a boy and his kitty

The newest addition to our family is Carlo. He is a very spunky kitten that knows just how to drive us crazy. But is is really fun and loves to play. His favorite game is hiding under the bed and jumping out at innocent passersby. Tren doesn't get to play with Carlo too much yet because I don't want Tren to get scratched or bit in the excitement. But if Tren is sleeping, as soon as I turn my back Carlo is sprawled out next to him.

When Cody and Liz came for a visit, Oliver could not leave Carlo alone. He loved that cat and wanted to play with him so much. Carlo wasn't as enthusiastic but he was very good with the boys and endured being carried around while he wasn't looking for places to hide.

 One day Carlo crawled under Tren's play mat while Tren was playing on it. That crazy cat just likes to be in the action.

A kitty stuck in a tube

family pictures

Our first attempt at family photos didn't turn out too bad. I wish we could have gone outside but its just too cold right now. Maybe next time. Here are a few favorites that will be displayed around the house.

photo of the week

Are they father and son or what?

holiday pranksters

Above is a picture of Cody and Liz hard at work on their Lego version of the London Tower. I didn't keep track but I think it took them around 6 hours to build. Cody worked hard on it and wouldn't let anyone touch it. So naturally we HAD to do something when he went home for the night. Ali and I had been looking for a good prank and this one just fell into our laps. It is a well known fact in the family that he doesn't like Harry Potter and since it is a British replica we decided to overrun it as if a wizard mass casualty catastrophe had happened. The Hogwarts Express derailed, the Knight bus crashed, and the basilisk escaped from the secret chamber. We had over 15 Harrys involved in the accident. It was so much fun adding flames and making it look as creative as possible without damaging the structure my brother had worked so hard to build. When he saw it he just laughed and took a picture so I guess we did a good job.

a very bingham christmas

This year for Christmas we drove up to good old Idaho to enjoy the holidays with the Binghams. This was a much needed vacation for the three of us. I don't know who loved it more, me or my mom. Tren was able to snuggle with everyone; Keegan loved telling us what Tren was thinking and what he needed, when he wasn't trying to beat me at MarioKart. It made me smile. He was so concerned and loving. What a good cousin.

I was so proud of myself, I told everyone we wouldn't get there until Christmas eve and so when we arrived on the 22nd for the big piano recital, it was a welcome surprise. This was especially great because we got to see Kristina's family. How wonderful! Then Christmas eve was spent at Uncle Richard and Aunt Carla's with part of the Gilbert clan.

 Christmas morning:

Waiting patiently for Layton to wake up so we can start.

Christmas was good to us this year, we received many gifts that will come in handy. Some of the major ones were a sewing machine, an ice cream maker, and Tren got some much needed bigger clothes along with his first John Deere.
Tren was also able to meet his other great grandparents during the holidays. Grandma Bingham was so happy we visited. I had been wanting to see her and show her Tren for a long time and I'm glad we fit it in. She told us he was around her 70th great-grandchild. What a wonderful lady to have such a big family and she remembers everyone.

Jared and I were given a date night before we left and it happened to be the same night that my family was going to a wedding reception. They had a photo booth there and Steph and Ali decided to put a feather boa on Tren and get a picture with their handsome date.

The week we spent there went way too fast and we're going to miss having so many people around to talk to and play with.

procrastination: i'm good at it

The end of the semester is here and my last and final project is due this week. And how do I justify procrastinating? By updating my blog to show off my baby, of course. Jared and I may be a little bit too enthusiastic about taking pictures but at least Tren will have evidence that he was a baby. He's just too cute not to take pictures. Especially when he pulls faces like these.

We thought we were so funny by pretending to give him ice cream but he gave us the look like we should know better. (but he secretly wanted some)

 Watching t.v. with Dad. Those two get into some interesting shows.

 Tren only puts up with tummy time for a little bit but I can get some good pictures at the beginning if I'm quick.

Our cute little Christmas present. We had to try on the Christmas PJ's to make sure they would fit. And why not snap a few photos while he's in them?

holiday decorating

We tried going all out with our Christmas decorations this year. Jared convinced me to get some lights for the outside of the house and you can't just buy one strand. So we stocked up on blue icicle lights. While Jared was busy outside trying to make it all look just right without falling off the latter, Tren and I were in charge of the inside of the house. We put up the tree and got a cute little Winnie the Pooh ornament for Tren's first Christmas. I think it turned out pretty great. All of our holiday books are out on display and our stockings are hung, not by the chimney, but off the banister with care.