Teething

Normally Roc doesn't use a binkie during the day.  Last weekend he was sick AND teething- so he thought he needed two.

Today *Dec 19th*

First, we pooped.

Then we went to the aviary with our buddy, Cassidy (the dog).

Enjoyed some solitude in the snow.

Said "Hi" to our buddy Andy the Condor.

Then, "we" built a snowman. (Roc was more interested in letting Cassidy jump around in the snow)

After nap time we visited Santa.  (photos to come)

Did some window shopping.

Found some toys we should have told Santa about.  (note to self: next year stop by the toy store BEFORE sitting on Santa's lap)

And charmed the Rideouts with Christmas cheer.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Roc helped us decorate our tree a few weeks ago.  It is our first tree since we moved to Utah!  I had a great time pulling out all of my ornaments from childhood and Roc had a great time directing where we placed them on the tree.  John even added some of his (red and green) climbing gear.   Roc's enthusiasm and curiosity have brought lots of joy to the season!




The jumping santa was once MY favorite ornament; now it is Roc's favorite!


So proud of his tree!


Roc and Santa.

Forward Facing

Roc finally is big enough to face forward in the car.  He was memorized!  So much to see- and he could talk to Mom and Dad with ease.  This photo was taken on our way to get an Xmas tree.  So much fun!

Thanksgiving visitors

We love Uncle Zak!!  It was great fun watching Roc and Zak chase each other around the house.  I only called them each other's name a 'couple' of times.  

Uncle Zak can read!

Out for a Sunday stroll

It has been so cold here!!!

1998

Found this gem cleaning out the basement last weekend. Roc's dad at 24.  Isn't he handsome?  Look at all that hair!!

Rocs new haircut

It might be a little shorter on the right however it's out of his eyes!

Parenting advice

I'm embarrassed to say it has taken us 22 months to figure this out. 

Vacuuming your child is way easier than bathing them!  

Helping

Roc is finally contributing to the family chores!

Just a boy and his Elmo

Elmo arrived in a SLC from Jamaica on Friday.  Elmo has lots of stories to tell Roc of adventures with his cousins, beginning with Robbie 18 years ago!

If you ask Roc who is best friend is, he will enthusiastically tell you, "Elmo!!!"  They are a pretty amazing duo and Elmo is rarely out of Roc's sight.  Here are some highlights from the weekend.

Roc offering Elmo milk at breakfast.

Roc helping Elmo build towers out of his blocks.

Elmo protecting Roc from Amy and Eric's kitten.

A walk in the park with Elmo.

Pumpkin patch fun.  

Love and pumpkins.

Sometimes Roc gets frustrated that Elmo can't sit on his own.

It is important to stay hydrated at the Aviary.  Roc is very good at sharing with Elmo and very bad at sharing with anyone else.  

Corn maze (Elmo was napping in the stroller)

Roc took a few shortcuts thought the maze.

Luckily he eventually found his way out!

School photos

I could stare at that cute little face all day.

Rocs first race!

Pre-race excitement.

The start of the race.  Look closely, Roc is not having fun.  (The rest of the kids are already on the course.)

Roc decided to watch the other kids run from the safety of Dad's arms. 

He ended up walking across the finish line.  Elmo was waiting, ready to give him a finishers medal. 

Roc LOVES Elmo however didn't want him too close.

Best part of racing- these guys waiting at the finish line.

Carbo Loading

Roc has his first race tomorrow.  He is pretty pumped!  (Unfortunately he doesn't get a race shirt so he is borrowing his mom's). 

Strider tricks

Ensign Peak

Roc (very nearly) climbed his first peak today.  1 mile RT with 800' elevation change.  And then he took a 4 hour nap.

The mighty Ensign Peak

You want me to walk up THERE?

Killing it.

                                           Luckily Dad was willing to share his trekking poles.

Ooops.  Wrong way.  (Or maybe just doing hill repeats?)

                                                     Back on track.  That hill was STEEP!

                                               Pausing to reflect on his accomplishment.

                                               Littlest old man hiker on the trail.

                                            

                                                           Oops, wrong way again.

                                                Are we there yet, Dad??

                                           Help mom!  It is SO STEEP!!

                                           Army crawling up the hill.

                                                Enjoying an overlook.

                                                Pep talk from mom before the final summit push.

                                                              WE MADE IT!!!

       
     

                                      Refueling for the way down.  Unfortunately Roc ate all his
                                      crackers in the car and mom only had craisins at the summit.