Big Boy Haircut

Elliott's hair was getting unruly a couple of weeks ago. We've had a couple of successful haircuts but this one required more shaping (i.e. skill) so I took him to my hairdresser. The salon is conveniently located next to Coco and Ted's shop so we stopped in there for a surprise visit first.

We brought Elliott's tricycle (a hand-me-down from Hayden) to take advantage of the black top.



The mop before the cut.

Elliott was amazingly calm and still throughout his haircut.

An inquisitive look.

After a while, Elliott grew curious about the sounds coming for a nearby phone. Here is a video of the stillness, just as he was beginning to move. You also get a feel for how quickly Teresa was moving to get his hair cut quickly!

In an effort to keep him still, I pulled out the big guns - Thomas on the iPad.

Getting styled by Teresa.

Back at Coco's shop, sporting his new big boy haircut.

Our little boy looks all grown up . . . until you realize that he takes up a fraction of the chair.

 

Westminster Fair

A few weeks ago, we went to the Westminster Fair. Ned goes to Westminster and Ted, Holly, and I all went there when we were little. I have wonderful memories of this fair from my childhood. The highlight was winning goldfish at various games. Most of the fish lived for a few days before dying and getting their "burial at sea" in the toilet. However, we had one free fish from the fair that lived for about 15 or more years (we all lost count). Alas, there are not opportunities to win fish anymore but there are still lots of fun things to do!

There was a bubble machine set up in an upper window.



Bubbles!

Elliott really liked the rides. His favorite was the train but of course I did not get a picture of that.

Elliott and Ned went on a ride together before we headed home.

Happy boys.

We look forward to going to the fair again next year!

Snacks and Wagon

Here are a few miscellaneous shots from earlier this month. Coco gave Elliott a headlamp to prep for our camping trip next weekend. He was thrilled to wear it around in fully lit rooms. Here is some intense snacking action.



Elliott says, "Cheese!!" for the camera these days.

When I looked outside a little bit later, I was greeted by this wonderful sight - both of my boys in the wagon.

I love how Elliott is looking up at Jess in this picture. That's love.

 

My Birthday BBQ

We celebrated my 31st birthday earlier this month with a small gathering of family and friends at our house. Having an early May birthday, it is equally likely to have a cold, rainy day or a warm, sunny day. Fortunately we had the latter this year. Big thanks to Jesse for organizing everything!



Rachel pulling Elisa and Colton in the wagon.

Colton and Elisa. They really were having a good time! These two are actually in daycare together so they know each other well.

Penny's big smiles for Uncle Ted.

Baby in flight.

And a tongue.

Pretty sister.

"Mama, why did you put this hat on my head that looks like a paper plate?"
"Penny, I didn't. Coco did that to you."

Tucker, Garrett, Elliott, Ted, Jesse, Poppy, and Tim.

Rebecca, Leigh, and Colton.

Got your nose!

Another pretty shot of Aunt Hol. She's always pretty but was having quite the photogenic day.

We loved having everyone over!

Levi really likes Penny.

Giving her sweet kisses.

Elliott and Ned had not seen each other since before our trip to Colorado. They were so excited to be together again.

Happy cousins.

If you think you're getting any of this cake . . . 

Thanks to everyone for coming over to celebrate with me!

Thomas the Tank Engine

Elliott LOVES Thomas the Tank Engine. He calls him "Tommy." We read stories and occasionally watch videos. Elliott is learning about Thomas's friends, including Percy (sounds like "Urcy" in Elliott-speak). Thomas makes the long journey off the Island of Sodor to visit all of his fans around the county. So, we ventured up to Medina with many of our good friends on one rainy Friday a few weeks ago to see Thomas and go for a ride.

Our first glimpse of Thomas. Elliott didn't recognize him at first but caught on pretty quickly.



Elliott and Mama, riding on the train.

Happy in his seat. He talks about "seats" a lot.

Colton. You can read more about our trip on Thomas on Colton's blog.

Levi, Sophia, Ned, Penny, Aunt Hol, and Uncle Mike. We didn't get the memo about not eating on the train until the end of our ride. Oops.

Luca and Dean.

Penny and Aunt Hol.

Elliott loved looking out the window.

Elliott wore his new Thomas shirt just for the trip (kind of like wearing the band t-shirt to the concert but totally acceptable for a toddler). This was a hand-me-down from Reid, our friend in Colorado.

Clearly someone was enjoying himself.

Leah and Tucker.

Watching the trees go by.

The bigger kids looking out the other side of the train.

All the kids received a Junior Engineer Certificate. Elliott nibbled the corner off of his. Yeah, that happened.

There were other fun activities to enjoy after the train ride. Levi got to ride on a very cute pony named Star.

Elliott got an awesome souvenir - his very first tattoo. He really doesn't like bandaids so I wasn't sure if he would like it but it was a HUGE hit. All week, he would pull up his sleeve to show anyone and everyone "Tommy." When it finally wore off, he said "bye bye Tommy." Two weeks later, he will still show us his arm and say "Tommy" but now he forgets which arm it was.