Long time, no blog

Well, it's been a while since we've blogged. December was a busy month, as it usually is for everyone. Nevertheless, here we are again, back in sunny San Diego.

We traveled to Utah for Christmas break. Despite the poor weather conditions on the roads, we managed to drive safely there and back again. We spent most of our time at Kirsti's parents, with a number of trips out to West Valley to see my parents. (We alternate years, staying with one set of parents one year, and the other the next.) We have had several years now to get used to the idea that really everyone just wants to see Tasman. So Kirsti and I chilled and let grandpas, grandmas, aunts, and uncles entertain Tasman for hours on end. We were relieved of most of the bathing duties, dressing duties, and even some dirty diaper duties. Thanks, family!

We had lots of fun on the trip and Tasman did more than her share of showing off to and getting attention from anyone who was interested (which was usually everyone in the room). She constantly cracked everyone up. One night, we were all watching a movie in the Rowberry's basement. They have some tall, thin surround sound speakers that sit behind the couches and chairs. Tasman walked up to one of the speakers, put her mouth up next to it, and said, "Want taco and a drink." I thought that Kirsti's mom and brother were going to wet their pants, they were laughing so hard. Of course, this caused Tas to keep doing it, and every time she did, everyone would just laugh even harder. We had to work hard to convince everyone that we don't go to the Taco Bell drive-through all that often.

Now that life is back on a normal track, we hope to get back to a regular blogging schedule.

Tassie one-liners

A few recent utterances have made us chuckle:

• Tasman was pouting the other day in the bathroom after her bath. She turned around and looked at herself in the mirror. Upon observing the expression on her own face, she asked, "What's the matter, Tasman?"
• Kirsti has been pretty stressed the last few weeks due to a million things going on all at once. She told Tasman one day, "Mommy is too busy." Tasman made some effort to mimic this sentence, so Kirsti said it again. "Mommy is . . ." Tasman repeated, "Mommy is . . ." Kirsti finished the sentence, ". . . too busy." Then Tasman said, "too busy." At this point, Tasman paused, as if struck by some keen insight, and then added, "One busy. Two busy."
• We recently hung a picture of Jesus on the wall behind our couch. Tasman came up to me and asked, "Is that Jesus?" "Yes," I responded. Then Tasman declared, "Jesus is funny!"
  

Little witch

Here are the pictures of Tas in her Halloween costume. I took the pictures today, two weeks after Halloween, because it just didn't work out on the 31st. It got too dark too fast. I'm sure it doesn't matter to anyone, but I'm a purist, so it sort of bugs me.

Children can be difficult to take pictures of, and Tas is no exception. These are the best we could do. I do have one of her jumping off of a covering of a utility pipe that comes up out of the ground. It's a funny picture because it captures her feet just leaving the ground, but her head is completely out of the frame. I thought about posting it, but there really isn't much to see.

It was too warm outside today. I don't know about Tasman, but I was anxious to go back in because it was a little hot in the sun. November in San Diego is great! I hope it is not too hot next week though—cooking a turkey for several hours when it's already 80 outside is not fun. Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!

Stupid Tassie tricks

I think my brother Devin taught this to her when he was here visiting over the summer. If you say "Gangsta Tas", she strikes this pose.

Two!

Well, it's a belated birthday post. Tasman turned 2 two weeks ago. I can't believe it has been two years already. I still feel like I'm getting used to the new pace of life. :)

We were not planning on doing anything special, but Sean was able to be home since Miramar canceled class for a week. So, we planned a last-minute party and invited Scott and Vanessa Jackson. We had pizza and pasta and salad for dinner and then critter cupcakes for dessert. Tas opened presents enthusiastically. Her favorite was, of course, the snazzy tricycle from Granna and Grandpa. We had to go for a ride outside in the dark, which Tas loved until we told her it was time to go in and then she fell apart. I'm sure the neighbors enjoyed Tasman screaming, "I need to ride the bike!" as we carried her into the house. All in all, it was a fun birthday.

We have now officially entered the "terrible two's". Tasman was already starting to exhibit some of the "terrible two" behaviors, but I honestly think that her bossiness got worse and her opinions stronger the week after her birthday. :) She's a great kid and we love her.

Give us another week - maybe we'll get around to posting up some Halloween pictures.