Wednesday, February 24, 2010

"I Cook"

Luke has recently developed an eagerness to help Mommy and Daddy in the kitchen. This past Sunday, Luke got to advance from a mere spectator or occasional stirrer to Daddy's sous chef!


A project was selected

While Daddy prepared the kitchen, Luke was given the task of putting the muffin papers in the pan

He took it very seriously

He was ready to cook!

He whisked the eggs

Check out this action photo

He watched Daddy add the dry ingredients

And took over with the stirring like a pro!



Daddy showed him how to put the batter into the cups...

"Luke do it."




Ready for the oven!


Ding! They're ready!

Yay for muffins!

Luke is ready to eat the muffins


He finally gets one......is it good?

YES! Yes it is!

He even shared with Cookie Monster

The End

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Super Sunday Super Traditions Super Cute

Long before Luke came along, Mom & Dad had some Super Bowl traditions in place. Big Sandwiches are purchased from Lisa's Deli, dip is made, and many snacks and beverages are enjoyed. 2010 was the year that Luke could join us in our revelry.

He mightily enjoyed the pregame shows of patriotism




He REALLY enjoyed kick-off




And he really, really, REALLLLLY enjoyed his very own Big Sandwich!*




*You might be saying, "hey, isnt' that a BIG SANDWICH for a little boy?" To be fair, we requested the smaller, "hard roll" option, but they gave us the full hero in error. No matter, he ate 1/2 of that bad boy, as you can see in the clip above.

Monday, January 25, 2010

2009 -->2010

Mom, Dad, and Luke decided to spend New Year's with their bffs in Beantown.

While Paige, Paul, Fran, and Mer did their best to keep up with this crazy kids, the weekend mostly looked like this

But also lots of this

And healthy doses of this (I mean, seriously, HOW CUTE?)

New England did not disappoint and delivered some snow for us - and Luke even went out & played in it! (for approximately 10 minutes)

I think Carmen gave him her best come hither look...

...and a winning smile. He's talked a lot about "Baby Carrrrrmen" and "Cheeeeah" since we got home. And "Aunt Fran. Mer. Carmen Mama! Mama? Carmen?"

And sorry, Aunties, she's a Phanatic now!
Happy New Year, everyone!

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Christmas in the Electric City: Part the Third

And so, the tree was put up & decorated, the presents were wrapped and then quickly opened, the stockings were hung by the chimney with care, sorted through with glee and abandon, and then things really got going at 817 Olive Street!

On Christmas night, the Caseys entertain friends and colleagues in town on the holiday. We all gussy up a bit and Luke was no exception, busting out his adorable Mandarin suit, purchased by Daddy many moons ago in Hong Kong....before Luke was a twinkle in his eye.

Luke and Mama read a book while waiting for the cheese ball to make its appearance

Soon they got to making quick work of the cheese ball!

Luke was kind enough to delivery becheese'd crackers to his Uncle Steve

And ate plenty himself

He stopped in for a snuggle with Mama

He took off his jacket and got casual...

After dinner, Luke's teenage cousins "helped" him play with his Batman motorcycle, setting up an extensive series of ramps, hypothesizing about and testing the motorcycle's limits, power, and range

The next morning, Mommy slept in and Luke & Daddy had a lot of fun playing blocks with Uncle Steve...

...eating Grandpa's pancakes

...enjoying Grandpa's pancakes

...really enjoying them



He showed off a new party trick in celebration, too

After breakfast, the boys and men decamped to the Scranton Public Library (yeah, public libraries! Come on, PA!) to check out the choo choo display

Peter and "Goofus" made excellent docents

Who do you think is having more fun here?

On their way home, Luke collected a snow ball to bring to Mama, just like in The Snowy Day!

Of course it wouldn't be a trip to Scranton without stories being read by Grandpa

Luke took time out to call Grammy in Pittsburgh, taking the phone from Mommy and hogging it for about 10 minutes of jibber jabber about doppy (pizza), Ben, Eeeeee-yan, and Grandpa

Grandma and her team of elves made SEVEN white pizzas for dinner - Luke really enjoyed watching the dough stretching and kneading part. It's only a matter of time until he graduates to cheese grating duties!

Lots of old clothes were sorted through on this trip, too - this unearthed Daddy's old dashiki. As you can see, Luke was wary at first...


...but he (sort of) pulled it together in the end
...and then wanted it OFF toot sweet

He also discovered Daddy's old bathrobe. Look out Hef!


More Grandpa stories!

Finally, the holiday wrapped up with the Annual Measuring of the Grandkids by Grandpa. Ian is an old pro at this

But Luke remains uncertain