Hotdoctopus

 With the weather finally starting to cool off a little, we've been able to enjoy being outside a little more.

Time to stop and smell the roses.....or maybe just pick them all!

Carter taking on some giant cacti  (or as he calls them, "owies")

A face only a mother could love.....or maybe a grandma.

Carter loves playing with water.

One night while driving, Carter demanded  we stop and look at these lights.
We're pretty excited to see him this Christmas.

Trains!

More chocolate cake!!!!!

Is it a hot dog?  Is it an octopus?  No!
It's hotdoctopus!

"They'll never find me here!"

"You found me!"

"I made a mess!"

This week Carter visited the fire station.

He was really excited to get in the fire truck.  But once he actually got in there he was a little overwhelmed.

"Hmmm......which one do I want to drive today?"

Jr Fireman Carter

The nice firemen at the fire station gave Carter a coloring book and some crayons.  I guess Carter got hungry on the drive home.
Apparently yellow is the yummiest color.

Carter sorting blocks at the library.

Giant puddle, stick, no shoes.....can life get any better?

Yes it can!!

Our first forced purchase as parents.
Carter broke the $5 jar of jelly beans.

Movie night with some friends.
By 11:30 p.m. Carter still hadn't crashed, but was awfully close.

Carter's new pet fish.  Yet to be named.

Carter's "pirate hat"
Carter:  "[Yo] ho ho!"

Well he's got all the toys put away, but where do we put his laundry?

Today was a very talkative day for Carter.
This morning he helped Daddy make breakfast, during which he said "I made a mess" (first long sentence!) and "I did it!"
We also had Stake Conference today.  When the last speaker finished he shouted out "All done!"
Then when the choir started singing the closing hymn, he repeatedly said "Oh goodness!" while putting his hand to his mouth.  Our neighboring church-goers had quite the laugh.

Carter playing Connect Four with Daddy's toes.
Can't tell who is winning.

Afternoon Sunday treat.
Before shot.

After shot.

How to tire out a toddler

A sleeping toddler is a wonderful thing!

Here are some ways you too can enjoy a sleeping toddler:

#1
Make him drive.  They put cruise control in cars for a reason.

#2
Send him out in the rain.  Don't forget to invite a friend.

#3
Make him cook dinner.
CAUTION: To avoid tantrums, do not attempt to assist the child

#4
Make him eat on the ground.  Chairs are for sissies.

#4.1
Bubble beards are not for sissies.

And finally #5

Take him to a really great Children's Museum.

Never be embarrassed to seek professional help.

Checking himself out in the bike car wash.

Planting flowers.
"He had a lush garden"

Climbing, climbing, climbing

Setting the table

Give him a job.  We recommend mailman.
Paige:  "Buddy, I don't think that is going to fit."

............

Paige:  "I stand corrected."

Last Summer Hurrah!

California

Beach!!!!! 

Boy [boi]: noun. noise with dirt on it.

This is better than bath time!

Beach volleyball!

I'm not tired, honest!

Can we come back tomorrow?

Lizards in the backyard.

Fresh tomatoes from the garden.
mmm-mmm good!

Carter likes his movies, but isn't a fan of the real deal.

The happiest place on earth meets the cutest boy on earth.  :)

Too much happiness!

 Lake Powell

Tube wars!
(goal: knock the other guy off)
Don't let her mild appearance deceive you, Paige is vicious at this game.

Craig's valiant effort to dethrone the queen. (notice all the cheating)

Craig learning to drive the boat.
The mighty captain

The mighty chef

The mighty hunter

Row, row, row your boat....

....gently down the ..... lake

Dang I make this look good!

I make this look better.

'nuf said

Diaper diving.

Not California or Lake Powell

Learning how to eat corn like Daddy.

Carter loves his potty.
(FYI, he is not potty training yet, but he does love to sit on it)

Carter set up a "bed," said night-night, and then said a prayer (yabba yabba yabba, amen!).

Ta-da!

Paige: "He looks like he should be scrubbing floors.  We'll just call him Cinderella."
(FYI, those are his shorts on his head)