Tumbling

Brek got to participate in his very first activity. Our local community center held a Toddler Tumbling class for 6 weeks. We actually missed the first class, but it was so popular and there were so many more kids that wanted to sign up, that they did a 2nd course, and even split that one into 2 groups as well. It also turned out that almost all of the kids in Brek's class were also apart of his storytime group at the library. It meant more socializing time for the moms, and a familiar group of kids to be with. Brek LOVED it! He was always asking to go to tumbling. He still talks about it and is hoping they do another class soon. He gets so excited when we drive or walk past the community center and still does some of the neat tricks he learned. So now, for the random and mass assortment of pictures:

Weather permitting, this is how we roll to Tumbling.

Brek loves the wagon.

Brek was not always the most obedient child, as this "action" shot shows him running around instead of doing what the teacher said to do. You win some and lose some with 2 and 3 year olds.

Somersaults regularly included dogpiles 

Getting some help from his teacher Miss Katie

The balance beam. Our friend Hannah is the girl on the right.

Brek's turn. By the end of the class, he was able to walk the whole length without falling off, if he wanted to.

Moving a little faster, and Miss Katie helping our friend Hunter, Hannah's brother.

Miss Katie getting Brek to go back around.

I love how Hunter has his arms out, even tho he isn't on the beam.

Good job Hunter!

Hunter and Elia

Brek's turn again.

Time for bean bags. I'd have to say this was the time of class where Brek was the MOST disobedient. He was always throwing them around the room. 

At least here we've got him actually putting it on his foot like he is supposed to.

Can you guess what happened right after I took this picture?

Hula Hooping. Brek was pretty good at this thanks to the hoop we have at home. Lots of action shots.

 The Obstacle Course - putting it all together.

Somersaults with Hannah

Balance Beam

To the left and in the back you can see the hoops on the ground and the tunnels to go through. There were always pile ups and arguments over one thing or another, which were hilarious to watch.

Brek LOVED to help put things away, especially the beam. It makes a parent proud to watch their child be helpful.

Everyone had to get in on the "helping" action.

Scarves

For the first 5 classes, the parents had to stay out in the hallway. Sometimes we were able to see through the door what was going on. But other times, they had to close the door either due to noise or to keep the kids from wandering out to mom or dad. The very last class we all got to come in and watch. We were laughing so hard.

Brek is there at the left side of the map doing his somersault.

Everyone on the beam

If you couldn't tell, we just loved this! Brek loved it. We loved it. Totally worth it. And we certainly hope they'll be holding the class or something similar to it sometime in the near future, or at least next year. I'm also excited for the classes Brek will get to take as he gets a little older.

February

I have not been good at taking pictures. But I figured it was time to finally post the few that I have.

First off, I'm trying to be a little bit better about holidays. For those that don't know, I'm not a huge fan of celebrating holidays. I mean, birthdays, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and even a little bit of Independence Day are fine. I'm talking Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Mother's Day/Father's Day, etc. I'm lazy. And it seems pointless.

But like I said, I'm trying to be a little bit better. So on Valentine's Day, I made pink cookies. Brek helped. Well, in the way that every 2 year old can:

The only other pictures I have from February are of Brek playing with his computer. He hadn't played with it in quite some time, and he was just being cute. So, enjoy!

Love that face!

Saying Goodbye

In February, one of Joe's most sincerest wishes finally came true. And I said good-bye to a good, old, trustworthy friend - my purple-ish coat.

It may all seem silly. I'm sure it actually is. But I loved this coat. I have had it since high school. I don't remember which year. But I remember my parents buying it for me over the Thanksgiving break when we were in Fairfield (like always), and we were shopping at the Vacaville Outlets with my cousins and aunt and uncle. Within a short period of time, a couple holes were burned into the bottom because the coat was stuffed into the trunk and the light in there burned the coat. I seriously hadn't had it for very long. I don't remember when, but the bottom velcro ripped off, so I only had the top velcro patch to use.  It had this awesome zipper in the sleeve, and I used to put smartees and tootsie rolls in there to eat during early morning seminary to help me stay awake. That kinda makes me think I've had this since Freshmen or Sophomore year, but like I already said, I don't exactly remember. 

I loved this coat because I could always maintain my temperature in it. Which also means that I never took it off (unless it was wet from the rain.) I would wear the coat all through the day at school, and all afternoon at home until it was time to get ready for bed. I wore this coat all through college. 

Every boyfriend I ever had (not that there were many) HATED this coat, due to the fact that I never took it off. Joe has been the biggest fan of getting rid of it. He always complained that it "wasn't cuddly." I always told him (well, all of them) that they were out of luck. I loved my coat and it wasn't coming off or going away. 

When Joe & I were engaged and I was away studying in Jerusalem, after I had been gone a month or so, Joe confessed one day that he had actually pulled it out of his closet and put it on because it smelled like me and then he didn't miss me so much. I've loved that story. 

Well, we took a trip down to Sidney and walked around the really big Cabella's. I finally agreed that it was time to look at a new coat, and I found this one for really cheap. I like cheap.

I will admit, there have been a few times that I have missed my purple coat. But in general, this new one is doing fine. It is more obvious when it gets dirty, and that just counteracts my laziness. But it is comfy and warm.

So here's to making new memories!