Christmas in Indiana

Ryan and I were excited that we could make it back to Indiana for Christmas this year. Alan and Melissa drove down from Chicago to spend the weekend with us. Here are some pictures we took of the boys.



We also had a fun afternoon at Mike and Kim's house to celebrate Christmas with all of the Hiatts. It was great spending time with my family and watching the kids open their presents.

Happy Early 2nd Birthday Carson!

We had a very fun and busy week in Indiana! We arrived at midnight Christmas Eve and drove back to NJ on New Years Eve. We were busy visiting friends and family, moving out of our Fishers home and taking care of last minute things before the new owners closed on our house. While we were in Fishers, we decided to have an early birthday party with some neighbors. We gathered at Pizza Hut. The adults had fun chatting while the kids got to wear their Thomas the Train Engine hats. Here are lots of pictures from our little celebration.

Fried Hotdogs?!?!?!?!

I don't mean for Carson blog to turn into a food blog but I do have to tell you all about the restaurant we ate at last night. It's called Rutt's Hut in Clifton NJ. They were showcased on the Travel Channel about a month ago for their famous fried hot dogs.



Once inside, we were a bit surprised to see no tables to sit at. Only long tables to stand at while you eat your dogs.



Once we got our order we headed out to the car to eat our meal. The hot dogs were fabulous! Each hot dog or "ripper" is deep-fried in vegetable oil, which makes the outside skin rip open when fried. The result is a crispy outside layer and a soft, juicy middle. If you are ever in the area, I would definitely recommend Rutt's Hut!



NO. All the hotdogs in this picture were not just for me! =)



To our friends and family...watch out! The next time you see us we may have gained some weight with all this good food in New Jersey! hahaha

Bath Time!

Holiday Cookies...the quick way

Carson and I had to cheat a bit while doing some holiday baking today. All of my cookie cutters and gadgets are still at our home in Indiana so we had to take a shortcut today...Ready To Bake Cookies! Doesn't get any easier than that! =)



Here's a video of Carson helping out with the cookies:

Holiday Baking from Ryan Chan on Vimeo.

Chef Carson

I thought I would share my love for cooking with Carson tonight... so we made a pizza! Here's how it went...

Climbing, Riding, and Burning off Energy

We have officially been in New Jersey for 1 week and 1 day now. The first couple of nights were difficult putting Carson down for bed but he has since then adjusted well and is back to his normal self. We only brought a small amount of toys to keep in our 1 bedroom apartment so I thought it was time to find an indoor playground. Somewhere to let Carson run around and burn off some energy. We drove about 20 minutes to Rockaway, NJ this morning to a place called Giggles Play Station. We were there from 10am-noon and were the only ones there! We had the entire place to ourselves. (So much for trying to meet new friends! =) Carson had a blast! Here are some pictures and videos from today.



Here's a video of Carson driving a bulldozer and figuring out all the controls. Maybe he can help Grandpa on the farm next summer. =)


Driving a Bulldozer from Ryan Chan on Vimeo.

Here's a video of Carson climbing up part of the jungle gym. He LOVES climbing and going down big slides!


Jungle Gym from Ryan Chan on Vimeo.

Elmo

Carson's new best friend is Elmo (since Peighton no longer lives across the street from us). Carson will play with Elmo a lot throughout the day. Today I caught Carson trying to share his juice with Elmo so I thought I'd get it on video.


Thirsty Elmo from Ryan Chan on Vimeo.

Ho Ho Ho

Carson and I checked out the Willowbrook Mall this morning so we could get outside. While we were strolling about the mall we came across Santa Claus. Carson has never sat on Santa's lap before so I thought what the heck, let's give it a try. He did really well and enjoyed sitting on his lap. Here's a picture to capture the moment.

Cuban Pete's

Carson (and Kathie) had their first Cuban food last night. We drove to Montclair, NJ to enjoy some Cuban Pete's and boy was it tasty!!! Some of the best food we've ever had. Ryan had flank steak and Kathie had crispy shredded beef with onions and lime. On the side were black beans, rice, and plantains. Carson enjoyed the food just as much and munched on a little bit of everything. Here's a picture of the restaurant.

Playing with Shoes

Say Shoe from Ryan Chan on Vimeo.



Big Black Shoes from Ryan Chan on Vimeo.

Making Pizza

We went over to our friend, Peighton's house tonight and made pizza for dinner. This was Carson's first time helping out in the kitchen but they did such a great job. The pizza was delicious!!! Good job Peighton and Carson!

Little Olympian???

Who knows...maybe he will be in the Olympics 16-20 years from now. I just thought this picture was cute so I thought I would post it.

Happy Halloween!

We went Trick or Treating with my brother and sister-in-law last night. Here's a picture of Tori, Johnna, and Carson...or should I say Pooh, a clown, and a monkey!

My first trip to New Jersey

We were in New Jersey Monday thru Thursday doing some house-hunting. This was Carson's (and Kathie's) first time there.

We had just left the realtor's office Tuesday afternoon (they had given him one of those ring pops) and Carson was so exhausted that he fell asleep in the car before we even left the parking lot! It looks like a pacifier but really it's just a sucker.



We drove to New York City 2 times during our trip. Here are some pictures from Central Park.

A Beautiful Fall Day at the Park

We went to Holliday Park last Saturday while Jeff and Kelli were in town visiting from Arizona. Here are some pictures of Carson...

It's Official...

The Chans are moving to New Jersey!!! Our house went on the market yesterday and they put the sign in our yard this morning. We are going to miss everyone SO MUCH!!! But we are excited about this new adventure for our family and all the new things to see and do. We will come back to visit often and you can always check this blog to see how Carson is growing!

Playdate

Carson had a playdate over at our neighbor's house this morning. We looked over and Collin was sitting on Carson's lap in the car and Peighton was pushing. It was so funny and luckily we got it on camera!

Fire Truck Cookies

Tomorrow is our annual MOMS Club Open House. The Fishers Fire Department is going to be there to talk about fire safety. They are also bringing one of their fire trucks for the kids to see! This morning I made some fire truck cookies for the occasion. Catherine and Everett came over to lend a hand.

Bike Ride

Ryan and Justin took the boys on a bike ride today. Here are some pictures from the Monon Trail:

Don't tell Daddy...

Here's a video of Carson just playing around this afternoon.
Sorry - you will have to turn your computer sideways to watch. (I forgot you can't flip a video like you can a picture!)


Don't tell Daddy... from Ryan Chan on Vimeo.

Snack Time

We went to a Farmers Market yesterday and bought some fresh fruits and veggies. Carson is really into dipping things now so I thought I'd see if he would eat peppers for his afternoon snack. He loved them - especially dipped in Ranch dressing!

All Ready for Church

Here's a picture of Carson...all ready for church this morning.



Here's a picture of Carson...saying "CHEESE" to the camera!

Coloring

Carson had his 2nd day of "school" today. Once again, he rushed off to play with toys when I dropped him off so I barely got the chance to kiss him goodbye. However, when I went to pick him up this afternoon he was full of tears. Apparently some of the other mommies had already picked up their children (a little early) and so when Carson saw others leaving and didn't see me, he got a little upset. Here's a picture he colored today...

From Carson's Artwork

Playground Pictures

Ryan and I babysat Aidan and Everett tonight. We loaded up the boys in the wagon and stroller and took them to our neighborhood playground. Here are some pictures of them playing...

Carson's First Day of "School"

Ok...so it's not really school, but Carson started a Parents Day Out program at a local church. It's every Tuesday for 4 hours. It's a great way for him to learn to share with other kids and to have some time away from me. When I dropped him off this morning, I barely had a chance to kiss him goodbye as he rushed off to play with toys! I'm sure he is going to love this program, as am I. OK....now I am off to get as many things done in 4 hours that I possibly can...Doctor's Appt, Laundry, Shopping, blah, blah, blah!

Carson and Ethan

Today we took the boys to Holliday Park to let them run around and take some pictures. It was such a beautiful day outside and the boys really enjoyed playing with each other.

Zoo and Sandbox

Alan and Melissa are in town visiting this weekend. This morning we met Justin and Catherine at the Indianapolis Zoo. Here are a few pictures from our trip.



This evening Carson got to play in his new-used sandbox for the first time. He loved it...but Ryan and I aren't so sure we like it yet. It's awful messy! =)

Boys Day Out

Yesterday we took the boys to the zoo! It was fun showing them all the different animals and hearing them say some of the noises that animals make. Teague and Will live right down the street from us and they are all within a month or two of age.
(You can see the polar bear in the background.)




This picture shows baby Brock too. There were four boys in all!

Carson's 18 Month pictures....a little late.

Here are some pictures of Carson at 19 months. These were taken at Holliday Park.

Carson and cousin Ethan

Carson and his cousin, Ethan, taking a wagon ride to the park...

Chicago

We are up north visiting with Alan (Ryan's brother) and Melissa this weekend. Today we went to Cosley zoo in Wheaton, IL. Ethan and Carson enjoyed checking out all the animals.

Ryan and Kathie Plus 8

To our surprise we found seven teeny tiny baby fish in our aquarium tonight. They are so cute. So along with Carson, that makes Ryan and I 'parents' of eight babies now. =) Ryan captured some of them on camera. Aren't they adorable?

Can you say Ball?

Lately, Carson's favorite new word has been "BALL". I was able to catch it on video today...


Can you say BALL? from Kathie Chan on Vimeo.

Playing Outside w/Neighbors

We often like to sit outside and watch Carson and Lilia run through the sprinkler. They also enjoy playing with the toy car and bicycle. There's a video of Lilia pushing Carson in the car with the bike. We told Lilia that she looked like she was a tow truck. Here are some videos of the two playing:


Tow Truck from Ryan Chan on Vimeo.


Sprinkler from Ryan Chan on Vimeo.

Lazy Day

Today has been a lazy day for us. (Everyone needs one of those every once in awhile.) Nothing on our calendar...just enjoying the day as it goes by. For lunch we decided to ride our bikes down to the Geist Reservoir and stop by Quiznos on the way.

18 Month Dr. Visit

Carson had his 18 month doctor appointment today.

He weighs 28 pounds (76th percentile)
He is 35 3/4 inches long (99th percentile)
His head circumference is 48.8cm (74th percentile)

He is a healthy boy and is going to be very tall when he grows up!!! The doctor also recommended that we schedule his first dentist appointment soon now that his molars are in.

Reminiscing

Aunt Susan and Uncle Keith:

I always seem to end up in the same chair after a fun yet exhausting weekend at the Lakes...

2008


2007



Thanks for all the fun!
Carson

...More Blue Balloon

Hopefully you already saw my post from earlier today. Now it is snack time. Where did Carson go???



Oh! There he is. Yes, that's right he STILL will not let go of the balloon. Not even for snack time. This evening's bath and dinner should be interesting...

The Blue Balloon

Carson and I ran several errands this morning. The cashier at Trader Joe's gave Carson a balloon. Carson's face just lit up and I told the cashier that he just made Carson's day! After leaving Trader Joe's, Carson would NOT let go of the balloon. So...we took it with us to Babies 'R Us and to lunch at Pizza Hut. By the time we got home, I looked in the back seat and Carson was passed out but still had a very tight grip on the balloon. It was too cute!

Symphony on the Prairie

Saturday night we met some friends at Conner Prairie for the "Symphony on the Prairie". The theme was BOND: JAMES BOND. The weather that evening was just perfect and the adults and the kiddos had a really good time. Here are some pictures from the night. I will upload some videos in a couple of days.

Lake Tippecanoe

This weekend was extremely fun! We headed up north to Syracuse, IN to stay at Keith and Susan's lake house on Lake Tippecanoe. We had a big birthday party & family reunion for my Grandma Hiatt's 86th birthday! The weekend was full of tubing, skiing, playing, and lots of eating! I have posted several pictures and movies below. (This is only 1/2 the pictures and more will be posted in a of couple days. =)

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Here is a video of Kim and Ryan tubing. It's hard to see but Kim gets thrown off at the very end!


Kim and Ryan tubing from Ryan Chan on Vimeo.

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Singing Happy Birthday to Grandma...


Singing Happy Birthday to Grandma Hiatt from Ryan Chan on Vimeo.

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Here is a video of Tori and Carson having lots of fun with Grandpa!


Fun With Grandpa from Ryan Chan on Vimeo.

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This is a video of Carson playing with a squirt gun.


Squirt Gun from Ryan Chan on Vimeo.

Hiding in the Closet

I had the pleasure of watching our little friend, Carmela, today. Here is a short clip of them playing this morning. (Keep an eye out for Carmela's cheesy grin. =)


Carson and Carmela from Ryan Chan on Vimeo.

Say Cheese!

Just taking a picture of Carson's haircut...

Sunglasses

Carson just took a bath tonight and dug these weird sunglasses out of somewhere (perhaps they were Tori's a long time ago?) I honestly have no idea where they came from but just had to take some pictures because he looked so silly.

Brown County

Ryan had to go to North Carolina for a few days...so Carson and I packed up and went to Brown County Thursday and Friday. We loaded up the car early Thursday morning and met my parents at The Last Resort, where they were camping in their RV. It was a hot couple of days, but Carson and I really enjoyed being outside and just taking a couple days to relax and have a good time. Here are some pictures from our trip (notice how Carson's nose is pretty much all better now):

Independence Day Wound...day after

Carson fell down one of the stairs outside last night and ended up face first on the concrete. There were a few tears but overall he took it like a champ!

4th of July

We had a fun 4th of July! A bunch of friends joined us for a backyard BBQ. It was fun watching the kiddos run around chasing each other. Carson and Carmela ended up with two big boo-boos but they didn't let that stop them from having fun. Here are some pictures from the night:

Sprinkler Fun

It was plain hot outside today so I decided to turn on the sprinkler and see if Carson would have fun playing in it. Sure enough, he got complete enjoyment out of getting soaked! Lilia and Peighton came outside to play too.

Grocery Shopping

Carson and I did a little grocery shopping this afternoon. When we got home Carson helped me 'unload' some of the bags. It was all fun and games until the cans got so high that they fell over and put a dent in our linoleum floor...