Bowl-o-rama

A good friend of ours had a bowling party last night- (hence- a family photo with both parents within!) It was Elliott's first time bowling and it was sooooo much fun! I had no idea how much fun he would have- I enjoyed kicking back watching as he clapped for everyone (including himself) every time a pin was knocked down. From the sidelines, I even got a "Go Momma!!!" Totally fun and totally memorable.

A Cold Day in California

Many of you out there think it could never be cold in Southern California- however- you are wrong. It has been cold and windy- and, I love it. I miss the cold winds in Idaho so these last few moments of chill have brightened my life- Especially getting to put a beanie on my Elliott!

So Madde- Where ya headed after this?

Little pretty cousin Madde- not at all afraid of the ride with E. Who knew?

Merry Christmas to Elliott and Cousins

Yes, Escalade it is. My little one drives a car- he is pretty good at it too (if it weren't for the automatic brakes every time he lets up on the gas pedal). I fit right inside with him- so I get to go for a ride too. It is nice for a change to be the one in the passenger seat! Papa Dave decided all of the kids needed one of these cars to drive themselves about in. They all love it! It is so funny- they have a choice of 2 different cars, a yellow car or this. So funny!
Oh man, life as a grandparent!

And then............

So Far, we have been able to get Elliott to age 2 without any real sicknesses. Well, he got the rota virus a few weeks ago- I must say- Yuk! I guess that is what I get for having a little one in preschool for a few hours a week. He was totally out of it- he fell asleep with his hand inside of a cup. He was more asleep than awake for 2 days- it was so bizarre and so not like him at all. It wore all of us out- as you can tell! I sat on the sofa just holding him most of the time- yes- secretly I loved every minute of it. Thank heavens for feeling better. I am so grateful that the flu passes. Amen.

Santa- The Man

We saw Santa two weekends ago- it was fun for Elliott. He loves the man- I am always surprised when he will go and sit on his lap.

Oh the Holidays...

Thanksgiving has come and gone- already! I can't believe that Christmastime is here already- We are trying all that we can to just enjoy every moment of the season. We took Elliott to Fashion Island to see all of the holiday decorations and such. It was a great time- he looks so tiny sitting on this box at the base of the tree. This tree is GIGANTIC- seriously- it is like the biggest live tree in the world or something like that- go figure. Anyway, Elliott loves it!

Super Streiffs

Halloween has become something that is way, way, way more fun with a little one- especially a 2 year old who thinks that superheros really exist! We had quite a time putting these together and such a good time watching Elliott run around in his superhero outfit!
Like I said- way more FUN!

Autumn

We went to the pumpkin patch today with Shelly's family. We had a great time, of course- train rides, zoo, straw maze, and all kinds of fun little things to do! Autumn to Spring are my favorite times of the year.

The kids love this train- it is here all year and it goes around Irvine Regional Park giving you it's history. Whenever we drive in the kids get all stoked about going on the train.

To think- I grew up in Idaho my whole life and I never thought to go feed a goat-
We now have a little Elliott that simply adores feeding the goats- cracks me up!

Elliott thought it was more fun to pick up the pumpkins and throw them than do anything else- I can't believe we got him to sit still for this shot!

Beautiful Kenyon!

Little Family

We took a few shots of the three of us- it seems like all of our pictures are either of just Elliott or Elliott and only one of us- usually Craig because I am always the one taking the pictures!

Ahh Vacation!

We spent a week in Maui with Craig's family this month- it couldn't have been better. We had a great time just getting away and having some time to relax and enjoy ourselves! Elliott enjoyed just being silly- in the first one this is him trying to cross his eyes- it cracks me up!

2 and Big

Well, here we are! I can't believe Elliott is already 2! Sometimes- time flies! He had a great little party with family and a few friends and took quite a haul when it was all said and done. Craig and I didn't even give him some of the stuff we bought him until the next week.

He loves this remote control motorcyle. We take it out for a spin in the driveway once in awhile- often without clothes on! I love it when he is my little nudie with crocs on!

Getting Ready for Preschool

Next week Elliott starts a little 5 hour a week preschool. I think he is excited- at least I hope that he is excited! His teachers came over to the house and met him in his own little territory and then he and I had a little play date in his classroom with the other kids in his class. That seemed to go quite well. I am a little nervous about the actual day that I have to say goodbye and leave- I think we'll both be fine! :)

It looks like Elliott is quite an artist- it was Craig- E is doing the coloring in!

Tricycle Time

Elliott recently got a trike! Dang, I love trikes- I would love to find an old school "Big Wheel" for him! He loves his trike! Obviously! He can totally reach the pedals, however, he won't let us show him how to use them- nor will he even try himself.

Summer Days 2006

Yesterday was a really hot day so Elliott stripped down to his chocolat -milk- stained onsie and we turned on some music and danced for half the afternoon. He was having such a good time- at one point he said- "Momma- sit, sit."(patting on our leather chair)- Now, I am hoping that he just wanted to show off and have me watch, however, maybe he was sensing my need for a break. He has this endless energy that I love---well, most days!

Anticipation and the Nudie

Elliott gets so excited when the waterfalls in the front yard turn on- He climbs everything quite well when he has a purpose.

Lately he has been asking to be "nudie"- yes, strange request, however, it makes for some fun and interesting moments at our house. We like to be- uhhhh- free here.....

Back to my Roots

Heros of the day? Uncle Speney and Papa Mark- who knew that going home to Idaho would present such excitement for Elliott? Okay, well, I did. I knew the day that Elliott thought that mowing the lawn with Craig was the most exciting thing in the world that I had much more in store for him.

First that of a driving lawnmower- oh the excitement! You all should have been there!
Second- that of a tractor ride! It was so funny to see how excited Elliott got at the thought of a tractor ride. The whole trip, everytime he saw a tractor he had to shout out "TRACTOR!!!"

We fell in love with Idaho- I had just forgotten how much it meant to me.

Father's Day 2006

We had a great Father's Day! We had a nice barbeque with most of our family- minus a few that were in different states! It really was a beautiful day and fun to just plan the day for Craig!

Sleeping Boy

We went on a long drive yesterday to visit some friends. Elliott could hardly keep his eyes open for the first part of the drive. I had to take a picture of this face! I live for moments like this- so sweet- the drool that came a little later and all! Also- a new hairdo!

Goodbye Faux Hawk

Elliott's hair has taken a turn for the summer. Worry not all ye that love the faux hawk- it will return when his head stops sweating like crazy! Boys! He didn't even care when we shaved it all off. He thought it tickled him and then he played with all of the hair on his lap. Fun experience and now a week later it is already longer- it grows soooooo fast!

Boating Anyone?

Craig is going on a flyfishing trip in a few weeks- he got his boat out to see if everything was together. Elliott loved it! A new favorite! So, he and Craig had to put it in our pool for a little while. It was a pretty funny sight to see! I love my boys!

Tunnels

We at Streiff Manor have realized almost anything can become a "tunnel"- according to Elliott. Our legs, the overpasses on the freeway, a log with a whole in it that only small creatures could get through, and of course Craig's Canback top for his truck....... At present E is totally into tunnels!

a day at aunt shelly's

Elliott had a great time playing with Nate and Kenyon in their little play house! The types of items that Shelly and I had said before that we would never own- and now look at us?

Easter Party

Elliott was more excited about the swing than he was the Easter egg hunt- We had a great time- Grandma Lee was in town, Shelly, Scott and the kids came down-It really was a lovely time!

What a month!

We have had the craziest couple of weeks at the Elliott household! Many a visitor have walked our hallways, played with E, sat around the kitchen island, and kept us busy! We have had a great time and are ready for a little R and R. Elliott doesn't quite know what to do with himself at naptime- he repeatedly asks me "Shelly???" or "Trevor??" or "Kenyon??" or "Daddy" or whomever he is thinking of at that moment wondering where they are. He now thinks that everyone is at work- even his 4 year old cousin Kenyon- He says "Kenyon??" then "Work??"- it cracks me up! We have had so many coming and goings that I think he is really going to miss the hussle and bussle of it all! Should be interesting- He loves the attention!

Peekaboo!

I can hardly handle this car...........