Check out some pictures of our adorable little 5-month-old!
Joshua and I took our first trip up to the snow yesterday! We were originally planning a guys’ beach trip instead, since we could do something away from home with Kristen and Elliott away anyway. When the weather turned toward snowy up on Mt. Hood, Joshua chose (legitimately, he chose it) to do a day trip up to White River Sno-Park yesterday instead. He was so excited!
We packed up all the gear for snowshoeing and cross country skiing, the Chariot carrier with its skis for Joshua, the sled, backpacking stuff for making hot chocolate, and the ever-present camera, and we headed out! Once we got up to snow level, Joshua was ready to stop the pickup right there-and-then and play in that snow! He asked, “Can we stop now and play in this snow?” something in the vicinity of 25 times before we got to our destination where we could finally stop and play!
Taking a break for some Hot Chocolate!
Throwing Snow Balls at Daddy!
A couple of weeks ago, Kristen and I (Joel) tag-teamed shooting the wedding for Megan (Parks) and Cody Burles. They happened to select the same location for their wedding that we had with our own wedding, and it was very fun to be back there again!
The weather cooperated with us, allowing for a great day of capturing this beautiful couple and their special day in the spectacular fall colors on display this time of year!
Congrats, Cody and Megan! We’re so happy for you!
My sister Marie and her husband Ryan are expecting their first (a girl) next month! Kristen and I are so excited for them to be welcoming another little one into the family!
I had some fun taking maternity pictures with them last weekend. Enjoy!
This week’s adventures in parenting took on a new curve as Joshua learned he could crawl out of his crib and decided naps were a thing of the past. I went through the stages of grief over this new change, recognizing that life as I knew it for the past 2 1/2 years was now over. For now I have the pleasure of an over-tired toddler all day. With no breaks or moments of quiet.
Bound and determined that if he wouldn’t nap he could at least have quiet time away from me, I valiantly tried to set that in place. This was a total bust for several days, but I kept at it. With an entire afternoon to fill, I’ve dangled the carrot of a “special project” after quiet time in front of Joshua. Here are a few things we’ve been exploring together.
Apple printing and pumpkin painting – we learned about color mixing and talked about lines and texture.
Cooking is always a favorite activity. Joshua’s knife was upgraded from a play kitchen knife to a real cutting knife designed for texturing, so that it cuts but isn’t too sharp. He loves cooking in his own pot alongside me. Of course forts provide endless entertainment. When I run out of ideas I can always fall back on “Let’s make a fort!” for an instant winner.
I am in the process of organizing our art supplies for easy access and ideas. We made paper bag puppets and put on a puppet show together. Joshua also used scissors for the first time today. I was impressed with his desire to stick with it, even when it was hard.
What an exhausting but fun week! I love seeing the desire to create in my son and watching him learn through play.
The Meyers 