December So Far...

Disneyland with Sue and Jeff and the Todd's. Despite the crowds we were able to have a good view of the Christmas parade and the fireworks.










A couple pictures we took while we were in downtown Riverside for Carter's birthday celebration.

Life These Days...

Is messy!!

I think this is probably typical toddler behavior, but lately Kollin likes to make messes! Any chance he gets he is opening drawers and pulling out whatever he can reach, clearing cupboards, or pulling papers out of the desk. Now that he's walking, everything is eye level and nothing is safe. I understand now why moms have to "baby-proof!" The worst damage is done when I'm in the shower because he has free reign (when I forget to put the baby locks on), and the bathroom cupboards are his favorite to invade. All I could do was laugh the other day when I opened the shower door and saw that my sweet little boy had showered himself...in Q-tips!

I have to admit that sometimes it is VERY frustrating, especially when I put something away and the little stinker walks right over and pulls it back out. Then when I try to put it away again, it becomes a game. As frustrated as I may get, there is not a chance that I would ever want it any other way. Kollin is such a joy. I'm amazed at how smart he is. If I give him a comb, or his shoes and socks he knows what to do with them. He likes to put the lid on his baby food jars and if mommy and daddy would let him, he would unplug and then plug back in cords to anything and everything. He also likes to be independent and spoon feed himself. I've quickly learned that it works ok with mashed potatoes but not so good with yogurt. Some new words Kollin is saying are...
-Cookie
-Hot, Hot, Hot (he always whispers it, which is really cute)
-No, no
-Ball
-Papa (He recognizes and loves Papa Jeff)

He's a pretty picky eater, but some of Kollin's favorite foods are:
-Yogurt-is the only thing he'll eat for breakfast
-cheese
-Mac and Cheese
-Ritz Crackers
-lasagna or pasta
-bananas
-anything else dipped in ketchup

Even though I'm not proud of this, Kollin does have a sweet tooth and he may have a problem with Diet Coke. I think Eric and I need to give up diet soda so Kollin's not addicted to caffeine by the time he's 2. Hey, I never said I was a perfect Mom!

I love to see the bond Kollin and Eric are forming. Kollin loves his "Da-da." He gets so excited when Eric walks in the door from work. I do have to give Eric credit because he is an amazing Dad. He is so patient and loving with Kollin. As much as I hate to admit this, when Kollin is cranky, I get cranky, but thank goodness Eric remains calm and reminds me that getting flustered isn't going to help the situation. I am so grateful for a hard-working, patient and loving husband. And I'm grateful for a sweet little boy who keeps me on my toes, keeps me smiling and keeps me cleaning!

Halloween 2010

We had a great Halloween this year. We joined Sarah and Dan at their ward party on Saturday night. It worked out great because my sister Shonda and her family are in the same ward as Sarah and Dan so we got to see everyone in their cute costumes. My little brother Konner came with us, and my mom and Sami met us there. We were even lucky enough to have Sue and Jeff there to see all their good-lookin' grandkids in their costumes.


Cousins Claire, William, Carter and Kollin



Us and Konner plus the whole Todd clan


Shonda's girls Ashlyn and Shayla, with my brother Konner and sister Sami




Kollin and cute pumpkin Will. Kollin wasn't too fond of his dog hood!




Earlier in the day we went to Konner's soccer game. I tried to make it to most of his games this season because Kollin loves to be outside, and I love to watch soccer. Luckily Eric didn't have work or school that day so he was able to join us. I love when we get to spend Saturdays together!




Pink pirate Shayla enjoying her after-game snack

Kollin's Birthday-part 2

For Kollin's birthday back in October (I know I'm really behind) he and I spent part of his actual birthday at Disneyland. It was really hot and it was a holiday so Disneyland was packed but despite the heat and the crowds, it was nice to spend some time doing something fun with just me and Kollin boy.

This was on one of the rides in Bug's Land in California Adventure. I hoped that he would enjoy the rides but I think he enjoyed playing with the camera case more than anything!


Yes I bought him this, but no I did not let him eat the whole thing! :)



Cold ice cream!!





I think I wore him out. He knocked out before we even got out of the parking structure!

Kollin's Birthday

So Kollin's 1st birthday has come and gone, and I must say we had a ton of fun celebrating. The birthday party was definitely a lot of work, but I'm so glad we decided to do it. It was without a doubt worth it! As luck would have it, Kollin woke up the morning of the party with a fever and was more cranky than usual so I was a little worried that he wouldn't allow me to get all the things done that I needed to (mostly the cake). But after some tylenol and a good nap he was pretty much a happy boy for most of the party. We ate some yummy food, opened a ton of great gifts, ate cake, and even had a pinata.

I'm pretty happy with the way the cake turned out. For it being my first tiered, fondant covered cake I can't really complain. I did have some structural issues with the bottom tier, it drooped a little, but it still stood. By the time we ate cake, Kollin was getting a little tired so he didn't really eat much cake which was a little dissapointing, but his tummy probably thanked him in the end!





Thanks to everyone who helped with the party. Kollin was so spoiled! He got so many awesome gifts and more importantly had alot of people there who love him and who love us and who took time out to come celebrate with us. We have truly been blessed with such a wonderful family and great friends!

Fun At The Fair

A couple of weeks ago we went to the LA County Fair with the Carter's for Sue's birthday. We tried lots of yummy food and had alot of fun despite the muggy, wet weather. Every time we go the fair I have to have the chocolate milk that they sell in the farm area. I don't normally drink milk, in fact I hate it, but there is something about this milk that I can not resist...it's like HEAVEN! (Probably because it's whole) Anyways, since Kollin is one now, or was at least close then, we had already started giving him milk. I knew the kid liked milk, when he belongs to Eric (the milk drinker of the world) how could he not! So I should have known when we filled his bottle with this chocolaty goodness he would love it as much as I do. He was not about to let go of that bottle for anything!! That's my boy!



We got video of Kollin with the death grip on his chocolate milk bottle but I can't figure out how to blog it yet, so until I figure it out (or make Eric figure it out), this picture will just have to do!

Kollin's Almost 1!

It's really crazy to think that it was almost a year ago that Kollin was born. He is getting so big, and so fun! He has the cutest personality, and his little temper is even starting to show. As it probably is for most moms, watching him grow is such a bitter-sweet thing. My memories of his tiny face and his little cries are being replaced with his baby talk and adorable laugh! He can say a few words now, he has said Mama and Dada for a while, and he says Bella's (our dog)name now too. I think after hearing us yell BELLA! so many times he just caught on. He's not walking yet, and doesn't seem to have any interest in starting anytime soon, so I guess when he's ready he will just take off.

So anyways, with Kollin's birthday coming up we needed to decide what to do to celebrate. After we changed our minds a couple times we decided to have a little party. It's just about 2 weeks away and I'm trying to get as much done now as I can so I can avoid stress and just enjoy the day. Since I took a cake class at Jo Ann's I'm going to attempt to make his cake. My sister is pretty much a cake pro, so with her help and with my cake decorating skills (or lack of :)) I think it should come out ok. I wanted to personalize the invitations so below are a couple pictures we took of Kollin to put on the invitation.

Time to join the blog band wagon!

So...I've been wanting to start a blog for a long time. Kollin is growing so fast and I feel like blogging regularly will be a good way to record the memories. Kollin's blessing day was a couple weeks ago and so I figured this would be the perfect time to start! I do have to admit that I was feeling super stressed out about having everything perfect for that day, so after a minor melt down and some much appreciated help from Eric, I was able to relax and enjoy the day. It was amazing to see how much support we have from family and friends. Our sacrament meetings are usually pretty full, but it was especially packed that day with all our family. We were so glad that Jake and Amy and Laura and Rob were able to make it down, it was great to see them!
After the blessing we enjoyed a yummy lunch at my parents. We had sandwiches and lots of delicious sides, and my favorite part, THE CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN!!
Thank you so much to everyone who helped make the day special for Eric and I. It was definitely a great way to celebrate Kollin's life and his sweet little spirit! He brings so much joy to me and Eric. I knew I'd love being a Mom but I had no idea I could love him so much in just his 6 months of life. He is growing so fast and developing his own little personality, being a mom is great!!






Kollin with Grandma and Grandpa Carter


My mom made Kollin's outfit and it turned out great!

Kollin with Grandma and Grandpa Hancock