Catalog Shoppers

This is what my guys were doing when I got up this morning. Zeke had the Orvis catalog, Robb went for the Grizzly one. Oh, the manliness...

An Oliver Visit

Our little opportunist plays with Oliver's toys.

Oliver is changing like crazy and it is hard to miss even a few days of his sweet little face.

Ezekiel Photo of the Day

We got Zeke a "big boy bed" and he's been playing on the mattress ever since we got it home. I'm not quite sure why he ended up shirtless and wearing his beanie, but he is clearly Robb's kid.

IKEA Newbies

Ezekiel tries to sneak some Swedish pancakes.

Something seems wrong with this computer...

Can I take this home?

He climbed in here by himself and seemed to want to stay in there.

Dad and Mom have been hearing about IKEA for some time now, so we stopped by before heading home. Zeke has been here before, but last time he was asleep in the stroller. We had their breakfast and started our tour. We tried to rush along as much as possible, but there is so much to see that it always takes longer than you would think.

Mini Reunion

Ezekiel has been missing his cuddle time with Grandma Edna.

Hey, how about we go back outside and look for that cat and dog?

Over the weekend, we had the privilege of staying with the Kacks in Battleground. It was great to catch up with them and visit with Grandma Edna as well. In a perfect world we would all live a lot closer.

A Malott Family Gathering

Zeke loved playing with his cousins.

Robb hanging out with the little ones.

Today our family congregated in McMinnville to remember Grandma Ella. It was a beautiful Sabbath and a comfort to be surrounded by loved ones. Aunt Linda did an incredible job planning everything and Uncle Dave had a wonderful service. We've started planning a family reunion for next July, we've gotta get together more under happier circumstances.

Black Friday

Have you guys ever done the whole Black Friday shopping thing? We thought we would see what it was all about. Robb didn't get off work until 11 last night, so we stayed awake an extra hour and went over to Macys at midnight. We assumed that the crowds wouldn't be too bad, this is Walla Walla after all. We were wrong.

People were silly. The lines were crazy long. We were too sleepy to make any decisions about purchases. We actually stood in front of a display of Kitchen Aids that were on a super sale. But it didn't seem like making that call at 1:30 am was a good idea. Robb found some screaming deals on silk ties, so that was cool.

When we tried to go over to the shoe department, there was such a swarm of people that Robb said, "I'd rather pay full price." That pretty much sums up our response to Black Friday.

Giving Thanks

Zeke enjoys the company of some fine ladies.

Ava shares the fridge magnets.

Checking out some snapshots.

We had a pretty special Thanksgiving day. It has been a very long time since we had Thanksgiving with Dad and Mom and Everett and Jelinda. This year, the Dotolo family graciously invited us to share their dinner. It was a splendid event. Robb only got in on the first hour then was off to work until 11:00 pm. Which brings us to our top ten reasons to give thanks (in no particular order):

1. A job for Robb! After almost a year and half of working per diem, Robb is now a full time employee and an official part of the radiography team at Providence St. Mary Medical Center here in Walla Walla.
2. Our family.
3. Graphic design.
4. A cozy, warm house. We've been able to finish up a few projects around the place and will be posting pictures soon.
5. Our benevolent Creator. There are no words to express our gratitude.
6. Old friends.
7. New friends.
8. Hot showers. Ever since suffering through cold showers in a chilly climate, a hot shower has seemed like a ridiculous luxury.
9. Good health.
10. Goodwill. Not the second-hand store. Goodwill towards men, opportunities to share our abundance, the chance to pay it forward.

Bedtime Rituals

Grandma captured some pictures of Zeke getting ready for bed. First, Robb gives Zeke a bath, which is mostly playtime. Then he tries to run around the house before we can get a fresh diaper and jammies on. That doesn't last too long. Finally, he gets a bottle and starts calming down.

Gross

It is so rewarding to watch Zeke feed himself. So rewarding and so gross. But he is so proud of himself.

Grandpa Time

Going for an adventure walk.

Helping Grandpa put on a pirate patch.

Hugs and kisses.

Zeke loves talking to Grandpa on Skype, so he was pretty excited when he woke up this morning to find Grandpa in the living room. They've been having all sorts of fun.

Windy Days

Oh, how he loves him some slides!

And anything that flies in the skies.

With the wind picking up and the trees bending by the force not everyone scurries for cover. There are a few people out there that get really excited about flying a kite. David is one of those people and I'm okay with that, being a little weird myself. I think the boy might be a little tweaked as well.

Waking Up

Sometimes Zeke wakes up grouchy. He'll yell until we run to get him. He'll storm around glaring at everything. Sometimes he wakes up giddy. He'll play contentedly in his crib, laughing and cooing. I love that. But sometimes he isn't quite awake and all he wants to do is cuddle. Yum.

Ezekiel Photos of the Day

Looks like Ezekiel is just making himself at home in the cupboard at the corner of our living room.

Reading Time

Little man is really taking an interest in reading now. He points to the words and the pictures and makes sounds that sometimes resemble words. If left on his own he will now sit and "read" his books to himself with the funniest little string of babble.

"Ishy" Art

Robb and I just finished this piece for our mantel. I found the idea on Pinterest and had to make it. Luckily, I found some detailed instructions here. We cut out something like 260 circles by hand and Robb built a frame then I painted to whole thing with black and pearl spray paint.

Ezekiel Photo of the Day

Putting on his coat and shoes makes Ezekiel very happy. I guess there is just nothing like the prospect of heading OUTSIDE!

We Finally Meet

David trying to look thrashed.

And one more photo borrowed from David and Nelita's blog.

We were so giddy. GIDDY I tell you. I got to hold him and he is beautiful. He is already changing so quickly from the cheeky little guy in the photo from yesterday. He has the most wonderful thick black hair and perfect little pursed lips and he sleeps with his mouth open and tries to kick his way out of his swaddle. Then Robb got to hold him.

Meanwhile, Ezekiel was only interested in hanging out with Auntie Nel and playing on the iPad. Some things don't change.

Oliver!

Little Oliver Rohan Crawford was born this afternoon. He was a whopping 8 lbs, 15 oz. and 20.5 inches long. Nelita texted this photo to us, and we can't wait to meet him. Seriously, can we go hang out with him now!? Congratulations little family.