Oakley: the star of the show

Oakley was in Lone Peak's Les Miserables the past two weeks as Gavroche.  I might be biased, but I don't think so, he stole the show.  I cried.  And I had to tell myself that he really didn't die.  I can't believe my 13 year old brother is so comfortable on that stage.  If it was me, I would be shaking in my boots.  He was a natural, didn't force emotion or humor, just owned it.  I'm so proud of you Oak.  I think you found your nitch.  And it's a good one.

ps.s thank you for the comments, texts, and calls.  We are excited and super surprised to say the least.  Can't wait for next fall!

Myer opened his last present: BIG NEWS!

and we're THRILLED!

a wheelie good 2nd party!

If you couldn't tell, the whole gist of the party had to do with wheels--bikes, trucks, trains, cars, and diggers.  We had donut rolls, fruit fuel, and drinks chug chug.  This party was made for M.  And we were so excited to have family and friends over to celebrate his big day turning 2.  Even my sister from New Mexico!  So lucky to have her around.

As per the trend, he got trains, diggers, cars, and boats.  Man, people sure have him pegged.  He wasn't too excited about being torn away from those presents for pictures...this kid loves his wheels.  

Happy birthday M!  We loved celebrating with you!

2 today!

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY MYER MAN!

I am so glad you were born in March.  This is when we start feeling the sun again, or see little patches of green and color, and just know that spring is on it's way.  When you were born, it added a new light to our family.  We were excited for what was ahead as now a Mom and Dad.  You are our sunshine.  You are our promise of spring and summer.  And each year, the same time, we get to celebrate YOU.  Our springtime baby that is now 2!

I love your red hair, bright blue eyes, and long eye lashes.  That is my favorite sight when coming through the door after work.  Your excitement to see me never seems to dim.  I think you already have a sense of humor as you'll see funny things, laugh, and then turn to see if we got the joke, "funny mama.  Funny daddy".  You fold your arms when you pray.  You sing along to Lion King, Cars, and Thomas the train.  You'll starting counting "1, 2,...5, 6..." to get your dad to play hide and seek.  We laugh so much with you.  You are our sunshine.

I love your fascination for cars, bikes, trucks, jeeps, and busses.  You can spot them in the oddest places or even when I can't see them.  You've named two toy cars after Papa Morse's Jeep and Mitch's jeep.  That is your request everyday, "Papa's Jeep?  Mitch's Jeep?"  And your excitement about it all is contagious and makes me stop to think about the little things--the green patches or spots of color.

I am shocked to hear or see new words you're expressing.  Every.day.  And in that cute high little voice makes it all the sweeter (or your tiny hands for that matter).  Each day is an exploration.  Each book is something new for you to learn.  I didn't sit you down and expect you to remember or repeat the book.  But you do.  You can recognize letters of the alphabet and numbers.  You can read "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" all by yourself and I can't believe it.  My little baby is child, and you keep growing. You are our promise of spring and summer.

You take care of me.  You seem to know in your little mind that it's been a long day and that I just need an arm around my neck, and a pat on my back with the words, "it's okay mama" as clear as day.  When you take off for the backyard, park, sidewalk, or even the kitchen you make sure I'm coming along "come on mama".  It makes me feel pretty cool to think you want me around.  You remember people.  You love the kids in nursery.  You love our friends Lindsey and Steve.  You can list off all your Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and Grandparents.  But when you see them, that's the best part.  You scream their name and open up for a hug.  I am so lucky that you love so much and I can't wait to just celebrate YOU.

Well springtime baby, happiest birthday.  We've doubled in love, laughs, pant sizes, and collection of cars.  We're so lucky to have you.

-Love, Mom and Dad

it was a big deal

My dear friend Ashley turned 30 last week so we celebrated with yummy Leatherby's ice cream.  Congrats dearest Ashely and thank you for inviting us for your big day.  I do love ice cream.  And I think Myer fell in love with your Owen.  Cheers to a great birthday!

and just like that

We're back to spring like winter never happened.

Myer picked up right where he left off--with the red car.

Remember the red car?  

The one he pushed around, never rode in?

As soon as it was warm, 

he found that thing and started on his usual route.

His memory is amazing.

And I must say,

spring picked up right where it left off too.

It was so warm last week, the snow melted so quickly, 

and I never even felt a chill in the air.

I like this quick memory recall.

It's good for my health.

the chronicles of myer and daisy

Who doesn't love a little belly rub and some sunshine? 

Myer sure knows how to treat his best friend. 

When it was time for Myer's nap, Daisy went with us.  

M read her a book and then wrapped his arm around me and her 

while we sang our goodnight song.  

He says her name like a guy for the 50's era in the middle of song,

"Daaayyzzeh"

and he'll say it over and over and over again until we find her.

We had a picnic with her last week

and she just curled up next to Myer while he ate his lunch.

M did try to feed her some apples but like a good dog,

she declined.

Best friends.

For eveh.

jeepin in the hills

The weather's been nothing but gorgeous the past few days we so took to the outdoors.  Luckily we live in the most beautiful place with things to do just right up the street, so we went jeeping at Lambert Park.  

It was muddy and wet from all the melting snow, but that just makes for fun, right?  This is Myer's favorite thing to do--jeeping.  He squeals and laughs with each bump that it is undeniable he is a Morse.  We couldn't get this kid out of the jeep when we were done.  I think Jake's pretty proud.

how to be 2

With Myer's second birthday coming up, nothing has consumed my thoughts more.  I can't just let go of the idea that he's growing up.  He's becoming a little person and he has perfected the life of a 2 year old.  Just like this clip.  Enjoy and happy weekend!

How To Be 2 from Olive Us on Vimeo.

we got our tango on

Friday night we ate at El Mexiquense, an authentic mexican restaurant.  And I mean really.  Just the small tortillas, meat, and cabbage.  It's Jake's favorite.  As we pulled up the restaurant, we told Myer we were eating Mexican and he yells, "Navy!" (His cousin that lives in New Mexico).  What a smart kid.

We ate yummy food and danced along to the latin music.  Myer was totally into it.  Another tid bit for you--I used to dance in this very space.  My old dance studio, Dance Extreme, used to be here.  Now it's our favorite mexican place.  How odd, but great for the memories. 

it was warm

And we stayed outside.  All.day.  We rode our bikes to the park, swung on the swings, rode around the park, and then finished the day on Mimi's driveway.  Actually, we finished the day with a BBQ.  It was the perfect faux summer day.  I know it's only the first week of March and we probably have another 4 weeks of winter, but it was a good surprise to last me another month.  A booster.

Or spring could just come sooner.  I know that Myer and Jake wouldn't mind that at all being cooped up in the cottage for the past 3 months.  So spring could you come sooner for the sanity of my two boys?  Please?