Swimming, Zoo, Gymnastics and the Packers!

We have been busy so far in 2011. It is that time of year when we feel like going outside is a chore and we don't want to do it. Then we look at our almost 2 year old and say we gotta get out of the house.

Sleepy boy in the car - Nick and Evan both like to put stuff over their heads while sleeping. Awake, then zonk.

Zoo Tots:

I took him to Zoo Tots and he loved it. He got to pet a Bearded Dragon. He was the first one up to it, no fear.

Gymnastics: We signed our energetic little boy up for gymnastics. He really enjoyed it, notice the reoccurring theme in each picture...a ball. We gave up trying to get it away from him.

Looking for his ball. 

We got creative and put it where he had to climb to get it.  

Swimming: we met up with college friends and their kiddos at the indoor waterpark, Wasserbahn. I am still waiting for a group photo. It was so fun, 7 kids, 6 boys and 4 within 6 months of each other.

Watching a movie with buddy Drake

Hey mom!  (another ball)

Playing at our house:

Helping mom put her boots on. He loves to get our shoes for us.

And the iPad...his favorite toy ever. He knows how to unlock it and get on YouTube. Seriously he knows how to work it better than me. 

Making treats with mom.

New thing to ride in the truck like Superman.

When Evan is quiet, you know he is up to something. Dad caught him on camera in the office. 

And last but not least...GO PACK GO!

With buddies Bennett and Kaed

Our neighbors are Bear fans...they needed a little green and gold.  

Kaed and Evan cheering on the Packers! 

 Boys are getting a little excited for the Packers.

Super Bowl here we come!!

Love,

Nick, Amy and Evan

Puppy's Trials and Tribulations

I have written about puppy in a long time, but I wanted you all to know he is still very much a part of Evan's life. Evan sometimes looses track of puppy, but in a time of need puppy is always there. Puppy's life has been one of joys, challenges and adventures.

Puppy comes and goes with Evan every day to school. He sleeps with him during nap and waits patiently during play times until Evan needs him, usually after a bump or fall. When Evan is all better, Puppy waits like a good dog.

Puppy has been lost twice in his life, both at school. The first time, no names will be mentioned, but Puppy fell out in the parking lot as someone, other than me, was dropping Evan off. He spent the day on the cold, snow covered parking lot. Luckily some kind soul found him and brought him inside for warmth and to ward off any hypothermia or frostbite. Puppy had to stay home for a week and recover.

The second adventure for Puppy was to the hospital laundry. We weren't sure where Puppy was, in our cars, Evan's room, somewhere at daycare...we weren't sure. A few days later he showed up back at daycare in the laundry. Luckily the lady folding laundry made sure Puppy made it back to Evan.

Everyone at school knows Puppy for the most part, he is such a staple in Evan's life there.

Today was one of the sad days where Puppy was able to come through again for Evan. As told from a co-worker who saw Evan this morning in a different room, with a different teacher:

"He was at the breakfast table snuggling his puppy, snotting and sobbing and reaching for me!  I have to think he recognized me in some short term memory capacity and just thought I might be able to take him to his “mama” and “dada” as he frustratedly continued to tell me.  I hugged him and kissed him and found out it was his turn to visit.  As he realized that I couldn’t exactly walk out of the room with him – he pushed me away and started all over.  I felt TERRIBLE!!!  That is the worst!  But at the very least, I did want you to know that I had comforted him for a very short time and that puppy might need a quick run through the washer tonight...in addition to the snot and tears, I think puppy tried to drink the peach juice out of his bowl."

A picture during happier times...

When Evan moved to the toddler room, his beloved Annie made Puppy a book to reflect upon their time together. It was the sweetest gift ever and one we will be able to share with Evan, long after the "need" for Puppy is there.

Love,

Amy aka Puppy's caregiver

Christmas, California and Canines (teeth)

I don't know where to begin except we are exhausted! Evan has been getting his final 3 teeth and we can't wait to get back on a good sleeping routine. We spent  Christmas in Cedar Rapids/Iowa City with the Varcoes. Evan hardly got any presents...ha!

Christmas Eve (with gloves)

Varcoe siblings

Christmas morning

Crazy hair

Nigh Night!

These were at Thanksgiving

Four generations of Keatings


Then it was off to San Diego to meet up with Grandpa Dave and Grandma Lois. Luckily Les, Kathleen and Arlene made it work to see us too.

Off we go!

 Evan actually did sleep on the way out.

We went to Legoland, the San Diego Zoo, aquarium and lots of walks on the beach.

Ready to go on the big helicopter!

This is awesome dad!

Swinging above water 

 Spraying boats with Grandpa, not sure who is having more fun!

By the Lego snowman

Off to the beach!

First day at the beach.

 Checking out the beach with Grandpa Dave.

 Mom are you coming? 

 Clapping at the beach, pants rolled up, more later.

 

 My toes in the Pacific sand.

 Walking with Grandpa and Grandma

 Looking at the ocean with mom and dad.

 Running from the ocean was his favorite thing.

 Wow, this water is cool Grandpa.

 Come here ocean...

What you don't see is Grandpa and Evan getting taken out by a wave and Evan going down. Pants off.

 Here Grandpa, throw another rock.

He has a love for sand and lots of it.

What mom? I shouldn't eat this?

But it is so good. (Evan ate buckets of sand - came out in his diaper the next day.)

Varcoe Family at the beach

On to the zoo...

This is a cheetah and dog that are best of friends. Very fun to watch.

Evan and Nick by zebra

Checking out the elephant tusks, fake of course.

Panda bear just chillin'. 

 Evan likes to push his own stroller now. This works great in crowded areas...oh the joys of a toddler.

 Ready to wrestle. 

 Evan trying to touch the real gorilla, it was huge!

 Roar! Evan thought this was a little scary, but warmed up quickly.

 Watching the sea lion show.

 Nick trying to explain his shirt is the same animal.

 Soft touches on gorilla.

 Mom and Evan by gorilla.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The zoo is a lot of work. Peace out.

So tired on the way home - what you don't see if we are landing during this. The kid can't sleep through us walking out of the room, but a plane landing, engine breaks, sure why not.

Love,

Nick, Amy and Evan