Knott's Berry Farm

Today Grandma Kathy, Kevin, Westley, Will and I went to Knott's Berry Farm. We had a good time and got to see Santa, watch a Snoopy show, ride some rides, and even play in the water (which was Will's Favorite part)

Decorating for Christmas

Yesterday we put up many of our Christmas decorations. Westley jumped right in to help!

I was surprised at how good he was at decorating the Christmas tree. He helped Kevin until every ornament was on. He made sure not to put the breakable ones at Will's level and meticulously placed each one. He has more patience for hanging ornaments than I do!

I was also surprised that Will has not tried to touch any of the ornaments

Mr. Pumpkin Head

 I had read about this idea after Halloween. I wish I would have gotten the idea sooner. This is much easier than carving a pumpkin... and more fun for toddlers who can't do much of the carving process anyway.

We had some small left over pumkins from Thanksgiving. They were the perfect size. I made the holes first. Would have been easier if I had an icepick or something, but i just used a mr. potato head piece and pushed really hard.

After that, it was easy and fun. Will enjoyed it just as much as Westley.

(Westley took this last picture)

Paper Bag Blocks

Tonight we made some paper bag blocks.
I've been asking for paper grocery bags and saving up newspaper for this one.
We just crinkled up newspaper and filled the bags until the were 3/4 full and then folded the bag and taped the top so it made a square shape.

Then, Westley and Will stacked them, knocked them down, kicked them down, pounded on them, sat on them, hid under them, etc. They are a good way to get out energy while inside the house!

"Music Player"

Westley likes to pretend to push buttons and then sing and dance around. So, I drew for him a music player with a play and stop button, and a volume up and volume down button. He really liked it and would tell us what song it was playing and Will and I would join in singing and dancing. The volume buttons were good as when Westley was getting too loud (as I am sure Dad appreciated that we started this while he was still sleeping) I could tell him to turn down the volume and he would make his sing less loudly.

We were all entertained for a while by my poorly drawn music player on construction paper.

Tree Trimming

Yesterday Kevin trimmed our front tree. Westley was so excited to help. I thought I was going to have to stay next to Westley, make sure he didn't get in the way for Kevin, and instruct him on little ways he could help. Kevin and Westley didn't need me! He was very careful around the cord, cutting tools, and falling branches. He helped Kevin pile up all the small branches and filled the green waste trash can with all the leaves.

Funny how this is another task that was dreadful for the adult but an exciting fun time for a little kid!

Westley took this picture himself

I didn't get any good action shots... I had to keep a close reign on Will who thought it was a fun game to run into the street.

Rainy Day Fun

Today was the first rainy day we have had in months, and the first heavy rain we have had in a long time, and the first hail I've ever seen in San Diego. So it was really the boy's first experience playing in the rain. Westley got to put his Fireman raincoat and rainboots to good use. I wasn't going to have Will join in but he insisted, so I dug out the only thing I had for him to wear- an old snow suit from when we took Westley to Tahoe.
Will thoroughly enjoyed feeling the rain land on his head. Both boys were engrossed in standing in the gutter which was as strong as a mini river. It was a little scary looking and they got soaked as the extremely cold gutter water streamed up and into their boots, but I think they would both agree it was worth it