Max & His Best Friend Torre

When we came home from Russia, I didn't want to overwhelm Max with a dog on top of everything else that was new and exciting for him.  My friends were kind enough to keep our dog Torre at their house for a few days.  One night while Max was sleeping I went and got Torre.  Torre came into the house, went into his room, sniffed around, layed down and went to sleep.  She has been by his side ever since.  Torre is such a sweet and gentle animal; I knew she would be great with him, I didn't realize she would be by his side from the minute she met him.  She is truly a very special dog.  Here are a couple of pictures of the two of them together. 



Max and Torre playing hide-n-seek.



Occassionally we watch our friend's dog; her name is Abby.  'Abby' was one of Max's first words.  He called Torre Abby, he called the deer he saw in our backyard Abby, all animals were Abby.  Then he said his first two words together and they were 'bye bye Abby'.  From Abby he started calling Torre puppy, just recently he started calling Torre by her name, it needs a little work but Torre is no longer Abby.  Here are some pictures of Max, Torre and Abby.

Max starting to move in on Abby's bed.

Torre is always near by.

Abby gave in and let Max have her bed.

Max enjoying Abby's bed.

 

A Snow Storm for Halloween

On the day before Halloween we had a major snow storm in the tri-state area.  We got about ten inches of snow, trees were down, power was out for days and there was damage everywhere due to the weight of the snow.  Fortunately we were still able to enjoy Halloween.  Max loved Halloween, he loved getting dressed up and especially loved the candy people were giving him for no apparent reason.  I loved trying to get Max the cow to say Moo. 

Max had a very busy day.  In school there was a Halloween parade followed by lots of goodies for the kids.  After school we met some friends at the local mall where they had trick or treating for the kids.  Then, on our way home, we went to the local community center where they host a halloween party every year.  It was so well done and Max had a great time.  He played games and got candy, he danced and got candy, he smiled and got candy, I think you get the picture.  On our way home we stopped at a friends house so they could see his costume and of course they gave him more candy.  Then we came home and gave out candy to the trick or treaters, another new experience for Max which he thoroughly enjoyed.  Some pictures from our Halloween excursions.



Ths snow storm on October 30th.





The Halloween parade at school, Max is the cow leading the way.



Enjoying the goodies after the parade.

Apple Picking

We went apple picking twice this fall.  Max enjoyed picking apples, running around the maze, picnicking in the apple orchard, playing with friends and eating the apples.  Unfortunately I lost the pictures from the first apple picking trip because the card in the camera went bad.  Here's a few pictures from our second apple picking excursion. 

Max enjoying walking around the apple orchard.

Max, did you pay for that apple?

Max and his friends at the apple orchard.

Max finally found a dog smaller than him!

Now it's time to pick some pumpkins.

Time to rest after all that apple and pumpkim picking.

Renissance Faire

The summer Max and I experienced a lot of new things together.  One of them was the New York Renissance Faire.  It was a very hot day but Max took it in and enjoyed all of the new experiences.  While we were there Max got to see his Aunt Maria who works at the faire and our friend Lorraine.  We also took a ride on a camel, played some arcade games, watched a bird show and enjoyed ice cream. 

At the bird show, Max loved watching the birds fly.

Max was determined to fish out a duck, success!

Getting ready for a camel ride.

Max wondering why someone else is on our camel....

Here is a link to the Renissance Faire web site for those who might be interested: http://renfair.com/ny/

Family Day

Max attends Strawberry Day Care.  They had a family day which was very similiar to a carnival for the kids.  Some of the kids put in shows, there was food, games and a bouncy house.  Everyone had a lot of fun.  Max loved the performances by the older kids; he was fascinated by them.  At one point he stood up and started to do the dances they were doing, it was great fun to watch. 

Max enjoying the show and joining in.

Max in the bouncy house.

Animals... Up Close

Andrew Simmons, a wildlife expert was doing a show locally so we went to see the animals.  I think Max really enjoyed seeing the animals; we were so close to them that he sat very still and took it all in.   After the show they did a raffle and Max won the 'medium' tiger, good thing he didn't win the big one, it was bigger than him!  

Here's a few pictures from the show.

An eagle.

An owl, I think we woke him!

I don't remember if Mr. Simmons said this was a crocodile or an alligator, I do remember that he said it had a bad attitude!  He was hissing at us.  

This lizard needs a manicure!  He was actually in captivity becasue one of his claws was broken.

 Mr. Simmons holding a big python!  He tried to feed the snake in front of us, but he wouldn't eat.

A four month old lion cub.

Max with his tiger.

Random Thoughts & Pictures

Max is home a little more than 3 ½ months now.  This Sunday when we were in Church I was watching him; he seems to be a completely different child than when we got home. 

To me, Max looks so much healthier now; his hair has come in nicely, I know he’s gained some weight and according to the growth chart in his room he’s grown a little bit too.  We go back to the doctor in the end of September for the official measurements. 

His adjustment has been amazing, he adapts well to every new situation, he loves people and he loves to go places.  He is happy, affectionate and excited to see me and the people in our lives that he has come to know and love. 

That’s not to say that he’s been all fun, remember, Max is 2 ½ years old and the terrible two’s definitely have a place in my house!  Max is very strong willed, he has opinions and he tries to express them often.  I know it’s really good that he is confident enough and trusts me enough to act like a typical two year old; he’s exhausting and challenging at times, as he should be. 

Remember, this post is titled ‘random thoughts….. 

I love thunder storms, I always have.  There is a peacefulness about them that I just love.  Max has given me another reason to love thunder storms, he’s afraid of the noise.  When he hears thunder and lightening, he comes running to me and he stays cuddled up in my arms hugging me tightly until the storm passes, nothing better than that! 

Here are a few pictures from the past few weeks.

In church waiting to be Baptized.

Riding my favorite 'Wiggles' car in the driveway. 

Max in the pool, he's a sytlish guy, he always wears his shades!

We celebrated Max being home for three months with a cake and friends!