Catching Up!

Wow....I never can believe how fast time flies and it simply is not slowing down. I really feel like I need a pause button to stop and enjoy a little bit of the life that is passing by. It feels like only yesterday I was celebrating the First Christmas - one that included Chase as a part of our family.

This year I was lacking a bit in the holiday spirit department but luckily next year I will have Chase to remind me of Santa and gifts and gifts and gifts and...oh...wait...I think I should stop and enjoy the fact that this is probably the last Christmas that I will have where lacking holiday spirit is ok and Chase does not care. Because I have a feeling that in 2010, Chase will be a bit more aware of Santa and the impossible task of delivering millions of gifts to deserving little boys and girls in one single night. Here's to a Happy 2010 filled with joy, prosperity, and Holiday Spirit!

PS I have yet again broken/lost/destroyed my camera. Thanks to my mom for providing her camera for my use. Photos will be a bit scarce until I get my camera back from repair!

Holiday date night...taking advantage of the live in babysitter (my mom was visiting from Oregon!)

Intrigued by the presents would be putting it mildly. Chase had his way with decorating and undecorating the tree all December long!Such the engineer....he loves all of his new "thinking" toys! Hey guys - I think I'm missing some sand! Ummmm...I feel a little Royal Tenenbaum in this picture!

Chase's first Tricycle - Can we say that he is one happy kid?! And we like the clutch, handle, brakes...and all the other features that this super cool bike offers - thanks Grandpa & Grandma!

Chase's "thinking" chair.

Chase got to spend time with his Uncle Bill from Wisconsin...

And of course hanging with Nana - such a fun 2 weeks with her! (well, fun two weeks for Chase....I worked her to death, thanks for all of your help!)

Go Rebels!

Last week Chase got his very first UNLV basketball game experience! It was a 7 o'clock game so I was worried about timing as this is his normal bedtime (and believe me, he LOVES his bedtime)! However, he was a total trooper and totally enjoyed himself (and the Rebel Dance Team) until about 5 minutes were left on the clock. I think he definitely has the Rebel Spirit!

My camera is broken (and at the repair shop) so I will be relying on photos from others to keep the updates coming. This one is courtesy of John's cell phone - Thank you!

Big Kids Night Out

Last night we had the opportunity to leave Chase at home (thanks Grandma Iris!) and head over to the new Aria hotel/casino at City Center for their final night of play days before they open today. A huge thank you to Anthony for hooking us up with an amazing dinner at Jean Georges - arguably the best filet I have ever had.

Skip Your V8!

Chase is still using anything in his way to keep him balanced while walking. The sideways video below was taken when he was especially energetic. Note his high pitched squeal as he maneuvers the kitchen.

Chase is using three words consistently now:

1. Doe (dog)

2. Moa (more)

3. Mama (mama, but used for a couple of other of items that he must correlate to their ability to take care of him. For example, his blanket could be mama because it keeps him warm. Nice to know that I can easily be replaced by a blanket).

He also has a word that he uses for airplane and knows how to sign it as well. With all of the signs that we use daily, "airplane" is what he has learned. Must be his desire to take flight.

He is getting really good at pointing at things when you ask him. He knows "dad" and "Rigley" and "mama" and his belly button known as "button" among other things.

Hide and Seek is still his absolute FAVORITE game.

While he may not be walking on his own, I will take solace in the fact that he can hide under his "mama" while signing "airplane" and pointing to his "button."

Congrats Mike On Another Marathon!

Yesterday Mike & Dave ran the Las Vegas Marathon. True to their style, they both killed it without putting much effort into their training. So proud of Dave for completing his very first marathon in under 4 hours....not an easy achievement, I promise! The night before we attended the annual Pulliam Christmas Party...thank you Ryan & Stephine for opening up your home for a good cause, it was a great night!

Boys on the move!

Dave & Mike post-race

Baby Skylar wonders why she is out of the house so dang early... Chase isn't so sure about the early morning activities either...

But once Erin started taking pictures of him he cheered right up!

Erin & Dave Post Race

Chase suffers in the glaring sun so mom can get a picture...

The night before the race at the Pulliam Christmas party...

Chase grips his bottle...the happiest time of his night!

Putting the kid to work early with Reindeer assembly...Chase showed us that it is much more fun to disassemble the reindeer! Chase illustrates that there is a fine line between standing and surfing...