Jake is 18 Months Old!

Jake is 18 months old! He is in the 85th percentile for height and 55th for weight. For the past couple of months he has called his brother "bubba." He will point to Wilken when his brother has wronged him in some way and say "bubba" as though the worst offense has just occurred. He is very physical, and can jump off of the ground and land on two feet. He is a very good climber, and I still find him on the top of his bureau or the kitchen table if I leave him alone for too long. He copies his brother and is playing more imaginatively with toys (i.e. dragon figures, cars, planes, etc.) by making them hop/drive/fly around and interact somewhat together. He still has an incredible temper. He will scream bloody murder and erupt into full scale temper tantrums (usually over toys) on an almost daily basis. He is very cuddly though, and uses very nice manners, signing please and thankyou for things.

Disneyland 2009

We took our 5th annual trip with the Keenans. After several treks to Arizona for Spring Training, we realized last year the Disneyland is a much more easy and entertaining trip for the kiddos. So, we tried it again this year. This would be the only time we were able to corral the 4 kids together for a group shot.

While Dumbo may not be the most exhilarating ride at Disneyland, it was one that all 4 kids enjoyed. Wilken, once again, was fearless. While he will not watch movies (even Toy Story), he will go on any ride at Disneyland, no matter how dark or fast. He was just tall enough for Thunder Mountain, which he and his mommy took at night during the fireworks display. Both he and Jake went on Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan, drove the cars, the submarine ride, the roller coaster in Toon Town, as well as multiple other rides. They had a blast. Jake was a little bit more tentative, but was willing to go on every ride, mainly with mommy. He got a bit antsy to get out of each one before the end of the ride. The kids were tuckered out. Remarkably, they both took a nap at the same time in the double stroller we borrowed from our neighbor. We went out to dinner at a very fancy restaurant by Pirates.The kids were a little wild. Jake had to be removed from the premises after he began throwing his silverware and dinner roll. With lollipops, juice, ice cream, and chocolate/caramel covered marshmallows, it was a very indulgent day. I think more than one kid complained of their tummy hurting.All in all, it was a spectacular but exhausting day. We can't wait for our 2010 trip.

Mommy and Boys Head to Bakersfield

In April, Elanor took the boys to Bakersfield to give Ryan a little break at home. The boys had a great time reading books with Bubie, and playing all of the old favorite's with Grandpa (and Bubie) including: Boulders, Simon Says, cars, hide n' seek, etc.

Jake loved playing "Trot trot to Boston" with Grandpa. As usual, we had a great time going to the park, playing with Bubie and Grandpa, and mommy getting some R&R as well.