"baby gun" and "slurpy noodles"

Dad teaching Eli about gun safety with a BB gun, which Eli calls his "baby gun"
the best way to eat spaghetti ...

swim lessons!

Eli and mom have been swimming together for a long time, a favorite activity. This month Eli started his first swim class "intro to swimming", where he has to learn from an instructor. As you can see, that was a scary proposition that first day ...
... he got to go out for ice cream because he gave it a good try

the next week, we tried a healthier pre-class bribe

because he knew what to expect, he was prepared to have fun. It helps that he friend Ronak is also in the class

blowing bubbles ...

floating "like an otter"

feeling pretty good in his towel "shirt"

the next week, even more adventurous ...

kicking legs

1, 2, 3!

christmas week adventures

Santa brought Eli chopsticks, he masters them!
First trip to "Chuck-e-Cheese's" -- the actual mouse was pretty scary but the rides were fun!

Our first trip to Zoo lights

This was Eli's favorite

This was Dad's favorite

This was mom's favorite

We made a mosaic stepping stone together -- it's a t-rex!

adventure at NW trek

RAWR!

lots of things to see today ...
this beaver is eating a gingerbread man made out of cedar chips

Mom and Eli on the tram

Big horn sheep

Two more bighorn sheep

the official sign xmas is over, vacuuming up the needles. What a good helper!

xmas 2011

Eli and mom made a gingerbread house from scratch. This project took several days and many stages but was a lot of fun -- we were very proud of our house!
Eli writing his letter to Santa on Christmas Eve ...
Eli's letter
This is the letter to Santa, along with his cookies and milk. The next morning, Eli told me that he heard the reindeer on the roof

Santa!

Dad and Eli opening presents together

Here's a present!

Santa brought us light sabers, just like Eli asked for in his letter!

Two jedis

Starting to play with all of our new toys