense child; she does everything with great passion...including coloring. If you can't tell by her expression in either of these pictures, I really won't be able to explain it any clearer.

No arms were bitten off in the process, but a few crayons were taken here and there.

To lighten the mood, Will tried to put a smile on Grace's face.

Buuutttt, he ended up pointing and laughing instead. She did join in thank goodness; you really don't want to cross this little girl!

Use Your Words!!!

Mr. Will has really started Repeat Repeater. Yeah, watch your mouth!!! It's pretty fun actually saying something and having him say it back; like he's very good at "Hi" and "Bye" and as stated before "outside".

He's learned sign language at school and has been using that to communicate. Makes life easier when he wants milk and squeezes his hand into a ball then out to tell us milk, rather than his previous communication of "meeee meeeee meeee" and pointing to everything but the milk. Or to say "more" or "all done" when he's eating. And the one that melts my heart is "Please"; I love a child with manners.

He's quite a note taker too, he sat in his chair the other morning taking notes while I told him about what's been going on with me.....

Then he turned the page to show me the scribbles he'd been doing while I talked, then went off on some serious jibber jabber tyrade, rudely interrupting my conversation to tell me how board he was with me talking! (I assume that's what he said anyway)

His artwork is getting better and better, though....well, more and more scribbles on the page is what I mean by better! And his face, that mark on his cheek is the pen not a scratch.

Casual Sunday

Well, looks like I get an "F" last week for blog updates, sorry for getting behind on the ball, I do have a little man to chase around you know! ; ) Though he does keep us busy ALL the time, it's all the more reason to drag the camera out and capture because every moment has been priceless.

Well, onto his newest activity....Golf! Grandpa Mike set up a net in his backyard and if we are over there, that's what we are doing and by we, I mean all of us, I play too. Will has really started using his words lately, one of which he knows pretty well "outside". I'll get back to words in the next blog because I have to tell you about Golf. He's pretty good and knows exactly what to do, but what you might not be able to tell from the picture...or maybe you can, depends on your golf expertise, but Mr. Will likes to swing left handed. YUP....Mom's rubbed off on him!!!!! Well, really we don't know yet, but since he takes all the right handed clubs and swings them left handed and seems to be left handed dominate with everything else, we decided to get a left handed set and let him have both options. He's very natural left handed, I mean for a 17 month old. So, we'll see if it sticks. I can say I'm pretty good golfing with these new clubs, I never tried golfing left handed....or on my knees; I actually get the ball in the air that way!

Anyway, Grandpa Mike was helping him line up and swing. His dad always says "I don't care what sport he plays, as long as he's happy and loves it" But silly Michael, did you actually think he wouldn't take interest in golf; he's your son AND a Martin!!!

See he's got it pretty good! Unlike his silly mommy who wiffle balls most of the balls, Will actually lines up and hits it on his own. (no worries Aunt Traci, I waited until Will was with Michael or wayyy away before I hit the ball!) (for those who don't know what that's about, I've taken Aunt Traci out a few times when I attempt golf, it's best I just drive the cart!)

Then he runs down to get his ball, well 10 feet away, but it's an event.

AND gives us a big cheesy grin while we clap our hands off and say "YAY Will!!!!"

Who knew Golf could be so fun???

Puppy Martin

Meet Puppy Martin. We adopted him yesterday and will be bringing him home in 3 short weeks. He's a chocolate lab who tentatively will be named Chance. Michael thinks we should let Will name him, but doppie dooppie doo might be a silly name when Will is a little older.

He's very cuddly and the biggest of his brood. His mommy and daddy are both beautiful doggies so no doubt he's on the road to royal handsomeness! We can't wait to add him to our family and look forward to an addition to the blog. It's about time we had another adorable face to photograph!

Christmas Holiday

Christmas Eve we spent with Michael's Family.

Grace is getting so big, at this point she was very nearly walking, but not quite. She is the most intense yet happy baby I've ever known. You can't help but smile and laugh right along with her.

Will is so sweet and careful with Grace; her mommy is always on guard to make sure she is careful with Will which should be the other way around, but don't put it past her to grab a chunk of his shirt and pull him around!

Present opening wasn't that interesting to Will this year. Of course the boxes and sacks were a hit, but I did get him to pay attention a few times and help.

Grace on the other hand was front and center for all the help you needed. Really Will was more interested in her gifts and she his.

Will is now more stocked in the garage department than his father. He got a chainsaw, tool bench, tool box w/ tons of tools, a tape measure and a power washer to clean the cars. (and it actually works w/ a hose)

Then Chrismtas morning Will got to see what Santa brought him. He wasn't having it though, guess it was to early for our enthusiasm, we had to be taken down a peg or two. Can't wait for him to get excited with us; Santa's a HUGE deal!!! Oh and the dinosaur rocker freaked him out! He got a picnic table too, but the massive snow Christmas Eve didn't allow me to pick it up from the office. Thank HEAVEN he's not old enough to know something is missing! WHEW!

Then Christmas morning after presents at our house, we spent the day with my parents. Oh, before I go on, I failed to mention in all this that our house is officially equivalent to Toys R Us. Will enjoyed carrying around everyones presents by the bows. Again, not that interested in opening any.

He did throw a hissy when this gift was opened and it had to set up immediately. It's one of those deals you drop a ball in and it winds its way to the bottom. Big Hit!!!

Then Grandpa and Daddy put together his shopping cart which he now enjoys using to unload kitchen drawers and take over to the trash and throw the stuff away. Yeah, time to lock up the kitchen! Anyway, Will helped when he could; you know taking parts they needed and placing them somewhere else.

Then after the presents were opened and all his gifts were put together he got to go out in the snow for the first time. He wasn't really sure about it mainly because it made him fall down and because he hates wearing the stuff he has on, but we gave it a try anyway.

That was our wonderful Christmas Holiday. My mom and I got a stomach bug Christmas Eve so we were both down for the count and didn't get to enjoy the yummy delicious food for the season. No fun being sick on Christmas! Other than that minor glitch, it was a great end of 2009. We hope everyone had a blessed holiday too.

Christmas With The Clark's

To truly tell you about our Christmas I need to back up to Christmas Eve Eve which we spent with the Clark & Bell Family at their ranch.

It was an evening of comedy & fun starting with Michael sporting some interesting spectacles.

Uncle Allen sported them too....I think it really brings out their eyes!?!

Bennett and Will had so much fun playing with each other. Bennett is sporting his gardening glove and I'm not sure what Will is doing, but probably into something he shouldn't.

Not quite sure what they are looking at, but I'm sure it's very interesting!!!! Will likes to observe, he's done that since he was born, sometimes he gives grumpy looks while he's watching, others he just concetrates on your every move. He was mesmerized with Bennett.

After dinner it was present time. Will loved the boxes the most, but did get some cool shoes and a bag to go w/ his camo luggage.

Oh and the tissue paper was a hit too.

See try taking it away from him! This started the downhill slide to Mr. Cranky Pants so we left shortly after, but our evening was a lot of fun and the boys had a great time playing together.

Vacation Part 2

Will got his first and probably last charge card while on the trip! Thank heaven he was too young to use it; it was linked to our bank account, so he could charge anything he wanted while at the lodge. You know kids, they can get out of control with that!

His picture was on it too, pretty funny photo, he didn't like having to be still and look at the funny round camera the lady was aiming at him. I'll see if I can get it on here, it's a must see!

Will loved this chair in the condo; if you were sitting in it he kindly pulled your leg until you got up and put him in your place. He brought his tools along for the trip to do a little carpentry.

There was a pool table area in the lobby that Will particularly enjoyed running around in. Most of the time he interrupted kids playing pool, but they didn't mind, he'd love on the girls and melted their hearts. One in particular; he would lay his head in her lap and kiss her hands. I think I'm going to have a heart breaker on my hands. She was puddy!

New Years Eve we went to dinner with our friends The Clark's & Bell's in a restaurant next to the lodge. We watched fireworks and had a wonderful evening with friends.

Will & Bennett Bell had a great time playing with each other. Bennett was very kind and shared his toys with Will to get him to sit at the table longer than 2 minutes. Restaurants are brutal right now!

Friday after skiing all day we bundled Will up and went outside to play in the snow. Little stinker won't wear gloves or boots so Grandpa kept trying to warm his hands.

Yeah, this is as close as he got to the snow.

He loved the outdoors though.

And his time with Grandpa

Friday evening we went to dinner at The Clark's Cabin since dinner out with the kids is so difficult. Will made himself right at home...taking off his shirt and all! For some reason he was way hot (not fever hot) so he enjoyed the evening topless.

He relaxed quite well over at their place, reading a magazine and lounging in the chair!

After relaxation time, he decided to go on a tyrade and re-organize their magazines....Hey a kid can only sit still for so long!

So that was our trip! The only thing we didn't get to do was dog sledding; the person failed to tell us 1 year olds were not allowed to sled. Didn't bother me much, since Will won't wear gloves, goggles or boots, I worried about him on a sled being pulled by dogs. We'll do it next time! We had a great time and look forward to hitting the slopes in a couple of years and taking Will up with us. Well, he'll be in ski school but skiing non-the-less. Breckinridge has the coolest ski school for kiddo's; Bennett Bell went this year and had so much fun. Heck, I kind of want to take it just so I can ride the escalator thing up the slope!

I'll get our Christmas pictures up next week, we had a wonderful Christmas with all our family, so I'll share that too.

Vacation Part 1

We had the best time in Colorado. Will did amazing, he loved it there. Upon arrival, we had to stock the house, Will enjoyed grocery shopping. I would have gotten more pictures of him at work, but we were busy running down the isles chasing him and replacing everything he kept taking off the shelf. Would have been frustrating if we weren't laughing so hard.
We had 2 amazing days of skiing and 1 not so amazing day, but we skied anyway. No injuries to report; Michael crashed a couple of times and me being the supportive wife, laughed so hard I about wet my pants.

Yes, we are wearing helmets! That was a first for us; I fought it til the end, but 95% of people wear them now and after finally giving in, I have to say it's the only way to go. Keeps your head extremely warm and...well, safe from head injuries. Michael swayed me with that; "Angela, you won't be any use as a mom with brain damage, if you won't wear it for yourself, wear if for Will" (yeah, that'll hit ya where it hurts!!!!)

Cheeeseeee! Getting ready to head down the mountain. My Dad, Michael and I were the skiers on the trip. My mom, didn't get to this time, she was a little sad, but she has to get her knees stronger before she tackles the slopes again. So she enjoyed Will and Grammy time while we were on the mountain.

Will got to SWIM outside....in the freezing cold.....and snow! He freaked at first, but then realized we wouldn't let him go so he started having fun.

Now he's having a blast!

We spent Saturday downtown shopping...for Will of course. Will primarily walked every direction but the way we were going. Dad had to intervene every once in awhile to keep his little legs dry.

But for the most part he led the "wrong" way thru town.

I still have pictures on my big camera; I'll download those tomorrow for Vacation Part 2.