First basketball game

The Green family went to the Portland Trailblazers Game this past weekend. V bought the tickets for J for Christmas and we really looked forward to this outing. Eli really likes crowds and really likes basketball, so we thought it could be a good experience. The game started at 7PM, which is on the edge of his normal bedtime, and he fell asleep in the car on the way there. When we woke him up he was confused and became generally alarmed as we walked through the cold and got in line and joined a stream of people. As we came close to our seats, the game started and the lights flashed and the crowd roared -- which was really scary! Eli and mom had to watch the first few minutes from the deck but when we finally made it up to the seats, dad gave us soda, which made everything okay. From there, Eli had a GREAT time, clapping and cheering, and following the game. What a fun outing, we all had a great time. Oh, and the Trailblazers led the Utah Jazz in all four quarters but it was a close and exciting game.

first haircut

#1-2 ~ Eli horsing around in some "before" shots -- to establish that the time has come for the hair to be cut ...
#3-7 ~ We had a few minutes wait, which was good as Eli got to see what everyone was doing. He didn't want to sit in the chair by himself but was pretty relaxed. He got really sleepy and quiet and generally stayed still so that our stylist could do a good job.
#8-9 ~ posing with mom and dad after the ordeal. He perked up right after the scissors went away! Our stylist gave him a balloon, which is always a quick way to his affections (the balloon was promptly lost at the grocery store afterwards...)
#10 ~ Our friend Matt came to visit afterwards and we walked up to visit the soccer game in the new field by our house. Thanks for visiting Matt! Also in this picture, you can see our new couch!

huelsman baby shower and around the house ...

#1 ~ Eli and V threw a baby shower for the Huelsman family and we had a great time! This is Eli trying out Nikolai's toys ...
#2 ~ Nikolai, getting ready to be a big brother!
#3 ~ Doyle, Nikolai, and our friend Holly
#4 ~ Katya, lady of the day. She is due anytime, and they're expecting a boy. They'll name him Alexander and call him Sasha for short.
#5 ~ Eli says that he knows all about running the computer now and doesn't need any help!
#6 ~ I love this picture. Our moose is on the loose!
#7 ~ Reading on his own ...
#8 ~ Playtime after bath ...
#9 ~ Dad and Eli -- look at those long legs!
#10~ Watching his favorite -- Elmo -- all snuggled up with his favorite blanket and Big Bird