Growing up so fast!

Sometimes the simplest task reminds me how fast Emmett is growing up. I bought a step stool today for our bathroom so E can reach the sink without us holding him. I could not believe how grown up he looked standing at the sink tonight brushing his teeth. Where did my baby go?!?!

Bye Bye Alan

Emmett came up the stairs today looking for Alan. I told him that Alan went back to the North Pole with Santa. He very quietly, and sweetly, looked at the spot where Alan was yesterday, waved and said "bye, bye". It was kind of heartbreaking. He had such a sad face. I hope Emmett is excited to see Alan next year.

Alan, Day 24

Today was our last day with Alan. We are sad to see him go but we look forward to next year.
Emmett was so excited about Alan today he did a dance. The picture is blurry but I promise he was dancing.

Alan, Day 23.

Because Emmett was at my parent's house last night, he didn't find Alan until he got home. He was very excited, apparently he looked for Alan at my parent's house :). One more morning with Alan, he heads back to the North Pole with Santa tomorrow night.

Shoes, sweaters and bandanas...oh my!

The last 24 hours were full of fun for the Hovey family...

 

Emmett spent the night at Gaga and Buddha's house and had a great time.

 

Ryan and I hosted a Tacky Sweater party.

We had a great time with friends and drank way to much.

 

Elliott spent the night at the Bark Plaza Hotel (yes, that is really what it is called). He came home all dressed up for Christmas, it is shame he missed the party last night, he would have fit right in.

 

Today we are staying home and having our own little Christmas before the hustle and bustle of the next couple days begins.  I have had so much fun this holiday season, I am little sad to see it come to an end.

Day 22.

This morning Alan decide to read Emmett's new book from Auntie Heather.
Ryan let me sleep in a bit this morning (it was amazing) so no pictures of Emmett finding Alan today.
Only two more days of Alan fun!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Yes, the YMCA had a birthday party for Jesus today. There were crafts (including a Santa craft which I found funny), a photo "booth" which consisted of a wooden nativity scene, a raffle and most importantly, all the toy were out for the kids to play with in the gym. Emmett had a great time playing with Cole, Claire and some other kiddos. Normally, I try to take lots of pictures but today Emmett was playing so nicely I actually got to sit and chat instead of chase after him. It was lovely. The one moment I did feel the need to capture was Emmett and Claire sharing the swing. I will be so sad when these two get to big to do this because it is so funny. They kind of like it also :)

Day 21.

Day 20...

Alan decided it was time that Emmett start pitching in around the house.

Emmett and Cole celebrate Christmas

 

Before I launch into this post, I wanted to take a moment and look back at a picture from last Christmas.... 

 

 

Could these babies be any cuter??? They were so little.

 

Now for this year...

Meredith and Cole came over to play today. The "boys" exchanged Christmas presents and Meredith and I chatted as the boys played, even Heather joined us via FaceTime.

Towards the end (both boys needed a nap), we decided that we wanted to try to get a picture of the boys together. It didn't go so well...

 

Cole was much more cooperative then Emmett.

 

This is as close are we got :).

Oh well, we will add it to the collection and hope we have better luck next year. The thought that these boys will be 2 1/2 next year is crazy!

Alan, Day 19...the end is near.

Even with the trail of blocks, Alan was hard to find this morning but Emmett was persistent and very excited to see Alan.

Alan, Day 18

20 months!

How is it possible that my baby boy is 20 months (and a few weeks) old?!?!?

Currently, he is talking like crazy, and getting new words everyday, loving cars, trains, and airplanes, and he has (finally) discovered he likes book.

I feel like I have said this during every stage of his development, but I think this might be my favorite age so far. Emmett is just so much fun right now and makes me smile all day long.

 

"Yay!"

 

He insisted on wearing his hat.

 

 

"CHEESE"

 

My sweet baby boy...so big.

 

 I love this mischievous smile...I just can't get enough of it.

 

Day 16 and 17

Alan was quiet on Sunday and just hung out on our valance.
This morning Alan was our tree topper and brought another present. Emmett excitedly opened his gift and immediately started playing with his new police car (I can't help but buy every police themed toy I come across).