Life and Times of Cole Plaster

Cole participated in the Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Creative Dance Camp last week. On Monday, he brought home the lyrics to It’s Gonna Be a Bright Sunshiny Day.” On Tuesday, he brought home a script in which he had four lines. At camp, they worked on the routines to the songs and did art projects. Cole made two suns, a rainbow, and a cloud with raindrops for his routine to “Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head.”

On show day Cole was a bit shy. Luckily, it wasn’t a repeat of Aunt Jillian’s wedding where he refused to walk down the aisle. Here’s a video of the highlight of the performance for me: Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head.

Coleman was excited about his trip to Mississippi for months. Not only was he happy about seeing Pop and Madi, but he was also excited about all the fun things he was going to do. I kept telling him it was going to be like camp. He met Pop and Madi in the Atlanta airport on Sunday, June 27 and flew back to Vegas on July 7. I asked Cole last night - What was the best thing about staying with Pop and Madi? He said “the spanking was not good. Pop spanked me, then I spanked him back, then Pop spanked me back.” And then I said, what was the BEST thing about staying with Pop and Madi? And he said “swimming!” Overall, Cole became a better swimmer and learned that spankings are “bad.” Quick learner!

I wasn’t kidding when I said that Mississippi was like camp. Cole swam twice a day, went kayaking, went fishing, fed fish off of Pop’s pier, painted pictures, went to the Birmingham zoo and generally had a good ole time!

THANK YOU Pop and Madi for taking such good care of Coleman while we were on vacation! We owe you big time!

Cole’s new favorite show is Handy Manny where Manny fixes things with the help of his tool friends. “You break it, we fix it” is his motto. The only tool that is readily available to Cole is a screwdriver. He looks for screws around the house and says “I want to screw somethin.” It’s pretty darn funny.

Cole had his 7th swim lesson today and floated on his back for the first time without assistance. He loves swim lessons. Overall, the kid is really, really happy. Even at gymnastics, Brian notices that Cole is the happiest kid there. When I look into Cole’s smiling face, I pray that he’ll always be as happy as he is now. (I’m hoping that Brian and I don’t “screw” it up.)

We went to see Matt Pynch do his karate class recital. Pynch tried to teach Cole some karate after it was over. Check out the video.

Cole before his hike at Lake Mead.

Cole went to the toy store twice last week, once with Grandma Wendy and once with us (what were we thinking?). Then Grandma brought over more toys last night. Cole loves his ice cream, cones and scoops. Unfortunately, Gabby loves them too, and I actually had to put them away after Cole knocked her upside the head. This picture was taken before that occurred.

I look at this picture and at how big he’s gotten, and I actually CAN believe he starts the Beginning School in 2 months.

Cole is a little parrot. We should probably be watching our words a lot more closely when he’s around, but as Cole once reminded us, we’re “idiots!” The other day Gabby’s mood changed quickly, and I said “psycho Gabby,” and then Cole said “psycho Mommy.” Nice. He’s also been pretending to be Wall-E lately, and he’s still obsessed with all things Cars.

Cole is also very fond of saying “I think so” or “I don’t think so.” He likes using these phrases more than “yes” or “no.” At first I wondered who he picked this up from, and then I noticed that we all say it. Interesting.
Even though his sister is usually an annoyance, he doesn’t mind taking a bath with her every once in a while.

Cole loves riding his Lightning car around the house while Gabby chases him. Unfortunately, Gabby chasing him means one of us bent over pushing her. I usually don’t last longer than 5 minutes.

We went to the Boulder City Fine Arts Festival in mid-April. Cole enjoyed himself, but is becoming more difficult when it’s picture time. It’s rare that he looks at the camera.

He looked at the camera for this shot only because I threatened to take away his snow cone.

We celebrated Mother’s Day at Postrio. Coleman was very excited to eat his favorite food - pizza.

Can you see how much he likes pizza?

Cole and Daddy pose in front of the fountain at the Palazzo.

When we got home, I took a video of Cole because it’d been a while since I posted video of him on this blog.

Cole went to an event called Touch a Truck a few weeks ago. Over 90 trucks were brought to the Orleans parking lot, and kids were allowed to climb all over them as well as honk the horn (to prevent hearing loss in your child, you could purchase ear plugs for $1). Below are two of the many vehicles that Cole explored.

A bus (Brian’s first word was bus)

A race car (hopefully this will be the last time he sits in one of these)

A rare photo of Coleman with his sister, who he occasionally likes to abuse. Cole actually gave her a black eye a few weeks ago. He said “She hit me first,” which could be true since she likes swatting at him when he snatches things out of her hands. I didn’t let him watch his customary hour of tv after work that day, and he acted like I’d cut off an appendage. Then the next day I explained that the next time Gabby makes him made, he should just “walk away.” Cole said “where do I go?” And I said “Wherever you want. Just walk away from her.” I wish I could say that he never hit her again, but I’d be a liar.

Cole loves birthdays. He doesn’t care whose birthday its is as long as he gets cake. We pulled out the plates from his birthday party so he could eat one of Gabby’s cupcakes.

Cole also loves the Easter bunny. Cole often says “I love” when describing something he really likes. He also says “I’m so excited” when he’s happy about something and ” they’re/it’s beautiful” when describing flowers, the sunset, etc.

We had an egg hunt at the house so Cole could get some practice before going to the Country Club’s egg hunt. At the Country Club, he ran past at least 10 eggs before he started picking them up. I think he was just looking for the perfect spot.

Daddy enjoys his children and his backyard.

Cole had his first experience with a balloon artist during Easter brunch. She made him a motorcycle. Here he is showing it to Grandma.

Cole has been saying some really funny stuff lately. I wish I was better at writing it all down. I have a few nuggets, though.

When buttering me up - “I don’t like Daddy. He’s not my friend. You are my friend because you are a lady.”

When hoping I’ll make rice krispie treats like Jillian and Ian - “Oh Mommy, I love rice krispies and marshmallows. Will you make them sometimes?”

After some coaching from Mommy - “Gabby is going to be my best friend when I am older.”

More to come . . .

Cole loves it when Gabby is pushed on her ice cream truck, chasing him around the house. This is from the Super Bowl, which makes me realize that I’m really getting lazy about updating this blog. Both are wearing their Saints gear that Uncle Paul scored for them. The onesie was for Cole when he was a baby. The bigger jersey was accidentally sent to us at that time, but we figured it’d get some use when Cole is older (obviously we didn’t do the right thing and send it back.

While Daddy was in Vail all weekend, Mommy tried to do something fun with the kids. Here we are at the Bellagio checking out their spring garden. Cole loved it, and said “Mommy, this is fun!”

The lighting wasn’t great for taking pictures, but Cole didn’t really care.

We went hiking on Sunday for the first time since our road trip in August, and Cole was so excited. He actually said “I’m so excited” as we got ready to head down the trail. He didn’t show signs of losing steam until at least three-fourths of a mile in. He probably hiked at least two miles total and even ran part of the way. Brian and I were very impressed.

We hiked to a creek, and Cole decided it was rock throwing time. Here he is on his way for more rocks.

Somewhat unorganized family photo.

Cole loves his Daddy.

Before we went on a hike, I got some decent video of Cole as Brian picked up coffee and smoothies.

Video: Cole Reminisces about his Birthday

Cole finally likes to wear hats. The Lightning McQueen hat is courtesy of Pop and Madi.
Cole has been loving his swingset. I guess we are lucky that he isn’t interested in swinging in the baby swing anymore.

Coleman had a big party for his third birthday. Grandma Wendy and Grandpa Richard bought a swing set/playground for the backyard, and we had 11 children (not counting Cole and Gabby) at our house to celebrate. Cole allowed everyone to play with his toys and even got a surprise visit from Mickey Mouse (Jenica)! The menu consisted of Brian’s pulled pork and my mac and cheese, spinach salad and baked beans. Aunt Jillian made baked chicken fingers and a yogurt sauce for fruit that we skewered on stirrers. (We made sure no one poked his eye out on a real skewer!) I didn’t take any pictures, but Aunt Mari did. When she has a chance to send them, I’ll post them. I think the highlight of the day was when we all sang Happy Birthday. He loved it.
Cole’s Lightning McQueen Cake.

Cole helping Daddy blow up balloons.

Cole and me after the party.

Uncle Paul made the trip out for New Years. Paul seemed to be thoroughly entertained by Coleman, who is still quite fond of calling Brian and me idiots.

Cole occasionally graces his sister with his pleasant attitude. Here he is actually sharing Gabby’s toy with her. One thing he’s been doing lately goes like this. Gabby says “Ga ga,” and Cole says “Ga ga’s not here!” Then Gabby will say “Ah.” Cole will say “Ah’s not here!” He’s picked up on the fact that we think this interaction is hilarious.

Coleman’s third Christmas was a lot of fun because now he has a better understanding of what Christmas is about. He heard the story of Baby Jesus a few times, but probably has a better understanding of Santa since Santa produces real results.
Coleman amazes us every day with the words that come out of his mouth. I wish I could remember one good story, and since I can’t, I’m thinking I may need to start righting them down.

Cole’s big present from Santa was a blue truck that he can drive. Santa was silly to bring it into the house since it’s really an outside toy. Our vacant lot next door is perfect for Cole to perfect his driving skills.

I have a wonderful moment holding my two babies, who by the way didn’t wake up until after 7:00 a.m.

Video: Coleman gets Buzz from Santa

Video: Coleman looks in his stocking
Cole got a firetruck that will pump real water. We haven’t actually told him that it can do this yet.

Coleman loved helping everyone open their presents at Grandma Wendy’s.

See what a big helper he is? (Thank you Mari for taking such great pictures!)

Coleman shows some love to Granny Gigi.