Sledding

It was a beautiful day for sledding today so, we headed out to one of the two hills in town to enjoy. We went early so, we were the only ones there, which is very nice.


Henry had a great time and just requested more and more. He road down with Daniel at first and then he started to go on his own. He just smiled and laughed with all the fun.



He even got his Mimi and Gdada to go down the hill once too! It was quite a treat for everyone.

Crash, Bang, Boom

Searching for a tree

Monday was a little more of an adventure for us than originally planned. We headed out to the tree farm Monday afternoon to get a Christmas tree. After a good bit of looking in the snow, we selected a nice bushy tree to take home with us. It is quit heavy, but very pretty and Henry loves it.

Our tree in the 'wild'

After carefully securing the tree to the roof of the car, we headed home. Daniel was driving very carefully to make sure the tree did not slide off and because the roads were slick. Well, less than three miles from the house we stopped at the stop sign, Daniel quickly reached up to check that the tree was still there and all was well. Then he was preparing to go through the intersection, when there was a loud boom and a jolt to our car. No the tree had not fallen in fact it was quite in tact on top of the car. However, we were rear-ended by a lady that lost control of her car on the ice.

Our car

It was quite an impact, but fortunately no one was seriously injured. Henry was strapped in his sit and both Daniel and I were wearing our seat belts. Her car was badly damaged and most likely totally. Our car fared better and is fixable. We spent four hours in labor and delivery, no not having a baby, but being monitored. All is well with the baby and there does not appear to be any damage to the placenta or any other concerns. Today, we are all quite sore and well be visiting the chiropractor for the next few weeks.

The other car

Now, the fun begins with getting back in good health and dealing with the insurance company on the repairs, rental car, new car seat, and medical expenses. However, it should be pretty easy since we both have State Farm and her insurance should cover it all.

He is famous again...

Well, Henry loves to shovel snow and we landed to about 3 more inches of snow on Sunday after our trip to Alabama. Henry and Daniel headed out to clean off our driveway and walkways Monday morning. As they were finishing shoveling, a lady from the News Gazette spotted them and stopped to take a photo. This is Henry's second photo in our local paper in the last couple of months, this time it is in color.


The last time was black and white one shown below.

Santa Claus

Henry has been quite apprehensive of the Santa Claus at the local mall. We have walked by and looked at Santa the last couple of weeks at the indoor market. At first, he needed to be convinced to get within 20ft of him. The next week, he was willing to stand closer and watch Santa sit in his chair. Each week he has gotten a little closer. Finally, last week his friend Wren offered to walk up with him. With the extra help, he made it to see Santa up close.
He refused at multiple steps, pausing at the ramp until Wren pulled him forward. He really wanted his candy cane.

After getting his candy cane, he pulled back a little bit.

I asked him to stand for a picture and he stood far away, and then with a little time and convincing he moved closer to Wren.


The two of them posed for a nice picture before they left Santa.

Haircut

Henry got his very first haircut today! He was a little hesitate at first. Well, actually he just said , "NO" and acted shy. After a little time he did sit in the little chair and did very well. He wanted me to hold his hand though. The stylist was very sweet and patient and she sat on the floor and cut his hair. It looks a little more like a little boy, but is not a huge change.

Here he is before and after. I think he is just as cute!

Live Springs

This past weekend we had a lovely visit to Live Springs Farm right outside of Carrolton, Illinois. It was so much fun to visit with the farmer Bobbi and Alex and their sweet little boy Rowan. Rowan has grown so much since we last saw him. He is walking very well and very clearly trying to communicate with others. He is such a happy little boy with a sweet laugh and smile. Bobbi and Alex also seem so happy and relaxed in their work and life. It was so wonderful to see.

Henry and Rowan in looking at the cows

Henry pretending to drive.

Henry of course was very excited to go to the farmer to see "Farmer Alex's tractor. " He had a great time. The tractor was probably his highlight. He enjoyed sitting on all the tractors they had and even managed to turn one on. He loved the new big tractor the best. He would climb in with so help and sit proudly in the drivers seat and drive. It only would have been better if he actually got to ride. We will have to go back at planting or plowing time for that.

Henry getting ready to throw a seed pod.

They have about 40 pigs which were lots of fun too. They are very cute little piglets and so fat and happy. They liked eating the "Rattles" as Henry called them. Long seed pods that rattle when you shack them. Henry would gather up a whole bunch and carry them down to their field. The pigs would be so excited to see him coming and run over to the fence, the mama pigs leading the way, with the piglets close behind. Henry loved throwing in the pods and watching them root around for them. The last day we even got to see the boars. They are beautiful huge animals. Henry had fun calling Jake to come down to see him, even though Bobbi ended up going up and getting him out to the woods.

Mama and baby piglet

The cows also came up to say goodbye. They are nice little woolly bunch and will be growing in numbers next week when 14 more are delivered.

Papa Boar Jake

It was such a lovely time to get to interact the animals and walk around in some new woods. Of course, to see the farm family growing so well. It will be fun to go back and see how things continue to grow.

Pumpkin carving and ghosts

I think this is the first year we have carved a pumpkin with Henry. I know it is the first that he has really participated. He is very excited about Halloween and was very excited to help make a Jack-o-Lantern. He can't wait for us to light it.

He was not to sure about the gooey insides, but did like take the pieces of cut pumpkin out.



He asked to be a ghost for Halloween, which of course we did. He talks about putting a sheet over his head and says, "me be scary Ghost". Then tells you to, "Watch out, Henry scary ghost." Then he says , "BOO!". It is quite cute.

He enjoyed his trip to the nursing home and even would go into the residence on his own and say, "Happy Halloween" and "Boo" of course. He loved telling them he was a scary ghost. It is fun that he is enjoying these events so much and amazing how quickly he figures it all out.


We went trick or treating with his friend Lukas. Lukas was Yoda and was really into eating the candy as he got it. Henry was more of the collector and just wanted to put the candy in his basket. He did ask to eat a piece after we got home last night. We only went to a few houses, but the boys had lots of fun ringing doorbells and see all the other costumes. He also really enjoyed handing out candy to the kids that came to the door.

Here is Henry's loot and his first Halloween with the same basket.