Jude turns TWO

Jude is now officially a TODDLER!!

 Getting a felt birthday crown at preschool has been a tradition since Ellie turned 2.  Jude loved being the center of attention during circle time.

 

 Ellie also had an Elmo cake for her second birthday.

 

 All day he kept saying . . . . "Jude - Two-teen."

Come on, kid, I can wait for the teenage years!

 

 This photo cracks me up - he looks SO much like Drew playing his new instrument

 

Here's a little 2 year summary of the Jude-man

*favorite activity - playing games.  he loves to run down to the closet at the end of the hall, pull out a game, get all the pieces out then pack it right back up. 

*favorite show - right now it's a tie between Sesame Street and Thomas the Train

*bedtime routine - Jude is a great sleeper (FINALLY).  He loves getting cozy in his bed with at least 3 books and pets.

*favorite snack - mornings start with cut up banana in a bowl to be eaten with a fork, while snuggled under the blue blankie.  He's not too specific, eh!

*tricks - Jude seems to love to put on a show.  Ask him to 'guitar face' or say 'excuuuuse me' and your belly will hurt from laughing so hard!

*loves - he LOVES his sister, LaLa, loves Elmo, loves books and loves loves loves school

 

Happy Birthday to my little man!

A Little Late . . .

But still thankful!

We had a lovely Thanksgiving dinner at Drew's aunt's house this year.  Delicious cornbread stuffing was the highlight for me!!

Drew's cousin came with her 8 month old twin girls so there were even babies to snuggle!

 

Jude loved saying "Happy Turkey Day!"

 

 I'm so thankful that Drew and I have families that get along so well.  It would awful to have to split the holidays between my side and his side.

All the family together drinking wine is a much better solution!!

 

 Jude ate his weight in olives.  I have vivid memories of playing under my Nana's big oak table doing the same thing.

 

 Spent some of the weekend at the tire shop after I got a flat tire.  Here is Ellie striking a diva pose!

 

Christmas traditions are in full swing around here. 

This year we are doing activities in their advent calendar vs. candy. 

So far here is the run-down

Dec 1st - Bring out Grapes our Elf on the Shelf and get our Christmas tree

Dec 2nd - Wear new Christmas jammies and watch Elf

Today - Drink hot cocoa and listen to The Grinch on record

Tomorrow's agenda - Decorate Christmas cookies.

 

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!



Big Win!

 

Yippeeee!!!!

Ellie is 5!

And how do the Nobles celebrate ? . . . ?

With a weeks worth of birthday parties of course!

 

PARTY #1

 Ellie and her teacher are birthday buddies!  She thought that was pretty cool!

This years school treat was Cake Batter Popcorn.  It was sickeningly sweet - so naturally, it was a big hit with the preschoolers!

Party #2

Party number 2 was the first family party.  We went out to dinner with all the grandparents and commenced present opening.

Party #3

 Then another family party and more gift giving.  Ellie learned she was going to Disney on Ice, got a pink robe and a Merida doll.

 

 Party #4

 For about 6 months now Ellie has been requesting a "Nature Scientist" birthday party. 

Since I have no idea what that really is or how I would do a nature party in November we convinced her an "art" party would be even better.

 It amazed me that 10 kids ranging in age from 4 - 10 sat for almost an hour working on art projects and crafts. 

 Cupcakes and friends

 

Happy Birthday to my funny, witty, lovable BIG girl. 



Appy Aloweeeen!

Another favorite holidays is complete.

Halloween is great - I mean, think about it - the whole neighborhood buys candy, kids dress up and walk around in the dark begging for sweets.

What could be better??!!

Pumpkin carving with MaMop and BaPop

 

Queen of the Pumpkins!

 

Yes, we let Jude have a sharp knife.  Luckily, all 10 fingers are still intact!

 

Jude's first preschool Halloween party.  He LOVED showing off his costume.  And with his little toddler voice Batman sounds more like Bacon!

 

 The beautiful witch

 

We have a Halloween tradition of pizza and wine at the Asmann's before heading out to trick or treat in the neighborhood. 

 Olin, Ellie, Livi and Chloe.  These kids didn't mind the rain!

 

 Just today Jude started saying Aloweeeen.  Every door we knocked on go a version of Appy Aloweeen and Tank You!!!

 

 

 

Happy Halloween from the Nobles!

 

 

 

Happy Daddy

We have entered celebration season in the Noble household! 

Within the span of 3 months we celebrate 3 birthdays and 3 big holidays!

It's a bit busy

 

 

Drew's birthday kicked off with a mustache beer tasting party.  The theme was perfect and he loved the beer tasting.

 

Guinness cupcakes with vanilla buttercream frosting

 



Finger 'staches

 Some guys brought their own 'staches

 

 

And because the Nobles always go overboard on birthdays - the next weekend we headed down to Portland for a little get away

 

Happy couple enjoying dinner without kids.  Pink champagne and a dirty martini help make an enjoyable evening too!

 

 Cool building on our night time walk through the city

 

 We had a record stretch of sunny weather this fall.  But alas, our day to enjoy Portland was hampered by a torrential downpour.  So we spent our day inside coffee shops playing cards.  Luckily there is a cool coffee shop on every corner in Portland.

 

Happy Birthday to my sweet hubby!  I love you!

 



Cha cha cha changes

THIS KID

 

Has some big news to share!

 

Drew and I were amazed that during this sunny week in October Ellie suddenly learned how to ride her bike without training wheels.

Drew regularly takes the kids into the cul-de-sac to ride bikes when he gets home from work but I had no idea she was this close to this major milestone!!

It brought tears to my eyes to think that she will probably remember this afternoon for the rest of her life. 

After all, can't you recall when you first learned to ride a bike!!

 

Not only does she love riding her bike but she also loves giving exclusive blog interviews.

 

 

AND THIS KID

Can't stop talking.

 

He literally learns 5 new words a day and can copy almost anything.  I love his little perky voice.