Girls Ski Trip

I met some friends at Park City and we skied at Deer Valley resort this weekend. I haven't skied in over two years so it was quite the adventure. The slopes were icy in several spots due to lack of snowfall lately, which made for some nasty falls. I really need more practice, but it is hard making time with two little ones.




I accidentally had the camera on the bw setting for this one! Unfortunately this was the only picture of me by myself on the slopes.



Here is Kellee looking too cool on the slopes! She is a great skier.



This picture was taken in auto mode. Compare this one to the previous picture which was taken with the SNOW function on. What a difference! The first picture is so much brighter and really brings out the light.

Picture Effects

I just bought a new digital camera and have been playing with the different picture effects. These are a few pictures from my first attempts. There is a little motion blur, but I am practicing. I thought the one picture of Austin turned out really cool, minus the slight blur.

Austin's First Steps!

Austin is now officially walking! He actually took his first steps in our kitchen on February 11th. I took this video on February 17th, but didn't have a chance to edit and post until now. He loves walking and has been wanting me to hold his hand while walking around the house. We do lots of mini loops around the kitchen and through the family room. He also loves climbing the stairs and really gets upset when we try to pick him up before he is at the top! It is funny watching him learn to walk since he has that classic Frankenstein look with his arms outstretched and a little stiff. He seems to be quite cautious compared to Dylan who seemed to just take off once he was on his feet! I am pleased with the change of pace! Enjoy the video!

Brusha Brusha Brusha!

Dylan had his first dental appointment. I had been preparing him for some time and telling him it would be fun and he would get a new toothbrush, toothpaste and cool toy. So he was actually pretty excited to go. Overall, he was a real trooper! He loved the little play area in the waiting room and one patient even had a tiny pug puppy in her lap. When the hygienist asked us to come back, Dylan excitedly followed and eagerly jumped in the chair for x-rays. He had no problems with the film in his mouth and holding still for the camera. Once we were led to the dental chair he seemed to lose his bravery. He did not want to lay back in the chair for a cleaning even with the cool flat screen TV mounted to the ceiling. He was even more nervous when the hygienist showed him the polishing tool. He was like, "No way! That's not going in my mouth!" I then suggested that she just show him how it works on my teeth and Dylan thought it was neat and finally agreed to try it. He did OK for a while, until the toothpaste started dribbling out and he just wanted to rinse his mouth. I don't think chocolate is the best flavor, but he wasn't enthused about any others. The hygienist thought he did great and said that most kids won't even open their mouths on the first visit.

She then decided to give him his dental goody bag while we waited for the dentist. Normally, I think it would be good to have him entertained while we waited, but he just thought this meant he was done and it was time to go. Of course, he also had to take everything out and wanted to start using the toothbrush and floss. He then proceeded to take the two stickers out and start putting them on the dental equipment. Luckily I could get them off the first time, but once he stuck them on the chair, the bottom half was stuck on! The hygienist assured me that it was OK and they have a special cleaner to get it off. Oh, well! Next time, I will remember to make sure they hold the goody bag until it is time to go.

After about 10 minutes of trying to contain him in this area, the dentist finally arrived! Again, Dylan wouldn't lay in the chair on his own. I offered to hold him and he just laid down on me facing the dentist. It was a little strange, but whatever works! The exam went well and there were no problems found. After the exam, the dentist pulled out a large container of toys and told Dylan to pick one. He had a hard time deciding and really didn't like the idea of only getting one, but he finally settled on a small purple toy car.

We were also instructed to start fluoride toothpaste and train him to spit now. I thought it was going to be a challenge, but Dylan really likes brushing his teeth like Mommy and Daddy. However, he will need to work more on the art of spitting. At times, he just lets it dribble out all over his clothes! Hopefully, he will be a pro by his next appointment.

Rides, Rides and More Rides!

We decided to check out this indoor playground/mini-amusement park. Dylan has been fairly timid, O.K. downright terrified of carnival rides. But, we thought that since he has made some recent progress, like riding the coin operated rides, he might actually have fun on some more traditional carnival rides. Well, I think we still have some time before he really loves these rides. Our first mistake was allowing him to pick the first ride, without actually seeing it operate first. It was the fastest ride! It is referred to as a rollercoaster, but it really just goes in a circle forward and backward. I also made the mistake of riding it with him and I was quite nauseated afterwards! Next time, Mike will be the co-rider!

After that ride, it took a long time before he would even consider another ride and it was the bumper cars. I had to ride with him at first and then he did it by himself briefly. However, he was frustrated when he got stuck and kept trying to get out! He also managed to get up on the carousel for a minute, but jumped off before they could start the ride. The only other ride he would try was a fairly tame jeep ride.

Unfortunately, there wasn't much there for Austin and I refused to allow him near the floors. It wasn't the cleanest place! I think we will wait for the summer and try again at the real amusement park outdoors. Hopefully, Dylan will be ready and won't remember his bad experience on this "rollercoaster" ride.


Dylan was very excited at first.




This is Dylan at the end of the ride! Although he was scared, he never cried.




Luckily I took this picture fast. The next minute he was off the ride and left before it could start.




O.K., back to the comfortable coin operated rides!




Austin loved watching all the action while being held. He also slept in the stroller for the first part of our day.






I was barely able to squeeze in with him! Dylan did a great job pushing the pedal while I helped with the steering.




It was hilarious watching Mike squeeze in! Looks comfy!





I am really not sure how Dylan pushed the pedal! I guess Mike did it.




Dylan enjoying some solo time!







Mike barely fit in this one too! It is nice that parents are allowed to accompany kids on every ride for free.




I squeezed in too!




Aren't they cute! This was the only ride Austin would get in. He was scared too, but it helped that Dylan could sit next to him. He is much more comfortable with these rides than Dylan was at this age.

Check out this short video!

Austin Stands!

Austin recently started standing on his own without using furniture. He seems to prefer to stand only when he is playing with his busy gears. By the way, he LOVES this game and it keeps him entertained for up to 20 minutes at a time! I highly recommend it. Interestingly, this game did not have the same level of interest for Dylan. He never wanted to sit still anywhere for long! Enjoy the short video. Any guesses as to when he will start walking?