With Calvin growing in leaps and bounds like a kid does, this year went quickly for Jenn and I.
During late Winter and early Spring I spent my time researching campers. In May, I convinced Jenn we should get a truck camper in order to more easily go camping with Calvin. We found a used Outfitter Apex 8 which has met our needs well. This was my first experience with a camper, and I have now learned that it really is like having a second home. As in, another whole set of electrical wiring, plumbing, and appliances to maintain. So, after repairing a couple significant, but not terribly expensive problems, the camper was ready for the season. We used the camper several times through the year, and I love it. With a heater, it's nice and toasty during cold nights. With running water, it's easy to do dishes. With a stove, it's easy to cook and eat out of the rain. With a refrigerator, there's no ice to mess with. And with a queen sized bed, Jenn sleeps comfortably.
We used the camper for a big trip in June. A family reunion in Wisconsin. We figured 18 hours of driving with a baby was not how we wanted to test our marriage, however, so, Jenn and Calvin flew out to her parents in Illinois a week or so before the reunion. I then drove the camper out to pick them up. We drove up to Devil's Lake State Park for a week of fun. I didn't write a blog about the trip, but did post pictures in our
photo album. Everything went as planned, and we drove back down to Jenn's parents, where I dropped them off to fly back while I drove.
During the trip Calvin turned 1 year old. I have found that if you keep feeding a kid, they keep growing. Go figure. He has now turned 18 months, weighs over 25 pounds, and can't walk under tables anymore without hitting his head. In the past year he has learned to walk, runs easily, can use a fork and spoon, and, as Jenn puts it, is voice activated. He understands much of what Jenn and I say. We can ask him to perform tasks, such as throw something in the garbage, or, "Take that to Mommy." He has learned to sign eat, drink, more, please, truck, hat, paper, outside, phone, shoe, milk, airplane, and others. He is clearly trying to speak words, as well. Many are really close.
Calvin is generally a very happy little boy. He loves being tickled and playing peek-a-boo. Throwing him in the air is always a good time, though it's getting harder as he grows. He plays with toy cars, trucks, and trains. He loves riding around in wagons or similar. He does not like being put down for naps or bed, though it rarely takes longer than a minute for him to settle down and go to sleep. He has recently become more attached to one of his blankets. This is the first time he's shown more attention to any one particular play thing. And, of course, he loves being read to. He loves learning new things, and picture books continually attract his interest.
While Calvin was busy learning how to be a kid, Jenn was busy putting together a couple new quilts. A beautiful 4 foot by 4 foot wall hanging now decorates our bedroom. And a quilt for Calvin made of brilliant colors with a fun all-over quilting in the form of dragon flies. I think they are works of art.
The last big thing this year is the addition of another Jeep. Many factors brought me to the conclusion that I needed a different Jeep. I added a 1981 Jeep CJ7 to my collection in late August and am in process of getting it ready for next year. I will be selling the CJ5 once the new Jeep is ready. This has been an adventure so far, and I plan on writing a separate blog about the project.
Oh, yeah, I also went hunting. Not exciting.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Chad, Jenn, and Calvin
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