Team Vandahl

Sunny day, sweeping the clouds away,

2009-03-31T15:55:00.000-07:00

On my way to...Spring! Well Spring has sprung at the Ahl-Tyvand household. At least in the form of uninhibited toddler energy. George doesn't seem to know what to do with all his energy. It comes out in the form of running, kicking, hitting, jumping, climbing, and yes dancing. Once the sun is up he asks to go outside. So here are some pics of George enjoying spring.

Here's to more days like this.

Sara's Surprise

2009-03-30T13:46:00.000-07:00

Well two weekends ago we all went on extended weekend vacations, however not together. While Adrian and his friend Andy went to Portland for some March Madness, George and I decided to drop in on a friend. My friend Sara moved back to Spokane last summer and I hadn't seen her since then and it was her birthday on Saturday. (I know a lot of people born in the month of March.) So with Adrian out of town it was a great time for a road trip! Ok I don't really recommend road trips with toddlers, but luckily I picked up Janette in Ellensburg on the way to Spokane. And about an hour outside of Spokane it became her job to keep George happy and entertained while I drove. Thanks so much Janette! Without you I would of been quite harried mess upon my arrival.

Let's back up a little. Ok so it's my girlfriends birthday who lives in the Eastside of the state, why am I picking someone up in the middle of the state and how is it that we suprised her? Well Sara, Janette, and I all lived in the same sorority at the University of Washington, Alpha Xi Delta. We get to see each other a few times a year since we all live in different parts of Washington. With this long and bad winter it had been quite awhile, and I was missing my friends. Hence time to get out on the road. As for the surprise part I enlisted Sara's husband, Josh, to help us out and make sure they didn't already have plans for the weekend. Turns out they're getting old like me and didn't have any out of town plans. Yeah, mission Sara's surprise is now in the works. Next I get our friend Janette on board with the surprise and plan the trip. With only a few delays, Janette's office trying to make her work more than a half day at the last minute and me taking the wrong exit in Spokane we pull it off!

Janette and I were impressed that Sara had no idea that we were coming. Usually she gets everything out of Josh. And with our added delays we were sure she was grilling him as to why he was going to be home late that day, plus still wanting to make a nice dinner. Her reaction was the best. We followed Josh to their place and he had us ring the doorbell for Sara to answer. At first she just looks confused then the joy sets in with her jumping and all.

George, again, got to help with opening of presents.

Sorry to say it's just more clothes buddy. Yes grown-ups get boring gifts.

Surprise number 2, ice cream cake!

The weekend was mostly about friends catching up with each other, and George chasing Eddie, Sara and Josh's dog. Eddie did well with George but after about 10 minutes you could tell the dog had had enough and didn't know how to get away from him. Since Saturday was Sara's birthday we did what she wanted. Some how this turned into house tours for us. First we went to Josh's parent's house for brunch. This included another dog for George to chase and some outside time. Then it was onto Sara's parent's house for a nice visit and lunch. For George with included lots of running up and down the stairs and wrestling with Josh. Thanks for keeping the little guy entertained! Then a quick drive-by of Sara's brother's new house. Once back to their home we snuggled down for some Husky Hoops. Sadly the outcome was not what we were hoping for.

Josh, AKA The Man, and some pretty ladies.

Saturday evening included dinner out in downtown Spokane, some parking garage fun, and a movie at home, while Sara and Josh enjoyed a Gala event. So they are a little bit more exciting than me, but they are still a few years younger. Sunday was the drive home which luckily was less event full then the drive to Spokane. And that was my weekend road trip with George. As for Adrian you'll have to ask him how his weekend went. Though if you follow college hoops then you'll know the answer to that question.

Updated picture of the ladies, Janette, Sara, and me (Carolyn)

90

2009-03-29T15:24:00.000-07:00

This year George's Great Grandma Doris turned 90. We celebrated with her a few weekends ago. There was lots of family there that I hadn't seen in years, and many of whom their names I didn't know. Somehow they seemed to remember mine. I think it was the work of my mother reminding everyone of each other. It seemed to be a great day for Doris. George of course helped her open gifts.

Though he doesn't understand why anyone would want clothes as a gift when there are so many toy cars out there.

Doris and her younger sisters, Margaret and Irene.

The Johnson family, Doris, Janis, Judith, and John

With the grand kids, Katie, Carolyn, and Olivia.

Congrats to Doris on her 90 years of life! I only hope I can live that long.

31

2009-03-07T14:39:00.000-08:00

Wednesday was my 31st birthday. To celebrate we went out to dinner Saturday night with my family. As you can see I went for a drink that matched my outfit. No I can't remember what it's called, or what's in it, but it sure was tastie.

Dinner was at the restaurant Standford's in the Northgate mall. Food was good but the service was slow, so I don't think we'll be heading back anytime soon. Mostly because George doesn't get the concept of waiting. When we were waiting to be seated he kept saying "me wait a minute." Of course he said this multiple times a minute and again when we were waiting for our food to arrive. Now I understand why places like Red Robin bring your food out so quickly, it's to keep your kids happy.

Below is how George entertained himself as the evening went on. Dipping his straw in Papa's drink and then drinking from the straw. He was quite proud of himself for figuring this out. And for getting out of the strap on his highchair.

Updated picture of me and my sisters, Katie and Olivia. It's been too long since we've had one taken of just us. I think it was like 6-7 years ago at a Husky football spring game.

As for my birthday, I spent it at work. I know that sounds really sad doesn't it? Though I did get to look forward to the surprise I would receive once I got home. Adrian had made me a cake and had my gifts waiting for me at the table. George was so excited that as soon as he heard me he started yelling about birthday cake. And that was really nice to come home to.

Sometimes you just gotta dance

2009-03-01T17:47:00.000-08:00

George loves to dance, and we thought we'd share his joy with you all. He gets his moves from his mother, and his taste in music from his father. Enjoy!

A Masterpiece!

2009-02-18T19:22:00.000-08:00

Like many little boys George enjoys coloring. We've found that he prefers to color with pens vs crayons, which can be a little scary in the hands of a toddler. For this reason he gets 'washable markers.' They do work really well and come off walls easily with a little water. Thanks modern science.

As seen below George's favorite canvas is his own body. His hands beeing the easiest to do.

Of course the mixture of 'washable marker' ink and a running nose resulted in this new creation.

A true masterpiece, to be remembered for all time!

Sadly we can't hang this on our frig.

Mommy's Little Helper

2009-02-14T19:12:00.000-08:00

As George has grown he has shown a joy for doing things we do every day. We figure we may as well take advantage of this and get him into doing chores now. I'm sure he'll figure out that it's not fun cleaning, but for now he fights me for the broom or wash cloth. And of course who am I to argue.

First time mopping the floor

Gathering leaves in the backyard.

Though using the broom on the grass doesn't work as well as a rake.

If only he was a little bit taller

Washing the dishes usually makes more work for mom, but George really enjoys it.

The chore we get George to do consistantly is feeding Oden. Sometimes there's dog food all over the floor but luckly Oden doesn't mind and cleans it up for us.

Most recently George helped me make chocolate covered strawberries for Valentine's Day. It turned out to be a beautiful romantic dinner for three. I know you couples without kids are seriously jealous.

Super Bowl

2009-02-10T15:12:00.001-08:00

This year for the Super Bowl we decided to host the party. Amazingly we fit 15 adults and 3 children into our house. At one point or another we had everyone downstairs, but for those times when people weren't in the basement we made sure to have extra TV's setup upstairs.

Personally I think things went really well. The time with friends was great and so was the food. Highlights for us were Jess's cupcakes, and Katie's pig-n-a-pig. (Thanks for bringing stuff ladies!) Which if you're looking for snack sized heartattack this is the treat for you. Basicly they're just little smokies wrapped in bacon. Who could say no. Not many because they were all gone by the end of the night.

Gavin and Alex made it over to play with George. Though by the looks of things Gavin was greaing up to be playing in the big game.

The highlights for George were bossing Alex around and convicing Gavin to jump in his crib with him. If ever you are over and looking for some sort of entertainment George would be sure to show you just what makes him happy.

All in all it was a fun day. It could of been better if only Arizona could of pulled off the win. Really they had my hopes up at the end of the game, but they were quickly dashed by the final drive. I guess the best I could say about the game is at least it was close and interesting. Next year Go Hawks!!!!!

Updates

2009-02-04T14:11:00.000-08:00

Well thus far we have survived our crazy winter and white Christmas. George truly enjoyed his third Christmas. He got to make cookies with Grandma. His job was to put sprinkles on the cookies and, of course, be the quality control tester.

Also George was much more into the Christmas tree, he even helped daddy put some decorations on the tree.

With our winter weather George has not gotten too excited about the snow. I think it's because he doesn't move around so well in his snow suit. In any case, here are some cute pics of our boy out in his snow covered back yard.

I think Christmas ended up being George's favorite holiday this year. Of course it would be obvious to most, but George was never into getting and opening gifts til now. His day consisted of eating and opening gifts. He figured out the pattern by the end of the day when after dessert he asked "more gifts grandma."

George's Gift from Santa

Checking out his stocking stuffers

Helping pass out gifts

George and his 'two Grandmas." Really it's Grandma Ahl and her sister Great Aunt Judith who George called grandma for the day.

Helping daddy open Christmas gifts

Who would of thought a magnifying glass could be so exciting!

George and his race cars from Nana

How do you measure up?

2008-12-09T20:47:00.001-08:00

Today we had George's two year check up. Gladly he's meeting all his milestones. As though it isn't obvious with all the talking, running, throwing, jumping, and climbing he does these days. We're still waiting for him to start climbing out of his crib. I guess that will be the day we have to get him a toddler bed. For now he's a toddler in a crib. As for his doctor's visit, George will tell you everything went well except for the shots. Still doesn't like those, but at least this time he did get a sticker. George is still a big boy with measurements from the 83rd to 94th percetiles. Hight 3 feet and 1/2 inches. Weight 31 pounds and 4 ounces. Head circumference of 20 inches. Growing like crazy, and we're happy to see that.

Someone's Two!!!

2008-12-04T15:16:00.000-08:00

It's official we now have a toddler running around our house. November 28th was George's second birthday. We didn't do much for him that day except tell him 'Happy Birthday', and give him a little gift. George had received his train set and table the month before. However the following day we had a family party for our little one. We started the morning by filling his room with balloons, then woke up to him saying "mama mama, boons!" Once out of bed he ran up and down the hall kicking his balloons and laughing.

Later George helped his mother get the Christmas lights set up.

Once George got up from his nap he was surprised by his Grandparents, and he was excited to see everyone coming to his house. This year George got into the gift opening. A few of his gifts he's a little afraid of, but there are also a few favorites.

Also new this year we went with a home made cake. As you can see George was very excited that it came with toy trucks.
Once he blew out his candle his mother let him lick the frosting off, but little did she know that George would just eat the candle with the frosting.

This led to her trying to retrieve the candle piece.

Finally George gets to play with his cake trucks!

The end result.

All in all it was a very fun day. Happy second Birthday George!

Turkey Day

2008-12-03T19:34:00.000-08:00

This year for Thanksgiving we went to the Ahl family household. George missed out on nap time, but did well with quite time in what use to be his mom's old room.

If you look closely you'll notice that George doesn't have any pants on. Of course he can get away with this because he's a toddler and he wanted to have room for all that turkey and stuffing. Really George doesn't need to go pants less for meals as all his pants have elastic or adjustable waistbands. Don't you wish they made that for adults, oh wait they do, it's called maternity wear. Guys you should really try this out.

Dinner was the standard turkey and all the starchy sides...mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing...of course there was some salad, and wine.

Looks like Olivia is really enjoying the wine portion of dinner.

After dinner it was the traditional TV watching of Thanksgiving football. Even George got into it. Sadly the Hawks didn't win one for us on the holiday.

Eventually the toys became more interesting than the football game, but could you really blame him?

Finally it was bedtime for George, but instead of heading home and ending our day early like we usually do, we put him to bed at the Grandparents. No he didn't stay there giving his parents a night off, but it was a few more hours with family. This was George's first time sleeping in a big bed. Even though it looks close in this photo he didn't fall out of bed.
Hope you all had a Great Thanksgiving!!!!

Me Ate Poop

2008-11-13T16:04:00.000-08:00

Well that's what George said today. We were outside and he was throwing leaves at Oden up on the deck, then next thing I know George vomits a little. When I get to him I notice dog poop on the top of his boots and on his fingers, and on his mouth/face, and on his jacket. I think he was trying to clean the poop off his boots and didn't know what to do to get it off his fingers. So he wipped it on his jacket, then tried sticking it in his mouth. Which of course made him vomit. That's when I told him that he had ate some poop, and he repeated it "Me ate poop." What a great sentence! And only one parents will hear.

Leavenworth

2008-11-10T15:32:00.001-08:00

Back in October Adrian and I got sometime away from our son George and headed east to the town of Leavenworth for Oktoberfest. Adrian will tell you that entertainment was provided by endless quantities of beer, and we did have a great time. However, even though we were childless for the weekend we somehow ended up in bed every night before 11pm. I know it's sad. Being parents has made us tired, even while on vacation. Above is a picture from our hotel room. We got lucky with good weather, so our 10 minute walks to the beer tent weren't too bad.

The first night we were there it was just Adrian and I. Adrian entered a yodeling contest. Well he thought it was going to be a strong man contest where the last man holding his beer straight out wins. That is the only reason he went up there to give it a try. And I know you all wondering...Adrian didn't win the yodeling, but he was a close second according to me.

We had dinner at King Ludwig's. Some nice pork products, a polka band, and oh yeah the St. Pauli Girl. Adrian got a autographed poster for George.

Saturday we made it into town for 5 minute parade.

After lunch some friends joined us for wine tasting. Now you may be thinking that the only reason we went was for the beer, but really we like to change it up. Of course this ended in us buying wine, including a case from one of the tasting rooms.

Janette, Carolyn, Adrian, and Jeff

A happy bunch of people

We spent Saturday night dancing to pop songs sent to a polka beat with Rob and Jess.

Many of you know Adrian isn't into dancing so he spent his time sleeping.

Of course we had to try this.

Greetings From Leavenworth!

All in all it was a great time and we'll be doing this again next year for anyone that wants to join us.

Happy Halloween

2008-11-02T12:25:00.000-08:00

This was only George's second Halloween, but I think he enjoyed it so much more this year. Mostly because he knows what candy is and got it for free by going to people's houses. We had a few events leading up to the holiday. George helped his mom with pumpkin carving.

He enjoyed scooping out pumpkin seeds

You may ask, is George really carving?

Nope, just dropping the tools through the pumpkins eyes.

The finished product!

Then the weekend before Halloween our PEPs group had a Halloween preview. It's just an excuse for us to dress our kids up in their costumes and get together. This year George was a train conductor. Thou as you can see in all the pictures he wouldn't wear his hat.

Group picture that George didn't want to be in.

Yep not into the group thing.

George and Stella (giraffe)

Then the came the real fun on Halloween. George, with his mom and dad, went to a few houses. He never said 'trick or treat' but always said goodbye as we left. George was excited about getting candy, and spent about a half hour playing with it all after we got home.

In costume, mom as Alice in Wonderland

Counting his candy