2023 is off to a whirlwind start, but perhaps that’s par for the course when parenting two young kids. We entertained for several weekends in January, Landon started swimming lessons, Landon got a terrible flu, we got new windows, we found out we need to get a new roof, I traveled to Las Vegas for a giant trade show, community band re-started for the first time since 2020 and we booked a vacation with friends for January 2024.

Bryce is sturdy enough to ride in his Deuter hiking backpack and, as with the rest of us, loves being outside. On an unseasonably warm January day, we went to a local state park to look for the elusive Gruffalo, which we still did not find. Landon talked and yelled for it the entire time then grumbled on the way home that Brian and I were too loud and it scared the Gruffalo away. Just this morning in the car–six weeks later–he once again told me we were too loud in the woods and that’s why he can’t find the Gruffalo.

Bryce is swiveling and pivoting around on the floor and is intrigued with reaching for everything he can, most of which makes it into his mouth. He’s especially drawn to Lincoln Log houses and has knocked down at least three. Fortunately, Landon is so enamored with his baby brother he doesn’t mind! He usually gets down on the floor and plays with the pieces. They spend a lot of time together on their tummies looking at stuffed animals and having conversations I’m not privvy to.

Landon really does love vacuuming! He’s also learning how to wipe things well, such as the wall after he kicks it with a muddy boot or the kitchen floor after he scribbles on it with marker. (Both true stories.)

Thankfully Bryce also appears to love horses, even just the big plastic bouncy kind Landon horses around on all the time. Pun intended. And Landon just adores going outside and spending time with the goats and especially Maple. She’s our only female goat (the other three are neutered males) and the only goat we have no plans to eat.

We love going to the library and now that Bryce can sit up on his own, he can even play with some of the toys there!

Valentine’s Day was a big hit this year. Landon had a preschool party and Landon and Bryce had a party at Ms. Brenda’s. Landon did a beautiful job on his valentines and wrote his name (tracing letters I had made) on every single valentine–about two dozen! Landon shared with me he’s thankful for his heart “because it allows him to love so many people big bunches.”