Last Summer Outing

The boys and I had a treat. We got to go camping for 1 night with Grandma and Grandpa. Now when I say camping, let me explain before you start to think that we are crazy to take 2 little boys. We went to the campground in Decorah (only 2 hours away) and stayed in a very nice trailer. We ate out the whole time, so we were not really suffering. Elias loved the outdoors and kept us all busy.

Elias and Grandpa feeding fish at the Fish Hatchery

Throwing rocks in the stream

Enjoying the 'Big Kid' swing!

Bonding with Uncle Jibber (we don't hold hands with too many people!)

A "BIG" Week

The theme in our house this week is "Big Boy". Elias is becoming a big boy. First, the paci...

About a month ago, Elias had his 18 month check up. The Dr. said he looked great, except for his mouth. Due to his love for his paci, Elias was developing a ridge in his mouth caused by sucking. The Dr. strongly encouraged us to discontinue paci use and as he put it, go "cold turkey". Since we were leaving for vacation the next day and wanting to enjoy our vacation, we let Elias keep the paci while we were gone. Well, we got home this week and last night was THE NIGHT. After dinner, Elias threw his pacis away, saying a good "bye bye" and headed outside for a popsicle. When bedtime came, he asked for his pacis but was told that they were "bye bye" and "all done". The first few minutes were great...and then the crying started. To his credit, he only cried for 1 hour 45 minutes, after which he fell asleep, exuasted and slept through the night! Todays naptime and bedtime have been much better. What a big boy!

Now for the second....Elias got his first haircut today! That is right, 19 months and no haircut. The 'wings' were starting to get really long and he was beginning to look a little girl like, so we thought it was time. Since Ben has always gone to a good, old fashioned barber and has said that Mathew men will only go to barbers, off we went to Daddy's barber, Fred. Elias did a GREAT job, no crying or fussing...and Mom did pretty well too!

Fred the barber. Note the long hair!

A little smile, but at least no tears
Elias checking out Fred

This haircut is serious business

A great smile

Admiring his new look

A big boy now

Canada 08

We did make a trip up to Canada this summer to introduce Zach to Ben's family. We spent alot of time playing with Ammachi and Appacha, and the cousins...but we didn't get too many pictures.

Zach's favorite pastime...and Appacha's too!

Like father, like son...

The Mathew men in plaid

An afternoon nap at camp

Elias loved looking at the 4-wheelers...and was so excited to get a ride!

With his namesake, Davey Elias...