Sweet dreams.

We have been super spoiled this week, as Reid has decided to sleep through the night for the last 4 nights! The first night we thought it was a fluke, the second night that it was luck, etc. but we would be far too lucky if this continues. Now on the flip side, he does get a little cranky in the evenings and eats A LOT so he's pretty much tanking up for a long night's sleep. He wakes up fairly happy and hungry in the morning bright and early at 5 a.m., but that's been a good way for mom to rise and shine and get things done! Cross your fingers that this continues ... and that we didn't just jinx it by blogging about it! Ha!

New developments for the Greeks.

As you may know, we both have been involved in advisory roles at our sorority and fraternity chapters at ASU for the past several years. We recently have switched gears a bit with our commitments ... still involved just in different capacities. Scott will be heading up a committee to look at housing for the Delta Upsilon chapter, which currently does not have formal housing on the ASU campus. Jami is finishing up her second year as Advisory Board Chair for Kappa Alpha Theta and is trading in her hat for a new one in Theta land. She recently was appointed as the Director of Risk Management for District 7, which includes 15 schools in Southern California, Arizona, and Nevada. We both still very much enjoy these volunteer opportunities, but there are times when we feel very old compared to when we were in school! Keeps us up on the changing times!!

Sting Ray Bay.

Today's playgroup outing was to the zoo to check out the new exhibit Sting Ray Bay. The kiddos enjoyed rolling up their sleeves and sticking their hands in the water to touch the sting rays (yes, this was what they were supposed to be doing and they weren't breaking any rules -- it was all safe as their barbs were removed).

Bathtime with the boys.

The other evening we decided to put the boys in the tub together for bathtime. Luke was in the regular tub and Reid in his baby tub inside the regular tub. Luke provided the entertainment by singing the theme song of "Blue's Clues" while splashing around. This picture shows what Reid thought of the whole event ... it was a hair-raising experience!!

The trials of taking a family photo...

We recently attempted to take some family photos in the backyard to use for our Christmas cards. It was a major feat to get everyone looking pleasant and at the camera. This photos says it all! (This was not staged but rather real life. No stunt actors were used.)

Chilly Willies.

It's been a little colder here lately so the boys had to bust out their hats one day. Luke loves to wear hats, but Reid could take it or leave it sometimes.

Guy Smiley.

Check out the live action footage of the littlest Leahy smiling!

A day out with the fam...

With Jami's family in town, we've been enjoying showing them the sights. Today we ventured out for breakfast at the Farm at South Mountain. It was delish! Afterward, we headed over to Rawhide (an old Wild West town) to see what kind of trouble we could rustle up. Here are a few photos from the morning.

The fam at the Farm.

Luke is serious business about covered wagons.

Just one of the guys.

Gobble, gobble.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Leahy Family! For Turkey Day, we hosted a whole flock of family members for the big meal -- Grandma and Grandpa Nelson, Briana and Craig, and Eric and Charity.

Reid, the littlest gobbler, enjoys his Thanksgiving meal.

Here's the family ready for a feast. (A few family members didn't make the photo ... Luke was having a little tantrum in his room, Reid was asleep in the swing, and Jami was taking the photo.) But this thankful crew is ready to dig in!

Polar Express.

On Friday, we took a road trip north to Williams, Arizona, to ride the Polar Express Train on the Grand Canyon Railway. Seven of our playgroup families made the trek, and it was a great way to kick off the holiday season! Here are a few fun pics from the adventure. Luke loved being around so many trains, and Reid was a champ on his first big trip!

Nothing puts you in the holiday spirit faster than seeing a beautiful Christmas tree ... unless you are Reid and are tired of wearing a hat!

All aboard! Time to get on the train!

The boys show off their PJs! Just like in the movie, all the kids (and even some adults) wore their pajamas on the train.

Giddyup!

When he was just a little buckaroo, Luke received this pony from Great Uncle Max. (Yes, it's more of a zebra with a saddle on it.) He recently has been riding the bucking bronco a bit more. He also uses it as a stepstool to climb up on things, which is usually preceded by the phrase, "Need help. Gotta go get the pony!" He's kind of a surfer cowboy in this video with his "beach shirt" as he calls it. You'll hear Reid crying in the background at the end. Perhaps he's jealous that he can't ride the pony yet!

Smilin' Reid.

Look who is starting to smile! This week Reid has started to respond more to us with smiles and sounds like a giggle. What a fun first milestone!

Sitting up is serious business.

Reid is getting closer and closer to being able to sit in his Bumbo seat.

Wonderful Weekend.

We enjoyed a great weekend and are really getting into the swing of things as a family of four! On Friday night, we went to the drive-in movie theater to see the kid's flick "Flushed Away." On Saturday, Mom and Dad both enjoyed a little alone time with the boys. Jami had to do a little 'continuing education' on Saturday morning by attending driving school to dismiss a speeding ticket she got right before Reid was born, so the Leahy boys hung out in the morning. Then Dad took off for Poker Night with the guys on Saturday night, so Mom and the boys got Pei Wei take-out and had a picnic at home. On Sunday morning, we headed to the Farm at South Mountain for breakfast. It's a quaint collection of organic eateries, farms, a pecan grove, and little shops. What a great morning out with the family! Then we attended a birthday party for some playgroup friends at The Little Gym in the afternoon, and Luke honed his skills on the balance beam!

Leahy boys then and now.

Thought it would be fun to look at a baby pic of Luke next to one of Reid. Here's a 'head-to-head' comparison. Both of these photos were taken at about 3 weeks of age. It's fun to look at the similarities and differences!

Yeehaw Yawn

It looks like our lil' buckaroo is saying "Yeehaw." Too bad he's actually just yawning. The Wild West better look out!

Campout!

We decided to have our first Leahy family campout in the backyard last night. Eric and Charity joined us for making s'mores over the toasty fire (courtesy of the grill). Scott and Luke braved the cool evening temperatures and the wildlife in our backyard (our neighbor's cat) to spend the night outside in the tent, which could be considered a 1 1/2 man tent because it was a little short and Scott had to sleep with his feet sticking out the door! Jami and Reid stayed nice and cozy indoors. This is likely to be the first of many backyard camping adventures ... Luke loved it!

Happy 3 weeks, Reid!

The keen observer.

Luke is adjusting quite well to having Reid around. He often has some funny responses and observations. Here are just a few:

- "He's AWAKE!" Luke keeps a keen watch on when lil' bro's eyes are open. Now that Reid's getting a little more alert which means he's awake for longer stretches, the frequency of this phrase coming from Luke has proportionately increased ... as has the volume, too! He's so excited!
- "He's kinda loud." This phrase is accompanied by the action of Luke sticking his fingers in his ears to block out the sound if Reid is crying. Commonly used when riding in the backseat of the car with little brother.
- "His hair is soft." Perhaps Luke is jealous because he didn't have as much hair as Reid does now until well after Luke turned one.