Thanksgiving Slideshow

FINALLY!!!

Children's Museum

We took Zander to The Children's Museum in Indy over Thanksgiving, and he had lots of fun. He was all over the place, a little destructor, unlike Nolan (a friends little one), who happily played in one place until you moved him. Here's a few videos from the trip there, one in the Playscape and one in the Science area with his cousin Connor.

Working and Playing

Something Zander always enjoys is being outside, especially at a playground. The one in Mt. Gretna is especially good for little guys.

He really likes to drive the fire truck there,


although sometimes he drives a little fast!




Zander has also become Mr. Independent, and likes to climb stairs and go down slides- although this little one was a little better than the big one, as you'll see.




Does that make us bad parents??

He also really likes to do whatever Brent is doing- in this case, nailing a board. Not necessarily too helpful, but definitely trying.

Happy Halloween!

Evidently, in Pennsylvania, trick-or-treating happens the Thursday before Halloween from 6-8, and there are dozens of Halloween parades that happen the week before also. This means, today is the actual Halloween, but there's not much going on (minus adult parties, but lets face it- Brent and I haven't been out for an evening more than once since Zander was born). So, today, we enjoyed some time outside in warm weather, and Charlie Brown's The Great Pumpkin- a great end to the halloween season. When's Christmas???

No, it's not his birthday, and he's not Balloon Boy. We were going for the guy from the movie 'UP". However, Zander wouldn't wear the house, the grey in his hair didn't show up, we couldn't get the lenses out of the sunglasses, and Rasta couldn't come Trick-or-Treating. Other than that, can you see it???


I think he secretly didn't want to wear the house, so he could Trick-or-Treat in style, and have dad push him around. Note- a bit tricky going in a neighborhood known for their elaborate porches...


So we've got the 'UP' guy, Brent the parachuter, and myself- I wish it were Christmas instead.


Brent said it's mandatory to take a picture of the "loot" afterwards. This the day after, minus one pack of crackers, one pack of pretzels, a tootsie roll, and a small bag of cotton candy. Funny out of these choices, he's going for the crackers. Glad to see some people are giving out a "healthier" alternative. I think Rasta's eyeing the chocolate.


Unfortunately, I didn't get a great picture of our first Halloween parade, but here is one "float". Zander cried, lots of loud sirens. Also, surprisingly, no throwing of candy. Just two people, one giving suckers, and one peppermint patties. Isn't the throwing of candy the best part of a parade??


Hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful and safe Halloween!

More of October

We've been busy lately, but finally, I'm sitting down to share more pictures of Zander and what he's been doing. Wish we were a bit closer to share him more in person, but looking forward to the holidays coming up and travels to the midwest!

Brent taught Zander how to skip rocks this month. Mostly, he just threw them in the lake, which he really liked. Unfortunately, the next time we went by the lake, he bee-lined right toward the water. Luckily I caught him before he fell in.

He still LOVES playing ball. Lately, when playing catch, he'll give you the ball, then run a route through the play room, turn around, and stick out his arms to catch. We're thinkin' he might play sports...


We also got a tunnel a few weeks ago, which hit or miss, he enjoys crawling through. Here- a hit!


This month, we celebrated Brent's 31st birthday- I know, that's a lot of candles. Zander didn't cry this time, which is a first since his birthday.


He enjoyed a few bites of cake, and while it looks like he wants more, really, he just wanted to throw it across the room.


Zander really wants to be involved in all the action. Even when it involves getting ready in the morning. I had him on the sink while I was getting ready, and he squirmed his way in. Makes it a little hard to brush your teeth...


Last week, we had lots of visitors. Fr. John came with his nieces for a night, and so did the Langsfords. Unfortunately, we only got 1/2 a day of good weather while they were here, hence the lack of great pictures =( Here's Zander with his godfather.


He also wanted to do the ropes course with his cousins. Brent helped him across the wobbly log- he did pretty great!


And here is everyone the last night here, getting ready to eat s'mores. That would make anyone happy! Thanks for the visit!

Trip to Minnesota!

Getting Ready for the NFL

We thought we'd start him off by pushing the car, then add rocks to the bed. Video got cut a little short when he started fast for the edge of the gravel and a big drop...

Zander's Latest Loves

Balloons on strings


Big spoons and Mac & Cheese


Girls, especially Ana


Laying on pillows on the floor


And riding in this yellow car mom finally cleaned off


A happy kid most all the time- we love him lots and lots!!!

New Love of Reading

First, Zander started to bring us books, climb on our lap, and read them to him (or, like this picture, climb into his toy box, find a book, hand it to us, climb out, and then let us read it to him)


Then, he started to find books, and a comfy pillow on the floor, and look at it on his own.


And finally, grab a book, sit down, and read it to himself... (sorry it's so shaky- I was far away and trying not to show him I was video taping because otherwise, he'd stop and just smile at the camera, then come try and take it)


The Miesle's love of reading has officially rubbed off on a Cummins kid =)

Who's Shoes?

This morning, Zander brought over one of Brent's shoes and tried to put it on. We gave him the second one- I think he likes big shoes like his cousin Elia!

Drumming in Harrisburg

We decided to actually use our drums and go join a group on the river. Zander got a few drums in, but mostly walked around eating his apple.



Until he saw this lady, who had a tambourine and a stick. He liked those a lot.


And even tried to take off with them.


Maybe we'll try and go back for the last week outside. It was nice to do something a little different!

First Gymnastics Class

In an attempt to give Zander some play time outside of camp, with other kids, where he won't go hysterical crying (YMCA), we started gymnastics last week. It took a second for him to get going, but he had a great time!

He was not into sitting down to listen to the lady talk, but would stand in the middle of the circle or right up next to her.


He did a fabulous job walking across this, although once was enough for him.


It was surprising he did anything else after he found the balls. Did we ever say how much he loves balls?




Something else he loves is laying on the floor on mats and pillows. Maybe we should just let him sleep on the floor instead of in a crib- he might actually get some sleep. Or just play all night, not sure which.


Looking forward to another week of playtime!

Recent Happenings

Family Vacation- Part II

Family Vacations, Part I

Who Does Zander Look Like?

Well, the mystery is solved. Some people swear he looks just like mom, and others, he looks just like dad, and others, a perfect blend. Until today. I gave Zander a good buzz and took this photo. It reminded me of a picture of Brent, and as you can see- they are almost identical. Now we just need to get Zander some jammies like these, an awesome video game, and cool headphones with a tape deck...

On Vacation

Zander is still on vacation, which means mom is too, so it's been quite a break since there have been photos posted. We have lots, but just not the time. Brent is back in PA at work, so I thought we should at least post a few so he remembers what we look like.

Zander and Rasta Playing

Well, we think Rasta will actually start paying more attention to Zander now. Enjoy the video, and soon enough a slideshow of our vacation with the Cummins' family. We miss you Rasta!

Finally Fell In

Now that we put Zander's toys in the ottoman, I was just waiting for him to fall in trying to reach something. Luckily it's soft. Maybe next time I'll get the picture on the way in.

Lebanon Fair

Our friend Jesse came to visit, and since she's from Iowa, and loves farm stuff, we splurged and went to the Lebanon Area Fair. Seems crazy that the state fair only charges for parking, but the Lebanon fair charges $4 admission and most everything inside costs extra...


First, we watched the tractor pull (outside the fence... even this cost extra!). It was VERY exciting.


Then, Zander got to touch his first horse. I think he liked it!


Next was Angola rabbits... have you ever seen one of these? They are ridiculously furry.


And finally, a milkshake from the dairy barn. Figured we already had our Funnel Cake for the season in NJ. I'd have to say Zander liked the milkshake best.

Trip to Philly

We had to get away from camp for the day, and Brent keeps talking about how he hasn't been to Philly since we moved. So, since it's only a little over an hour away, we may a quick trip of it.

First, we went to see the historical Independence Hall. Since we aren't really history buffs, it was a quick stop.


Zander enjoyed looking at the bell, and probably would have gone under the railing to touch it if we would have let him.



We also lucked into seeing a Water Armonica, invented by Ben Franklin. Makes beautiful music, and the woman even played "Twinkle, Twinkle" for Zander.


Zander wanted to give a tip, but we didn't have any change.


And finally, what's Philly without a cheesesteak? However, Zander did not care for it.



Brent didn't have a problem.



Zander liked it better once it didn't look like a giant hot sandwich, but instead, meat on his snack tray.


Minus the traffic and tolls, we had a great trip. We were also reminded why we don't live in a city... wouldn't last more than an afternoon!