December 31, 2015 (3 Years, 10 months)

Andrew really enjoyed fall this year! He had so much fun raking leaves then running and jumping in them. Watching the leaf truck out the window at the neighbor's house brought more excitement until he became afraid they would pick up his leaf pile too! Luckily Dad was saving the leaves to use as mulch in the garden so we got to keep them until the novelty wore off.

 

 

 

Andrew loved Halloween this year and is still talking about it even after Christmas. We did lots of fun activities and even had a Halloween Party with our daycare friends featuring games, crafts, music, a show, and even themed snacks.

 

 

Unfortunately Daddy was out of town for trick or treating but Andrew got to go with some of his cousins in Baraboo. Andrew was a zebra, he loved his costume so much when we found it at the store he wouldn't take it off after trying it on. When it came time for trick or treating Andrew wasn't in the best mood since he was tired from missing his nap. He cheered up when he saw the candy and kept trying to take more than he was given. Mom reminded him to say thank you!

 

Andrew does not like getting his hair cut but when he saw Alex getting his hair trimmed with scissors instead of clippers he decided to let Daddy give him a trim too.

 

I think Andrew was more excited about Alex's big boy bed than Alex was.

 

 

Poor Andrew was sick over Thanksgiving. I don't know why he insists on getting sick over the holidays! :( Nothing too serious, he had an upper respiratory infection and a minor ear infection.

 

 

Andrew really enjoyed our Christmas traditions this year. He had fun helping decorate the tree and we only had a few broken ornaments this year.

 

 

This year in addition to our advent tree, we started a Christmas countdown chain where each night featured a family activity to celebrate the seasons. Some of the highlights included a flashlight walk, a picnic by the Christmas tree, decorating gingerbread houses, a holiday lights drive, visiting the Olbrigh Gardens holiday train display, a popcorn movie night, and more. Andrew was so excited each day to do the chain!

 

 

 

 

We delivered a Christmas cookie tray from our neighborhood to our local fire station and were able to get a private look at the fire trucks! Andrew was looking forward to it all day but when we got there he became very nervous and shy. He didn't even want to get in the truck and had to be persuaded to get his picture taken by it. Later we found out it was because he thought at any moment the truck my turn on and drive away and he didn't want to be in it when that happened! He must have still had  good time though because he was talking about it for days!

 

 

For Christmas from Mom and Dad Andrew got a bouncy horse, a car loader truck, a coloring book, and Paw Patrol book pjs, shirt, and water bottle. He was one happy boy!

 

 

 

Andrew's latest obsession in the Paw Patrol show. He asks to watch it whenever given the opportunity, he sings the song, reenacts shows, and names all his stuffed puppies after the dogs on the show.

 

October 20, 2015 (3 Years, 8 months)

Andrew had a great summer, his days were filled with splashing in the pool with his daycare friends, playing at the park, swimming at the lake, going out for ice cream, and enjoying events in our neighborhood like eating at the food carts.

Andrew likes to get in nature and go for walks and hikes. He is usually happy the first half but then complains about how far away the van is on the way back. This summer we visited Devil's Lake, Durwoods Glenn, Gibraltar Rock, and Pope Farms Conservancy.

 

 

Andrew has his Daddy's appetite and his Mommy's sweet tooth. He loves treats especially ice cream and cookies.

Andrew had fun helping Daddy with the garden and landscaping this year. He especially enjoyed picking and eating cherry tomatoes and green beans. He is also quite proud of the pumpkins from the garden.

 

 

Andrew loves to play at Grandma and Grandpa house, especially when hay baling is going on! Andrew faced his fear of big machinery and loud noises to go on a quick tractor ride with Daddy. He also loves to pet, feed, and ride the animals.

 

Andrew practiced casting his line a few times this year but he is still a bit too impatient for fishing.

 

 

Andrew loves to make forts, his favorite is to pile all the throw pillows from the couches on our corner end table so he can hide and watch shows or play games on the tablet.

 

Andrew continues to pick up the chickens. They are used to him now so when they see him coming instead of running/flying away they actually lay down and wait for him to pick them up.

 

Andrew LOVES movie nights! Well to be honest he doesn't actually like to watch movies, but he LOVES the popcorn!

 

 

Andrew loves apples and had a blast during our annual trip to the apple orchard.

 

 

Andrew passed the Shrimp Dip level of swim lessons and next round he will start the preschool level with Shrimp 1-the first class he will be without Dad in the water with him. He did a great job and is now fearless when it comes to jumping in off  the side, getting his head submerged, and holding his breath.

Despite Mom's best efforts, Andrew has started pretending to play with guns. He doesn't have any toy guns but instead builds them with legos or just uses his hands. He makes the pew pew sound and says he is shooting monsters or bad guys.

Andrew loves riding his trike, he is hesitant to get on his balance bike and only rides it for a couple minutes at a time.

Andrew is no longer obsessed with trains and has now moved on to stuffed animals. He has a couple favorite stuffies including bird and kitty but just about any stuffy will do especially if it is new or belongs to someone else. He still likes Thomas the Train but doesn't usually ask to watch it, his new favorite shows are Daniel Tiger and Caillou.

 

When asked what he wants to eat, Andrew will almost always answer with Mac N Cheese.

July 21, 2015 (3 Years, 5 Months)

Andrew celebrated the Fourth of July by doing art projects and going to our neighborhood celebration which included a kids fun run, bike parade, carnival games, and ice cream. He is still very afraid of loud noises and did not enjoy the fireworks let off all around our neighborhood. It was a rough night!

 

Andrew LOVES sweet corn on the cob! But then again, who doesn't?!?

 

Andrew is often resistant to go play outside complaining that it is too hot or the sun is too bright. Once we are outside he usually has fun and is even starting to have fun running through the sprinkler.

 

Andrew really likes to go the beach and play in the sand. There is a park close to our house on the lake that is stocked with sand toys. As an added bonus it is right across the street from an ice cream shop!

 

 

We also like to visit Governor Nelson State Park.

 

 

Andrew has started his 2nd round of swim lessons. He is getting more confident now and will jump off the side of the pool and is willing to put his face into the water.

 

Andrew loves to go to the zoo and see all the animals; his favorites are the giraffes and the seals. He loved riding the zoo train last year but this year is happy just to watch it go past.

 

Andrew is often resistant at bedtime claiming that he isn't tired. If we ignore him he usually lays in the hall outside his bedroom door and falls asleep quickly.