Daniel Loves Demolition

Once Had a Horse Named Napoleon

Basketball Hoop for Christmas

One of Daniel's many presents this Christmas was a basketball hoop. It's the perfect size for him right now and adjusts up to 6 feet.



After we installed the basket downstairs he promptly found every ball in the basement and tried dunking it too:

* 3 soccer balls
* 4 bouncy balls
* 3 wuffle balls
* 2 baby toys shaped like balls
* 2 multi-colored balls
* 1 racketball
* 1 miniature basketball
* 1 toy car

Daniel wrestles with Grandpa Warren

Grandpa Warren wrestles with a dog

Bikes are fun but reallllly cold

Daniel and Carl share some cookies

This episode of CSI is really boring

More Photos of Daniel

Which is better? A new dishwasher or the box it came in

Daniel is a very, very generous host

Daniel playing in the leaves

I like Lego's like my Dad and so does Aravis

Peanut Butter is good even outside of Reese's

Christmas Lights and Decorations

I helped decorate the Christmas tree

We went to the Zoo Lights

And saw real Giraffes

Look Trav - I rode a black panther

Daniel in Costume

We have a bunch of photos we haven't posted during the last few months so we are going to do a series of posts with some of our favorites.

Daniel at Children's Museum

Daniel with all his trick-or-treat friends

I love Halloween and Reese's

Daniel got the hang of trick-or-treating very quickly

Popcorn is even better than Reese's

So Big

You do so much now that you are a big boy, Daniel.
I'm afraid I don't know when you started all your new tricks, however.

For instanace, When was it that you started saying "goodbye" to inanimate objects? Your toys, your books, the backyard, and all construction vehicles get a proper "goodbye."

When was it that you got so good at recognize people in photographs. Just today you pulled out my driver's license and said, "mom-mom."

When was it that you learned you could get what you wanted if you just said, "please."

When was it that you decided you wanted to make your own peanut butter and jelly sandwiches?

When was it that you learned the word, "no?"

When was it that you became so skilled at getting your own dining room chair, dragging it to wherever you want, climbing on top of that chair and then grabbing the banana off the counter, finding the pens in the drawers, playing with the dirty dishes in the sink and reaching all those once-off-limits items in the cupboard?

Today and Always

Daniel,

I'm amazed. I'm proud. I'm in love.

With each new word you speak - today was "meatball" - I get excited for the next word, and anticipate the day you will say the sentence, "I love you."

Every time you say "hello" to an elderly person - you don't miss a one! - I'm proud that you already love seniors and want to make them smile.

When you pucker up with those big lips and come in for a kiss I melt and simply wish the moment would last longer than it does.

You are a special, little boy, Daniel. Today and always.

Love you.

Mom

Trick or Treat!

Oh, the the fun we've had this fall!

A Year and a Half

Daniel Reads and Makes Animal Sounds

During the last two weeks Daniel has started enjoying books and being read to. Before this, he would slither out of our arms and run to the nearest ball.

His favorite books have pictures of animals or babies. He loves making the animal sounds or kissing the babies. Below is a video of Daniel making his animal sounds.

Daniel Plays More Soccer

We've shown quite a few soccer videos on the blog considering Daniel is only 17 months old. He is really good though (I know I'm biased) and it is his favorite activity right now.

He dribbled the soccer ball in the backyard for about 15 minutes. Dribbling back and forth, in circles, and switching balls every so often.

Grandpa Tiger, you will be glad to see Daniel even uses his left foot a couple times in the video and he naturally dribbles away from defenders.

Daniel Learns to Love the Vaccum

Daniel used to hate the vacuum cleaner. Every time I would turn it on he would start screaming and crying. We bought him a little vacuum cleaner of his own to use for a few days and then tried using the real vacuum again.

Daniel and the vacuum are now good friends.

Daniel Takes Out Trash

Every couple of days Daniel decides he should grab the trash can and help pull it across the house. He usually takes it to the front door (if he doesn't get distracted or beaten by the rug).

Daniel Competes in a Dance Off

Daniel, Angie, and I went to Salida, Colorado for a weekend getaway. In downtown Salida there was a small car show with some 60's music and a dance competition. Of course Daniel wanted to join in.

I think his dance moves look very similar to Flashdance. "He's just a steel town boy on a Saturday night looking for the time of his life. He's a maniac, maniac, on the floor"

Daniel Entertains With Physical Comedy

Daniel knows his audience likes physical comedy so he doesn't mind beating himself up a bit for a few laughs. He even pauses between balls to the face to make sure everyone is watching. I just hope he doesn't learn how funny a football to the groin can be.

Little Boys

Little Boys

Author: Lorayne Stevenson

In and out of weeds and dirt.
squealing, laughing, getting hurt.
Arms held out for loves and hugs.
Tiny fingers finding bugs.
Rough and tumble, sweet and shy.
Snuggling for a lullaby.
Who could name the countless joys
That come from raising little boys.

My memories from Auntie Jen's Visit

Auntie Jenny Was Here

... and there were bubbles!

Daniel Loves 4th of July

A Realtor put American flags in every yard in our neighborhood in honor of the 4th of July. Daniel thinks this is the best thing ever.

Every time we go outside he walks to a neighbors house and grabs a flag. He then walks to the next house and grabs their flag too. When he gets to another flag he drops one of the first two in order to grab the third and so the game continues.....

After the walk is done Mom and Dad put all the flags back so Daniel can repeat it again tomorrow.

The Similarity is Striking

If anyone finds a baby Tanooki Suit please let us know.

Learning to Feed Myself

Daniel is learning how to feed himself. He gets food in his mouth about 30% of the time so the other 70% ends up on his nose, hair, fingers, or his high chair.

Unless he is SUPER hungry we have a hard time feeding him ourselves. He always wants to use the spoon.

Mom and Dad Miss You

Daniel - We're on a cruise but we miss you very much. Have fun with Nanna.

We look forward to coming back home and playing with you more!