Little Helper

Carter loves to help with projects.  When we started pulling our carpet upstairs to start a big project, he was right there to lend a hand.  His help only last so long, but we will take whatever help we can get.

This Kid

Mini Photographer

Carter's knowledge of how our cell phones work and how to get to various things on the phone is amazing.  It is pretty much standard for any kid now days, but it is crazy how fast they pick it up.

Regularly, after Carter has had one of our phones, Scott and I will find random pictures that Carter has taken.  This is one I found on my phone, and is a true depiction of one of the things he cherishes most in life.

Dentist Regular

This kid does so great at the dentist.

Practicing

We have been practicing with Carter writing his name and he is getting better every day.

Stock Show Time

We took Carter to the Stock Show again this year.  We walked around and checked out the petting zoo, the livestock and then watched the rodeo.  We forgot how long the rodeo lasts, but Carter still enjoyed it. They should really make the kids designated rodeo a little bit shorter...in my opinion.

Extended Family

The Maresh extended side of the family was able to get together one night for dinner.  Most of them live in Denver and we see them sporadically, but some of the family members that live in California were in town and we were able to see them as well.  These are Scott's second or third cousins (Grandma Ann's first cousins).

Gary, and his wife Sheridith, were in from California.  They also brought one of their daughters, Hannah, and her son, Jaxson.  Jaxson and Carter are about the same age and were fast friends.

It was a great little get together and meant a lot for everyone to spend time with each other.  Sadly, two of the four cousins, Gary and Nancy, died within a month of everyone getting together.  Nancy from cancer and Gary unexpectedly from a heart attack while they were in town.  It makes you realize how fast things can change in life and to treasure your loved ones that much more.  

Highlights

Carter loves his Highlights subscription that Pa Tom and Grandma Ann got for him.  He gets so excited when they come in the mail.  He has to read them right away.

Christmas Continues

Even though we got back to Denver on the 2nd, we still had more Christmas to do at home.  He had presents to open from Pa Tom and Grandma Ann and we still needed to do Christmas with the Denver crowd.

We met all the Denver family for lunch on Saturday and Carter was excited to have Christmas again. He wants for nothing.  He got a new cowboy hat, remote control cars, fort building stuff, and a lot more.  He is one lucky kid!

I am pretty sure this look is going to cause me heartburn for many years.

A Week with No Parents

While we were in Mexico, Carter stayed in Kansas City.  He was so excited to have a week there with everyone.  It is wonderful to travel and not be worried about whether he is okay or not.  In fact, I think he would have stayed longer if we would have let him.  He got some great time with everyone, including the Berners, who came in from Texas after Christmas. 

He LOVED spending time with Audrey and Ella.  They went to the giant bug exhibit.

He got some movie time with Pa Joe.

Aunt Tasha and Uncle Trevor arranged for him to get some private horseback riding time.  Trevor's aunt was so nice to let him come up and ride.  Carter's face is the best.  He appears pretty proud of himself.

He was also catered to with bandaids and blankets to snuggle and relax at night.  We are told he needed this bandaid on his head because he bumped it on his blanket.  Blankets are apparently pretty dangerous.  He also wouldn't let anyone take it off for a couple days.

It was a long drive back home and none of us wanted vacation to end.