Wild (Weather) West

We went to Montana for a quick weekend trip to join Uncle Kit and Aunt Heidy, Aunt Linnie and Aunt Betsy for some family time and some snow.

Here are the Heffner grandchildren in a requisite sepia-toned photo:















Dad got to hit the slopes, thanks to a late spring snowstorm, and Will also got to meet his doggie-cousin, Balu, for the first time. Will finally got to wear his bear suit again, along with his sporty orange sunglasses. However, Montana sunshine makes things a little warmer at 5000' than at 8000', so the snowsuit soon was retired!

Although, perhaps we retired the snowsuit too early. The next day, Aunt Linnie joined us on one of our favorite hikes near downtown Bozeman. When we started, it was a little cloudy, but the sun was peeking through. Along the way, it started snowing, and by the time we were back to the parking lot, it was hailing. If Will wasn't sure what snow was yet, he definitely got his fill on this hike!

On the way home, Will got his own seat on the plane and used his CARES harness for the first time, like a big kid! He was soon tuckered out - although we're not sure who was more tuckered out, him or us - and enjoyed a much-needed nap with Dad.

Pajama-Cam

Caption: Maybe if I wear my special camouflage pajamas, they won't be able to see me on the video monitor.

Man on the Move

Will is officially walking!



Now the fun is really getting started!

Sliding at the Zoo

If You'd Like to Make a Call...

In case you were wondering why "Elizabeth" hung up on you the other day:

Practicing Some First Steps

A Little Romping Around Before Bedtime

A Cupcake's Demise

While we enjoyed cupcakes on Will's 1st Birthday, he was more of a casual observer of the cupcake-eating than an active participant. A few days ago, his buddy Sadie gave him a scrumptious homemade cupcake. Making up for lost time, as you'll see, the cupcake didn't last long!





Initially unsure about this special treat, Will sniffs the cupcake.










The cupcake's demise...











Cupcake? What cupcake?

Beep! Beep! Coming Through!

One of Will's favorite trucks is his "Huggy Buggy," a super duper velour contraption with neoprene wheels. He likes it because, well, he likes just about anything that rolls. We like it because when it goes flying across the room, it lands with a soft bounce!

Here's Will showing off some of his crawling moves with (and without) his truck - it's tough to get a video of this kid on the move! When he's in rolling mode, he likes to break out a crab crawl with his right leg. We also get a kick out of his various "engine" sounds.

Sign Here, Sir!

Will was fortunate to receive a few checks as holiday and birthday presents. Several were made out to him directly, as opposed to Mom and Dad. As I have done with checks in the past, I figured that I could simply sign them over to us and deposit them in our account, as we don't have a separate account with Will's name on it. So, with carefully endorsed checks in hand, I headed to our bank. I brought Will and his birth certificate along for good measure.

Mom: Hi, I have a few checks here that were made out to my 1-year-old son, but he doesn't have an account in his name. I've written them over to myself to deposit in my account. This is him (Mom points to Will) and I have his birth certificate here. Is there any other identification that you need?

Associate: Okay, sure, just let me double-check with my manager.

Associate (talking to Manager): Yes, the customer has a 1-year-old and she's endorsed these checks over to herself on his behalf etc. etc. etc.

Manager: No, they have to be signed by the original payee.

Associate: But like I said, the payee is a 1-year-old, the mom has his birth certificate.

Manager: Wait, why can't the payee sign?

Associate: Um, because he's a baby (vigorously pointing to Will, who puts on his most innocent "Who, me?" face as Mom tries really hard not to burst out laughing)!

While I was unable to deposit the checks - and with the risk of ID theft, I certainly understand the bank's no exceptions policy on this - I have to give them credit for the comic relief!