Happy First Birthday, Leif!

We had a wonderful weekend in Iowa City with a sizable crew gathered to celebrate not only Leif's 1st birthday, but his Grandpa Larsen's 75th as well. (Disclaimer: You may have to print, cut and paste to put these photos in order if that's a biggie for you. I keep forgetting to load the most recent photos first!)

Opening up his new tool set from Aunt Annie

I can already see his wheels turning - "What will I build with these sand tools come spring?"

A special lamb from cousin Kristen, imported from Madison, WI

We left the frosting-covered clothes behind post-cake

After initially just wanting out, once he tasted the frosting the whole game changed...

Kaj "helping" Grandpa Larsen

For the next three, scroll upward - 1) Birthday boy fingers frosting and brings it directly to 2) mom's face, then 3) mom's shirt

Reaching for the keys Grandma Hawley was shaking in the hope of getting a cute, smiley photo

(FYI these don't typically happen after bedtime)

Hanging out with his favorite Mpls Grandma

Leif often zooms down the hall straight to Kaj's room, where he takes a slightly roundabout path to enter the bottom bunk at the foot of the bed so he can put his chin down and push through the dangling blanket. When he takes off down the hall, we always know where he's headed (unless the bathroom door has been left open. Then it's 50/50.)

Playing with his face stacking blocks with cousin Jonus

Checking out his new books from Great Aunt Pat - thanks for sending them along with the cute blue outfit! He'll be wearing it tomorrow morning. :)

Now that's a cake!

The birthday balloon was a hit!

Did someone say "vintage?" Think 1976. Guess who used to wear this outfit...

And this sweater? Another second-generation number made by their Great-grandma Larsen

Preparing for the festivities

The cake maker, and below, a little preview

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEIF PEDER! WE LOVE YOU!

A String of Cold Days

How do we keep ourselves entertained when the weather suggests "indoor recess?"

Entertain the highchair-bound with the craziest of tactics

Test the theory of gravity

Play "sprinkler"

Pose for photos with cereal in our teeth (what is this about?)

Mmm...yeah

Perform free concerts for the public

Enjoy the local wildlife

Cruise from chair to table to fireplace to tent, then repeat

See if we can get inappropriate toys in our mouths without mom or dad noticing - extra points for doing it while being photographed

More free concerts

(*note the kazoo has left us as of late since moments after this photo was taken it was mistaken for a dog chew)

Going for a dip in the local watering hole

Smiling for the camera

(*as of a few days ago Leif now has teeth poking through on top. Check in soon for teeth shots.)

Poop

I just have to share...

7 pm

Kaj (sitting on the john): "Daddy, I'm gonna tell you what kind of poop I'm going to have - a great, big, giant tyrannosaurus rex poop!

7:05 pm

Tom: "Kaj, are you finished?"

Kaj: "Not quite. I just have 3 inches left."

7:10 pm

Tom: "Kaj, I'm so proud of you!"

Kaj: "I'm so proud of you, too!"

Tom: "You mean, you're proud of you, too?"

Kaj: "No, I mean I'm proud of you because you poop all the time!"

A Duet

I realize I haven't posted FOREVER and am overwhelmed at the thought of sifting through photos from the last months, so I'm ignoring that task and focusing on today. Before their afternoon naps - I'm amazed they napped at the same time, that's too convenient - Leif was tooting away on a kazoo and Kaj rediscovered his harmonica. Before they knew it, they were watching each other for cues and really jamming! Ah, brotherhood!

SNOW!

We are getting so close to winter break, I can see the light...

We've been busy baking at our place and at Grandma and Grandpa Larsen's in preparation for the coming festivities (Thank you, TWO snow days!). Here Kaj and Leif were hanging out in the front window, one more literally than the other. Even though it's imperfect, I love how this photo captured Leif's adorable profile. He has the sweetest cheeks! And I wish I could say I intentionally mismatched his socks, but they were simply the first two cozy ones I saw in his drawer. Digging for a matched pair is not a high priority before school during the week!

Making Kringler with the resident expert in these parts...

No amount of crazy dancing and face-making could get the younger member to crack a smile. Apparently layers of puffy garments lead to a less-than-pleased baby.

No big hills required, just a little momentum.