Almost FOUR!

It has been a while since I've had a moment to write (or actually thought about writing!), so I have some catching up to do. Carter has had an awesome past few months. He is seriously obsessed with his hats, belts, fireman boots, and bike. Can you believe that he is already riding a big-boy-two-wheeler bicycle?! Our little guy is growing up faster than we ever would have imagined. His favorite thing to do is to "ride bikes with Tony"... every afternoon, every weekend, no matter what! He'd ride outside in the pouring rain, if we'd let him. Carter is certainly developing a strong personality. Aside from his usual chatty self, he has found some independence at home and school - and is testing his teachers and parents ALL the time. It can be tough to keep up with him, but I know that he's slowly figuring out who's the boss - and it's not him! He has been practicing using his "listening ears" (just watch him turn them on!), and is working on earning his bike time every day by making good choices. He's slowly turning into a mini-foodie, thank to his parents constantly dragging him to new restaurants. He now turns up his nose at take-out, and would much rather go to the "taco shop" or our neighborhood coffeeshop, Luci's... is it strange that they seem to know him there? He's just so darn likeable and outgoing, no one can miss him! Carter has also started swimming lessons again, thanks to my dear friend, Summer. Hopefully I'll get some pictures posted of that soon - it is super cute!! He's really looking forward to his birthday - and he has a long list of things that he'll do as soon as he's four (apparently it is some kind of magic number?). He'll eat his vegetables, like broccoli, ride his bigger bike without training wheels, etc... He might be mildly disappointed to find that four isn't so much different than 3.75.

San Francisco

Better late than never, right?

For Thanksgiving break, we took a wonderful road trip to San Francisco to visit Aunt 'Lissa and Uncle Lazaro. Everyone we talked to looked at us like we were CRAZY to attempt such a trip with a 3-year-old, but we decided to give it a whirl... we really owed them a visit! It had been nearly 8 years since Chris and I had made it up there.

So, the trip began... Carter was AMAZING! He watched movies and listed to music the entire time. Better than we ever could have expected. We stopped for 2 nights in Yorba Linda to visit at Aunt Cathy and Terry's homes. On the way back, we were able to spend a night at Aunt Julie's house, and saw the whole Ewing side of the family - including almost all of the cousins. Wow, we felt productive!

The time spent in San Fran was wonderful. Carter LOVES his aunt and uncle. He especially loved learning funny new phrases from Uncle Lazaro - "We're the best of the best of the best!" and "Ohhhh, yyyeeeahhhhh!". Too cute! We took a day in the city, another in Berekley, and the rest just hanging out together at their home. It was a perfect trip (except I was sick the whole time!). But I had unlimited tea served to me, and lots of people to help look after my boy while I rested. Perfect!

Pre-Christmas

Big-Boy Bike!

Another wonderful visit from Nana came just in time for Christmas. She came to see us the week before Christmas, so we could all visit Globe together for Great-Grandma Billie's 80th birthday party. Carter was a perfect angel on the 2 hour drive, and was a hit at the party... singing, dancing, and playing his harmonica for all to hear!

Nana brought the best present of the year - a big-boy bike! Carter is THRILLED to be "just like Tony" (next door neighbor, 3 months older than Carter). Every time he sees Tony outside, he runs to get his helmet and bike, and insists on copying everything that Tony does... including every time Tony falls down. Oh boy!

Oranges

Carter: I love this orange SO much. I love it bigger than the moon. I love it bigger than the sky!

He proceeded to stick the entire orange on his thumb...

Carter: It's not a finger orange!

Silly boy!!!!

Carter's Debut!

Carter's Big Debut!

(in the middle, striped sweater - next to the kid in an identical sweater... lol)

How adorable! Last night was Carter's school's Christmas party. We didn't go last year, so we really didn't know what to expect. We were surprised when the kids were called up on stage to perform with little bells. Carter hadn't said anything about learning Christmas songs, practicing with the bells... nothing! Sometimes I wonder if he even notices what happens at school :) They sang a few Christmas songs, rang their bells, and looked absolutely precious! Especially MY little performer! Carter spent one entire song covering just his right ear... he later told us that he could hear himself better that way. What a rockstar :) He lost his bell in the middle (who knows where it flew off to!), and he gave the cutest pouty face... of course, mom ran over and got a new one from his teacher. All was well, once he got a new bell! He just loved being up on stage - I'm sure it won't be the last time!

So Proud!

Our family had a huge milestone to celebrate. After 15 months of HARD work, Chris earned his Masters Degree in Business Administration. What a huge accomplishment! We are so proud of the endless amount of effort and perseverance Chris showed while working towards his degree. He's not only brilliant - but he looks great with that cap on, too!

The Graduate!

So proud of his papa :)

Letters (and emails) to Santa

Chris and Carter were creating a letter to Santa. So cute to see Carter trying to think of the things he wants (yes, I'm aware that this is breeding a highly materialistic child...). About 10 minutes later, Carter was playing on Chris's iphone.

Chris: Hey, buddy. What are you doing?

Carter: Sending an email to Santa Claus.

Seriously. And Carter DID send an email from Chris's phone... to one of Chris's friends. Maybe he'll buy Carter's presents this year? One can only hope.