Surprise Delivery

On Wednesday night, April 8th, Carrie got a phone call from her Dad asking if she received the package he had sent. Upon her negative reply, he said, "Well go check your door." And there was Carrie's Dad, standing on the walkway, holding his package. What a fun surprise! He only dropped by for a day, but we made the most of it by exploring our corner of the world. Despite getting a little lost, we visited three states in one hour's time - South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota (Sioux Falls is only about 15 minutes from either border). Not bad!

Tyler remembered his Opa right away. He kept calling, "M'Pa! M'Pa!" and pulled him all over the house to play.

A few days later we celebrated Easter with a Regional Conference at Church and the Easter Bunny, of course.

April in South Dakota

Mama and Tyler in our yard.

Count von Tyler

Tyler is walking around the house saying, "Two! Aah ah ah!" Just like Count von Count from Sesame Street. Not one or three, just two. Funny boy.

Arizona Sunshine

On Feb. 15th, Tyler and Carrie caught a plane headed for Arizona - with a stopover in SLC to visit the Hilliers. See that picture of Tyler in a crib above? No, that's not at anyone's house - that's the Family Room in the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport. What an awesome airport to have not just a bathroom with a changing station, but a whole room with a crib, changing table, rocking chair, dimming lights, and sofas. They have our vote for most family friendly airport (that we've been to) in the U.S.

After three fun days in Utah...

...we headed down to Phoenix (taxiing in past Airforce One on the Skyharbor tarmac) with Tyson set to join us the next day. What a welcome change from the bitter cold South Dakota winter! Two days in Arizona in February and we were ready to pack up our bags and make the move! (I'm sure we'll be grateful for South Dakota come Summer, though).

We had lots of fun playing at the park, spending time with the Plastows, playing games, and celebrating cousins McKenzie (4) and Emma's (1) birthday's on the 23rd.

One of the highlights of our trip was the Renaissance Festival. Tyson has been wanting to take Carrie there ever since they were dating and it's no wonder - they really go all out! It was very fun!

There were jousting knights, castles, shows, rides, shops, treats - all keeping in character with the Renaissance time period. Quite impressive!

But this was the best part of all. Elephant rides! Wait, at a Renaissance Festival? Who cares! It was the best! Tyler loved it. Even though he held on tight the whole time, he kept making elephant noises. Carrie loved it too. :-)

Tyler had so much fun with his grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and with Polly the very-patient-and-used-to-grandkids dog.

Saying goodbye. Enjoy the sunshine for us!

Tyler's Photoshoot - A Year and a Half

OK, he's 20 months old - close enough. Tyler got to visit his UT family on the way to visit his AZ family. He was so styling in his new suit that we had to take him to do a photoshoot. A little nervous at first, Tyler soon warmed up to the quacking duck, chirping monkey, and silly Opa and Kristen in the room. Getting to bring Cougar was a plus too. Pretty handsome, don't you think?

Nursery

I am the new Sioux Falls 2nd Ward Nursery Leader! I would be scared to death, but a few months ago I was able to attend Nursery to help Tyler transition in. They have a great program and only 6-8 little ones, so I think I'll be ok. I'll miss my calling as a Relief Society teacher, but I'm excited to learn in my new calling. So bring on the goldfish crackers and wish me luck! Oh, and if you have any tips on how to fill a whole hour (after playtime hour) with energetic toddlers, please let me know! - Carrie

I Love This Kid!

Peek-a-boo!

Who needs a pony when I've got a puppy this size!

Bedtime? Okay, just give me a minute so I can send this e-mail.

Doe a Deer

One morning, Tyler and Carrie were playing on the living room floor when Tyson came in and said, "Look outside the window!" We had a visitor peering in at us. We spent the next hour watching two deer traipse all over our backyard (which, because we live in a fourplex, is really our front yard). We love having a huge picture window overlooking the small forest rimming the yard. Even when we're stuck inside because we get blasted by arctic winds, we can watch our resident squirrels and bunnies and, when we're lucky, the deer. All are so beautiful to watch. Who needs the nature channel?

Got Milk?

Merry Christmas 2008

Merry Christmas from Sioux Falls, SD! Since Tyson had to work the holidays, we were able to spend part of Christmas Eve at the news station with him. We watched the news form the control room then had our Christmas Eve dinner in the newsroom - 3 kinds of fancy soups with plenty to share with the others who had to work.

Tyler helping Daddy produce the 6 o'clock news.

Visiting Tyson in the newsroom.

Chair races with Daddy in the newsroom on Christmas Eve.

*****

Christmas is so much more fun with a little guy! Tyler let us sleep in (enjoy it while it lasts, right?) and then walked out into the living room where he excalimed, "Whoa!" when he saw his new toys set out. We had a great Christmas morning eating omelets and opening presents. Though Tyson had to go into work, a family in our ward invited Tyler and Carrie over for an early Christmas dinner. People out here are so great!

An action shot of present opening.

New Thomas the Train pajamas. Choo choo! Thanks AZ Grandparents! He wears them every night and sometimes for naps too.

Reading Tyler's new train book with Mommy. Merry Christmas!