Thomas the Train!

The three of us with the Thomas stage in the background

Some of the gang who went - kind of a "ward activity"!

Before the show - when Hoyt "wasn't" running around Lawlor!

This last Saturday we were able to go see Thomas the Train at Lawlor Events Center thanks to Lisa (for thinking of us!) and Emily (for scoring free tickets!), and we had a great time. We were a little worried that Hoyt would just want to run around the entire time, but as soon as the lights went down and the music started...he was hooked! He sat on the edge of Ryon's knee the whole time and yelled "Choo...Choo".

It was a 90 minute show with an intermission, and Hoyt made it almost the whole time. For a kid who only took a 40 minute nap that day, he did pretty well! Afterwards we got some dinner, and headed home for bedtime (Hoyt said choo..choo all the way home). What a fun Saturday evening!

Loving to Read

Hoyt reading his book. He's pointing at the boots and saying "boooots"!

What an absolutely cheesy kid!!

Well, it's official....Hoyt loves to read - and I'm taking credit for this one! A few months ago I walked into his room and he was sitting on the floor, book open on his lap, reading to himself. As I watched, he would turn the page, say "La..la..la..moo" (there was a cow on the page) and then turn and read the next page. It was so cute that I couldn't move to go and get the video camera - even though I have to get him reading to himself on video!

A few days ago he was in the family room with one of his favorite books on his lap. At least this time I got the camera out and took a picture. He was on the page where there was a little boy dressed in winter clothes, and was pointing to the boots and saying "boots". He then proceeded to turn the page and read the rest of the book. I love it! During the day he will bring books to me constantly saying "book" and wants me to read them to him. He will sit and read with me for at least 15 minutes without wanting to get up - a definite record for him!!

Hats, Hats, Hats

Hoyt is LOVING hats these days! Whenever he sees Ryon with a hat on, he says "hat, hat, hat" and wants to wear one too. He also loves to look in the mirror and see himself with his hat on. The other morning he brought me all of the hats from his room and wanted to wear all of them at the same time.

Hoyt loves to wear this hat that has his name on it. Someone asked me once if we named him after the bow company "Hoyt". Sadly, I had to say no.

When Ryon comes home from the gym he wears this hat to keep his head warm - Hoyt has to wear it as soon as Ryon walks in the door!

Hoyt and I went to Target the other day. I decided to wear a hat, as I hadn't done my hair yet!! Hoyt saw my hat and insisted on wearing one too.

He wore his hat the whole time...and never even tried to take it off. He even fell asleep on the way home with it on.

And let's not forget our favorite cowboy hat. Here is Hoyt pretending to call "da-da" on his phone, while wearing his hat. Definitely all boy!!

Things we have been doing lately...

Trying to walk while standing in two pots!
Having breakfast with friends in California.
Listening intently while Malorie reads Green Eggs and Ham.
I love Hoyt's hand on Malorie's knee!
Sweeping and mopping at the same time...I love this kid!

Well, I can't believe it is 2009 - it doesn't seem that 1999 was that long ago! We are settled back into our regular routine; for some reason the whole month of December is absolutely crazy. Hoyt has been having fun playing with his "Christmas toys", and loves the broom, mop and dustpan that the Bigler's brought him all the way from Mexico. (Thanks Karen!) The other morning all he wanted to do was mop and sweep the kitchen at the same time. If I would let him sleep with the broom he probably would!

Goodbyes

I don't really enjoy saying "goodbye", especially to great friends who I know I won't see for a very long time. Last week we said goodbye to JoAnne, and her family, who will be living in Turkey for at least the next three years. We will miss them terribly. For those of you who know JoAnne, you will not be surprised when I say that she is perhaps the sweetest, nicest, kindest (I could go on and on) person I have ever known.

A few of us decided to take JoAnne to her favorite restaurant before she left. I doubt she will be having much Olive Garden in the next three years!!