presidential holiday

I don't know what President Obama was doing the day after he was elected, but the day after Dr Wang was inaugurated he declared it a holiday here at OSSM. Students and faculty had the morning off and we came home from playgroup to find this:

We had a picnic lunch and the kids played in the bouncy things until they were worn out! The weather was windy, but fabulous for November!

todd @ 11 months

How did we get here? And this month is going so fast! I'm not ready for him to be a year old already. I know I enjoy each new stage, but it's bittersweet as we approach 12 months. He's cruising around things and walking while he pushes about anything he thinks he can move. Todd's a climber and he's so proud of himself. He babbles more, but still nothing distinguishable. He's been able to do this for a while, but he can use his feet almost like second hands. He's starting the weaning process and isn't sure if he likes milk in his cup. He loves the big girls in his MDO class and will go up and sit next to them. He's a big fan of anything with wheels or balls! He's such a boy--rough and tumble, but oh so sweet and smart! One day he picked up Elle's sock, handed it to me and then lifted up his foot! Another day I told him to go get a book, and he crawled over to the books got one and then crawled back to me with it. He did this twice! I couldn't believe it! I included a picture of the back of his head because he's getting so much hair! I think he'll need a trim around the ears very soon. 

Comparison pic time! Todd and Elle about the same age, 10-11 months

ossm kids zoo trip

Dr. Wang is the new OSSM president and he and his family are living on the 2nd floor of the new boys wing until they find a house. He's getting officially inducted Thursday night. The governor's coming and it's a big hoopla, but that didn't stop Dr. Wang from taking some of his family, and Johnathan, Mason, and Elle (and Chris) to the zoo Saturday afternoon. It was a really nice chance for Elle to spend time with her OSSM family. The kids are all so sweet! We are so fortunate to have such wonderful people as neighbors!

Halloween 2012

Elle chose to be Tiana from The Princess and the Frog movie. So, I found a frog costume for Todd. We went to Storybook Forest again. It was a great night with friends, the weather was perfect, and Elle really enjoyed it this year.

Todd flipped out about 3 seconds after this photo. I don't know what it was about this kid reading the story.

We also had Trunk-or-Treat at church, but went as the Goldilocks and the three bears. Unfortunately, we didn't get a family photo. The Mad Hatter Tea Party was awesome!

Elle had costume day at gymnastics so Todd wore his too to show support.

Elle also wore her costume to school and Todd wore his to MDO. We arranged to trick-or-treat through the office and Tuesday Ladies' class.

We also went to Pumpkinville at the Myriad Gardens for the first time this year. They had lots of cute decorations and activities in the children's garden. We went a couple of times it was so much fun!