What we have been up to other than blogging...

What do you do in Wisconsin when it is freezing outside?? You go ice bike riding of course! Justin's friends Andy and Mike have been doing this for a couple years and invited us to come along one weekend. They use tires with special screws to ride on the ice. Really, it is neat to watch. Justin did some riding and really enjoyed it. I am way too big of a weenie to ride on ice. I can't STAND on ice without falling on my bum, so why would I try and get on a huge bike on the ice? I decided to keep what dignity I have and just watch everyone else.

Justin and Andy on the lake.

Justin getting ready to ride.

Off and going!

Very cool.

He had a lot of fun!

The tires they use on the ice.

I am having fun Mama! He is on Rex's little bike.

He loved just sitting on it and watching the others.

Last week, we had a bunch of snow! We ended up with about 12 inches total, which is not a whole lot, but can be frustrating to get rid of!

The driveway after I shoveled the first of three times.

On Superbowl Sunday we went up to Madison to spend the day with Jake and Chelsea and to watch the game on their very cool tv. They took us to their zoo. It is about a 5-10 minute walk from their place and is free. Carter LOVED it! He got to see monkeys, giraffes, a tiger, lions, and lots of reptiles.

We called the big polar bear Jake both are really tall!

Hi Mama!

Carter and Chelsea watching the monkeys.

Carter has been going some days with naps and other days without. This is what happens on the days when he doesn't nap:

Asleep at 5pm.

So sleepy Mama...

Part of learning the potty for Carter has been learning to wear underwear in the house. So far, he is doing great with very little accidents. Here are some pics of his stylish fashion sense.

Carter and his best friend Jasper.

Look at my motorcycle Mama!

Showing off his big boy undies...

I dressed myself Mama...

and I think I did a good job!

Sorry for the delay

I definitely owe some people out there an apology. I have not posted in FOREVER! We have had a very busy couple months. Justin's parents were here for a week at the beginning of December. It was so great to have them here around the holidays. We enjoyed it because it was like we had two Christmases. Carter charmed his Grandma and Grandpa and was very sad to have them leave. On Christmas Day, Jake and Chelsea came down from Madison and enjoyed dinner and a couple days with us. We are very lucky to have such close friends right near by. New Years Eve was my and Justin's 4 year wedding anniversary. It is hard to believe it has been 4 years and at other times it feels like 40 years! We went and had sushi with our friends Sharon and Ohad and their 2 year old daughter Maya for the celebration. Carter had his first New Years kiss with Maya...it was adorable!

January and February have been tough with the weather and with the holidays gone. We have been really focusing on eating well and also exercising to help pass the time. I have been trying to exercise for 30-50 minutes, 5-6 days a week. I usually do that while Carter is napping, which is one reason I have not been blogging as much. Our big focus for food has been to eat more whole and natural foods and as much organic as we can. The key is to add one thing at a time rather than trying to change everything at once. That makes the change a lot easier to handle.

Carter has also been working on learning the potty. He is doing great and has only had a couple accidents. He is still wearing a diaper during nap, at night, and when we are out. We found the best system for him is a sticker system where he gets a certain number of stickers and then he will get a little treat. He gets 1 sticker for pee and 3 for poop. He is now up to 20-25 stickers for each little treat. I never thought I would do a system like this, but I am a firm believer in doing what works for your child. Carter needed a system where the "prize" was always visible so he would keep striving to do better. I am sure it will be awhile before he is completely out of diapers, but that doesn't bother us in the least.

My new goal is to try and post at least once a week. I am sure I will slip up now and then, but be patient with me! I am going to try and post some more pics today or tomorrow of everything from January and February...stay tuned. :)

Grandma and Grandpa Johnson bought Carter a sled when they were here. We went to a local park and pulled Carter on it and even Mama and Dada tried it. He was a little too small to do the big hills, but he did enjoy riding on it and playing in the snow.

Representing Toutle Lake!

Onward Dada!

He had to bring the ball Dada bought him. We were also practicing him wearing a helmet while on the sled. Then we he does start going downhill, it won't be an issue.

Fox River Park. It is about 3 minutes from our house.

Faster Dada!

Looking at the trees.

I am done guys...

Snowboarding in Wisconsin...lame.

Christmas was so much fun for Justin and I. It was the first year that Carter really got the whole Santa thing. He left cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer.

Wow Dada...look at all the stuff!

Opening my dinos from Nana and Papa.

Santa brought Carter his own rocker...can you tell he likes it?

Just don't touch it... :)

The war zone after Carter was done.

Dada helped make the mess too...

More dinos!

I think Justin had more fun with all the toys!

Various Videos!

Here are some videos that I promised I would put up a long time ago...sorry for the delay. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. One of Justin's friends from college, Chuck, came over from Detroit and spent the holiday with us. We ate WAY too much and watched A LOT of football, but had a great time. We are going to be in Wisconsin for Christmas this year. It will be the first time Justin and I have not been home for Christmas. But we are not crying in our beers...Grandma and Grandpa Johnson are coming in a week and a half and will visit us before Christmas!! Then Jake and Chelsea are going to come down during the holiday from Madison and spend it with us!! Woohoo for great family and friends! So December will be a pretty busy month. Hope you enjoy the videos and hopefully I can upload some more pics in the next couple days! Love to all.

Carter and Andy jumping into the leaves.

2nd time around

Rex and Carter riding into the leaves

Fall Fun!

One of the things I really enjoy about living in the midwest is seeing all the gorgeous leaves turn color in the fall. There is no comparison at home in Washington to all the colors here. But after the pretty colors are gone and the leaves are on the ground...the fun begins for 2 years olds! Carter learned how much fun leaves can be a couple weekends ago at our friend Andy's house. He played for HOURS in them...then when we left, passed out in the car after 2 minutes. WONDERFUL!!! Enjoy the pics and I will try and get the videos up sometime today...


What are you doing Andy?


Hehehehe...waiting for leaves to hit me!


This is fun!

In I go!

Who needs a ball pit when you have leaves?

Where did Carter go?

There he is!

Let me out!

Rearranging the leaves.

Andy throwing Carter in pile.

Daddy and Andy throwing Carter in.

Throwing himself in...

Look at me go!

Shooting a glare at someone...

The big pile.

Andy and Carter hiding.

Rex and Carter.

Rex riding his bike into the pile.

Where is Rex??

Everyone in the pile.

Andy and Jes throwing Carter in.

Rex watching over Carter.

Everybody in!

Rex and Carter on the big wheel together.