Baby Launch

Inching closer

My friend Tina and I have this ongoing banter about the weather. She'll say something like, "Wasn't the weather beautiful today? Did you get outside?" I'll answer like a cynic with, "It was to breezy." Or, "There were too many clouds in the sky." Really, I'm a positive person, but I grew up in the land of nearly perfect winters, so I'm a bit picky. Of course I have adjusted and it's more of a tease to each other now. Therefore, a few nights ago, when it seemed like we were truly inching closer to warmer days (it was in the 20's the past couple nights) we headed out with the kids. They LOVE it when we are all out there. We need to do this more.

He's always ON. Wonder where he gets that from?

The sunset was so pretty and E was kind enough to let me play with my cam. I tried it on a couple different settings, which I don't think turned out so great on all of them. But still, the light was pretty and so was she. She wanted to do some silly ones at the end.

Slumber Party

All four nieces, 3 E's and an A, stayed the night on Saturday.



Of course there was dress up. We had a fashion show where we played music and I announced each one so they could come up and dance for the camera on their own.

She IS laughing, not crying.

Of course V could not be left out.

They camped out in the toy room downstairs.

Ella didn't get the memo.

After a breakfast of chocolate chip pancakes, they played what they called a game. From what I could tell they took turns asking questions about God. I heard my E ask "Do you think that God would rip Elliot's dress?" To which the others girls replied, "NOOOOO!"

Then they lined up on the couch and read books.

It was a fun evening and morning. My sister in law had the idea that we do this once a month, rotating where the kids go. Last month we had no kids, and next month we'll have all the boys, and then May should be our break again. So far so good, and the kids of course love it.

Sunday we celebrated Den's grandma's bday.

It was beautiful outside.

On another warm day we stepped out to enjoy it.

This pic and the next were taken by J.

First bike ride up the road for this year. J is actually riding his 2 wheeler now with no training wheels. He was nervous about getting off since he is still a bit short for it. But we conquered that fear and he's dong great!

V was the first one to get sick. He would just lay there, so pitiful. J decided to read to him, so sweet. Pray that it leaves our house soon!

around here

Let's first talk about this guy. He's walking. Officially walking, and very independent about it. Don't try holding his hand, he's not having that. He loves following his brother and sister around, books, balls, animals and anything soft. He says: ba (ball), mum(that's me), da, (daddy), la (light), saaaa (soft...this is what i think) and lots of ahhhs, for hugs and feeling anything soft.


He likes to do this


and this.


J couldn't be left out.


Den took E to dance last night and afterwards they went out to dinner for a date.


Again, boys could not be left out.


dance dance!

my little man

He came home with the above grin on his face, bursting with excitement to tell us that he had been chosen by his teacher as student of the month! I'm so proud of him. I believe this is her way of rewarding him for his effort to not be so squirmy in class as of late.


I just thought they had such pretty color that I had to take a pic of them. I love running my hands through dried beans and peas. However, that was the best part of this as they stunk up the house, and then tasted super bitter so I threw them out, boo.

a bit late

When I picked E up after her Vday party at preschool, they all sang a special song to the parents and I caught a bit of it to share. I love how she makes a face at me whenever we had eye contact. I had to act like I wasn't watching for her to not act embarrassed.

baby's got a new do...

so it's just a new template, but i've been wanting a change with the new year, and this will do for now, i'm done with winter and ready for some color!

The past week

V is continuing to take more and more steps. His latest accomplishment his standing up all by himself, without help of people or furniture. He'll take a few steps and then decide he's rather go fast by crawling.


Contemplating a tumble



J made dinner. I'm hoping to do this more often. He picked the meal out of a kids cookbook that we found at the library and we made it together. I enjoy cooking but the hardest part for me is deciding what to make with out feeling like it's the same old thing. Having the kids do that part is huge for me. E will have her turn too.


He chose an "accordion sandwich". It was yummy and we had some tomato soup with it. He was quite proud of himself.


Valentine's from Grandma Linda.


E's preschool class went swimming last Wed. It was a bit steamy being a indoor pool.


On uncle Michael's back at market.


Checking out his new truck, a Vday gift from Grandma and Grandpa.