Surely this is not what the book store intended.

I don't know if anyone has noticed but this is certainly not "Ruddy's Blog" anymore. Alan has not touched this since he's moved on to bigger and better blogs! I, Christine, am considering some changes!

With Alan out of town for work this Saturday I challenged myself to do the impossible; I will take Rowan and Evangeline to a kids opera in Saratoga Springs at the Arts Center. I know that people do wonderful, amazing things everyday but today I am thrilled with our success in this small thing. It's a taste of us being a functioning family in society again.

The Three Little Pigs was opera presented by the Lake George Opera Co's Opera on the Go series, with music from the operas of Amadeus Mozart, performed by a wonderfully trained cast. Afterward, there was a question and answer session and a time for photos (above).

Rowan sat with his friend at the beginning and wiggled his way front row by the end of the 30 minute performance. The children were encouraged to sit close but really, Rowan, down in front!
Evangline is always along for the ride. Here she is just sitting around waiting for the show to begin. She enjoyed it just as much as everyone else.

We're outside everyday. I should say that we're outside everyday if the temperature is above 32 and it's not raining. Thankfully, the temperature has been above 32 quite a lot. As for the rain, as we leave winter and enter spring, it'll start soon. I might change my tune about rain if it means he'll enjoy stomping in the puddles. He's waterproof and his clothes are washable, right?

Snapshots like this give me a glimpse of Rowan growing up before my eyes.

There has been a lot of one-on-one time as mother and son during this winter season. There are many trying moments but they are out numbered by the moments that make my heart smile. I am in love with my son and I think he is an amazing boy. These are some of the funnier moments.
Rowan,
- hides in the corner of the bathroom next to the vanity so that he can suck on his training toothpaste.
- covers his eyes when he wants to be hidden.
- loves playing outside, even in the winter, with his wagon, dump truck, and shovels.
- wishes he could drink apple flavored Pedialyte even when he is not sick because he loves the taste of "sick juice".
- runs to the kitchen at the chance to work the food processor, blender, or coffee grinder.
- can be overheard saying "I've got a job to do" carrying his tools and pieces of wood.
- "fixes" everything around the house, most recently Evangeline's rocking horse and Leap Frog table.
- hands me a book to read out loud to him as he reads one out loud to himself.
- claps and says "Yeah!" when he goes potty, even in public restrooms.
- suavely coins phrases like, "hey guys let's go"!

Happy Valentine's Day

The kids had their friend's birthday party tonight and they both loved it! With a little direction Rowan jumped right into the 3 year old's games, restrained himself during the birthday girl's present opening, and got the birthday cake down just fine! It was a treat for us to watch Evangeline enjoy the evening too!

Even though January was cold we were out and about almost every day with no snow to hold us back. The YMCA, playgroups, the library, etc. Here's Rowan at the fab Children's Museum in Saratoga.
Construction time,Picking up dinner (he then loaded it up in the fire engine around the corner). As soon as we saw February everything (still, everything but the snow) kept us inside. It's been a week of sick germs and potty training and being between cars but we've been making the most of it.
Bath time in the sink,Rowan treating Eva to a ride in the new Sit n' Stand stroller,and other events unphotographed like laundry, cleaning, lots of pajama time, and napping whenever possible!

First Food

Evangeline likes the idea of it,......but she doesn't actually like it.

Evangeline sat up unassisted on her 6 month birthday. She is very proud of herself and continues to push the envelope of how far she can reach and stretch to get to her toys without falling over. Point in case, photo 3!

A little play time, a quiet morning at the lake house, with Daddy.

We pray that all of you had a blessed Christmas and are enjoying the excitement that a new year brings. We found ourselves immersed in Christmas tradition this December as we prepared gifts, baked and decorated cookies, traveled, and soaked up our time with family. Here's a little photo journey.

Baking Mocha Shortbread cookies with Mommy. Yes, it is 10:45 and he's still in his 'jammers. He loves to wear 'jammers.

"An early Christmas" morning at Lolly in Pops with special guests, cousin Reese and cousin Ellis.
Baby's First Christmas!
Candleight Dinner
Finishing off the day by opening up our stocking before bedtime.Popping Poppers on Christmas Eve. A wonderful celebration hosted by dear friends after our worship service.We were able to make it to Memme and Grandpa's at there new home in Virginia on Christmas night and in time to still celebrate with the entire family only one day late. Rowan enjoyed jumping into life with his grandparents and cousins. From left to right, Connor, Kyle, and Tyler.
Evangeline came out of her shell the longer we visited and really grew by the time we left. At Memme's she proved she can roll and spin to get to her toys and even rolled from her front to back for the first time!
We did it! A rare shot of all of us in the same photo! Pintos, Sr. Rudnicks, and Jr. Rudnicks. Now it's time to start all over again with a new year - how fun!