Zooming into the New Year

Happy 2012!  I know this will come as a total shock, but our latest post was only 5 days ago.  I won't go as far as saying it is my resolution to update weekly, that is just way too much pressure on a 3 year old.  Anyhow, scroll down if you haven't checked in lately to see our Christmas post below. 

Cooper and I got into the New Year's spirit by trying on various hats and blowing some loud horns. It was as annoying as those vuvuzela's at the World Cup Soccer Tournament in Africa. OK, not that annoying, but close.

We figured we might as well light some sparklers left over from the 4th of July.  The only difference is that we were dressed in head to toe flammable winter wear.  We fortunately did not ignite after our spectacular sparkler display.

Daddy gave Mommy the most amazing gift, almost as amazing as my kitty cat snowmobile.  He gave her a "fancy" camera... the Cannon Rebel complete with an extra big zoom lens.  She was giddy with excitement as this was completely unexpected.  He reminded her that she will not be receiving any more gifts this year, sorry Mom.  Mommy has been training for National Geographic these days with some serious camera time and experimenting with the zoom and lenses.  She takes pictures in the car....

Of herself (turned it to black and white so you didn't have to see every pore in her face)

And of us doing what we love best...cuddling, being silly, playing and just being c.u.t.e.

Mommy bought Daddy his first "turkey tent" for this spring's turkey hunt.  He is excited for his little set-up and we were excited to play inside of it.

In our last blog post, Mommy was still trying to figure out how to get photos off of her new fancy camera, so she did not include the picture above.  It is my manger masterpiece complete with Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus in the manger (strips of paper=hay).  The manger scene came complete with fancy marker details :)  My parents loved this gift I made for them at preschool.

My most exciting news this post was that we got measurable snow on New Year's Eve which means, kitty cat debut!  Last post, Mommy spilled my secret... I am a little scared of my most begged for gift.  Daddy started off with Cooper just to make a track and hopefully get me interested.

Next, I finally went on the kitty cat without plugging my ears and with some interest.  Daddy was a trooper this cold and windy day.

Next thing you know, I was ready to drive by myself!  It surprised my Dad (who ran next to me in fear) and my Mommy (who secretly shed some tears from the living room window).

I just couldn't get enough of my snowmobile!  I LOVED every second of it.  I ran inside and loudly exclaimed, "Mom, I rode my snowmobile and I don't know how to go slow, so I went FAST!!!!!!!"  I only had one little mishap which was a slight bump into my clubhouse stairs.

Mommy snapped a photo of Liberty while she sat and watched us ride the kitty cat.  She was either amused by it all or was wondering who came up with this harebrained idea.

Cooper does not have a snowmobile helmet, so we stuck my bike helmet on his head just to be safe.  He didn't seem to mind at all.  Cooper does not get to drive the snowmobile (just rides while Daddy kneels and steers), so no worries or calls to the authorities needed.

This must be a victory dance, as Mommy pounded on the window and I struck a pose.  Classic.

On Monday, Daddy took the day off and we sporadically headed to the Mall of America.  We decided it would be fun to use our passes to the Nikelodeon Universe, aka indoor theme park. We were pleasantly surprised by the many rides little kids could go on or ride with a chaperone.  Cooper went on almost all rides I did.  We went on a hot air balloon ride....

The lady yelled at Mommy to put away her camera.  She laughed thinking it was a joke...or maybe it wasn't.  The rebel in her (perfect since her camera is called the Rebel) took a picture anyhow of Cooper copying moi.  Fortunately, the ride operator did not stop the ride and Mommy did not get kicked out of the park.  How embarrassing that would have been.

Cooper and I love trains, so we went on a train ride, followed by a swooping bus ride, followed up with a semi-truck, honking horns like crazy ride.  Daddy was a trooper this day while Mommy played paparazzi.

Cooper had to sit one out as I actually drove my very own bumper car!  It is a good thing that I didn't get my spiky hair cut this past week, otherwise, I would have not met the height requirement.  Mommy gave me a quick driving lesson "step on the gas and crash into others."  Sounds fun to me!

I still found it amazing when kids would crash into me.  How rude!?!?  But then I got them back :)

 Quite randomly, Coopie went poopy on the toilet TWICE this week.  Have you ever heard of those crazy Moms that read their child's expressions and potty train their kids at like 6 months?  Well, don't read into it that much, Cooper is an open book.  His face turns crazy red and purple and he grunts so loud it is embarrassing.  One day this week, while he made his usual commotion she said, "Cooper, do you want to go on the toilet?"  He shook his head yes, so off we raced.  I was a nice brother to put my old toilet seat on the pot for him and yup, he "dropped the kids off at the pool."  We jumped for joy and made a huge stink (along with Cooper).  The next day....

 he did the same thing.  We noticed his red face, huge grunts, so we raced him in and this time, he even went while reading a magazine.  Mommy cannot get over the fact that Cooper and I like to read in the office, just like Daddy :) 

Now, we obviously know that Cooper is not pooped trained, but it saves on a nasty mess.  We thought we would continue with this routine to see if he will continue to practice.  Why not!?!?

So, off to the yard I go.  If you hear a revving engine and see some tail lights, it's just me, being brave and having fun on my most wonderful toy ever~Happy New Year!