Dancing Queen

Lucy has become quite the dancer. Here is a video from Christmas morning. We were listening to Mommy's new Pink CD and she decided to get down.

Meeting Santa

As you can tell from the picture it doesn't look like Lucy was very excited about sitting on Santa's lap! She cried the minute Mommy gave her up to the man in red. I guess that's what to be expected of her first go-round.

As I look at the picture more it doesn't look like Santa is too thrilled either!

Tyler did a little bit better, but only if Mommy was in the picture. I wasn't really prepared for that. But I knew how important it was for Tyler to tell St. Nick about the GeoTrax Grand Central Station that he HAD TO HAVE! We told Tyler that Santa would bring him that track if he started pooping on the potty. Lo and behold he has, but I'm glad he didn't divulge that tidbit to Santa. He might not have wanted him sitting on his lap. :)

Tyler Learns A New Word

Tyler is just growing up so fast! Right before our eyes and it makes me want to cry. It is amazing to watch the way he learns and how quickly he picks up the letters of the alphabet and all of the numbers. Grandpa Gary had been dilligently working with Tyler on his letters and the following video clip is proof of how much Tyler has learned. We have his name spelled out on his wall and he has memorized it and can recite how to spell his name if you ask. We're very proud of our little guy!

Super Stars!

We have a neighbor who is a news anchor and we go the chance to help her out with a news story. Here is the link if you'd like to see Jennifer, Tyler, and Lucy in their television debut. :)

www.kcra.com/video/14857823/index.html?taf=sac

Merry Christmas From The Guthmiller Family

The Holiday Train

It was the time of year to do our annual Holiday Train ride in Santa Cruz. We weren't sure how it would go this year with two little kids...and the crowds. I worry about the kids...and Zach worries about the crowds. So far we were 1 and 1 on good trips and not so good trips. But luckily we are now 2 and 1! There were hardly any people down there, the train was only half full, and the kids did great!

Tyler couldn't wait for the train to arrive, couldn't wait to get on the train, and then couldn't wait for the train to move. He was very impatient! But the minute he saw the train pull up to the "station" he said it was INCREDIBLE and AMAZING. He was enthralled and thoroughly enjoyed waving to people that were on the road. He wouldn't talk to Santa Claus (but he did take candy from him) and he DID NOT want pixie dust sprinkled on his head. I guess that doesn't mix with train rides. Go figure.

Lucy was in awe the whole time. She was staring at all the lights on the train in wonderment. She couldn't take her eyes off Santa and believe it or not, she really enjoyed the lukewarm apple cider. She kept going back to the cup for more. A good time was had by all.

We also went to the beach and visited the redwoods while we were in Santa Cruz. Tyler was having so much fun...until his feet got wet and he got cold. Lucy loved the feel of the sand on her toes and she kept trying to run right into the ocean. You wouldn't know it by pictures we took...because Tyler just won't smile these days...but I do think he enjoyed himself. Lucy was a great traveler and handled all the new things like a champ. I think everyone had a great time and we plan on trying to go again next year. 3 and 1? Let's hope!

We've Been Elfed!

Tyler loves to make these videos, so this year we made one to share with everyone!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1136570270

Holiday Pictures...So Not Fun!

We made an attempt at doing our holiday pictures this past weekend. How do you spell NO FUN FOR ANYONE?! First of all, we were trying to coordinate three kids for pictures, nap times, lunch times, and play times. Oh...and the picture place was running an hour and a half behind. So much for coordinating! For whatever reason they let this family ahead of us try every background and change clothes a million times...like it was a play with intermission and all that. Ridiculous. Our kids were doing so well...until it was their turn. Tyler wouldn't smile, Quillan got hungry, and Lucy...well she's Lucy and she did great for the most part. Zach and Ryan were throwing fits (almost as bad as the kids) and Kara and I were trying to keep the peace and not yell...at anyone! I think next year we might try and take the kids to a park and snap action shots!

Happy Thanksgiving!

On this day I would like to give thanks for my family and my friends. I love my family more than they will ever know and having kids has made me a better person. My friends keep me grounded and make me laugh.

Thank you.

Earaches for Them...Headaches for Me!

We just can't seem to catch a break in our house this year! Along with new friends and playgroups and active social lives have come germs, germs, and oh...did I mention germs?! Last week our house was infected with the stomach flu. Zach and Tyler had that and now it seems that Tyler and Lucy have ear infections. Boy oh boy! Will it ever end?! This Thanksgiving Mommy is thankful for the sanity she has left and hopes that the holiday season can be germ free (or sort-of germ free).

A Walking Goose

Well, well, well...we have a new little toddler toddling around our house. Lucy has decided that walking is her preferred form of getting around these days. She took her first steps the day before she was 9 months old. Her Great Grandma was visiting from South Dakota, so I think she wanted to show off. Get in good with Grandma Grace...you know. Since that day she has been taking more and more steps and now she walks anywhere she can. The only time she'll crawl these days is if she's in a HURRY and needs to get there FAST! Otherwise...she's upright and on the move. Here is a video of our newest pedestrian...

So Tired of Poop & Puke!

I pray for my friends and all of their issues and blah, blah, blah...but I've just added a new prayer to my list. I just want one day of parenthood to go by where I don't get pooped on, puked on, peed on, or snotted on. Just one day. I would love to live in a booger free enviromennt for one day. I would love to have Tyler be trained on going poop in the potty. Although, luckily, he is making it to the potty right now when his tummy is upset. However, last night he slept right through that and woke up to quite the runny mess. And a couple days before that he slept through wetting the bed. Ick. But at the same time he refuses to use the potty before bedtime. I think he wants me to have to clean that up! Lucy had an explosion out of her diaper the other day and...of course...when I went to check her I got some on my hand. My new perfume is Eau de Poo-Poo.

So, I wake up and start the day anew and say, "Dear Lord, please get me through this day without a poop, puke, pee or booger getting on my clothes before I go to work."

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween! This was Lucy's first Halloween and Tyler's first "real" experience with trick or treating. In past years we've walked him down to my parent's house and knocked on their door and gone to a few neighbor's houses. Last year he refused to even put on the costume until we got to Grandma & Grandpa's house! He had more fun handing out candy to the big kids...but this year he knows ALL ABOUT candy. He was excited to put on his costume and go door to door with the neighbor kids. Lucy Jane was Tenderheart Care Bear and Tyler was a dinosaur named Grump-o-Saurus Rex.

The kids got to dress Halloween-y all day long. They had their cute outfits that they wore during the day, their costumes, and then their pajamas. It's fun to be festive when you have cute kids to dress up! I think they enjoyed themselves and now they are ready to move on to the next holiday...Thanksgiving! Tyler realizes that once that holiday is past it is all about Santa Clause!

3/4 of a 1-Year Old

Lucy Jane is officially 3/4 of the way to being one. Where does the time go?! She is growing so fast and accomplishing so many things in a short amount of time. Her eighth month was quite the month for milestones...she balanced and stood on her own, walked with a walker, clapped, waved bye-bye, got teeth, and took steps. She's quite the overachiever! We got her pictures done on Sunday, October 28th to commemorate 9 whole months. She did a great job posing for her picture.

Pumpkin Patch with the Punkins

This Sunday we went to the pumpkin patch with Mat, Brooke, Aria, and Matea. Tyler was SO excited to pick out a PERFECT pumpkin and pet the animals. The kids ran through the pumpkin maze, saw cock-a-doodles (chickens), pigs, goats, and cows, and they went on a wagon ride. Tyler had a great time picking out pumpkins...little ones for Lucy and big ones for Mommy and Daddy. He had a soft spot for the damaged ones. We had a lot of fun and especially enjoyed the caramel apples!

Digital Scrapbooking

I haven't really done any digital scrapbooking, but I tried my hand at it today. I was trying to create a signature for something. It's kind of neat, but not as user friendly as I would have thought! I guess I'm used to poring over my pages and moving my pictures all around. But, anyways, this is what I created. The kids are adorable so it makes the page look good...no matter what I've done to it!

My Lil' Eating Machine

Independence

I think that Lucy is a girl after my own heart. She's just so dang independent all the time. She is now standing on her own. She also feeds herself big people food. Before I know it she'll be walking and driving and moving out! A bit overdramatic, but still!

Lucy is loving to eat green beans, baked beans, and dessert. Just like her mommy. I wish I could get Tyler to like something OTHER than dessert. Oh well...kid after my own heart. At least he knows the difference between healthy and junk food. It doesn't stop him from asking for junk from the pantry.

Lucy Needs To Stop Growing Up!

Lucy is just getting too big for my liking! She is 7 months old and she crawls, pulls herself up, and tries to feed herself. I just don't remember Tyler doing this stuff that early. It makes me sad...but so proud at the same time. The first time she pulled herself up was in the bathtub...is this a sign of her future choices?! Now, she's pulling up on everything...the Laugh 'N Learn table, Mommy, Daddy, the living room table. She's on the move!

I'll Give This A Try!

A neighbor (Holly) told me about this and I thought I might give it a try to keep people updated with all things Tyler & Lucy. So, let me know what you think and if you'd be interested in reading about our lives.