Christmas Post

Austin had a little pre-Christmas fun with the box that his grandma's gifts came in. The Styrofoam peanuts were especially interesting. On Christmas morning he took a little while to get into it but once he understood the concept he had a ball! We didn't get pictures of him playing with all of his toys but he had so much fun with each of them that it's hard to tell which is his favorite.
















Hope you all had a very merry Christmas. We sure are glad for our little family and the joy we share together.

SnOw Much Fun!

Austin takes after his dad in his love for the snow.



First they tried sledding in the backyard.





Austin loves to eat the snow. (Good thing we don't have dogs anymore.)



Then they got more adventurous and tried a bigger slope at the school.



Weee!


The first time his dad took him to the school, Austin kept saying, "Again! Again!" Until about the 10th time when he got too cold. Then it was, "Cold. Mamma. Cooold."

Table Manners

We're doing such a good job of teaching Austin proper etiquette. See...









Well, what do you do with your bowl after you've emptied it?
(He put it on his head and called it a hat.)

Random Photos

I just thought these were cute...

Austin put up window clings that my mom gave me that I used as a child. He's really enjoyed putting them up and taking them down over and over. He can say "baby Jesus" now. Not because of this nativity scene.... I just thought I'd say that.



Austin always gets a bedtime snack of either milk and crackers or yogurt. It's the only time he gets to eat at the table instead of his highchair.

A Duncan Christmas Tradition

Decorating gingerbread houses has been a Duncan family tradition since M was a kid. We have continued the tradition as the only out of state branch since we moved here. We invite a couple of our neighbors over. I make the gingerbread pieces and icing and everyone brings candy to share. Last year was the only year we skipped it so this was Austin's first experience. His little friend from across the street is about 8 mos older than him. They spent a lot of time just playing together which worked out really well for their attention spans. It's always a good time and this year we actually remembered to take photos! Enjoy...

What a Good Helper!

One of Austin's favorite things to do is to help ... with just about anything. He's good about picking up his toys, throwing things away and taking out the trash. He'll help cook, clean and do laundry. Give him a wet cloth and he'll wash any surface in sight. He even does windows. A couple of Grandma's at Wal-Mart got a big kick out of him pushing the grocery cart around. He helps to put the table away in nursery with a big grin on his face. (I know because he no longer allows us to leave him.) He helps with every project his dad does and most of mine.

Austin the Artist

Austin loves to draw. A coworker gave us a small chalkboard he no longer uses and Austin has had a blast. He got started as soon as I brought it home...



Then his dad hung it on the wall in the basement right at Austin's height.




Here he is drawing a ball. He also draws vacuums and spirals.

My Little Tiger

Austin was a tiger for Halloween. We went to the ward trunk - or - treat on Friday night. Sometimes he would show his muscles in his costume which includes a growl.








Saturday Mike took Austin around the block. Austin caught on quickly to the idea. They didn't hit every house. However, every house they walked by Austin said, "knock, knock?" When he came home he set his bag on the couch and took each piece of candy out one at a time. He set each one on the couch next to his bag and said, "Ah wan dis." after every one. He thought it was fun to see the kids that came to our door also. He kept pointing and saying, "Neat!" at all of them. It was a good time. I love toddlers. Especially mine.

What mommy does when Austin is asleep

calla lily - 2 of 3

And, now that that's finished, publish a half dozen posts.

Have you ever seen

a bug like this? It looks like a leaf.

Daddy's Little Helper

Last night I helped dad fix the garbage disposal.



And the other day I helped him fix the back door.


I sure have a lot of responsibility for a 17 month old!

Dress Rehearsal

It's getting cold out there. I think I'd better get my blanket.



I have to bundle up like this when we go outside.



And I wear super soft and comfy pajamas for bed.

I like cameras!

And cameras like me...








(precious cargo)

Hot Days

Or mildly warm days anyway are a good excuse for Austin to get out the hose.



The neighbor kids thought it was fun to watch Austin.



Austin thought it was fun to spray the kids.


When your garden is done producing edible food it is still good for making mud.



Before it's demise Austin loved the corn on the cob.



He could hardly wait to break into the 19.5" long watermelon. In his own words, "mmmm".