Super Spoiled

Christmas with a two-year-old is so much fun! Gavin was so excited when he saw that Santa had brought him a motorcycle (trike) that he wouldn't get off it to open the rest of his presents...until he saw his Thomas the Train set. Now we have to put Thomas "to bed" every night so that Gavin will relax and go to sleep. Parents create their own little monsters.

Monkey-ing Around

Both the Vallett and Wallace Families share a tradition of getting new pajamas for Christmas every year. Jamie's brother, Brandon, has coined the long underwear-type "Monkey Skins." This year the Wallace Grandkids actually got "Monkey Skins" with monkeys on them. Some pretty hysterical monkey-ing around amongst the cousins.

Potty Language

We've been attempting to potty train the last few weeks...with limited success. But today we had a breakthrough! Only two accidents out of eight potty attempts. We are pretty excited. Here is a shot of our little man in his "big boy underpants."

Every Boy Needs a Dog...and an Aunt MeMe

Gavin and Bubba are best friends. They snuggle, they play, and they even share food (a bit to Mom's chagrin). But even cuter than his relationship with the Bubba, is Gavin's love for his Aunt MeMe. She is a horse, a flying carpet and a surrogate Mom. I think he will go into attention withdrawl when we leave.

Birthday Party No. 2

Gavin is a spoiled little boy! Not only did he have two fabulous birthday parties complete with lots of toys and gifts, but he got a German Chocolate Rum Cake (a Vallett Family Tradition)! We cut a little piece specifically for candle blowing. He has the habit of blowing between his two front teeth...and effectively spitting all over whatever is in front of him.

Leaf it to Gavin

When we got to Utah the leaves were just starting to fall from the trees. Gavin and his aunties had a blast playing together outside.

A Little Spooky!

Last night Gavin went to his first Halloween Party! Not only was there lots of fun food and people, but we celebrated his birthday early. He got lots of fun presents like race tracks and mops...who'd think a mop would be one of his favorite gifts?

How come Mom's the one putting the garage together?

A new track suit for our cold visit to Utah!

A fancy new suit for Aunt Woozie's wedding!

Horsing Around

On Saturdays we try to go to cousin Bailey's soccer games. Gavin likes to watch for a little while, but then loves to "horse" around with his daddy! They sure have a lot of fun!

War Paint

Looks what happens when an almost two-year-old gets his hands on mascara!

More Vacation Shots

I can't take it anymore! The anticipation is just too much...


And then he falls asleep before the show even gets going.

But later he was excited to see the Flamingos with Daddy!

Family Vacation

Convincing Jamie to take a break from work was really hard this year! So our family vacation was quick and simple. We drove to San Antonio for a couple of days to do all the traditional tourist things. Unfortunately, Gavin and I both had a terrible bout with the stomach flu (I guess some of mine could have been morning sickness). Gavin lost so much weight that his clothes didn't fit, and when we got home he was nearly hospitalized. He was down to 22 pounds!

Even though the trip wasn't a complete success, we did have one very fun day at SeaWorld. We saw the shows (poor Gav slept throught Shamu) and we got to pet the dolphins! I loved that part!

Circle of Life

Jamie thinks it is important to teach Gavin all sorts of "manly" things. Look what he did with all of Gavin's toys! (Look closely!!) Some of this has resulted from the hundreds of nature shows he has watched the last year. I promise, my husband isn't completely twisted!

Aces at the Astros

Gavin went to his first baseball game this summer! Becky's mom and sister, MeMe, were there to experience it with us. It was a ton of fun!

Child Labor

Gavin loves to help around the house. He loves the swiffer and uses it to dust all of his toys. His mom tries to get him to use it on the floorboards, but what fun is that? Last week he tried to help with mopping.