music class

We took a little hiatus from Music class (where LT had his 3rd birthday party) but recently signed up for a new session with both boys. Class is in the evening on Thursdays and I usually work from home that day so just walk over with the family. We were having our big annual kick-off event at work the other week, however, so I was downtown and drove straight to meet Kari, LT & Adler at class. I'd been taking photos at work (most of the photos on this blog post about it are mine) so I had a ton of gear with me, including some fun toys borrowed from our CEO, and figured I may as well make use of it and take some shots of the boys at music.

LT used to be really reserved in class. Not so much anymore.

Adler taking it all in at the beginning of class.


Adler's little buddy Jonah.

Jonah and Alder giving hugs.

We've had a number of different teachers and, while they've all been good, Matthew is unquestionably the boy's favorite.

'Freestyle' dancing around the room with the handkerchiefs is one of many fun activities.

Even if there's an occasional crash.

Brothers doing what brothers do - part hug and part fight.

Alder playing under the parachute and getting some serious static action in his hair.

LT just being LT.

from where?

LT: ‎"Man oh man mom, where did adler come from? What are we going to do with him?"
Kari: "I don't know, LT."
LT: "He came from a cat box. You can get cats and sisters there."

Windy but happy

LT and Ewan had a little playdate this morning. We walked to a nearby school in perfectly warm weather. The boys splashed in puddles along the way (bootless) and were soaking wet. It didn't matter, the sky was blue and temps were in the upper 50s. By the time we got to the park, the wind had picked up and just continued to blow more and more. After several minutes, Ewan and his brother were bundled under blankets in a double stroller and LT was in my arms being held as tight as possible. We walked as quickly as possible the few blocks back to Ewan's house and made it home with cold boys. It seemed like a great idea, and from the picture above, I think the boys had a great time!

Dance Party

Adler has really been enjoying dancing lately. LT really enjoys showing off for the camera!

smiles

Our Christmas plans with my family had to be postponed due to Adler's illness. However, we reschedules for the following week and still managed to have a good time. It was good to see Adler getting back to himself as you'll see from some of the pictures below.

Kari helping LT sew with his new sewing kit.

Adler smiling about the picture frame he pulled down and was trying to show off to Grandpa.

Adler smiling at Baba.

Adler smiling about his new shopping cart toy.

LT showing off the bird houses he painted. One was a present for Baba. He wanted to put a basement and a remote control bird in each one but he had to settle for some creative paint jobs.

Kari smiling about Adler smiling.

Adler smiling at Baba again.

LT doing shape puzzles with Grandpa.

sledding

We took the boys sledding yesterday. Adler wore the puffball over a big puffy vest and some large jammies. He could barely move.

Plus a hat and a pair of Kari's sunglasses to top off the outfit.

The boys rode in on the sled together and were very brotherly sharing and taking turns going down the hill. At first LT didn't want to go and even threw a fit at the idea. But once we got there he had a great time and didn't want to leave (even though it was too cold for the rest of us). Typical of his three year old self these days.

Not my finest videography work but here's a short video of Adler going down the little hill.

an xmas to remember

You probably saw that little Alder spent Christmas eve in the hospital. We didn't want LT to have to see Adler in the ER so, after we left the pediatrician's office, I dropped Kari and Alder off and took LT home. My mom came down to watch LT and I headed back to the hospital (he wasn't in the ER long before they admitted him).

After getting a little buzz from his nebulizer Adler had about as much fun as could be had playing with some toiletries the hospital gave to his mom. He didn't know he was missing Christmas and managed to be a pretty good sport in the hospital.

He was pretty sick little guy and even the energy burst from the nebulizer didn't last long. Kari's main concern was, of course, for Adler but she also wanted to make sure LT had his Christmas experience so I went home to do Santa duty.

LT put out the traditional serving of bread & honey, some Chex cereal, cookies and some water for Santa.

The next morning (not too early, thankfully) opening stockings was serious business.

LT got some art supplies including some glitter glue (which he loves). He insisted that it was for decorating cookies.

The motorcycle was pretty cool.

Perhaps the most exciting gift of the morning was a juicer. We had to try it out immediately.

LT just being LT while making his juice.

Then enjoying the fruits of his labor.

We found out Alder was being released from the hospital so we went to pick him up. It took a little while to get discharged but the boys enjoyed playing with the toys they had in the kid's area of the hospital.

Adler's came home with his jacket over two hospital gowns and some little socks with rubber treads.

Once we were all home together we had a little family holiday time together. Alder looked to his big brother to see how this Christmas thing is done.

And he even kind of got the idea of opening presents.

The boys got some new legos so LT can build ever taller towers that Adler will knock over.

It wasn't the ideal Christmas we'd imagined but it turned out okay.

boys in a box