I'm Gonna Get You!

These pictures are from a few weeks back, but they are too good not to share.  When little Maxo realized that he could move himself from point A to point B, he became very determined (and look at the concentration!)  He's still working on getting that belly off of the ground, but we'll take army crawling over no crawling!  On the bright side, he does a great job of cleaning our wood floors...first he drools, then he wipes it up with that gut of his!  Love this little boy.

  

Ventures {Wildlife Safari}

ad·ven·ture/adˈven(t)SHər/

(noun) An unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity.

There's been a lot of adventure talk in our home lately.  Ask a certain 2 year old what we're going to do on any particular day, and you're bound to get "Going on a venture!" as a response.  

"I go venture!"

"We go ice cweam venture!"

"NamNam wikes ventures!"

Yes - NamNam likes adventures.  And PopPop too.  And Uncle "Babe."  They, as a matter of fact, were the spark that ignited this whole adventure kick.  A simple video text asking Harrison if he wanted to go on a Sunday adventure has opened up a whole new world of exploration for our sweet boy.  

The day started out with a quick lunch at McDonalds.  Crazy enough, this was his first time!  Adventure success.  (Can you tell it was Packer game day?)

After lunch our little explorer went on a Wildlife Safari.  He saw buffalo (which to this day he still tell us "the buffawo lays in the dirt!")

Did a little bird watching at Pelican Point.

Marveled at the bears.

Failed to cooperate with what could have been a very awesome antler picture :)

And got up close and personal with a whole host of other wildlife.

Such a GREAT day for an Adventure!

This little boy couldn't have been happier!

And of course there was ice cream.  

It isn't really an adventure without ice cream, now is it?

It's undeniable that Harrison loves his ventures.  You can see it in his eyes and hear it in his little voice.  He is at an age where the world around him is absolutely fascinating and he loves any opportunity to experience new things.  Seeing the excitement on his face reinforces my stance of "experiences over things."  The time that Harrison gets to spend with his grandparents on these special ventures is far greater than any other gift that they could give him.  We are so grateful for the memories that they are helping him create - for the things that they are teaching him - for the love of adventure that they are helping instill in his heart.

Maxwell Thane {8 months}

Another month here and gone.  Another month older.  Another month away from "baby" and closer to "big boy."  I try to deny it, to make time slow down a little bit, but its pretty obvious that there's no slowing down.  Here's a sneak peek into the world of our not-so-little 8 month old!

{Chubba-Wubba} You, Sir Maxo, are a bit of a tank.  Daddy took you into the pediatrician a last week for what turned out to be your very first ear infection, and they told us that you were 20lb 4oz.  TWENTY POUNDS at 8 months??!  Your big brother didn't hit that mark until he was almost a year old.  I'm glad that the weather has started to cool down because there's no way we were going to be able to keep squeezing you into summer clothes.  9-12 month gear is where its at!

{Mr. Personality} You have the sweetest, most laid back personality - always content unless you are hungry or tired.  You  play so well independently, in fact, that you sometimes get lost in the the shuffle!  You are curious and sensitive, serious, yet quick with a smile.  Our home is most definitely a better place with you in it!

{On the Move} I can finally say that you are a mover and a shaker!  You have perfected the art of dragging yourself across the floor, and while it might not look like the most graceful approach, it gets you where you need to be.  You've got the coordinated crawling movements down pat, now we just need you to lift that belly up off the ground!

{I Wanna Be He Is} Your new-found mobility is definitely rocking big brother's world - and not always in a good way.   "No, no, Maxo" and "Nooooo!  Its MY twuck" are commonly heard phrases around our home these days, and we've had lots of conversations about sharing.  I will say though, he always balances the yelling with extra love.  He gives you hugs and kisses, tells you that he "wuvs" you and knows all of the goofiest things that make you laugh.   

{Put Me In Coach} Month #8 kicked of a busy sports season.  We've been cheering on our Nebraska Cornhuskers, saying our farewells to our favorite Yankee, and learning all about what it means to be a Cheese Head.  I'm sure it won't be long before you're yelling "Go Pack Go" like your brother.

 {A Little Bit More} You have a soft spot for your mama, but are quickly learning that your dad is the more entertaining one.  You watch him like a hawk and grin from ear to ear when he sings "Row Row Row Your Boat."  Mommy is just a little bit jealous.  You are still sleeping like a rockstar and can often be found sucking your middle fingers and snuggling your gray blanket in the middle of the night.  So sweet.  Still no teeth...which is crazy considering the volume of drool you produce on a daily basis!  You've moved up to the "wobbler" room at school and get to spend your days with Miss Maria.  You're big brother loved her and I'm sure you will feel the same.  Oh little man, its all happening way to quickly for my liking.

It was a shirts optional kind of day at our house (for the kids anyway) on the day we took our 8 month pictures.  Maxo was all giggles and grins during our 2 minute session, making my job the easiest its been in quite some time.  

Maxwell Thane {8 months} 

Just look at that BELLY!!

 Sweet, sweet boy, you melt our hearts a little more each day.

Happy {belated} 8 month birthday!