Monday, October 11, 2010

When Ruby was a Toddler

We were going through some of our older pictures and found a bunch of digital photos of Ruby we had from Tanzania.  We have more pictures that are on film (Shock!  That STILL exists!?!?) but they are in the black hole of storage at the moment.  Here are some of Ruby when she first joined our family in Tanzania.
 Ruby didn't smile much when we first brought her home.
Her hat was hand made by a Peace Corps friend of ours. She was still getting used to the idea of having a family.
 It really didn't take her long to become the happy kid that she is.
Sorry there is no sound.  This was the first video we took of Ruby.  Not very long, but SUPER CUTE!
 Ruby got this outfit from Bibi Judy.
 She was always adorable!  I love the hat.
 Andrea walked into the house one day and found Ruby reading one of her exercise science manuals.  Think we did much of that?  ;)
She loves to laugh!
Ruby and daddy opening presents during her "Baby Shower".  We still use some of the things we got that day (e.g. The blue booster chair in the background).
These photos were taken in our village (Wangama).  We lived there for one month with Ruby before being "Evacuated".



This week only...

Tyson has a certain knack for getting into mischief.   I think that he and Maka tend to set each other off sometimes too.  The two are inseparable and if you see one the other is almost always nearby.
 
 
They are really cute together but like I said before the mischief begins when Tyson or Maka are awake.

For instance, Tyson LOVES to play outside, and LOVES when Maka goes tearing through the yard at top speed.  He also loves the water, and if there isn't a swimming pool, beach or bathtub nearby he'll invent one from scratch.  Take this innocent bucket, for example.  It was minding its own business when all of a sudden a little boy climbs in for a dip. 
 
 
Thinking this might be a safety hazard we removed the bucket from the yard.  He had a great time while it lasted though.  He truly emanates the meaning of Carpe Diem in his daily life!
(Ruby comes up with some of the most interesting outfits...)

The other day I was cooking dinner and had been watching Tyson play happily outside.  He and Maka were having a grand old time and it seemed very regular so I didn't really pay much attention to their shenanigans.  After a while I heard Tyson yelling for me at the top of his lungs, not in hysterics, but as if he were calling me to see something cool that he had found in the yard.  I looked out the back window and couldn't see him from that angle, so I started calling him and still couldn't find him.  Eventually I looked on the other side of the car port where he has not ventured before and there he was, perched on top of an old pile of bricks.  Apparently he could climb up, but could not get down.  The look on his face when I rounded the corner was classic...

Tyson is NEVER bored!  Even when there is not much going on he can find joy in the simplest things.  Take this box for example.  We were all sitting around and he walks in the room with the box on his head like a helmet.

Here was a scene that had me rolling on the floor (Andrea thinks I am deprived of entertainment).  When I saw Tyson concentrating so hard on popping the little bubbles on this wrap I had to get a shot of it.  I ended up tearing a small piece off so he didn't ruin the entire roll of Aunt Gail's bubble wrap. 
I have to also admit that I started popping bubbles with him.  I guess he and I are on the level...

This morning Tyson sniffed out, like a bloodhound, a hidden sharpie. 
He is a repeat offender when it comes to sharpies.  Lucky for us he mostly drew on himself this time.  I'm also glad that I was the one that found him because it made me laugh to see him covered in black marker ink!  Andrea was upstairs putting all of Tyson's clothes back into his drawer because he had removed EVERY item looking for his sweatshirt.  The sweatshirt was hanging in the closet not two feet away.  I also forgot to mention that the goose-egg you see on his forehead was from when Tyson's face met the pavement in the front yard.  He hit his head at least 4 times that day.

We really do keep an eye (two or more if possible) on him constantly, but he is a mastermind at getting into mischief.  High energy and curiosity combined embodied in this small cute and cuddly package. 

We love you Tyson! You're EXHAUSTING!!!

P.S.  These are only the things we were able to capture on film.  Imagine the fun we have been having!!! :)

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

A few more pictures

They're so cute together!

He seems to think if he's not in his room he doesn't have to take a nap.

Tyson and his buddy, Bennett, at a party at the park.  You can't tell, but they were VERY dirty!

My favorite thing to do with the kids.

Double rainbow.  This is looking from Uncle Brian and Aunt Gail's backyard.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

August and September

Tyson said he was in his helicopter (like Mater in Cars).

Again, in his helicopter (imaginations come alive when you're moving and you have empty cabinets and closets).

Dad helping Ruby with her homework.  Tyson trying to get them to play with him.

All these pictures of Tyson because Ruby's at school all day.  Tyson didn't want to take a nap while we were packing up and moving so he would try to be as close to where I was without getting in trouble for being out of his room.

At a church BBQ.  The kids had such a great time on the trampoline.  It rained really hard after this picture was taken while they were jumping which made it even more fun.  It was all very unsafe, but super fun for them!

Tyson attacking Geoff.  Since Geoff is at home more often Tyson wants him to play all the time.

Ruby being silly with her doll, Rainbow.  She loves to braid her hair while she's lying in bed at night.

Tyson and Maka.  The kids are getting used to the dogs and the cat.  This was a breakthrough, since Tyson wanted to us to hold him for the first week we were here at Aunt Gail and Uncle Brian's.  Now Tyson chases them constantly.  We have to tell him to leave them alone.  Ruby is doing wonderful getting over her fear of the dogs and cat.  She pets Maka and can find a commanding voice somewhere in her when she needs to.  I'll post video when I get a chance.  I'll try to get more pictures of Ruby.  She's usually at school, ballet or doing homework.  When she's not doing those things, she's off somewhere playing with Rainbow.  Every once in a while I can convince her to sit still and cuddle with me.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

In the pool too!

Ruby started swimming to the bottom of the 8 ft pool at Turtle Bay!

Tyson also taught himself how to swim!  He's a fish!!!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Camping with Auntie Rachel at Ho'omaluhia (no imagination)

Bishop Museum with Auntie Rachel

Celebrating Ruby's 7th birthday early with Aunt Gail, Uncle Brian and Auntie Rachel

Because of all the transition in our life right now we decided it was best to wait to potty train Tyson.  He's not that type of kid.  He's decided to potty train himself.  We keep finding him stripped down  and sitting on the toilet!

Me and my sister

Packing up our apartment

Ruby's first day of school (2nd grade)

Ms. Witten and Ruby

I've spent a lot of time with just Tyson since Ruby started school at the end of July

Tyson and Uncle Brian probably watching football

They love playing in the sprinkler

Even more pictures

Ruby's doll to dress up- he only tolerates it so long
Tyson is a bit compulsive, must be lined up and organized properly

Making pie with Grandma Loli

Rachel and Mason in June during Dad and Mandy's visit
Tyson loves water, even if it means cleaning

Another tooth gone

During the Richards visit




4th of July (Rachel was here from the end of May through most of July, it was soooooooooooooo fun to have her here)