Merry Christmas!

Welome Christian!

Sunday morning the newest member of the family was born! He is a handsome baby with lots of dark wavy hair all over.
Wendi told Trevor, "This is your new baby buddy!" and our son took those words to heart.
It is a gift to be a part of the lives of the Huffman family. We love you guys!

firsts

Joel is learning all kinds of ways to assert his will and communicate to us. His first word was "mama." His second word was "Dada." His third word? "Grrr!" ----like a bear or tiger or dinosaur or whatever his older brother is pretending to be at the time.

mustache

"I like your mustache. What's its name?"
said a 2 yr. old to his Daddy.

"I've got it down to a science."

said Mr. Swan about the Christmas lights.

Ready for the circus

Our youngest has some impressive skills that have the potential to get him in some impressive trouble. He likes to climb and climb on the most unstable things. For instance this walker.

Scott worked as a spotter as he stood on the wheels of a toy walker only to reach over to play with the buttons on the other side of it-- on the hard wood floors! He will use anything to help him walk around like the rest of the family... including stools, chairs, laundry baskets, laundry baskets with brothers in them, tricycles, and boxes. If it slides, he's happy.

He surprised me by climbing onto the rocking chair. I turned around and noticed him precariously sitting near the edge--- satisfied.

Trevor's version of the sound someone makes ...

...when they sleep starts with a "huck-a-loogie" sound and ends with shhhhh.
I think he got the snoring sound a little mixed up.
I learned this when I asked him to be quiet and go to sleep. Then he told me I was not kind but mean for not allowing more movie watching.

Meanwhile, anyday now I expect my 9 month old to be walking around the corner on his own like he owns the place. He not only cruises around the furniture in our house more steadily and confidently each day, but attempts to climb in and over whatever he can.

I often catch Trevor in a semi-gentle bearhug over his little brother. It's an early introduction to wrestling for Joel. I can't help but think of this early training as a competitive edge.

And here's a picture of the costume Trevor wore last weekend for the time it takes to get one good picture. The robe really showcases that six pack built up from a year full of bean bag stunts, "tail whips" and a recently dubbed 'wyzellmun' routine (watch for video of that one).
I don't know who that crazy man is next to him.

We had a great time at Farmstead with the Cooneys. The crowds were elsewhere and the weather was just right for farm fun!




Is it just me, or is this peasant a little pouty? And hairy?

And this big bouncy thing was a hug hit!


I think all we need to install my our own backyard bouncer is a king-size waterbed bladder, air compressor, a shovel, and an willing husband.





Daddy has full authority to steal kisses at any time.




I have to say I am really impressed with this little cow train. Good job Farmstead.


This photo doesn't show it very well, but the working water pumps (and most tools) are a magnet for everything that makes up the male gender.

"Sweetie"

We don't use many nicknames around here, but now I know how very often I call my sons "sweetie" and how affectionately because of my little echo--- or rather thespian. This week Trevor decided we should switch roles. He explained all my new relationships and began and ended them all with "sweetie." For instance, "Sweetie, You're Treber and I'm your mommy and that's your brudder Joel. Okay, Sweetie? " Again, his attention to detail was impressive. He actually talked to me with a little higher pitch and a sugary tone and squinted his eyes. Then we played play-doh and trains. He told me I was a good helper.

I have lately been amused and confused and surprised by the many intricacies of Trevor's world.
He has been catching onto the adult world and forming several questions including those concerning the ads during the newscast-- "Why money back garntee?" or "Why free insullations?
It's quite eye opening.

Recently he told us, "I'm so proud of you guys for not peeing your pants!" in his very proud-sweet voice.

One of our recent conversations went like this:
T: Mom! Mom!
M: Yes?
T: Can elephants whistle?
M: Mmm...No.
T: I think they do.

Today he noticed my earrings as if for the first time and with deep concern and some alarm asked, "Mommy, why you put holes in your ears?!" My answer was not satisfying and we eventually ended up talking about our wedding day and how Trevor wasn't there.

I can see, too, that he is enjoying experimenting with different idioms. On a bike ride he stopped to check out a tree. One of the hundred we can see on our walk to the greenbelt. He stopped and said, "You can go on. I just need to look at this tree. It is so big... I just can't believe it. I'm just going to look at this tree. I just can't believe it's so big!"

Other noteworthy quotes:

"My daddy is really pretty cool. My daddy is pretty really very cool. And he is BIG!!!"

"I love Makayla really much."

"Cinderella is a good girl." (This after watching Mary's movie choice.)

During prayer... "Dear God, fank you for my bafrooms...." I finally realized that "Bafrooms" was his version of the word battlewounds-- the word Daddy prefers Trevor use instead of owie.

The "Hunger Acre Woods" is where Pooh and all of his friends live. It makes sense since Pooh is always hungry for honey.

Jericho: The city where EVERYTHING mentioned in the Bible takes place

Meanwhile, Joel, is keeping me busier than I want to be. When he isn't on the move cruising or crawling, he is giggling and/or making some kind of ruckus. And when he isn't making some kind of noise, I know to immediately check the bathroom. The ickiest of all places for a 9 month old to play and the most tempting for Joel. This week I caught him splashing around in the toilet. I really enjoy his giggling and being silly for him. Trevor is his favorite comedian and source of entertainment whether it's in the toy room, at the dinner table, in the car, or in the shopping cart. He is a very curious boy.

Mmmmm McCall

We had a great time in McCall a couple of months ago.



We saw a ton of snakes but we weren't fast enough to get this guy's big brother catching a fish - IT WAS AWESOME!

The Twin Otter is one of the planes my (scott) dad use to jump as a smoke jumper. The guys at the base encouraged us to "Go ahead and get in, look around, take it for the afternoon." Apparently they weren't too worried about the prospects of a fire.

Keri was excited about the prospects fire and . . . of S'mores!

Joel just likes apple sauce.

Trevor is a huge fan of all the wildlife McCall has to offer.

This isn't the first time Holly has cuddled one of our whiny boys to sleep.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

If Joel had a facebook status to update

it would say:
Joel likes making a ruckus as much as possible.

at bedtime last night

Trevor said, " I love bof you guys."
This came complete with a sweet pat on both our cheeks.

Finally got my boy back

I finally got my Trevor back for the most part. For the past week I have been corrected beyond my patience whenever I call his name... "I'm not Trevor I'm a (baby) (baby Joel) (Puppy) (Pteradactyl) (Dolphin)"
To his credit he was very good at not breaking character. His impression of Joel is impeccable. As a puppy he can even wag his imaginary tail (which is pretty funny). I did have to tell him no more woof-ing at Wal-mart and put the kibosh on eating off the floor.

When he is himself, I get to enjoy conversations like this:
Trevor: I got a little bit of lazy.
Me: Doing what?
Trevor: The single bike track. Then I made it all the way. That made me a little bit lazy.
I think he means tired. Scott thinks he means crazy. All I know is that he sure does absorb a lot of adult chatter --especially if it concerns bikes. He also calls granola bars "handle bars" and believes crashing is an important part of biking. I wonder where he got that idea?

Trevor: (while backseat driving home one day) You skipped a page. We are supposed to go that way, Mommy.

And, after learning about The Last Supper he had some more interesting facts to share with me. It included some pretty big words and made no sense (to me) at all. I actually don't think it was clear to him either, but he liked using the word "sacrifice" in a sentence.

Joel is on the verge of crawling and getting around anywhere he likes just fine to sample garbage on the floor and chew on books and bang on something loud. He is sleeping a little longer at night. He doesn't complain when I dress him goofy or fix a bland meal. He can give high fives and isn't stingy with the smiles.

A haiku about my messy cupboard now finally organized by Scott

crazy mess o cups

now arranged by you with love
you fine tune my days

It is so very sweet to see in new ways how God has blessed me with a man who is so different than me. Scott walked in the kitchen one day and saw the cup cupboard clutter I have been just kind of putting up with and fixed it! And, I should say that he just offered to do it very cheerfully when I am SURE it has been bugging him much more than me. He sort of has a very strong proclivity for organization.
I am quite embarrassed to see that this definitely should have been something I should have fixed about 2 years ago when I had to add in sippy cups and straw cups and other toddler gear.
Regardless, AHhhhhh the relief.
Scott really does fine tune my life. I have often in the past been soo frustrated by his attention to detail when it clashed with my attention to big-picture. Now I am oh-so-glad to say it doesn't clash (as much) as it compliments.
Thank you, Mr. Swan.
Thank you, God!

What's better

than a nice walk on a beautiful morning with people you love?

What you would hear, round here.

Scott: There's nothing like hearing your 2 year old on the trail-a-bike say "Faster, Daddy, faster!"

Keri: Yeah. There's nothing like reaching for your phone on the way out the door to any event knowing it's only because you might have to call 911. And knowing this is just getting started.

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Scott: Apparently Greg Porterfield is right. We ARE getting old.

Compounding Interest

Trevor is so capable of things lately! He showing so much initiative and understanding and ability to carry out conversations.

Last week I decided to invest in my future cook. I figure giving him some independence, tools and freedom in the kitchen will add to his interest in making real dinner--- (not just with plastic or dirt or woodchips.)

So, I taught him how to make instant mashed potatoes. He stirred, poured in the water, pushed the microwave buttons and stirred some more. He even stirred up a cup of his own gatorade and I could tell he was very pleased about it. It also helps that Daddy encourages all of this. Thanks, Scott.

Careful - It's contagious.

This sillyness kept going for another couple of minutes. Trevor has not only assumed his new role of big brother, but that of Joel's personal Jester.
His little laugh just doesn't get old and it is happening a LOT around here. It's such sweet music to our ears!

Joel and Trevor have definitely hit new maturity levels and their building up a sweet bond between them.

Joel is wiggly and giggly. I would like to invent a Wiggly Energy Converter to take advantage of his ever-moving limbs. He is also quite obviously curious. He scans rooms with his eyes. He is happy. When we read stories he likes to look at the person reading and then eat the book, of course. Whenever possible he prefers to be in the mix on someone's lap and/or with a good view of the event. And, whenever possible, we prefer to oblige him : )

Trevor is now a big fan of all the letters of the alphabet. He can click and drag a mouse. He needs very little prompting now with social salutations. The difficult potty training days are just a memory ---he is getting more and more self sufficient all around.

We are just amazed at the new conversations and games we get to do everyday with these boys.
Praise God.

Ready. Set. Camp!

Our first camping trip with the boys was awesome. It only took a little over a day to pack our house and move to the beautiful outdoors for a couple of nights. We were privileged to be able to borrow our friends' trailer which was the perfect set up for us! The days were hot, the bugs were few, and the nights were chilly enough to really appreciate a hot and toasty campfire.

We only had one false start before leaving town. When we forgot our ipod adapter so we went back to get it and found a little family of quail on our front doorstep. I guess when the Swans are away the Quail will play. They are sooo cute and tiny!!! Click on the picture to see the chicks up close.


Back to camping trip...We met my parents who went early to scout a good place for us at the ghosttown of Sawtooth City. My dad called with directions Saturday morning and we met them that afternoon. They said after looking through several spots, they picked one in the dark and woke up to a wonderful and surprisingly good spot with firewood a shimmery little creek perfect for throwing rocks and wading. I think this might be a nice little retirement gig for them-- Bob & Kathi's Professional Camp Scouting Co. Most places were really crowded so it was a huge help to not have to drive around and find one.

Sawtooth City is a place I can remember going several times on camping trips while growing up. It was a boomtown for about 10 years in the 1880's. We have pictures of me and my sisters standing in front of this falling cabin from the 80's... it was a little less crumble-tumble then.
Right when we got here a couple on bikes came riding through and offered to take a group picture! Awesome.Our hike through a pretty meadow with treasured company.


My only requirement for camping is S'mores and Scott. Check. Check.


It was really chilly at night, but several layers and hats actually had the boys sleeping soundly through the night very well!

We brought a pack and play but didn't even need it because Joel could stay on one side of the tent trailer in full view of everyone and sleep or play. This made things so easy for us! Here he is in one of his favorite sleeping spots...

Shooting jumps to the top of our to-do list whenever possible. And, since we don't have many opportune trigger-happy (and trigger safe) moments, we still had these marshmallow peeps saved for such an occasion. We all know it's better than eating them.
I like this picture of the peep's pistol piercing, however, rest assured, no toddlers were allowed in
the shooting zone while we played. We all got up close to see our handiwork.



Trevor's main pasttime last weekend was getting filthy dirty. He made dry dirt "dinner" for us all. I'm not sure what that says about my cooking.


We were at the campsite for about 15 minutes before this...
He also threw rocks like a champion and played lots and lots with Grandma and Grandpa.




We spent a relaxing afternoon at Alturas Lake beach. I like it because it's sandy and there's a nice roped off area to swim (if you are REALLY hot) and plenty of shady if you are just a little too warm. People watching included wakeboarders, tubers, paddle-boarders (like this)...all against a beautiful mountain backdrop.



We took a break on the way back to visit the fish hatchery and actually saw a fish jumping up the ladder! So cool. We saw the fish get fed, too. Almost as cool as watching the Wiebers feed their crazy fish.


Every part of this trip was so blessed and we Praise God for our loving family, generous friends, and time together in this beautiful country!

Everyday stuff

Keri: (to Joel) "I'm your Mama. Say 'Mama'!"
Trevor: "Yeah, baby Joel, That's Keri Dane Swan."
................

Trevor: "Mommy, did you take that away from Daddy?" (pointing to the remote sitting on the counter.)
................

Trevor: "Look! It's a flower for you!" (handing Mommy a piece of lint balled up at one end.)
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Trevor: "Dear God, Thank you for my food and my A B C D E F G next time won't you sing with me. Amen."
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Scott: "Watch, Keri. This one's called Around the World." (speaking of the newest stunt performed with a giggling toddler and a bean bag.)
Trevor: "Again."
Trevor: "Again."
Trevor: "Again."
Trevor: "Again."
................

Scott: (to Trevor) "Dude. C'mon. You're getting all freestyle with your yogurt eating."
Speaking of freestyle--- here's a snapshot of freestyle walking by Trevor. It's kind of his M.O.


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Joel is sitting up on his own and has decided he likes rice cereal. Here's a picture that shows his typical cheerful self. He gets lots of bear hugs from his brother every day. Trevor has learned quickly how to get laughs from Joel.
Tired baby.



Here is Joel sleeping in his rock star pose with Papa.