Elliott

Elliott is such a joy in our family. Since we've gotten a little behind on blogging, I'm going to focus mainly on the things Elliott was doing last year, even though his personality is constantly developing. I just want to remember a little about what he was like as a 1-2 year old, and I'll add more recent photos soon.

He speaks with a growl and likes to make grunting noises. He's done this since he was a baby, and it's just kind of how his voice is now. He sometimes speaks in a high little voice, and sometimes a growl.

He has become attached to small items and usually has something in his hand. He goes through phases of being attached to a toy, usually until he brings it somewhere and loses it, and then he finds another to hold. For a long time, it was a toy cookie, toy shark, and toy lion. I think all of those have been lost now.

He loves making people laugh by funny faces or noises. He also loves scaring them and getting a reaction.

One of his trademark phrases is whenever he sees a bug (or fake bug), he gets a fake scared face and says "Oh no! A bug!" It's become a household quote. But also, he actually is scared of bugs and keeps his distance when there's a real one around.

He put his claim on a toy bug in nursery, and always wanted to hold it. As soon as we brought him in, his leaders would find it for him to try to avoid the tears when we dropped him off.

He was very nervous around animals and would cry and scream if a dog got too close. 

When the boys play together, Elliott is often the monster chasing the other two, and he loves it.

For a while last year, probably age 15-18 months or so, the twins were each a little more attached to one of us. Truman always wanted Daddy and Elliott always wanted Mommy. Since then, they seem to like us more equally, but that was just how they were at the time.

Last spring, the twins learned how to hang, and have been doing it every chance they get since.

Cute boy at the Point Defiance beach

He really insisted on holding onto the whole block of cheese one day, and I chose my battles.

Running on the beach with Grandma Grothaus

Elliott plays really well with Collin, and the two of them crack each other up.

Checking out the fish at the aquarium

This was from feeding the ducks one day. He was more interested in just running.

Scholz Farms pumpkin patch

Birthday pancakes!

Elliott got really into opening presents and blowing out his candles. He had the time of his life on his birthday!

Oh no! A bug! We had to get him one for his birthday, and he would just crack up at people's reactions when he scared them with it.

Yes, he took this children's tylenol bottle on our walk because he decided to cling to it that day.  Another moment of choosing battles.

Making a scary face in Ikea.

This was taken at Spooner Farms pumpkin patch

Most of our pictures have a little blur. Busy boy!

He is a pro at getting into things, especially makeup!

So excited to make a gingerbread house!