Who is that cute baby?

Luke was playing in his bouncer and was laughing like crazy. I couldn't figure out what was so funny, but then I realized he had found a friend.

Little Drummer Boy

Marc loved playing his cousin Cameron's drums. I think he has talent!

Thanksgiving

We got to go to San Diego for Thanksgiving. We loved the warmer weather, good food, but most importantly being with family. There were 19 of us and we had a great time together.

This was an interesting trip because it was the first time flying with the boys, and I flew down with them alone. We wanted to save money and fly a certain airline, but they only flew Sunday and Matt couldn't miss school, so I packed my bags, drove two hours, and embraced what I knew could be a nightmare. First I had to get all the luggage, two car seats, and two little boys into the airport, which went pretty smooth. Then I got to check everything, which should have been easy, but my suitcase weighed 52.5 lbs, so I started pulling stuff out and shoving it in the backpack I was carrying on. At this point Marc didn't want to sit in the stroller, wouldn't stand next to me, and was on the floor throwing a tantrum (Got to love those). After we checked our bags it was off to security. This is where my story gets so much better. There was a mom and a daughter behind us in line that offered to help me, which I gladly accepted, and everything went really well. Then I found out they were on the same flight as me, and I knew that prayers are answered. The daughter played with Marc and helped me before we boarded, and then we sat next to them on the plane. The mom held Luke the whole plane ride and the daughter and I entertained Marc. So all in all we survived.

We spent the next couple of days just hanging out with Matt's brother's family which Marc and Luke loved because they got lots of attention. We went to a flower garden with Cameron and Haley. Marc got to run around and play and he loved it.


Everyone loved holding and playing with Luke. I guess Uncle Eric and Luke are both worn out from playing.


Then the rest of the family started showing up. We had a full house, but it was so much fun. The weather was beautiful (even though it was cold for down there) so we played outside and even swam in their pool/hot tub.

Thanksgiving dinner was amazing. They fried the turkey, had ham, delicious stuffing, and lots of other great food. We certainly had tons of good food to be thankful for! Outside waiting for dinner to be ready.

Friday we went to a wildlife park and had fun walking around seeing all the animals. There was also a train ride that took you out on a little tour so we got to see lots more animals. Marc really didn't get it, he just wanted to get out and walk, but I thought it was cool. The neatest part I thought was feeding these pretty birds nectar and they would come and land on your hands. Matt had three birds just sitting on him drinking the nectar. Marc thought this was pretty cool. Luke loved the park!

Well we made it back after another plane ride that went as well as expected. I was just glad that Matt was with me this time. We came home to tons of snow, but it is really good to be home.

There is hope!

There is hope that my boys will one day be able to play together without Marc beating Luke up. Moments like these just make me very glad to be a mommy!

Luke

Luke is now 5 months. Where has the time gone? I can't believe how big Luke is and how much he has changed. His first tooth broke though and he had his first taste of rice cereal last night. I hope it will help him not want to be fed all the time. He is starting to reach for toys and play a little bit, which is always fun to watch. He has become a thumb sucker even though I try to give him the binkey. He is so ticklish and has such a cute laugh. I love changing his clothes because he always giggles and laughs. We love Luke and are grateful to have him in our family.

Halloween

We had a great Halloween. Our ward had a dinner and a trunk-or-treat activity. Marc loved getting the candy, but wasn't so sure about the pumpkins with faces that had fire in them. As we walked around (in the rain!) he wouldn't let go of my finger. I am glad that he is aware that fire is hot and I hope he remembers this as a teenager.

Luke was a bee and was so stinken cute. I love his chubby cheeks and this costume really accentuated them!
Marc was a spider and would only put on the costume because I told him he could have candy. He had a hat but he wouldn't keep it on. He was super cute and had a great time getting candy, although I am sure he wonders where it all went!

Big Boys!

Marc climbed out of his bed twice the other night, so we decided to take the leap to a toddler bed. He has done okay the last two nights, but right now he is supposed to be taking a nap and I can hear him destroying his bedroom. He seems to like the idea of a big boy bed, but doesn't want to slow down long enough to sleep.
Marc loves to "play" with Luke and Luke usually loves it too. Except when Marc lays on him, or pulls him around or other things like that. I can't wait until Luke can really play, they are going to have so much fun together.

Luke has found his thumb, but he won't always suck on it it. So I need some advice, do I keep giving him the binky and discourage the thumb or put the binky away and encourage the thumb. I can see advantages and disadvantages to both, so what do you think is easier to deal with?
Anyway Luke just keeps growing and is such a good and happy baby. He still screams when he rolls to his tummy, so hopefully we can work on rolling the other way as well. He is a fun boy and we love him lots.