Basketball, football, orange ball, yellow ball - it doesn't matter if it is a ball! A few months ago on a particularly warm April day, we took Tyler outside to play in the yard with his plastic ball. After playing around, he took his ball and headed toward the street. He was so determined, we followed.....down the block, across the street, about 5 houses down - to a basketball hoop! He stood below it, looked at as, and said "basketball?" Then shot his ball. For the next week, we couldn't take a step outside without heading straight for this house. So, next trip to Stanton, Papa Knute lowered his hoop and they played, and played, and played! Since he needed a lift, he would get his ball, stand in front of Papa, and say "Up Up?" It worked, as you can see!
We have found a passion for books! Thank goodness the stage of getting ALL of them out only lasted a few weeks! He has his favorites, mostly ones with farm animals and an ISU book where we find Cy on every page. 
He was struggling with eating anything while sick so when he wanted to eat the pudding by himself, of course we let him!
Ok - so one of his favorite words & foods is Banana. Every morning he sees them on the counter and starts begging. So one morning I just grabbed a half of one and handed it to him - and quickly learned that a toddler can shove a half a banana in his mouth and doesn't understand the concept of bites! But he was happy - he got his banana!
Andrew left his fishing pole out and within 5 minutes we had a new fisherman in the house!
Lately I've been trying to finish numerous projects in the house. One is hanging towel rods where you can actually use them in our upstairs spare bathroom. Andrew and Tyler finished this one day while I was out. Andrew said he was drilling holes and Tyler headed to his bedroom. After a minute he came back with his own little drill (Thanks Legion Santa!) and wanted to help! Andrew said he was so proud that he had the same tool dad did! 
Tyler & Pappa Knute wrestling & playing with the chair.
Great Grandma Pete & Tyler just hanging.
We watched the neighbors one night and they helped build an igloo-fort out of diaper boxes. Abby & Nate often help their mom Darcy watch Tyler when we need a little help. It's cute to hear Tyler say "Abby".
He's content watching volleyball when you give him one of Grandpa's deer sticks! Grandma Julie & Dad appear to be watching him, not Belle playing volleyball!
Aunt Linda & Cousins Lori & Lexi visited Des Moines one weekend and had a hotel with a pool - so we had to go swimming! Tyler thought it was fun as long as he had a hold of Mom! 
Uncle Kyle, Andrew, and Dad watching the ISU Women play in the NCAA tourney. 
Tyler has figured out that he can get into the cereal cupboard and does so daily. He knows that there is cereal, crackers, and cookies in here and he will bring them to us often.
Our Saturday morning relaxation lately has been to get coffee and the newspaper from the gas station and hang out in our pj's. As you can see, we're starting him off early on the java! He gets very angry when you take away his coffee cup. 
Just like I assume his dad was, this little monkey is a climber. He likes to take all the dipaers out and stand in his caddy. I've caught him often on his table and fire truck in the living room. He has also quickly become at ease on the little slide in the basement. I will work on getting pictures, but in a matter of a month or so we went from being scared of it to climmbing up it backwards and standing on top, looking to dad to tell him no. 
Need an explanation? He has a fasination with the swiffer. If he gets the chance to sneak into the laundry room, off he goes in every room of the house, cleaning. 
The boys entertained themselves with the video games prior to gift opening.
Tyler got a great nursery rhyme book from Grandma & Grandpa. 
Andrew got a great gift from the Perkins!
Boy how the boys can model their gifts! 
Apparently Tyler fits in with the rest of the Newman clan - Kesslers for Christmas!
He had a lot of fun playing with Johnathan's drum set....I don't think Johnathan saw him doing this though!
Uncle Kyle got all of the kids Kool-Aid shirts - Merry Christmas!!
Tyler got to hang out with Grandma & Grandpa Newman at the wedding. Mom & Dad enjoyed the numerous babysitters!
Dad, Tyler, Erin, & Nichole hanging out.
Everyone spent the next two days hanging out at our house to celebrate Christmas. We opened presents, watched cartoons, played with new toys, played cards, and ate WAY too much good food!
Grandpa reading books to the grandkids before present time.
We caught the three kids opening presents before it was time - reminds me of when I caught Carrie and Mitchell doing the same thing at a Peterson Christmas years ago!
Grandpa showing Tyler how his new puppy works. 
Tyler got a new Lightning McQueen chair from Grandma & Grandpa for Christmas. He was checking it and his new book out. Since getting the chair, he figured out how to dive into it and flip it over - talk about being a little crazy boy!
After some good naps, Grandpa put together Chase's new toy and we all played with it.
Andrew dressed the boys up as Iowa State fans - they had fun showing off on the couch!
Next they wrestled Grandpa!
Then hugged - how cute! 
Here is breakfast the next morning - bananas anyone?
Apparently IN the toybox is the place to be!
