Nickelcade, counting, and bike riding

During this month we have done some pretty fun things. We went to the Nickelcade, watched the Olympics, and Austin rode his bike. Even though it is February, there isn't a ton of snow so Austin could ride both of his bikes.

Trip to Washington

The way we decided to use our tax return was pay off any debts, buy a new laptop, send me and Austin to see my family, and then save the rest. Austin and I were so excited to see my parents. None of us had been to see my family since the Christmas of 2012. Needless to say, it had been a long time.

The night before we headed to the airport Brandon was still up at 1:30. He noticed that my flight was cancelled. Joyful!! I had been looking forward to this trip and now I had to reschedule my flight. Brandon was so sweet to do so for me. The only problem was that my flight was direct, and to get a direct flight we wouldn't get in until 10 pm. That was not an option! Therefore, we had to fly to Denver to Portland. FUN! (not!)

To get to the airport, we thought it would be fun for Austin to take the train. It would also be much easier for Brandon because he wouldn't have a ton of time to make it back home from the airport to get ready for work with the new flight. We had to leave at like 5:30 to get to the train. Even though it was early, Austin was in heaven and such a happy camper. While we waited for the train, this sweet older sister missionary sat down and started talking to Austin. He told her all about our trip and who he was going to see. I am grateful to live in a place that has such nice people around that early. We had to transfer to TRAX but that was so easy. Austin was such a great travel buddy, he was so happy.

Once we were on the airplane, all Austin did was smile.

I promise that is a smile, it is his "cheese" face

By the second flight, Austin was so tired. He feel asleep before we left the ground, and he woke up right before we touched down. I know that most moms would love it, and I did a bit, but it was also boring. I was planning to entertain Austin the whole time so I had nothing for myself. Not even a pencil or pen that I could get to easily.

While in Washington, we played with cousins, went to Aunt Amy's ice cream shop, shopping, and just hung out. Austin absolutely loved spending time with Oreo, my parent's dog. Oreo wasn't so sure of him half the time. Once he was down on the floor, Oreo would attack him by licking his face (and by doing something else but that is just gross)

Austin and Grandpa had fun wrestling and playing.

Austin and Grandma reading

Ice cream that Auntie Amy made just for him! Strawberry with marshmallows

His Great Grandma

Taking a ride with Great Grandma in her chair.

I wish that we could have stayed longer but I had to be back for church on Sunday. On the flight home, Austin fell asleep right after take off. It was really nice because before I felt bad if Austin kicked the guy next to us in his sleep but this flight was pretty much empty. We were able to have a whole row to ourselves. He was able to stretch out and sleep. It only lasted an hour, which was great because then I had something to do.

The Farm with the Taylor's

We love going to Wheeler Farm. It is so nice to go and let Austin see the animals up close, maybe get to pet them, for free! Yes, we have to pay a few dollars for the wagon ride but that is still better than paying $40+ to go to the zoo altogether. This time we met our wonderful friends, the Taylor's. We met them at the mall, Austin got new Lego's and Mariel got a new stuffed animal from Build-A-Bear. After, we headed to the farm.

Austin and Mariel are so cute with each other. They would walk around holding hands. We have this joke, maybe not so much a joke, that they are betrothed to each other.

After all the hard playing they did, at the farm and the playground, Austin passed out.

Here is her post on it: http://timeswiththetaylors.blogspot.com/2014_03_01_archive.html

Other photos from January

Fixin' - his new favorite activity

This totally shows his personality. No, he won't let me cut up his apples.

He is practicing writing his letters: A, a o, d, and p

While making dinner one night, I opened the cheese and turned around to get the grater. This is what I found...

He loves playing with playdough!