Merry Christmas!

I'm really on the ball getting these posted but the Dr. said

the baby could arrive anytime - thought I'd get them up now!

Happy Holidays!

"I was a good sport about posing for pictures. Grandma & Grandpa brought lots of fun presents to open & I thought each one was going to be a car. Finally at the end I did get a car!"

"Nana & Grandpa Neil also brought me some fun stuff! I got a neat "IAN" train that goes on my new tracks... plus I now know how to spell my name. I also have fun cooking with tons of new wooden food for my kitchen!"
"Aunt Jody, Uncle Scott, Hannah & Andrew sent me some cool new toys. Here I am with my firetruck - it's got a cool siren!"

"Awesome! New monkey underpants from Aunt Jenny & Uncle Rich.

How do these work again?"

"Oh yeah... they go on my head, right!?"

"Monkey boots too! This is the best Christmas ever... trains, cars, trucks and monkeys!"

"Daddy & I got to play with my new train from Santa all day!"

"This was such a fun Christmas! My favorite part was mastering the skill of spinning my magnetic crane that came with my train set. Here I am in action!"

"Thank you to everyone for talking on the phone with me so much... and for all the cool new gifts, clothes, food & toys!! It was so fun getting packages delivered to the house!"

Male Bonding

This was too cute not to be a Kodak moment...

(do you like how Oliver gets in on the action?)

Still working on the potty training

Like all proud parents, we're amazed at his growth & development. Everyday seems to bring new accomplishments. He's a chatterbox speaking in full sentences and he's ultra-observant of everything! Imaginative play is his favorite. He also continues to be a big boy - 40 lbs. & over 37 inches tall!

Thanksgiving Weekend

3 Generations of Zaruba men

Papa Frank & Grandma Sally made the trip for the weekend!
and Ian even got to "make" a special new friend...

The new fallen snow was irresistable today!

He made a dozen snow angels...

...and he got to meet Santa & ask for the number 1 item on his list: train!!!

(notice his train sweater that he insists on wearing at least once/week)

We have so much to be thankful for this year!

Gobble Gobble & Season's Greetings!

Cookie Time

Here we are making Christmas cookies (before Thanksgiving!)

It was a ton of fun... as with anything "artsy-crafty & food related" for Ian. He is really into the holiday this year!

Carefully arranging the sugar on the tree...

Baby Belly

Trick-Or-Treat!

"C'mon Mommy & Daddy! I'm ready to go trick-or-treating!!!

Oops - I guess I need shoes first."

"Halloween" was a holiday that lasted several weeks for Ian. By the time trick-or-treating in the neighborhood came around he was beside himself with excitement.

Carving pumpkins was a big event in our house this week...

This is usually the "cheese" pose Ian likes to sport these days...

Happy Halloween!

Double Fisted

Why not drink both at once?

The Zoo Boo

He was the cutest BEE at the zoo

(enjoying a snack in the long line for the hayride)

He didn't have a clue what "candy" tasted like & had no motivation to open these brightly wrapped goodies (thankfully!)... but it sure was fun trick-or-treating...and counting to make sure it was all still there.
It's always nice when somebody walks by & offers to take a family picture!!

The Zoo Boo was a huge success - we were there for almost 3 hrs. and Ian loved every second! What could be better than mixing animals, candy, costumes & games?

Fall Fun

"Here's a good one daddy!"

annual trip to Aamodt's

Ian is telling Grandma about the hayride
Hannah & Ian enjoying an adorable sleeping puppy

Ian had a great time at Andrew's football game!
One of Ian's favorite places on earth... "The Farm" in Door County

Ian's biggest thrill about picking out a pumpkin was trying to "pick up" and "throw" as many pumpkins as possible...
This is the one we bought for him...

Just kidding! Did someone say TRACTOR?!

Ultrasound: It's a...

GIRL!

We're more than halfway through the pregnancy & so far everything looks good. Yay!

Little Chef

If I'm in the kitchen - I always have a helper now.

He takes his job very seriously...
and always wants to sample his hard work!

Dare I Post These...

FYI: Daddy supported the purchase of this jersey

(Ian with his first football)

Future Favre?
Ian dug out some old swim suits... he's so pleased with himself
...and he's always good for musical entertainment!

If it fits on his head - it's a hat

He comes up with this stuff all on his own! Should we be surprised?