Arkansas Trip

I had the opportunity to go see my Grandma and Grandpa Bledsoe (my dad's parents) in Arkansas last week. My parents go out every year to visit, but I hadn't been out to visit since I was 10 years old!  Grandma and Grandpa paid for my plane ticket, and Ian was able to sit on my lap on the plane - the girls and Eric stayed behind.  I had such a lovely time.  Grandma was worried that we would be bored, but it was so relaxing.  I learned some new crochet techniques, visited Hobby Lobby for the first time, and discovered the fabulousness of FLEA MARKETS!!!  Here are some of my favorite pictures:

 The whole crew after church (this is the view from my Grandparents' front porch!)

 Four generations

 Ian with his Great Grandparents

 We went for a nature hike in the woods - looking for critters, enjoying the quiet (their property is 15 acres!).

 This was taken in Hot Springs, AR on our way to the airport. It was raining, but the colors in the trees were beautiful!

I found some great deals at the Flea Markets...what fun!  We had two thunderstorms unlike anything we get here in California.  On two different nights, I was awakened by a VERY loud clap of thunder that just about made me jump out of my PJs!  The lightning was nearly constant lighting up the sky.  So fun! 

This was Ian's first time on a plane, first time meeting his Great Grandparents, and he was such a good boy.  I think Grandma and Grandpa really enjoyed having him around...he provided some great entertainment. 

Next May, my grandparents will celebrate their 70th (!!) Wedding Anniversary.  They are hoping to come out to California to celebrate.  I am hoping that I will be able to return to Arkansas again next year.  (A HUGE thank-you to all my friends/family who helped by watching the girls while Eric was at work - you guys Rock!!)

For lots more pictures, go to http://picasaweb.google.com/kmetler

Monkey Boy

I know I've been posting a lot about Ian, but I just really can't help myself.  I've put together a bunch of pictures I've captured of him over the last several weeks.  He has become quite the talented climber.  I thought Anna was good, but Ian is taking it to a new level.  He'll be 11 months in a couple days and he is just so adventurous.

Using my purse as a pillow in the shopping cart at Winco.

 He pulled himself up onto the ottoman, then climbed up onto the rocking chair!

 This is Mr. Snuggly at Haylie's soccer game on Saturday.  It was COLD out there!

I brought in a storage container to get winter clothes out for Anna.  It got turned over on its side, and little man climbed on up and checked out the goods on the cabinet.

 This picture was catching him on his way down...but he had his chin all the way up over the top of the cabinet.  Oy.

Usually he's trying to climb OUT of the playpen...here he is trying to get IN! 

 We call this "Jail Baby". 

 First Haircut!

He tries to climb out of the high chair now too.  Even when I strap him in, he can wiggle his pants off and turn around.  SCARY!

We had to put Anna in a big girl bed when she was 14 months old because she was trying to climb out of the crib.  Ian has not tried to climb out of the crib yet, but I have a feeling that day is not far off...Love love love my boy!