The small things of life

          As is tradition, when endless shrimp at Red Lobster comes around each year, Danny and I make it a special event to go. This year we got to include Bryce in our annual outing.  Now it is known that the Westermann crew loves seafood and stories have been told of seafood they would eat.  Bryce is no different than the older Westermanns.  He too ate his fair share of 8 grilled shrimp and realistically would have eaten more if I wasn't afraid he would get sick!  :)  Good thing it was endless!
        Bryce also has a new tooth on the top left.  This tooth has been almost breaking through for months now but this weekend we were finally able to see it.  The nice thing is that it hasn't caused him too much pain (knock on wood).  He now has 3 to complete his "grill".
        We are still working on the walking thing as well.  Bryce will walk with his little cart and with a hand and will cruise all furniture but simply refuses to walk on him own.  The minute he feels you let go, to his knee he crashes.  I think he has it figured out that crawling is much faster and steadier mode of transportation and he'll stick to that for a while. He has also figured out the stairs and can swiftly crawl up them.  It was a happy day when he also learned how to crawl down them so I don't have to worry about him tumbling down them!
       As I write this, Bryce is in his wading pool splashing around on all the stolen warm days of fall.  Benton is currently at the vet today and Bryce is constantly looking around for him.  I always thought that Bryce got rather tired of Benton crashing through his pool but now that he is a little less interested in the pool if there isn't a puppy crashing about it with him! 

Hiking

Lily Pad Lake

Hiking with Dad- his face is in distress because of the hat-not the hike

We went for a hike in Silverthorne/Dillion area called Lily Pad Lake Hike.  We got a  hiking backpack carrier from a friend and figured we better use it before this nice weather ends. But who knows with Colorado...this weather could last for another month or it could snow tomorrow. The hike was about 3 miles and we had a marvelous time!  Bryce loved being on Danny's back and looking around.  At the top of the trail were 2 little lakes, one with lily pads, hence the name and one that was populated with fishermen.  He was able to "walk" around at the top and try out his new shoes....which he hates!  He was so busy looking around going up that on the way back down he fell asleep!  Too cute! 

sleepy hiker

Rockies Game

We went to the Rockies game the other night with some dear friends.  We got to meet Dinger the Dinosaur.  Bryce wasn't too sure about him but at least he didn't cry! Dinger also gave him his "autograph" and Bryce held onto it like a prized possession.  Later on during the night, the camera guy came and Bryce was on the jumbo tron.  He was super cute and several friends recognized him around the stadium.  His 1 minute of fame was fun...so fun that he decided to make it through the whole game! This was the first game that we didn't have to leave early all season. Of course, once we got in the car he was completely asleep.

Here comes fall

Even though it is just the first day of September it feels like fall.  The air is crisp and much cooler in the morning.  Leaves are starting to fall a little and it just feels fall-like.  I wanted to take a couple last pics of Bryce with the green grass before it turns brown. 

Laughter is the best medicine

Bryce was getting ready for bed and Danny just happened to close the book causing Bryce to think it was the funniest thing in the world!  His tiny laugh could brighten even the saddest day!  He is just darling and such a jolly little person.  Everyday he just makes the day better with his smile and laughter.

Wildlife Experience

While my cousin Jenny was in town, we decided to go to the Wildlife Experience.  If you have kiddos, you need to take them there!  It is tons of fun with lots of animals exhibits and so many things for kiddos to do.  Bryce loved crawling around on the different things and Jen and I enjoyed putting Bryce in costumes! It was also very informative and education!  Tons of fun! 

Riding the Turtle

my little zebra

Spider boy

Frogger

Birthday Weekend

First baseball game with Dad

So this weekend was so much fun. Bryce went to his first baseball game with the CCU Alumni Association. He loved it and had a great time!  

Then I was so surprised when Debbie came to town to surprise me for my early birthday!  Danny and Deb crafted this secret trip without me having a clue at all.  Danny had an elaborate story of hanging out with the guys after the Rockies game and I had no idea.  Sister's flight was delayed so she arrived at 2am!  I was completely surprised! I also am so impressed that Danny and Deb could keep the secret. 

On Saturday, we went to Estes Park, walked around, played mini golf, drove go-karts, and had a great time.  Then on Sunday we celebrated Danny's birthday by going to the Rockies Faith Day. Bryce was a little tuckered out after the game and fell asleep.  We then met up with Aunt Donna, Uncle Wess and my cousin Jenny who happened to be in town from New York as well! It was a fabulous weekend!

The family at Outback

Jen's dramatic reading of Dr. Seuss

Walking

Bryce love his walker and after we cleaned the carpets upstairs it made a great walking zone. He walks for a small amount of time but then ends up crawling.  He really isn't interested in walking by himself but he'll get there!

 

Reader

My little Bryce loves to "read" when he wakes up. I know all the baby books say don't put anything in the baby's crib but Bryce needs a book.  He wakes up and starts reading it and talking!  Sometime he reads to his monkey while other times it's just to himself.  He makes my educator's heart rejoice that he loves books so early on even if he doesn't hold it the right way yet!

Day of Changes

So today would have been the first day back to school if I had decided to go back this year...but I didn't.  I woke up this morning knowing that I have now officially taken a different path.  I never really had it set in since I "was just on summer break".  But today the official Stay-at-Home Mom job starts and my teaching job is set aside for a while.  I am excited.  A little nervous for what the future holds but I couldn't imagine myself leaving my baby boy right now!  I love my days watching him play, reading stories, learning signs, playing with his puppy Benton and having him just smile at me with that adorable face. Those are moments I wouldn't want to miss.  I am thankful for the opportunity to stay home with him...now I just need the reassurance that I am doing the right thing!