Reindeer games

Here in the South, we sled on our boogie boards. And we build "snowtoddlers" instead of full-size snowmen.

Christmas loot

Elliott must have been a nice boy this year because Santa sure was good to him! The eagerly awaited bicycle with no pedals arrived along with a few other things.

First school picture

Ho Ho Ho

Elliott chatted with Santa this afternoon at The Summit in Birmingham.

Elliott was pretty quiet during his visit, but you can see that he says "bicycle with no pedals" as soon as he sits down. He later clarifies that he wants a red one. And then he clammed up. Because what else needs to be said anyway? (Maybe if the lady taking the photo would give him 5 uninterrupted seconds to talk to Santa, but anyhoo.)

Bathtub Rehearsal

Elliott's class is singing "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" in the school musical on Friday. I think that he's been coached to sing LOUD. Or maybe they said to sing EVIL.

This wasn't the clearest version, but it's the one that made me laugh the hardest.

Fits like a glove (or "The Incredible Hulk Santa")

Elliott saw this old Santa suit in his closet and insisted that we let him wear it. It's a 9-month-old size. I tried to reason with him and then thought, "Oh, why not?" At first he thought it was hilarious.

And then he got mad because "my tummy is sticking out!!!" I know the feeling, son. I know the feeling.

A bit of a miscommunication

Tonight after dinner, we played "football team" in the living room. There was running, throwing, and even kicking. Every few minutes, Elliott would go stand in the corner and say, "Football team in time-out!" After a few times, Eric had a lightbulb moment: When we say that the team took a time-out, Elliott obviously thought they were IN time-out. All this time he's obviously been thinking that the team is in trouble!

Bend It Like Beckham

Elliott started soccer today, and he is hooked! Clearly he's a natural.

101,000 friends

Elliott went to the Bama game with us yesterday. He had such a good time! Some friends who sit near us gave him a sucker, and he was in hog heaven. (Side note: Two strangers were sitting right behind us. Turns out it was The Legend and DJ K-Dub. If you don't know them, you're not listening to enough Finebaum!)

And then my heart melted into a little puddle...

On Sunday night we were riding home from dinner when Elliott announced from the back seat, "I so, so happy!" I replied, "I'm glad that you're happy! Mommy's happy, too."

How could she not be?

Elliott and Friends--Halloween Edition

Elliott's school Halloween parade was held on Friday, and I do believe the kids get cuter every year! We had a last-minute costume change because Elliott suddenly wanted to be Spiderman. (Thanks for saving the day with that extra costume, Luke's mom!) He has worn it pretty much every waking moment for 3 days. Eric told him after dinner on Friday that he could have an ice-cream cone as soon as he took off his costume. Elliott's reply: "No, thanks."

Two wild & crazy guys

One with beautiful feathery hair.

Jay's birthday bash

Elliott and friends bounced like crazy at Jay's birthday party yesterday. Every day should be so much fun! (Unfortunately we didn't get a good picture of Jay, but I'm pretty sure he had a great time too.)

Still here...

All is well at our casa. We have just been so very, very busy. I know that you'll forgive us when you see this double dose of cute.

Just Right

Elliott disagrees that his bouncy seat is too small. He pulled it out of the closet and sat in it all day last Sunday. By the end of the day he was calling it the Fly Boat from Wonder Pets. We don't think it looks a lot like it but we played along. It is truly amazing how time flies. The video below was taken June 7, 2008. Back when he was not over the weight limit of his "flyboat".

Fashion Tips With Elliott

Fall's biggest fashion trend: pinecones under your hat. Only attempt this if the hat is facing backward. Because otherwise it would just look stupid.

Adventures in dining

Today's schedule was severely skewed by last night's Bama-Penn State game. After a late wake-up and breakfast, a really late lunch, and a short nap, we were at a loss about dinner. We weren't hungry at dinnertime but knew that we couldn't put Elliott to bed without something to eat. So we foraged and had the most whacked-out dinner ever: parfaits of Greek yogurt, mandarin oranges, and wheat germ. Dessert consisted of cut watermelon. (I think there was a banana in there somewhere as well.)

In other fun food news, I just discovered this photo on my phone. A few weeks ago at La Paz, I looked over at Elliott's plate and saw that he had made a ring of chips ALL THE WAY AROUND his plate. By the time I got out my phone, he had started eating them one by one. Ummm, OCD much, Elliott?

Let's try another tactic.

Elliott LOVES his toddler bed. Let me rephrase that: Elliott loves to look at his toddler bed. He hasn't actually slept in it at all. He's been camping out on the floor every night for the past week. At first, we could go scoop him up and put him into it after he fell asleep. Then he would sleep in it all night. But now he's figured out the drill and won't let us relocate him.

So we've gone with the nuclear option. Forget trying to make a slow transition from crib to toddler bed to full bed. Nope, we're jumping right in. He was super-excited to go pick out the mattress and the new sheets and ride home with the mattress tied to the top of the car. Now if he'll just realize that it's so much more comfortable than the floor. Wish him (and us) good luck!

Still loving those Blazers

Eric and Elliott went to the UAB game last night. It didn't end the way we had hoped, but Elliott didn't let that ruin his good time.

Chh-chh-changes

Guess who's officially in a "big-boy" bed? (In case you couldn't identify that lump, it's Elliott.)

Wild Wilsons

Last weekend we attended the Wilson family reunion (Marilyn's mom's family). We don't see them nearly enough.

I can just hear this conversation with Aunt Sylvie: "NOW, BARBARA JANE!" Barbara: "WHAT?!"

Go Blazers!

Today was UAB's Fan Day, and we are fans! Those Blazers sure know how to entertain. Elliott had a whole bounce house to himself. And he was very excited to see so many football players in one place. He and Eric went to the scrimmage in the afternoon too. Then Robert, Tena, and Nolen came over for pizza. Elliott was just too busy to nap today so he was out like a light as soon as he went to bed!

Look, it's Ocho Cinco!