Happy New Year to everyone. We had a busy year, even though Adam joined us last year it definitely was a fun year getting to know him. Both of the boys grew a lot. Adam going from a ball of goo (albeit a large ball of goo) to a standing, yaking, eating machine. Nick from an active guy investigating everything to one that knows everything (and remembers more then us), can tell all the letters and numbers and helps his brother. We are very grateful for everything and looking forward to the new year.

Hopefully we got Xmas cards out to everyone, if not here is the picture on the card along with some alternates.

The picture, Toys 'R Us.

Height: 31.5" (95%)

Weight: 29.9lbs (75%)

Head: 49cm (97%)

We had his 1st Bday party at daycare today, mini-cup cakes (Dad had his at Buca Di Beppo and it wasn't mini). Nick even joined in the fun to wish his brother a happy birthday.

He is a big boy for sure. He can stand up by himself but no where to go after that. He will either sit back down, gracefully I may add, or lunge at someone near by (not so gracefully). He can walk well if someone is holding his hands and is beginning to walk with just one hand being held. He did take 1 step in California but it was straight to a lunge after that. He can say a "couple" words: more and Mom. I think he tries to mimick as well but not quite there yet.

He had a really good time in California and Disneyland, he really likes to look around and see what is happening.

At daycare he is transitioning to the toddler room and so far so good. Tomorrow is the last day for dropping off at Ms. Jo's (a sad day indeed) and then next week he will be full time in C4, Ms. Danielle.

There was no looking for a chuckle from Mom or Dad, it was simply a way for Nick to note his frustration... I was on the floor.

Adam turned 1 year old today, look for his vitals later today and a general update.

The neighborhood has some good Xmas decorations so the boys went for a walk to see the pretty lights. A little cold so not a long walk but we had fun.

On the road looking at lights.

The first brew is ready to drink and pretty good. It is the Irish Red, a lighter beer but still tasty. This was the first (of many) so I am glad it didn't end up being nasty or flat or something.

Successfully brewed Irish Red.

Here we have a few pictures of, well, Nick being Nick. He is, in a word, awesome.

Jason's Deli, Hot Dog on a finger.

Holy moly today was chilly. Woke up to cold, played soccer in cold, drank some good beer and it was cold. Jen is over in Cali for her friends baby shower this weekend but it is worth it. She stopped by Stone Brewing Co. to pick up some more beer and a growler of IRS so I will be a happy camper come tomorrow night.

Below is a picture of the boys messing around in the tunnel. This happens to be the first picture from our new (black friday) camera, a Canon SD1200IS. Small and fast so it meets my requirements, lots of flush mounted buttons but I am sure I will get used to it. Takes good pictures though.

Tunnel Fun.

In 16 years I am going to look back at this picture and miss this time. Love those boys.

Our little man's hair was out of control so haircut time it was. He was a bit younger then Nick was when he got his first cut so this one was a bit more wild. The lady did an admirable job with a moving target.

Hippie Adam.

The weather cooled down nicely so it is time for some Smores. Nick was excited to do a "fire camping" make some Smores. He didn't quite know what they were but did know about roasting a marshmallows over the fire. Adam got some quiet time with the fire but no marshmallows or Smores sadly. Mostly Nick liked the idea more then practice and we had one and went back inside. Still had fun and that was the point.

Nick roasting the marshmallow.

Remember the blog is for the family, which means occasionally you get reminded that Dad likes himself from Beer. Today is brew day and we are brewing some Caribou Slobber (those in the know: think Moose Drool). This is a medium beer, versus the first Irish Red I brewed (about 2 weeks from drinking) and lighter then the "Wee Heavy" I have on tap for the next brew in a few weeks. It is a pretty fun hobby and heck, something that results in beer is a pretty good idea if you ask me. It is about time to crash cool the wort (don't worry, you aren't expected to understand what that means) in some ice water and then add the yeast to ferment (make the beer). Fun stuff, for Dad at least, Mom is stuck at work due to her previous fun in Taiwan.

Ingredients for Beer, oh Yeah.

A new spot for kids opened (not sure when) in downtown Phoenix. A friend from work told us about it and Jen got some free tickets through the library so last weekend we hit the joint. It is in an old school and definitely still under construction. Overall I thought it was pretty good and will be great when it is all done (though kid volume may kill it in the summer). Lots of stuff for the kids to do, medium size and small, Nick had fun at all the stops. We got to play with balls /air, balls dropped into a path (what are these called?), race cars, shopping store, serving ice cream, and are you kidding me a NOODLE FORREST!!!!!

Serving Dad Ice cream.

Our family "Raise the Climber" bottle caps.

These boys are something special (at least to us...). Everything has been going well lately, no major damage and mostly fun. We visited Herb and Bev and Grandma last weekend and had a good time. Adam is seen below having fun in a box (kids... they love anything). Dad even got a surprise when Herb busted out some Double Bastard, yeah Herb. Adam has a couple new teeth coming in, which hopefully explains the 12:30am wake up last night. Those aren't allowed okay Adam!

Meanwhile we have Nick who is just plain awesome. He is really becoming his own guy. He loves (and I mean loves) to "play." We ask everyday at dinner what he did and he always says, "well I went outside and played, and then came inside and played, How was your day Mom?." I think he has Dad's sense of humor, exemplified by the shoes in the second picture.

Riding the Box.

Dad's shoes fit... sorta.

Last weekend Julie (Jen's cousin) visited from NYC. Her one day tour of Chandler brought us to Tumbleweed park and a visit from Micah (we love her so much). It was the first rainy day in Phoenix for months and we forgot Nick's coat at school. An improvisation resulted in a Toga experiment that worked quite all right. Other then getting wet and cold we all had fun, until Nick fell off the tire swing, that just was not pretty at all.

The little ones.

Little kid hugs are awesome.

Is there anything better then a sleeping baby? As a parent I am not sure there is. Anyway, here is a cute picture of Adam snoozing away (we were very careful to not awaken the beast). He sleeps just like Nick did with his butt in the air.

Adam sleeping.

Adam is doing very well these days. He recovered great from the mouth smashing on the floor incident and carrying on like only he can. He pulls himself up on everything now, not quite standing by himself yet but that is only a matter of time. He loves to get into anything Nick is doing (Nick is not enjoying that At All). We are about done with the home made food and on to eating what we eat. Today was Hamburger Helper and he scarfed it down. He also gets into everything, and I mean everything, definitely not like Nick in that respect. Still a very happy and smily boy though.

Standing at the end table.

First time at the mall play area.

First, lets say thanks to all that serve in the armed forces. Thanks and good luck, let's all get home safe.

To that end the boys were off daycare today so I took them to the zoo (so did everyone else by the way). Once we found a spot we had to stop at the lake and say hi to the ducks. The geese must have known that cuz 3 of them accosted us and scared Nick (thus the standing on the table version of Nick). After that we went in and had lunch, visited the Giraffe and Elephant and played at the tree house. On the way out we hit the carousel, which happens to be the first time for Adam. All in all a good day.

Geese chased Nick to the top of the table.

This past weekend Herb and I headed to San Diego for some cool weather and good beer. We spent time at Stone Brewing Co and Pizza Port Brewery. Stone is extremely nice and the beer was excellent. We went on a tour of the brewery which was my first so I had fun. The main goal was to get some of the archived IRS, we did it and liked it. Pizza Port was more down to earth but food and beer just as good. If you are in Carlsbad or Escondido, hit them up.

Tony enjoying an Imperial Russian Stout at Stone's Garden.

Up close to a fermentor on the tour (four free tasters at the end!).

Yea I know, a lot of updates tonight, just trying to play catch up. For some reason while Jen was gone in Taiwan I was busy, imagine that. Anyway, she and Emily had a great time going around Taiwan (they even hit the Taroko Gorge which I haven't seen). No complaints (except for the flight of course) and a good rest for Mom. Glad she had fun, more glad that she is back.

Taiwan Beer FTW (only in Taiwan though).

The girls at Chiang Kai-Shek

This last Friday was the Fall Festival at Bright Horizons. First thing was a costume parade for the older kids at 10am, as always you can see Nick following instructions (good job young man). Later at 5 the festival gets going and we get to go in the bouncy house and then eat some food (and pumpkin pie - Dad is on a crazy pumpkin kick this year). Everyone had a good time but we are sad to see Ms. Yvonne leaving (Nick's teacher), hopefully he will cope well.

Nick's class and friends.

Nick helped a little and was the inspriation for our pumpkin this year.

Have a nice day.

Nick definitely got Halloween this year. Grandma Taylor started it off early with Nick's (and Adam's) new basket (not to mention the Trick or Treat practice at their house) ending with a tired boy calling it a night. He had to take a pre-trick or treat nap but he was ready come sundown. After the candy grab Nick "enthusiastically" handed out our candy to his friends, helping to ensure an early night. Adam didn't understand or care (he didn't mind the Devil suit at all - must be in his nature...) but had a good time nonetheless. All in all a successful Halloween. Dad's favorite part was when Nick would go to the door, knock or ring the bell and scream out "Trick or Treat" before anyone opened the door. He knew his job and he did it well!

The boys prepped for the night.

On the road.

Hitting up Mom for some of the good stuff.

Jen got back from Taiwan safe and sound. A bit of a delay on the flight from LA to home but otherwise smooth sailing. She got some stuff for the kids but who cares, look what she got me!

101 Bottle Opener - Class!

The boys at the picnic.

Adam at the top of the hill.

Nick giving us a peace out at the top of the hill.

Mom and Nick chasing the kite as it flys out of the park.

Nick trying to get the kite from the volleyball net (note the holder wrapped in the volleyball net and Nick all but helpless to get to it, arms out).

Adam's first attempt at flying a kite.