The Big 30

Tom turned thirty yesterday.

We bundled up the attitude and ventured the backyard cold (okay, cold is an understatement to the temperatures we've been enduring here in the Midwest!).
And we went sledding.

Thank goodness for a hilly backyard.

Even I ventured the cold, only briefly, I certainly don't tolerate it as well as the boys do. Nor do I have the mind to let myself acclimate. I'm convinced this kind of cold is not humane to live in.

Collin venturing out on his own.

And then Talin.

They love being out in the snow. I don't get it. Usually tears accompany the inside warm up after playing outside, and they have to sit in warm baths and drink hot chocolate to thoroughly defrost. So much work.

The Birthday Boy's ride.

Don't worry, we had a lot of fun going out on a date the night before.

But oh the enjoyment of the simple pleasures in life, like sledding in the arctic, I mean my backyard.

Often this is how the boys ended up, on the ground face planting it.

Can you believe they're still smiling?

Little Talin, who definitely isn't little anymore!

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And the past week has been monumental for Mr. Caleb, at least in our little world.

He's been attempting new stuff. Like holding the crawl position for about fifteen seconds. This usually ends up in a face plant since his upper body isn't very strong, but he's getting better.

The big accomplishment is him sitting up now. He's so much happier to be up and aware of the world around him. He seems so much bigger now, and all grown up.

He had his nine month check up this past week as well.

His stats:

Weight- 14 pounds 12 ounces (under 3%, but he's getting there!)

Height- 25 3/4" (right at 3%)

I set him in front of the Christmas Tree to encourage him sitting up.

It worked.
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This morning the kids put on their Christmas duds, and they looked so good.

Here's my proof:

Merry Christmas!