The Smith Family Adventures

Elias and Daddy as we just start to hunt for our perfect tree.

We went to get our Christmas tree this morning. The weather is still beautiful…but it was very foggy. Nathan and I unfortunately made some big parenting mistakes. It seems like that happens all too often. We knew Elias would want to walk around, but he only has one pair of shoes and I didn’t want them to get trashed in the mud. So we decided he should wear his mocassins because we don’t care if those get muddy. Bad decision. His feet got wet and freezing so we had to go back to the car to put on fresh socks and his real shoes (which didn’t actually get that muddy). Mistake number 2 was forgetting his mittens…which we also fixed when we went to get his shoes.

Elias proudly walking between Grandma Bartle and Mommy

The Smith Family in front of our tree before Nathan cut it down. Unfortunately, Elias wanted to be walking around instead of posing for pictures so he is a little glum.

The Bartle Men carry their huge tree down to the truck.

Nathan cutting down the tree we chose for his Mom.

Elias with his Uncles...they are looking at all the cows and discussing what would happen if one charged us.

Happy to be with Grandpa Bartle.

Overall Elias had tons of fun walking around and interacting with his Uncles and grandparents. He got to see some cows and calves up close…and even hear some real moooooing. I can’t wait to see how he reacts to having the tree in the house later tonight!

Elias walking with Grandma and Daddy amongst all the lights.

Tonight we had our second trip to see the zoo lights. This time Grandma Smith came with us. We were treated to a yummy dinner, and then we headed off to the zoo. It was a perfect night for it! Cold but clear. Unfortunately, lots of other people were thinking the same thing. We were lucky enough to find a parking spot very quickly. The lights are so beautiful! We could probably go ten times and still see new ones!

This time we let Elias walk for the majority of the time. He walked a lot! We wished we had a pedometer so we could have measured it….but the zoo is huge, and he walked pretty much everywhere. It was a little difficult because he doesn’t understand yet that he can’t just walk in front of crowds of adults. But he had a blast. He hasn’t had so much freedom and so much space…probably ever. He also got to pet a goat, try some stairs, and watch a light up carousel.

Thanks Grandma Smith for a wonderful night! (More pictures below):

Elias loved looking at the goat. He got to touch its fur and its nose. The goat even nibbled on his mitten!

Here is my favorite display from tonight's zoo lights viewing.

Elias helped Grandma push the stroller.

Elias laughing as Daddy helps him down some stairs.

Elias likes pretending that he is playing drums. Here he is striking away on the public bench.

We had a busy morning. Thursday means a rushed “getting ready routine” and not much time for play. We struggled at breakfast because I couldn’t figure out what you wanted to eat. Then just when it was time to put on our coats and shoes you wrapped your little arms around me and held on for dear life. Don’t get me wrong…I’ve longed for such a hug from you since your existence was known only to God. You hugged and hugged, filling my heart to the brim. I was the one to let go first. Can you believe it? That was a first…and then you dove in for more so I just held you and held you and relished the joy.

Somehow we made it on time to art class. We had lots of fun together. Then followed various errands, and story time at the library. We had a late lunch and laughed together at the sounds we could make with our mouths. We looked in wonder at the kitties chasing each other, and clapped at the Christmas Carols that play from the light up houses.

But then it was nap time. We went to your room as normal, but for some reason today you didn’t want to nap. At first I’ll admit I was in denial. Then I got frustrated. “What do you mean, you’re not going to nap,” I thought to myself. “You need sleep. You are going to Grandma’s tonight and you need your rest. All toddlers need rest.” I tried to convince myself that it was because of you that I was so worried about nap time.

Reality check. I wanted nap time. As much as I treasure time with you, I need some Mommy time. I need time for chores and for relaxation. I need a break. So I was feeling a little bit sorry for myself. But as I tasted your tears I realized how selfish I was being. So I made myself stop frowning, and I relaxed. I just talked to you and rocked you and hugged and kissed you. And guess what? I felt your body relax too. I felt your head against my shoulder and your body grow heavier on mine. You did need sleep after all.

After you were finally down in the crib I went about accomplishing a few things….but then I heard your breath over the monitor in my bedroom. I sat down on the bed and just listened. I listened to your inhales and your exhales. Oh, the miracle of each breath. I thought of your eyelashes when your eyes are closed. I thought of the paint on your forehead and behind your ear. I thought of your bare feet and your soft fingers, and your eight teeth that were hidden beneath two soft lips. I listened and thought and listened and thought….until I chuckled and realized that even during my “precious” nap time, I was just spending more time with you.

I love you, my son.

Elias and Daddy at the front gate of the zoo!

Last night we headed over to the zoo for our first trip to see the zoo lights this year. We want to go lots and lots of times…and since we have a membership it is free! This time was kind of a trial run because we wanted to see how Elias did in the cold and if he could walk or ride in the stroller…etc.

We met Nathan on his way home from work. It was dusk…and perfect timing to start viewing lights. We went for the train ride first. Elias loved looking out the window, but it was a little too long for him. He was very squirmy and there were parts of the ride that had no lights to look at so it was quite difficult. I think I prefer just walking around. There are some very creative effects, and I love looking at the trees.

This was one of my favorite light displays. They had a whole Wizard of Oz section, but I was particularly amused by the house on the witch...and her red slippers!

They had many beautiful displays. We didn’t get to see all of them because Elias got hungry. I thought bringing pretzels to snack on would be enough to hold him over until dinner, but he got hungry and cold, and therefore, a little cranky. We spent about an hour viewing lights (and seeing Packy up close) then we raced home for some dinner. Next time I think we’ll eat first, and view lights afterward.

It’s amazing how you have to relearn how to do everything once you become a parent! It was a fun kick-off to our (hopefully) many zoo lights adventures!

Elias and Mommy on the zoo train!

Since our Smith Family Fall Bucket List was such a hit, I decided to make one for the winter too. The bucket lists really help us to enjoy life together as a family. It is also a way for Elias to experience the world without any tv or material goods. It is a way we can teach him what is important and have fun too! You can click on our winter bucket list to see a larger version!

Today we were lucky enough to be able to celebrate two birthdays! We loaded up swimsuits and towels and headed off to the Wings and Waves water park pretty early this morning. We had never been there, but my mom really wanted to go to celebrate her birthday. We met grandma, grandpa, uncle scott, auntie kristy, and uncle greg. Nathan looked longingly at the aviation museum as we passed by, but today was for swimming! We can always go back again. The water park is indoors and has four really fun slides for adults. Because it is winter and probably because it is a holiday weekend, the place was not very crowded. Elias loved playing amongst the fountains meant for the little kids. He also loved the tiny water slides. The only hitch in the whole time there was that Elias got so cold. We took a break in the middle to warm him up and give him a snack, but he still got pretty cold again after that.

After the water park we headed to my parents’ house to have leftover turkey sandwiches for lunch and watch the civil war game. Birthday party number one was a big success!

After dinner we headed over to celebrate one of Nate’s friends birthdays. Elias got to play with a playmate (and even got a few more hugs and kisses from Meira!). We got to catch up with some people we hadn’t seen for a long time, and some others that we are lucky enough to see more frequently.

Needless to say Elias was very tuckered out and is now sleeping peacefully.

We have a lot to be thankful for in the Smith Family. We celebrated our thankfulness by having a very quiet and relaxing morning and afternoon. We bundled up and went on a walk, and played with Elias a bunch. Around 4:00 we went over to the Bartle house for some really good food and company. Since yesterday was also my mom’s birthday, Elias got to help her open a couple presents (but the real celebration for that is not until tomorrow). Thanksgiving might be one of my favorite holidays. I kind of overlooked it as a child because I was such a picky eater that I actually went hungry on most Thanksgivings rather than being stuffed. It was just another fun family gathering. Now as an adult I can appreciate Thanksgiving much more. (and not just because I enjoy more foods) There is something very special about setting aside a day in the year to remember all of God’s blessings. It is also great because Thanksgiving is not tied to American consumerist culture. We don’t have to buy lots of decorations or gifts or candy. It really is a day to be with family and give thanks. Here are some pictures showing our fun day:

Elias playing on Daddy's shoulders.

Elias opens Grandma Bartle's present.

Elias plays with Daddy's belt and remote control. Maybe he is pretending to hunt turkeys.He looked so cute!

Elias had his first haircut today. I wanted to let it grow forever….well…not really….but his little curls in the back and behind his ears are just so adorable. We had to do something because his hair was getting in his eyes. I decided I could just trim his bangs and leave everything else the way it was. I worked up the courage to put scissors so near to my son’s eyes and went for it. Barely anything was removed. But he doesn’t have hair tickling his eyes anymore. I’m quite pleased with how it turned out, actually. And….We’ve passed another milestone. It was very difficult to get these before and after shots. They are not the best quality because he was moving so much, but for what it’s worth:

Elias was not happy because I had combed his hair directly forward into his eyes and his Daddy was restraining him. Luckily there was not that much to trim so it went quickly.

Elias was much happier when we finished. He doesn't have any hair in his eyes, and his curls in the back are still intact. Both of us win!