Kirsten and Mark

Seriously…I have had real problems with taking pictures lately. Not that there is too much excitement going on in our lives that require documentation, but I realize it’s been a few weeks since the last post…mainly because I don’t have any pictures to share and what fun is a post without pictures?

I have managed to download a few for this post….but the ones that actually mean something never got taken at all.

Like? Well, my awesome friend Kristie came for a visit last week from North Carolina. It’s been 7 months since I’ve seen her (blasted Christmas snow storm in the East) so we we’re super excited for her to come. It was a great visit…though too short of course. My hair fabulous, we’re well-fed and I’ve had a few good laughs. But, did I get a picture with her? No. There are plenty of Britton on her phone because he somehow figured out her phone had a camera and every time he saw it he insisted on a picture. But, us? No.  Boo!!!

Valentine’s Day? Surely. Nope. Brit loved the truck he picked out at the store. Mark liked his candies and present, but no, I didn’t document any of the sweetness.

But, here’s Brit with his ever-present need for pictures:

He now likes to “sleep” on the couch. He’ll pull a pillow up and say “bed. Ni night” It lasts about 10 seconds, then he’s done.

Still quite the game player. He is really good at them too…I’m amazed at the puzzles he does and the word games he has figured out.

So…that’s it for us until I get my act together and start documenting our lives again.

So, apparently we made a good choice in flying to DC the day we did, since the next day it started snowing and didn’t stop for another 2 days!

Luckily, we traveled down to Williamsburg for the weekend before it all started, so we missed out on most of it. It was just getting dark when we arrived at the Historic Powhatan Plantation. At the end of a long drive, the big red brick Colonial house greets visitors with bright candles in the windows. Fife and drum players stood on the steps playing tunes. Ah, Colonial Christmas.

In our “arrival papers” we got a brochure for “Christmas Town” at Busch Gardens. With nothing else to do that night, we headed over. It had started to snow lightly, but wasn’t too bad yet. Just as we got there we received some really bad news. Our friends Kristie and Jared were supposed to meet us in Williamsburg for the weekend (it’s halfway between NC and DC, hence the trip) but because of work obligations they had to be SURE to get back for, and an unpredictable storm coming in, they couldn’t come. After that setback, we were determined to lift our spirits even more at Christmas Town.

I’ve never been to Busch Gardens in the summer, but in the winter the ride entrances are closed off and the path to the different country themed “villages” are pretty definite. There were different scenes in each one, like a Penguin house that told you about penguins, and then had some real live ones on loan from the zoo. And a giant snowman. Brit wasn’t too sure about that one.

We saw Santa in his workshop, and Brit and Mark got a nice picture with him. Where are the pictures you ask? On a camera we don’t have. I forgot mine in the car, so Mark’s mom took them all. Maybe I’ll get them one day and you can see them on smugmug. There was a nice indoor place to eat, and a couple of different groups played songs and sang. The whole place, with its European village theme, had just a great Christmas feeling about it. It was just what I needed to get into the holiday spirit.

We took the train all around the park, and Brit liked that a little bit. But, since he was in the middle of the seat, he couldn’t see much.

It was starting to snow more and more by this point…wetter snow. And it was cold. My feet were frozen in my boots (some boots huh?) and we were getting soaked. It was time to head back. By now there was a lot of snow…like a couple of inches on the car. Oh yay!

It continued through the night and into the next day. Up in DC they got 18 inches! That’s pretty unheard of, all in one storm. I’m glad we were farther south and east since we got about 3-4 inches total.

The next day was pretty uneventful…if you don’t count the HOURS we spent in the Time Share’s sales office. We agreed to the talk, even though we own, to get the $100 card. Because of some miscommunication that resulted from our last stay in Scottsdale, they thought they didn’t have much to tell us, so at the END of our 90 minutes, I questioned something they had just breezed over and they found out that we hadn’t been told what we were supposed to have been and then it launched a whole other long time with paperwork and such. Man! Then, Mark’s mom had a little question about transferring her week to points and that resulted in another 2 hours.

FINALLY we made it out and by this time it was beyond Brit’s nap time. For dinner we ate at one of those restaurants that has been in a small town for more than 50 years. It was quaint and the food was passable. But, it was all decorated and had a nice homey feel.

Sunday dawned bright and clear. The roads had been paved and we headed to Colonial Williamsburg to check it out in the wintertime. So adorable. I just love it. But, the wind picked up and it was super cold…so back to the car and on our way home we went. I can hardly wait to go back, because as we left I discovered several more houses and streets I didn’t know existed. I thought it was just 1 street…but no. There are lots. Huh.

It was a nice little getaway and I’m glad we went, even if things didn’t go entirely according to plan. And, the best part of all was missing the blizzard of 2009

We went with some friends to Disneyland a couple of weeks ago and had a great time.

They were even good waiting while the Mommies went on a few rides.

I really liked all of the Christmas decorations they had up. It adds a nice excitement to the park.

Santa was waiting in his cabin–like, a real one–to greet people. He was very nice, but Britton wanted nothing to do with him. I barely got him to face forward for the picture. Maybe next year?

Maybe we should call it “Frosting eating” for Britton instead.

Mav doesn’t like frosting…it’s Brit’s favorite. I love how alike they are.

He spreads it on, then eats it. At least it’s not straight from the bowl.

Yum! He had a big glob right on his cheek, but it fell off JUST as I was taking the picture! =(

But, he was happy with it any way.

We set up our Christmas tree the week after Thanksgiving. Brit had fun helping with the ornaments.

This one is a Kangaroo to represent our trip to Australia this year. Brit really liked it.

Brit helped put the Angel on the top of the tree.

This is what happened afterward….Brit played with the ornaments.

It’s been quite the fun time. He can’t seem to leave the red and silver balls alone. He pulls them off the tree then throws them or kicks them because he thinks they’re balls. He even got his first time out over it…but to no avail. He insists on playing with them. So, now our tree looks kind of retarded with all the balls on the top half, and a few of the other ornaments he can’t hurt on the bottom. Oh well…at least he’s having fun.

I love having our decorations up and turning the lights on. Brit gets excited when it’s time for “yites.” It just makes our place feel warmer and cozier.

Yes, this was like a month ago, but at least I’m getting to it.

When my friend Leslie came to town we had lots of fun going out and playing. Her one request was Disneyland, and since Mark wanted to go for Brit’s first visit, we ended up going on Labor Day. Yeah, we were a little nervous about the crowds, but it really wasn’t bad.

We started out in California Adventure and he really liked the Bug’s Life rides and area.

Heimlich’s is a fun little train that takes you through a bunch of food and things from a bug’s perspective. The Animal Crackers even smell like cookies!

Britton, Leslie and Me on the Lady Bug Spinner ride.

Of course, Britton had to play in the water fountain.

Family photo time…waiting for the “Bug’s Life 3-D Show”

Brit’s first time on a Carousel. He was excited they were fishes. He sat up there and didn’t even get scared.

Mark and Leslie waiting to shoot forward on California Screamin’

I just love this expression. He’s eating grapes and loving it.

It’s a small world. Very fun and exciting.

This pretty much sums up Britton’s face the entire day. We weren’t sure if he was having fun on everything or what because it was pretty much a blank wide-eyed look. But, we think he did….

Forget the baby stuff, Brit went on the big, scary grown up rides like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean without so much as whimpering. It was surprising, because he’s usually such a sensitive little soul. Maybe our insistence that it was fun helped a bit.

Brit and Daddy driving a car in Toon Town.

So, we waiting and saw Fantasmic. People said it was the first night for the dragon, so we figured it was a must see. It didn’t disappoint. Here’s the dragon from Sleeping Beauty in all it’s fire-breathing glory.

And poor Brit was so tired he missed the whole thing!

We knew we had to get him some souvenir from his first trip to Disneyland, and if you know me, you know I hate knick-knacks and junk toys. So it had to be something more substantial that would last. He ended up getting a Disney Bedtime Story Book and after a long search, and a million “No!” answers, we found him the thing he wanted–a stuffed “MoMo” (Nemo)

Our funny little guy just will not come out with the word “yes” he can sign it, if we make him, but whenever he’s asked a question, it’s still “no” If he doesn’t answer, that’s pretty much a yes. So, when we showed him a bunch of things, it was always no. When he wanted it, he immediately hugged it to him. That’s how we knew we’d found a match with Nemo.

We had a lot of fun and we’re really glad we went. Since it was in our best interest to get a season pass (since it’s cheaper than going 2 times) we did. Now Brit and I and friends can go down whenever we want–which works out perfectly since we have family coming next week who are going….now we can join them. Yay!

We’ve tried to keep it pretty quiet, but the news is mostly out now, so we figured we’d share. (Because some people think this is totally blog worthy) Brit has an agent. He’s been in a couple of things, and his first appearance has aired!

Details:
What: Pilot episode of “Cougar Town” on ABC.
Who: Baby Stan, the main character’s best friend’s baby
Screen time: About 20-30 seconds
You can watch it here:
Britton on TV

We’re pretty excited about it. A little bummed his other scene– where they dressed him in cute clothes and he has an expression on his face–got cut, but whad’ya do?

We’ll let you know when his other part comes out as well.

He pretty much gets parts because he looks like a baby that was already used and they need a back up or fill in. There haven’t been lots of auditions–thank heavens–so it’s not too stressful. We figure it’s a nice way for him to get some college money socked away.

Wow, already 18 months old! I can hardly believe how the time has flown. His personality is so much fun and we have a great time together. He loves his daddy and is always so excited when he gets home–always runs over and gives him a hug.

Here is a random assortment of pics we’ve been meaning to post, but I’m super behind…

With these he brought me my camera, handed it to me and then posed. We have a cheeser on our hands.

He gets soooo messy when he has spaghetti, but loves it!

He woke up from his nap after church, and apparently wasn’t too happy about it.

We went to the park for a little photo shoot:

Walk with me...

Playground

Huh?

I don't think so!

So funny

And, his stinkin’ cute pics from the RockerRoos photoshoot

We’re all really excited for Sunday when he gets to go to nursery at church. He looks longingly at the kids playing in the courtyard every week, and he’ll finally be able to join them!

Lately he’s trying to say every thing and comes out with new words all the time. Like purple, yellow, cookie, book, bubble, water etc. Finding Nemo is his favorite movie and called him “MoMo” He still loves Signing Time, and we got a few more this week at the Expo–Thanks Erin!  We’re now practicing drinking from a cup. He does pretty well, but definitely needs help still.

When we read stories he always remembers if we do special actions–like reaching our arms out wide or our toes in the air, or giving Mommy hugs. It’s so cute. Right now we must read his Alphabet book with the animals/touch and feel every night. He loves the Bee and says it by name.  Maybe that should be his costume this year.

We just love our little guy. He’s soooo sweet and gives great hugs. Happy Half Birthday Baby!

For the last night of our trip we had to get a hotel because our time share time ran out. We found a place just south of town. Here’s the view from our room looking toward the city.

To get there, we took our 3 suitcases, laptop bag, diaper bag, toy bag and stroller with Baby from the hotel to the tram stop about 100 yards away. Rode the tram, unloaded said items with a great amount of help from the super friendly Aussies and dragged our stuff to our new hotel, about 50 yards away. We promptly decided not to do that again and take a cab to meet the bus for the airport.

Anyway, we spent the early part of the day looking at the War Memorial. It was built to honor the soldiers who fought in WWI, but has since grown to include the other wars as well.

Mark and Britton on the steps

Daddy helping

Ceiling of the rememberance room

I’m not sure what the official title is, but in the center of the big memorial they have a square room built to honor the soldiers. There is a stone cut out, so that on 11-11 at 11 a beam of light from the sun rests in the center of a memorial in the center of the floor. At certain times of the day, everyday, they hold a mock ceremony with an artificial light. It was pretty cool.

Balcony View East

Balcony View North/East

The odd-shaped thing in the middle-right is the entrance to the visitors center.

View North

It was sooooo windy up there! Brit was pretty excited about it though.

After that we went to the Botanic Garden. No, not botanical. It’s botanic, because it has a herbarium with it.

It is a really large area, with many walkways and differing landscapes. It was started just a few years after Melbourne itself was settled, so it’s about 150-160 years old or so. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the plants and the garden itself. She’s owns a landscaping business, so she knows a lot. This first part is by the children’s garden. It was inspired by a children’s fairy tale that take’s place under the sea–no, not The Little Mermaid. These are the seaweed and kelp

Under the sea

Lakeview Terrace

Where's the bird?

This bird just kept squawking and squawking, really loudly. It definitely wanted us to know it was there.

That's another lake

The terrain and foliage was varied. Sometimes you felt like you were in an English garden and others in the tropical forest. We saw people with picnics and just hanging out and we were sad it was our last day for touring.

After the tour, we got some food. Brit was pretty tired…see, he does cry.

Noooooooo! I hate it all!

But, then he found birds…

Oh my goodness! Birds!

Hi Shadow, nice to meet you

But, then he found a new friend and they followed each other everywhere.

That night we went to St. Kilda, a beach town a couple of miles south to see what we could see.

Sunset

After walking down their ridiculously long pier, we made it here to the rocky harbor and fishing area

Pretty boats

Harbor

Yes, I am cold. It was really windy and pretty much freezing. The only reason I don’t look miserable is because I have my hat. And, don’t worry, Brit is fine because he has some of Mark’s strange genes that prevent him from feeling cold. See, still smiling. Strange boys I have. =)

It is a really cute area with cute houses and apartment buildings. We ate dinner at a Thai place and then headed back to this view:

We had a few hours to kill after the market, so we headed back to the Southbank to Eureka Tower. Here you can see our hotel. It’s is the white building by the Victoria University, and you enter from the back, far side for some reason.

Hotel and other Melbourne buildings

Eureka Tower is the tallest residential building in the Southern Hemisphere (by floor-the spire on another one is higher).  It has 92 floors and there is an observation deck on the 88th. The following pics were taken from there.

Melbourne and surrounding area

Fascinating!

Woah, it's moving!

Brit seriously loved this! He followed it around for so long.

Woooh, we're in the air

Mark and Britton went out on The Edge! It was basically a box that had  clear walls and floor that moved out from the side of the building.

Windy!

There was also a balcony that was exposed that anyone could go on, and man was it windy and cold!

Eureka Tower from the ground up

Another random art piece

It was fun seeing the city from so high. We could really see for a long way.

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