Alaska

In late February, Ra and TJ visited friends in Alaska. Highlights included visits to an aquarium, a water park and a few days in a remote cabin.



TJ at his first aquarium.


Making friends...


As fascinating as the seals and other aquatic life may have been, this nightlight in the corner held TJ's attention even more firmly.


Crab attack!


TJ and Zaiden outside the Anchorage aquarium.





Zaiden and TJ are packed for the cabin.


Ready for a sleepytime story.


TJ, Ra and Zaiden hanging out at the cabin.


Time for a hike at the cabin.


Sleeping hiker.


Snowstuck.


Matching jammers!




Anchorage water park.


Another, albeit smaller water park in Anchorage.

Catching Up - Bouldering and Hiking

I've been working through what seem to be the last of my computer woes, so it's definitely time to catch up on my TJ blog updates. The goal is to post about a month of his delayed activity weekly until we're caught up with current happenings. Here is the start of that...



TJ and Shiv prepare for a climbing session at The Circuit Bouldering Gym.


TJ earns his climbing time with some light cleaning around the gym.


This kid knows what to do.


Auntie Chelesa is TJ's primary climbing coach and spotter.



TJ shows off sticks collected during a hike in Forest Park.


Coming next ... Ra and TJ's visit to Alaska in late February!

Skijouring

Although TJ doesn't make an appearance, this family outing was a fun adventure for everyone. (We have witnesses who will attest to the fact that TJ was indeed riding along in the Chariot trailer.)



We've been excited to try skijouring ever since we got Oz, and he turned out to be a serious pulling machine, pulling both JT and TJ up even the steepest inclines practically all by himself. (Note that Olive's lead is often slack, clearly showing that she's just trotting along while Oz does all of the work.)

First Birthday & G-Ma Visit

Computer issues have delayed our regular updates, but we have them somewhat under control. With this gizmo stable, we'll share our long-overdue first birthday weekend pictures!



Captivated by balloons.


Nifty gifties!


Xy-la-ma-phone!


Carrot cake cupcakes courtesy of Ra-Mama.


Obligatory finger-mashed mess photo.



While G-ma was visiting for the big party, we took her on our family's favorite hike in Forest Park.


TJ packed.


JT with stick.
Instead of walking long distances or quickly to tire our mutts, we just toss sticks into the woods and let the pups trample down to fetch them. Well, Olive fetches, and Oz plays defense.


Family photo with G-ma.


G-Ma and her baby boy.



...and a few days after the festivities, we unboxed the biggest gift, a train from Aunts Carrie and Amanda.


TJ was very interested in every step of the unboxing process.


Big yellow box. What could it be?


TJ caught on to the push toy part of the train immediately.


Riding is still a bit of a challenge until he grows a bit more, but he loves pushing the train around the room and inserting and removing blocks from the seat compartment.

December and January Highlights

Just a collection of goodness from the last month and a half...



A few minutes into the New Year!



Bath time's favorite toys, the stacking rings.


Classic soap face.


TJ ponders the possibilities of a career in the plumbing trade.



Messy eating is the bestest eating.



I wanna rock!


No, really, I have a rock. Look.



Family holiday photo (in January, just before the end of our holiday decoration period.)



TJ and JT guitar practice.


Coming soon...
first birthday party
and
the highly internationally anticipated conclusion of
The TJ Evolution Weekly Couch Video.

Kucious & Christmas Day

Energizing for the weekend.



The master of events surveys the situation.



Goofing with dad.



Storytime break... this was a picture book of TJ's first year for Grandma Biciunas.



TJ was enthralled by his cousins Julia and Chelsea.
He toddled around, following them with admiration all weekend.



As you know, TJ is a huge fan of his pup Olive...



...but he's still uncertain about the big blue dog.



Christmas morning stockings were highlighted by some sweet wool footies.



Piano duet with Aunt Wendy.



Cousins Julia and Chelsea constructed a fort.



TJ whets his appetite for destruction.



Once the fort was down, playing with the structural straws was an unanticipated bonus!



TJ is overwhelmed by the wonder that is structural engineering.



TJ messing around with Aunt Rasa.



Biciunas family Kucious & Christmas concludes with a sun break photo op.