HO HO HO

After waiting in line for almost two hours, Rowen finally got to meet Santa. He negotiated while waiting in line that he would smile ONLY if could sit next to Santa and NOT on his lap. He still has fear of strangers, Santa included. 

 

Merry Christmas!!

 

Updates and Happenings with the Bettendorfs

Now that it's almost Christmas, I wanted to share the past few months of happenings with the Bettendorfs. Since I haven't had time to blog since October, I really wanted to share the CUTE costume my mom made for Rowen for Halloween. I know it's late, but it came out so CUTE I have to share:

{Rowen & Mommy - a Pirates Life for US}

{Fascinated by the fog machine}

A week before Thanksgiving, we celebrated "Pre-Thanksgiving" with Bobby's side of the family in Hemet. It was great to see everyone! Here are some pics from the nice Turkey Day lunch we had at the Country Club:

{Thomas/Bettendorf family reunion}

Only 3 more days until Christmas...wrapping presents with a two year old gives new meaning to the word "wrapping." He still LOVES to help - with his own scissors, tape and wrapping paper - I'm not sure who makes a bigger mess: Rowen or Jason? Hmmm...

We hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday!!

Conversations with Rowen Thomas

At almost 2 1/2 years old, Rowen has a wide vocabulary and gives much thought to his sentence structure and the meanings he wishes to convey. He is very particular and has a firm opinion on most things. We have already begun arguing about what outfit he wishes to wear to school or what shows he would like to watch. I honestly never thought these discussions/arguments would begin at 2!!

Recently we were watching a movie and it started to snow on the movie. Rowen asked, "Mommy, where does snow come from?"  Lisa: "Hhmmm...I guess it comes from the clouds."

While driving to school, we often pass by gas stations and Rowen frequently asks, "Mommy, do we need to get gas in the car?" He is constantly looking out the window asking questions or telling me what is going on in other people's cars. "Mommy, do you see that lady in her car? What's she doing? Is she eating in her car?"

The battery recently died in my car. Since Rowen LOVES putting new batteries in his toys and books, when I told him we needed a new battery for the car he said, "We have lots of batteries in the house. I will fix it for you, Mommy."

Lisa: "What do you want from Santa for Christmas, Rowen?"
Rowen: "Toys, puzzles, books, a train...um"
Lisa: "What do you want Daddy to get you for Christmas?"
Rowen: "that tree right there" (pointing out the window)
Lisa: "What do you want Grandma and Grandpa to get you?"
Rowen: "that big tree" (pointing out the window)
Lisa: "What do you want Mommy to get you for Christmas?"
Rowen: "A Christmas tree"

At this age, he likes: girls, mermaids, play doh, arts and crafts (he LOVES to glue things together), likes to take pictures with the camera, cutting things with scissors, writing/drawing with markers (even on furniture and stuffed animals).

I often find myself explaining things to him because he's so eager to learn. He has already asked what near and far is, and is aware of the difference between up/down, here/there, and boys/girls. While he doesn't know exactly what makes boys and girls different, he is certainly aware they are different. His best friend/girl friend at school is Maddie. She is about 6 months younger than him - and full of life! His teacher (Ms. Tamara) calls them an interesting couple. Maddie likes to push the envelope when it comes to boundaries and being naughty, but unfortunately Rowen seems to think she's funny.

Lots going on!

The last few months have been more busy than usual. Since we haven't blogged since June, there was a 4th of July party at Auntie Christy & Uncle Chipper's house, Jason's new job, Christy's Birthday, lots of play dates and visits from Grandmas and Grandpas, play doh, beach days and bubbles! We also went kayaking in Big Bear, had a Labor Day BBQ and much, much more!

Here are some pics - you'll be surprised at how Rowen doesn't look much like a baby anymore.

Beach Day...

Christy's Birthday...

 

 

 Labor Day BBQ...

Big Bear...  

 

 

Now it's time to get ready for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and all the festivities!!!

Meeska Mouska MICKEY MOUSE

Rowen turned the ripe old age of 2 on Sunday, June 23rd. We had a fun Mickey Mouse Party! Family and friends ages 2 months to 90 years came to join the celebration at our Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Here are some pics from the event:



{#2 made of pics from the day Rowen was born thru June 2013 & Candy Buffet}

{cupcakes with Mickey Mouse heads on top ~ made of Oreos} 

{Decorations}

{Craft Table & Bubble Station}

{Mickey was bigger than Rowen!}





Mickey was a big hit with the little ones! 

They all wanted to play with him and throw him into the air.



{Sam & Aria  (6 months)}



{Kim, Tanner(2yrs) & Luke (2months)} 

{Grandma & Cole}

{Papa & Albi}

{Uncle Chipper & Auntie Christy}

{Mikaela, Rowen & Suri LOVE bubbles!}

{Hochberg kids & Lindsi}

{Rowen & Mikaela after pin the nose on Mickey} 

{Grandma & Papa, Jason & Rowen}

{Grandma & Rowen}

{Rowen & Nonna}

 

{Little B's}

YAY to MICKEY & TURNING TWO!