Busy, busy, busy

Mat and I are constantly amazed at how far the boys have come over the past 11 months. They seem to understand so much, and can do simple commands. For example, we will say 'Where is the puppy', and they'll walk over to Bridger (our dog) and pet her, or climb on her. They are starting to imitate everything, except of course sign language, which we have been trying to teach them for 5 months now. However, we can tell that they understand the signs we show them. They both love to clap their hands, pat everything, and make raspberry sounds. It is truly amazing how observant and clever they are. They quickly learn how to operate just about every button, knob, drawer, or cap they encounter. But, it seems to be their ultimate goal to sit in Bridger's water dish. They will appear to be completely focused on a task, but the minute they hear the door open to her eating area, they make a beeline for her water dish (or her food if it's also in her dish). I don't know how many times we've pulled them sopping wet out of her water dish, or pulled handfuls of dog food out of their mouths. Kessler's new talent is shaking his head 'no'. It's pretty funny now, but I'm sure will be a pain when he actually figures out what it means.

The boys are just are extremely busy. They love to climb up on everything, open everything, tip things over, throw and spit food on the ground, and drag things across the ground. Just when you think you have bullet baby proofed the house, they get into something new. Caulder can now run, and loves to be chased. Kessler is getting close to running, and as we feared, never heads in the same direction as Caulder. They are truly a handful (as everyone loves to point out when they see us in public), but we love every minute of it. They are absolutely so much fun right now.

We officially ditched the baby car seats and installed the 'big boy' front facing seats last weekend. The boys love them, and we can finally interact with them when we travel. We are heading to Portland for Thanksgiving, and think the seats will make the drive more comfortable for all of us (except maybe Bridger).

Spooky Days at the Weavers

Kessler roaring in a dinasaur shell

Caulder contemplating the activity

Caulder and Kessler in the Chariot

Owen, Keaton, Caulder, & Kessler

Caulder and mama

The entire spooky family

Halloween has come and gone, and we thought we should post some photos. We did not take the boys trick-or-treating, but we did take them dressed up to Boo at the Zoo and a Halloween party at the Wagner's. While they may not have thoroughly enjoyed wearing their costumes, they were good sports.

We should also mention that Kessler is now walking. He actually has been walking for a couple of weeks now.

Fishing in the Fall

Well Danielle has been giving me a hard time to post a blog from my recent fishing trip to Yellowstone NP. So, in an effort to offer proof that you can have 11 month old twin rambling-wrecks and still have your own social life, well kinda, please partake in a few pictures of the Park and fish. I was there the last week in October. It was as beautiful as ever, the only difference was there was nobody around. We (myself and two fishing buddies Ryan Morris and Laren Bailey) had the park, the elk, the buffalo, the grizzly, and of course the trout all too ourselves. A couple of these fish are some of the biggest Yellowstone cutthroat I've ever seen or caught. I'd like to tell you where but I was sworn to secrecy.

This is how the bouncy seat works Keaton

I couldn't resist. This video is a couple of weeks old, but so funny. Kessler decided to show our friends son Keaton how to use his bouncy seat. As soon as Keaton was strapped in, Kessler climed on and gave a demonstration.
We're all doing well. I had a stockholder retreat for work in Sun Valley a couple of weeks ago. It was cold, but the scenery was beautiful. Mat is getting ready for his annual 'boys' weekend fishing trip this upcoming weekend. The boys and I plan to go to Boo at the Zoo. I'm sure pictures will follow.

Twins

Until recently I have been so focused on taking care of two babies at once, I hadn't really thought about what it means to the boys to be a twin. Of course Mat and I have no first hand experience ourselves, so we have looked to friends who have twin siblings and books. However, nothing you read can compare to the actual connection between twins. Now at nine months we are starting to see that "connection" emerge. For instance, the boys have begun to play a sort of version of "chase", which we find very amusing. Typically, Caulder takes off crawling as fast as he can for 10 feet or so, stops, turns back to Kessler, jabbers, then takes off again. Kessler will then take off after Caulder, and chase him around the house. Caulder will stop every so often and wait for Kessler to catch up since he is a little slower at crawling. The most amusing part of their game, is that they are smiling and laughing the entire time.

They are very aware of each other, and like to stick together. I can't help but smile every time Kessler lights up whenever he sees Caulder, or when Caulder is placed in his high chair before Kessler and frowns at Kessler's empty chair. Typically, if one cries (for a reason), the other cries (for no reason). And, of course, if one has a toy, the other immediately wants it (in his mouth). We have so much fun watching them interact, and it gives us much comfort knowing that they will always have each other.

The following video is of Caulder walking (9 mo.).

First Steps!

The boys had their 9 month check-up almost two weeks ago, and everything looks great. We have been so fortunate that neither of the boys have been sick. Both boys are still in the 25% for weight, but up to the 50% for height. Kessler weighed 19lbs 10oz (27-1/2"), and Caulder weighed 19lbs 3 oz (28-1/2"). Caulder has also taken his first steps! It started with 2-3 steps before falling down, but now he can go almost 10 steps. Kessler is perfectly happy on hands and knees.

We met my mom and dad for a weekend in Yellowstone over my Birthday. It was a beautiful fall weekend. We saw lots of Buffalo and elk, but unfortunately no bears or wolves. I've actually been to Yellowstone at lest 20 times, and have never seen a bear in the park, but Mat assures me that Yellowstone is the best place to view them. The boys had a great time with their Grandparents. We did some hiking, biking, fishing, and sight seeing. The photos are from our trip.

Summertime camping

We took the boys on their fourth and most likely final camping trip for the summer. We met our Friends Kevin and Ruth outside of Sun Valley. We had lots of fun barbequeing (even the meatless hotdogs) and hiking in the beautiful nearby mountains.

As usual the dirt and bugs were a hit with the boys. The attached photos are from our trip.

The boys are so active now! They are both crawling all over the place, standing up holding onto furniture and cruising around, and letting go for a solo stand. They have yet to take a step, but we suspect it's comming soon. They also have two teeth. Their 9 mo. appt. is on Friday, and we're excited to see how they've grown.

Thanks, Ruthie for taking the photos!