The Answers...

For those of you who haven't been able to sleep, because you've been dying to know the answers, they've finally arrived. Brent says there's a prize if you got them all right, without hints. That means, we'll have to use the honor system, and you'll have to call Brent because I know nothing about a prize... =)

DOWN
1. Cottage Cheese
2. Lymes
3. Vibe
4. Ireland
5. Ball
6. Six
7. Three

ACROSS
1. Four
2. Lady
3. The Blindside
4. Panama
5. Seven
6. Summer Camp (June 14)- he's a BOY!!

Hope you enjoyed the "quiz" and it didn't cause you too much stress... Happy New Year!

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 =)