Maybe the Hokey Pokey really IS what it's all about!

update

2010-09-17T14:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have abandoned my blog as of late. I have some great pictures and stories from this summer, but things are just too busy right now to get to it. One of these days I will get all caught up.

Things here are good. All sorts of adventures have been happening since I last blogged including but not limited too: Grace lost her first tooth (and a second soon after), we spent a large portion of the summer visiting family in Utah and had a marvelous time, everyone grew like crazy, we had a visit from some dear friends from Seattle, the Players, Dan started his last year of residency, we are all back in school, and fall is coming to New England!

Fall is always my favorite time of year. I always have a sense of let down on New Year's Eve. It seems like I should be celebrating in a more exciting or momentous way than I am, and January 1st never really feels like the beginning of anything. For me, September is when the true new year begins. Ending a summer of decadent non-scheduledness ( I can make up words when I want to) and starting a new year of school is refreshing and invigorating. I think my children inherited my OCD for they are all a little bit happier when schedules return to the house. David more than the girls (that poor kid is so OCD, I love it!)

I started teaching a new class this semester. My students are all first semester freshman and the change from last spring's class is enormous. I didn't realize how much difference a semester or two could make, but these poor kids are such a mess. They have all just left the comforting embrace of high school and home. They have moved into dorm rooms and are figuring out what it means to be "free." They are loud and anxious, sweet and obnoxious, and a whole host of other things. Most disturbingly, they think I am OLD. I just turned 29 and was feeling a little older, but these freshman have certainly confirmed it for me. Ah well, it grants me some much-needed authority in a classroom full of jumbled hormones and identities. Did I mention that I love teaching? It really is so fun and fulfilling. I love calming the stressed looks in their eyes, and watching for those "aha!" moments when a concept sinks in. I love watching them test out ideas and discover that they are free to engage with the world on their own terms.

The classes I am a student in are ok this semester. More interesting to me right now is my thesis research. I am writing on Katherine Mansfield and if you haven't read her, look her up! Her short stories are beautifully written. I am also taking a women's studies class that constantly raises themes that resonate with the questions in my heart about finding my place as a mother, a student, a wife, and a person. I enjoy this opportunity to think, reflect, and grow. Sometimes it is a little painful, sometimes wonderfully reassuring.

Dan's schedule is as busy as ever, but he is enjoying his new role as co-chief with Jon. Though his hours are long it is so nice to know that he truly loves what he is doing. I can't lie though, it will be a tremendous relief to have him finally done with this stage in our lives. Grace is growing and changing and so my role as a parent has morphed too. Up to this point I feel as if our main job has been to love them and keep them alive, suddenly there everything is getting complicated! Grace is dealing with her own complications. A few nights ago she announced unexpectedly that "Here is what we need to do. We need to find some way to help me stop thinking about scary things!" I love her willingness to tackle her problems head on! David is sweet and smart and loving school. He is such a tenderhearted little guy. Oh how I love my David. Charlotte is at a delightful stage of life. She is talking up a storm and she says the cutest and funniest things. We couldn't be more enamored with her.

So, to sum up: Life at the Brady household is good, but oh so busy. If you see dark circles under my eyes just pretend not to notice. (Unless you know some great make-up tips!) Sleep is not likely to happen in abundance soon, but that's ok because my life is full of good things.

Spencer's Home

2010-06-19T09:50:00.000-07:00

My brother Spencer just returned from his mission in Peru. With the help of my dear friend Kami I was able to make a quick trip home without the kids to spend a few days with him and my family. It was the first time in about 4 years that all of my siblings had been together and we had so much fun. Here are a few images from the airport. Welcome home Fuzz, we missed you!

My baby turns two!

2010-06-03T18:07:00.000-07:00

Let me just preface this by saying that I have been having issues uploading pictures. When I get it fixed I will add some more. But too much time has already passed since Char's birthday and so I wanted to put a few pics up from her party.
I can't believe that Charlotte is already two years old. I know that is cliche, but given mine and Dan's track record, normally we would already have another baby by now! Char has been a bundle of lovely babyness and it is so hard for me to watch that change. She is passing from a sweet, passive, patient baby into a stubborn, opinionated, fiery little lady. We are loving (almost) every minute of it. The other day I found the kids downstairs playing. Char was sitting on a chair in the middle of the room issuing commands and the other two were scrambling to fill them. They informed me that she was the queen and they were her servants. She could not have been any happier. I don't know if their coddling is going to last too much longer though. Charlotte is an adorable little girl who brings so much joy into our lives. We sometimes wonder what we were thinking having a baby during the first year of residency while also remodeling a house, but Heavenly Father knew we needed this little one in our lives. We couldn't love her more. Happy Birthday my dear!

My little political activist

2010-05-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

When cleaning Grace's room tonight I came across a pile of pictures she had drawn and letters she had written. I was looking through them when I came across the one you see below. In case you can't read it, it says, "BRING THE POPE TO JUSTICE" embellished with hearts of course. Taken by surprise (as you might well imagine) I tried to think what was going on. Grace attends a Catholic school, maybe the nuns had been talking? As I continued cleaning I came across a copy of Newsweek magazine containing an article about the pope (you know, just a little light reading for a five-year-old). I then realized that Grace likes to practice writing by copying things out of magazines. Just not the phrase you expect to find written on your little girl's desk. But I must admit, I laughed so hard it made my night.

And this pic is just here because I think these kids are so darn cute:)

Soccer Girl

2010-05-08T16:27:00.000-07:00

We decided to start Grace in soccer this spring, and somehow I got roped into being the coach. It's not that I don't want to coach, it's just that I am in the thick of finals and grading right now so it feels a little stressful. Nonetheless, it really has been a lot of fun and the girls are just so cute. Grace, of course, chose pink shorts and socks. She does, after all, need to look fancy at all times. The first game she was a little confused. She is such a sweet, sensitive soul. She would kick the ball to the other team and then remark to me about how well she was sharing. About mid-way through the game she asked me when it was going to be her turn to kick it. It gave me pause to reflect on how I have spent the last five years teaching her that she should share and take turns, and suddenly I am trying to teach her the opposite. I never really thought about sports in that way before...what are we doing people?!? Just kidding, I do think that Grace needs to learn a few things that playing a team sport will definitely teach her and I think she will have a lot of fun in the process. So, without further ado...

Sunday Confusion

2010-05-02T17:29:00.000-07:00

I don't know about your kids, but mine often come home from church just a little bit confused. I might even venture to say a little bit scarred. After Easter last year my kids were unhealthily preoccupied with death for about two months. I can only imagine what their preschool teachers must have thought. Davie's confusion today was a little less worrisome. A few hours after church he asked Dan if he had come from across the seas. Upon further query he told Dan that his teacher told him that "Fathers come from across the sea." It took Dan a few minutes to realize that David was referring to the "Book of Mormon Stories" song when "Long ago our fathers came from far across the seas." So funny. I love when things get so lost in translation.

I'm a strong woman!

2010-04-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

I was up late last night studying, and since the kids are on Spring Break, I was attempting to sleep in a little. Grace and David were up playing with dolls and then Charlotte got up and Grace got her out of bed. Char started crying and then David did too and Grace was running between the two of them. I was about to get up to help her when I hear her say, "I have to take care of everyone, but that's ok, because I am a strong woman!" I kind of feel like my job as a mother is done.

My favorite thing in the whole world...

2010-03-28T21:44:00.000-07:00

I'm not much of a morning person. I am infinitely more productive, alert, funny, and interesting (or so I like to think) late at night. Maybe I'm just a slow starter. It seems like once I've had a little bit of day behind me, things start working a bit better. Unfortunately my kids feel differently. I can't complain too much as they are not horribly early risers. They like to greet they day around 7:00 (anything earlier than that and they know they are in big trouble!) They have adjusted to the idea that I don't want to wake up when they do, as I did not go to bed at 7:30, but spent the later hours studying, cleaning, relaxing, or whatever else I wanted to get done in a gloriously quiet and peaceful house. Grace and David are actually pretty great about finding ways to entertain each other quietly while Char and I get a little more rest. They have even been known to get their own breakfast. The other night Grace went to bed a little later than usual and I informed her that we didn't have time to read in her book, but we could read a chapter in the morning. Sure enough, early the next morning Grace joined me in my warm, cozy bed, bright-eyed and ready to read. I did my best. I read half the chapter and then asked her if I could rest my eyes for a few minutes. She acquiesced graciously. About five minutes later she asked if we could finish the chapter. I tried again. I made it through a few pages but kept blurring words and dozing off. Finally Grace sweetly closed the book and kissed me on the forehead. She said, "It's ok mama, your tired." She then snuggled down in the blankets with me and cuddled up close. "Besides, snuggling with you is my favorite thing in the whole world." It made me feel as if I had at least done one thing right. If only all mornings could begin just like this....I might become a fan after all.

Accident Prone Char

2010-03-25T07:36:00.000-07:00

While playing at our friends house yesterday, Char decided to wander upstairs and somehow pull a table and lamp down on herself. You may be asking at this point, where was her vigilant mother? Well, in my defense, Grace was supposed to be with her. Five-year-olds can be in charge, right? Details, details. Anyway, we ran upstairs and blood was running down her head. So off to the hospital we went. Fortunately we have an in, so we skipped the ER and went straight to Dan's clinic. By this time the bleeding had stopped and the cut looked much better. Char perked up when Ellen offered her chocolate and Dan and his co-resident Jon just ended up just pulling the cut together with dermabond. So now she just looks funny with glue making her hair stick up. Hopefully she won't scar too much. She has already hit her head about ten times since then. What do you do with an almost two-year-old bent on self-destruction? Big thanks to Kami for watching the kids and feeding us! What would we do without good friends?

Holy Blogfest Batman!

2010-03-22T17:19:00.000-07:00

So I seem to only blog in spurts these days. School has been oh so overwhelming this semester, but we are surviving. My other excuse for my lack of blogposts is that right after Christmas my camera died. Lame, right? So I finally bought a 60 dollar one and hope it lasts me through residency. I hope to blog more frequently, but I will not be making any promises.
Lots has happened in the last few months. We had an awesome visit from Mammy and Natalie and kids over Valentine's day. We went to NY and played with cousins...and loved every minute of it. Maybe someday I will get ahold of Dan's camera and have proof. While here, Mammy spoiled the kids with an early birthday gift. Hence the awesome new bikes. Grace was in desperate need as her last bike was the one you see Char riding. Clearly she had outgrown it and the bruises on her knees were the proof! Mammy to the rescue! Thanks Marilynn, we had such a good time!
Dan went to Virginia for a week and we missed him greatly. We finally figured out how to use Skype though and that made talking to Dan at night a lot more fun for the kids. We are always so behind on technology.
Thanks for all of your advice on the reading lessons. They are coming along pretty well. We don't do it every day, but average three days a week. It would probably be better if I were more consistent, but oh well. I think they are still learning and having fun.
Below you will find A LOT of pics. All they way to Christmas I might add. So, if you are not a grandparent, don't feel obligated to look :)

Skyping with Dan and Jon while they are away in Virginia.

Cutest Leprauchan ever!

My lame attempt at french braids...I need lessons!

Davie biking.

Not quite ready to lose the training wheels!

more pics

2010-03-22T17:09:00.000-07:00

Dan helping Char on her bike (and sneaking a cheek kiss!)

Grace modeling her new bike.

Char attempting to ride.

Cheese!

Char banned from the puzzles.

Recently

2010-03-22T16:51:00.000-07:00

Davie has become "the puzzlemaster" lately and did this puzzle all by himself. He loves puzzles and will do them all day long (sometimes much to my chagrin as puzzles have never been my forte.)

Our favorite family home evening. I joined a FHE group and we made kits for each other. My friend Julie made this David and Goliath one and my kids love it. We do it at least once a month.

Showing off their muscles after defeating Goliath!

Charlotte found some wrapping paper and decided to wrap herself up. I can't think of a better gift :)

Charlotte singing "Twinkle, Twinkle." She is developing quite the vocabulary lately and loves to sing. She is such a sweetie, but watch out, she has a feisty side as well!

Final Christmas Highlights

2010-03-22T16:43:00.000-07:00

Amazing castle from Mammy...they love it!

Oh yeah, they got the Snuggy!

Grace's new "puter" as she calls it. Great for her new reading skills.

Char trying out her bike.

Christmas Morning

2010-03-22T16:32:00.000-07:00

Crowding on our bed in anticipation.

The kids running into the living room...

Grace was so excited about the apple...perhaps we should have stopped there!

Charlotte finally getting into the spirit of things.

But, alas, mostly just interested in the chocolate...that's my girl!

Christmas Eve

2010-03-22T16:20:00.000-07:00

Opening the Christmas Eve Jammies!

Trying to capture these three yahoos all smiling is practically impossible, but they sure look snuggly!

Waiting (oh so patiently) to open their packages.

Family shot in our new jammies.

Our tree all ready for Christmas morning.

Christmas Eve with friends

2010-03-22T16:04:00.000-07:00

We had three cute Marys this year, and one very luck Joseph. Annie and Lily joined Grace in the most coveted role of the night. David wasn't sure what to do with all three babies, but he did his best.

The kids in their "Holy Family" roles. They may have been less than holy, but they sure were cute!

I sewed some quick costumes for the kids nativity this year. They look ok from afar, but don't look too close. I am still learning how to thread my machine ;)

We had a great Christmas Eve with friends this year. Delicious food, darling nativity, music and fun. Thanks for making our Christmas Eve wonderful!

Reading Lessons

2010-01-30T08:32:00.000-08:00

My camera is currently out of commission, but I promise to someday post pictures again. Life has been pretty hectic around here. I started my first week of classes and teaching. I am currently making lesson plans, taking a full load of classes, and preparing a research grant proposal. I am at the point where I am asking myself, "What are you doing?!?" But I know that in a few weeks I will get into a rhythm and it will all be ok. On the plus side, last semester was the fastest four months of Dan's residency so far! I am hoping that the next three semesters of chaos will make residency just fly by :)

I am currently trying to teach Grace and David to read. I have the book "Teaching Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons." Have any of you ever used it? I would say the lessons are easy for me to teach, but not always so easy for the kids to learn. They are both doing pretty well. It is kind of hilarious because they both have entirely different strengths and weaknesses. They are about as different as two kids can be in their learning approaches. It's fun to watch them figure things out, and to learn more about their personalities as I watch them approach this difficult task. I keep reminding them that this is probably the coolest thing they will ever learn (I may be a little biased.) Grace keeps telling me she doesn't want to do it because it is hard. I am glad that I can tell her about the hard things I am learning in school and remind her that we all do hard things, and it's ok to mess up sometimes.

One thing I have definitely been reminded of during this process: I was not meant to be an elementary school teacher! I have very little patience, and so admire those who can do this every day, all day. I am working on it, but oh boy. So, I am looking for some supplementary materials to make this process a little more exciting. Any ideas? Does anyone have any very early reading books to recommend?

Things not to say to your kids

2010-01-11T19:45:00.000-08:00

Dan and I have a little book where we keep cute family stories, particularly funny things that the kids have said. Many of you may have seen some of the entries in our "Year in Quotes." Here is a little quote from Mommy...(which will not be featured in the book.)
"You don't have to wear underwear. I go without underwear all the time!" Heather yells in exasperation as she tries to herd the family down to the pool, complete with warm clothes to change into, after 30 minutes of trying to get everyone and their stuff rounded up. I don't know where that came from or how it slipped out, but I have a feeling it might come back to haunt me someday.

Thanksgiving in DC

2010-01-10T19:15:00.001-08:00

I finally got a hold of Dan's camera. So here are a few of our pictures from the wonderful Thanksgiving we spent in DC with Dan's sister Natalie and her family.

The kids at one of the Smithsonians

Charlotte snoozing.

2010-01-10T19:11:00.000-08:00

Lunch at the mall

David playing a game.

Faith helping with the dishes.

Relaxing after a fantastic dinner.

Grandpa Tom and Faith.

2010-01-10T19:07:00.000-08:00

The kids preparing to feast!

All ready!

Natalie and Heather, hard at work in the kitchen.

As promised, pics from Boston

2010-01-10T19:03:00.000-08:00

2010-01-10T18:58:00.000-08:00

Help Please

2010-01-08T18:46:00.000-08:00

I realize that I should be catching up with Thanksgiving and Christmas pictures, and I will get to that eventually. Since blogging more frequently wasn't on my list of resolutions this year, I won't let this setback bother me to much. In the meantime, I have much more urgent things to ask my friends in the blogosphere. So, in a few weeks I will start teaching all alone for the first time! I am excited and a little nervous. (For those of you who don't know, I have a fellowship to teach undergrad writing classes while I am in the Master's program.) Anyway, I am getting all prepped for the first day of class. We will, of course, go over the syllabus, etc. I am also having them write a mini essay on how they view themselves as writers, etc. But, to start out, I think we should do some sort of mini get to know you session. I know those can be annoying, but it is a small class (20 people) and we are going to be doing lots of peer review and group work, so I want to help us all be comfortable with one another. This is where you all come in. What is your most (and least) favorite way to start off a new class. Does anyone have any great "get to know you" suggestions? I don't want to start out as the totally annoying teacher, but I will if I have to! :) It's all in the name of learning, right?

12 days of Christmas

2009-12-22T08:24:00.000-08:00

My family has done the 12 days of Christmas for us the last few years, and we love it! It spreads out the presents, so the kids can focus on them and enjoy them, and it helps us all feel a little less homesick when we can't be home for the holidays. Thanks Mom and Dad! We miss our families so much. The kids talk about Utah constantly. The want popcorn and movies with Mammy, and wrestling bouts with my dad and brothers. David told me the other day, "Our house is cute, but Grandma's house is beautiful! Let's go to Grandma's house." I'm not going to argue, Grandma's house is beautiful and I miss it too. Anyway, here are some of the days we've opened so far.

We tried to get a picture of Char in one of her new outfits, but she just wouldn't hold still. She sure looks cute though.

Fancy Nancy also got a new outfit and Grace couldn't be more thrilled. We have been having tea parties galore!

David has done this puzzle a hundred times already. He even sleeps with it. He loves puzzles and dinosaurs, so what could be better?

I love this picture. It captures sibling dynamics completely! Grace always in charge, Davie hanging on by the skin of his teeth, and Charlotte, well, it's hard to be the youngest sometimes.

Charlie Brown strikes again

2009-12-22T08:14:00.000-08:00

I decided that though the kids are often ULB's (see earlier post) I would try to do yet another thing on our Charlie Brown advent list. This one, surprisingly, went much better than the snowflake debacle. I hauled out the paint, glitter, and ribbons, and the kids decorated their own ornaments. They loved it, especially the apron wearing. The only hitch...perhaps I should buy plastic ornaments rather than glass next year. Charlotte has already destroyed a few. Alas, they will not become "heirlooms" as Fancy Nancy and Grace were hoping they would.

Gingerbread Fun

2009-12-22T07:56:00.000-08:00

Mammy sent the kids a gingerbread house to decorate for Christmas, and they loved it! I loved it too as it was MUCH easier than trying to bake and assemble one by myself. We have given up trying to keep the kids from eating their gingerbread houses after last years debacle. (Long story short, I found them on the table devouring it at about 5:00 am.) So they made it and destroyed it in the span of about an hour. Enjoy!

Christmas Crafting...oh the joys

2009-12-17T11:11:00.000-08:00

I know I need an update with pictures soon, but I just wanted to share this little bit if holiday joy with you all. So, being the fun mom that I am, I decided that we would follow the Charlie Brown advent calendar and do an activity a day until Christmas. Early on (quite possibly the first day) Charlie tells you to make paper snowflakes. Awesome, I innocently think, I can do that! So I get the kids excited and we sit down at a table with paper and scissors. I do a demo. Ta da! The kids just looked at me and Grace said, "It's not round." Ok. I try again. Ta Da! Again, no round of applause. Grace finally says to me, "Who taught you how to make snowflakes." I don't really know, but I told her Grandma, because that seemed likely. "Well," says Grace, "Maybe you should call her." Ingrates! That's it Charlie, the calendar better not have any more crafts, or we quit! I think I saw that one of the days was read a Christmas story and drink hot chocolate. Maybe I can pull that one off.

This brings be to another little tale. Last Christmas Dan was working up in Hartford in the plastic surgery rotation. They had a mom in there just after Christmas getting a tummy tuck. She had twins and Dan was asking her all about them. She went on and on about how cute and sweet they were, etc. Well, after the surgery she is waking up from the anesthesia and Dan is trying to talk to her. So, of course, he asks her about the twins again. She looks at him and grumbles, "Those ungrateful little ba#@#!$#!" (you get the idea.) So now we call the kids ULB's whenever they are, well, acting like ULB's. In case you were wondering, the above story qualifies as a ULB moment in our book :)

Visit from Mammy, Jeff, and the Fields!

2009-11-22T08:41:00.000-08:00

Mammy, Jeff, and the Fields came for a visit, and we were so excited! We spent the weekend in Boston and Salem, and then Mammy stayed to play with us for a few more days. We had so much fun and can't wait to see everyone again. Dan took some fun pictures while we were in Boston, but they are on his camera. I may post them some day if I dare look through all his gros oral surgery pics to get to them.

Anchors away!

Because it was almost Halloween, the kids loved visiting the cemetery.

Boston city tour.

Playing in the gorgeous fall leaves.

Eating at Johnny Rockets

Pumpkin Patch with Mammy

2009-11-22T08:27:00.000-08:00

Showing off our selections

Charlotte always picking the biggest ones...

David always picks the smallest.

The tractors are always David's favorite part.

Cuddling with Mammy.

Durham County Fair

2009-11-22T08:12:00.000-08:00

Davie on the stilts

Kicked back and relaxing

Winning a prize at the pie eating contest

I don't think she even broke through the crust.

Listening intently to the rules.

2009-11-22T08:01:00.000-08:00

Games in the kids area

Charlotte enjoying the treats.

Dan winning a t-shirt in the pull-up contest

Checking out the giant pumpkins!

Halloween

2009-11-22T07:44:00.000-08:00

So yeah, it's almost Thanksgiving, but I have been busy, so don't judge me! Here are some pics from our ward Halloween party. We did a Wizard of Oz theme, but somehow neglected to get a picture of us all together. Oh well, here are our mug shots.

Dan and Grace

Dorothy

The two witches. The kids kept telling me Charlotte was the nice witch and I was the mean one. How is that different from every day life?

Our scarecrow who is a very good sport.

Our brave little cowardly lion.

Look at that...

2009-09-15T07:49:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen anything cuter? Times like these remind me why people reproduce. I can't stop kissing those cheeks!

And, because it makes me feel better about what I attempt to accomplish...my applesauce. Several hours and a few burns later...ta da! Applesauce for the year.

New Haven Road Race Festival

2009-09-15T07:43:00.001-07:00

Here are some fun shots of the slide we went down for like an hour. I have to admit, it was a lot of fun.

Grace getting some air.

Dan getting in on the fun. Dan and I kept telling the people we were climbing up to help the kids down, but I think they were getting suspicious.

In our defense, look how steep and slippery that is. There is now way the kids could have made it up alone, right?!

Davie...no fear!

Charlotte loved it too.

New Haven Road Race

2009-09-15T07:33:00.000-07:00

On Labor Day we ran in the New Haven Road Race. It is a really great race to be a part of. First of all, it is huge! Like 6,000 people running either a 5K or a 20K. After the race there is a big festival with food, music, and lots of fun toys for the kids. We ran the 5K this year, but have aspirations to do the 20K next year. Ok, honestly, the aspirations are more Dan's but I guess I will go along. We both took a jogging stroller and pushed the kids. They were good sports and had a lot of fun.

Before.

After.

A week of firsts

2009-09-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

Just a side note, I finally updated our blog from the summer, so those interested and brave can scroll through the next few pages of blogs. Oh yeah, there are a lot.

This has been quite the week for our little family. Grace had her first day of Kindergarten. David had his first day of Preschool. And I had my first day of Grad School. I have asked myself many times, what are we thinking? But all in all, the first week went pretty well, and we are excited to start this new phase in our lives. Grace and David both go to the same school and so it is fun to know that they will see each other on the playground and to hear them relate stories about each other at school. Gracie came home telling me about Davie going potty and then coming back into his classroom totally naked. She concludes this story with the teacher saying "oh my." Oh my indeed.

The fruit we picked and bottled on Monday.

On the way to school. Grace in booster and Charlotte in her new seat. She is so excited to be out of the infant seat she can't stand it!

Grace's second day and Davie's first day. (He only goes two days a week.)

Grace showing off her work from her first day.

Her fancy new dress from Grandma.

More boating

2009-09-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

Dan showing off some water skiing skills

Charlotte helping drive the boat

Due to physics I don't fully understand Matt accidentally jerked the tube really hard and flipped Dan and Grace out into the cold water. He felt really bad. It was a little bit funny, but not so much to Grace and Katelyn.

The aftermath.

Boating

2009-09-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

Nate on a daring rescue to get his girls on the beach.

Fancy Nancy made the boat trip.

Nate and Dan with Grace and Katelyn on the tube before the dumping incident.

It was kind of a cold day but we still got in the water.

Gracie Turns Five

2009-09-05T09:37:00.000-07:00

My Gracie girl has finally turned five. This is a milestone she has been looking forward to, as it means she gets to start pre-school and sit in a booster seat! Two very exciting things. Gracie has been such an incredible blessing in our lives. It is weird to think back now to when it was just the three of us. I cherish that time, but I love to watch as she becomes such an incredible big sister. She is kind and nurturing, yet fiercely protective of her things. Kind of a hard balance to strike, but she is figuring it out. Grace is stubborn and strong, but also sweet and loving. I love watching her figure out just what kind of person she is going to be. She is beautiful, but has very little concern for that at this point in her life. She wishes I would never fix her hair or make her get dressed in clothes other than sweats. She wants to be comfortable and able to be as wild as she wants. She loves having alone time. She is extremely creative and imaginative. She may have inherited some of her daddy's artistic genes. Speaking of which, Dan told her she got his genes about something the other day and she said "What? I'm not wearing your jeans!" She is hilarious and so much fun. We love you Gracie Girl!

We were able to celebrate her birthday in Utah this summer as well, but Dan was with us this time. It was so much fun. She had a much-anticipated Fancy Nancy party and I think it was worth the wait.

With the Fancy butterfly cake Dan made.

Gracie, too, loves decorations, so I did my best.

Dan drew this poster for her...isn't it awesome?

2009-09-05T09:32:00.000-07:00

Matt providing a little music.

Group shot.

My gorgeous sister Annie

My mom and some of her grand-daughters

2009-09-05T09:28:00.000-07:00

James and Grace enjoying the wagon.

Sara loving dinner.

Wendell and Michelle.

Matt loving dessert.

2009-09-05T09:20:00.000-07:00

Grandma Grace enjoying the kids antics.

The clean-up crew in action:)

The kids helping her open her presents.

Ready for bed with Fancy Nancy

Throwing parties is fun when you have a whole crew at your disposal. :)

More fun Splash pad pictures

2009-09-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

Splash Pad

2009-09-05T09:02:00.000-07:00

My mom and I took the kids to a splash pad and it was a hit. Especially with Charlotte. She crawled around until her knees were raw, and then crawled some more. She could not get enough. It was so much fun to watch them play with such abandon.

Real Game

2009-09-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

For Father's Day we bought my dad tickets to a Real Salt Lake soccer game and so we headed down there on the 24th of July. It was so much fun. I forget how much I love soccer until I watch or play again. My brother, Matt had just gotten home from his mission in Spain the week before. I didn't have my camera at the airport, so you will have to just imagine it, but it has been wonderful to have Matt home again. We missed him so much! Now all we need is Spencer home. One more year to go in Peru.

My Dad, Matt, and Nate

The best we could do at a sibling pic. The boys were not super cooperative.

Jackson Hole

2009-09-05T08:42:00.000-07:00

The kids and I took a weekend trip to Jackson with Dan's family. It was gorgeous and we had a lot of fun. Nine kids and Five adults are daunting odds, but we all made it and lived to tell the tale. Here are a few highlights.

The kids and Mammy on our mini hike.

Davie held Mammy's hand almost the entire weekend. He could not get enough of her. It was so sweet.

My sweet girls in the flowers.

Davie and his Mammy.

Jackson

2009-09-05T08:38:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous view of the Tetons.

Charlotte on the swings. Don't you just want to kiss that baby?

At the top of the lift.

Charlotte and I on the way down.

It was pretty steep. I was nervous about the other two going down, but they were well cared for.

Yellowstone

2009-09-05T08:34:00.000-07:00

The pictures here are few because my camera stopped working.

Old faithful getting started.

David loved the hot spots. At one point he said to Marilynn, "I am glad I got to see that."

It snowed the day we were in Yellowstone...in August! It was freezing.

David's Third Birthday

2009-09-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

David had his third birthday while we were in Utah. I can't believe this little man is three already. Of course, everyone else keeps saying, three? I thought he was turning four. Yeah, David's kind of big, but he is so darn cute. For all of his wild antics, he is also so sweet and loving. He is always the first to hug and kiss, or tell me he loves me. He adores his sisters and is very protective of them. One time he even dumped a cup of gatorade on the head of a kid who was bugging Grace. Not behavior I condone, but I appreciated the sentiment. Whenever we pick up Grace from school, he would hold her book bag, admire her pictures, and tell her he was happy to see her. Davie loves to talk and has much to say about the world. He is active and mischevious, and often in trouble. But, he is also quick to say sorry. He loves to dress nicely and also likes shopping. I took him shopping for shoes and clothes for school and the whole time he kept saying. "Should we shop for mommy stuff too. Ooh, I think this dress would look pretty on you." He is my biggest fan when I do projects. He always thanks me and tells me how great things look. For example, I painted the shutters on our house a few months ago, and he still tells me how good they look every time we drive up to our house. I love you little man!

Thanks to friends and family we had a fabulous party in Utah for Davie. We missed Daddy, but it was fun to be with all of our "cousins" (as Davie calls everyone related to him.) And thanks to Holly for all the great pictures.

James, Katelyn, and David

Michelle, Wendell, Tyler and Grandma Grace

Megan

The kids eating dinner

Natalie and Marilynn

Party Revelers

2009-09-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

The faithful picture taker.

Mom and Annie.

Mike, Aimee, and Sam

Jeff and Faith

Dad cooking the food...well done.

Party Go-ers

2009-09-05T08:14:00.000-07:00

Grace and Lily.

Sweet baby Charlotte.

Nate and Katelyn.

Nate and Stacey.

Katelyn and Grace.

Decor

2009-09-05T08:09:00.000-07:00

Davie and I spent a week planning. Every little while he would say, "Can we talk about my party some more?" Then we would go outside with a pen and paper and make lists. He had so much fun just thinking about his birthday this year. I can't believe he just turned three.

Davie is a details-oriented guy, so I made sure we had some fun decor.

Annie made this cute poster for Davie

"Monkey George" Cake

2009-09-05T08:01:00.000-07:00

Davie has wanted a "monkey george" party for about six months now, so how could I not deliver? Thanks to Natalie, we produced a pretty good cake, if I do say so myself!

Ready to blow out the candles.

Mmmm...Sara loving the cake.

Each kid had a specific slice they wanted.

Davie looks pretty pleased.

Pin the Butterfly on the Log

2009-09-05T07:52:00.000-07:00

We found a fun party game. Check out the blindfold...it is hilarious.

Emily all ready to go.

Spinning Megan around.

Way to go Emily!

Spencer is right on.

Davie had a good plan. He walked up to it with the blindfold on, then quickly took it off to see where to place it. He didn't quite get the whole point, but I think he had fun.

Balloons

2009-09-05T07:44:00.000-07:00

Holly's (and now my) friend Brenda came to the party and offered to make balloon animals for the kids. She is such a sweetheart and the kids (and adults) loved it. For those of you in the Ogden area, Brenda does birthday parties with a clown suit, face painting, magic show, etc. Check her out, she rocks!

Mike enjoying his princess crown.

Brenda making a balloon for Katelyn.

Jeff also enjoying headwear.

Hard at work.

Davie loving his airplane Brenda made for him.

presents

2009-09-05T07:39:00.000-07:00

At one point during the present opening, David got a little flustered from all the attention, and turned quickly to start eating cake. Food...always a good emotional defense.

Very excited about his new shoes. This boy is a sharp dresser. He is my future shopping buddy.

My dad looking good at the party.

Wendell and Emily helping him open his "sound dog" from Uncle Jeff.

His monkey present, beautifully drawn by Aunt Stacey.

The triathlon that only sort-of happened

2009-09-05T07:12:00.000-07:00

I had great triathlon plans this summer, but due to scheduling and funding conflicts :) I decided to just go for one instead of the three I had originally planned on. So I chose the Layton triathlon. It sounded fun because of it's unique format. You run bike swim, and then run bike swim again. Cool right? Well, all went according to plan for the swim, and it felt pretty good. Then about halfway through the biking portion my pedal started freezing up. I kept coasting and then pedalling and then coasting. I pulled over to figure out what was wrong when it just wouldn't pedal anymore. Some race volunteers came and looked at it as well. They told me a part had fallen off and there was no way it was getting fixed today. So, I ran the bike in for the last few miles, and took off on the first run portion. But alas, I did not get to do the repeat. It was ok, because a lot of people were just doing the first half, but still kind of dissapointing. Oh well. I think my serious triathlon days are going to have to happen when Dan and I finally finish school.

My faithful supporters. My mom and Davie. When it was over I asked Davie if he cheered, "Go Mommy Go." He said he didn't and when I asked him why not he replied "Because I didn't want Mommmy to go."

Looking like a dork as I wave at the kids.

Morning hair.

Perhaps a little too early for Charlotte.

Visits to the Dentistt and Swim Lessons

2009-09-05T06:44:00.000-07:00

We're finally back from our long summer soujourn to Utah, and while we had a fabulous visit, it sure does feel good to be home. So, prepare yourself for a lot of pictures in this and preceding posts. In no particular order, here was our summer vacation...

We finally got Davie to sit in the dental chair and get his teeth cleaned. He did the whole thing, even down to the flouride. Shannon did a great job working with him, and the kids had fun letting my dad and brother check out their teeth.

My parents put the kids in swim lessons for a few weeks while we were there. Grace loved it and is swimming all over like a fish.

Their cousin Katelyn also had a great time. David on the other hand is missing from the pictures because he spent the bulk of his time on the steps. We have finally found David's achilles heel. He is so not a fan of the water! He kept telling me, "That is too much water Mom, it's not good for boys."

More dental pics...we had to document for Daddy.

Gracie showing off her bright, clean smile.

Nine years in the making...

2009-07-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, Dan and I met while on a humanitarian trip in Guatemala. While poking through the markets we found these gigantic hammocks that supposedly could hold a whole family. We both thought they were cool and bought one. (Little did we know we could have saved money and just bought one :)) Anyway, since we have been married we have packed these hammocks with us everywhere we moved, but never found a spot for them. Finally the day has come! After much hard work in the backyard, clearing poison ivy, planting grass, etc. We finally have the perfect spot for our hammock.

What a gorgeous view! We lay under this tree that provides a perfect canopy of shade, and even light rain protection.

The kids love swinging us (and being swung) it is their new favorite toy.

Do you think they meant a family of five?

Snuggling with daddy.

While his face looks a little pained, this is actually Dan's idea of heaven.

Gardening

2009-07-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of our garden. These were taken a while ago, so picture it much bigger. A garden is something I really enjoy doing with the kids. It takes a while to clear out the area, but the planting is fun. I feel like it is a good way to help connect them to what we eat. Grace loves the cherry tomatoes and David loves the bluberries. We also planted squash, zucchini, basil, parsley, cilantro, peppers, pumpkins, and broccli. It has been fun to figure out what grows well here and last summer we were able to can a lot of tomatos. Hopefully that works out this year as well.

This is what happened while Davie was supposed to be napping...

2009-06-15T18:54:00.000-07:00

He turned himself into an oompa loompa. Points given for creativity.

Charlotte's Birthday

2009-05-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

A few days after Charlotte's birthday (a rare day when Dan was not on call) a few of our friends were kind enough to join us for a celebration of Charlotte's birth, and of course, cake.

Unlike my other two gluttons, Charlotte was not thrilled with her cake. She kind of looked at it in horror and tried to back away.

Dan tried to encourage her by putting frosting on his finger and letting her taste it. She refused. Finally, in frustration with her silly sibling, Grace jumped in and licked it off herself.

It's getting late, but the kids loved climbing in the tree.

Grace and David dug into Charlotte's neglected cake after everyone left and tried to encourage Charlotte again. They had a little more success.

But mostly it just ended up in her hair. Oh well. I am assuming she will be more into cake by next year?

Thanks for partying with us...we had fun!

Happy First Charlotte!

2009-05-20T06:48:00.000-07:00

Against my express wishes, Charlotte has continued to get bigger and older every day. So, my to my dismay, we have to wish Charlotte a Happy First Birthday! I didn't really feel this way about my other two, but I just really want Charlotte to stay small. Maybe it is because I know that we don't want another baby for a while, or maybe because I now know what happens when kids get older (the get crazy.) Charlotte has been our little dream baby and is just as sweet as a baby can be. We love you Charlotte dear. Thanks for being perfection babyfied.

With her new dress ups so she can join in the fun with Grace and David.

Trying to figure out what to do with wrapped presents.

David took it upon himself to open them for her. To his credit, he was also very good about handing them back over to her.

She looks so tiny in that chair.

Don't let this picture fool you. She didn't actually eat the cupcake and move on to the paper. No, she just preferred the paper.

2009-05-20T06:43:00.000-07:00

An attempt at a family photo with the timer...always makes for a great picture.

She was interested in the fire more than the actual cake.

Charlotte showing off her present from mom and dad...a swing of her own. This girl loves to swing.

And Grace and David love having her be part of the outdoor action.

Cute Pictures (mostly of Charlotte.)

2009-05-03T14:47:00.000-07:00

Can you believe this little cutie si going to be one in a few weeks. I know, it makes me want to cry too.

Charlotte chugging the bottle she found in the recycling bin.

Helping mommy work in the garden.

Happy Easter!

Waiting for Grace to get dressed (we never did get a picture of the three of them.)

Easter Egg fun!

Disneyland

2009-04-21T21:56:00.000-07:00

You know those neighbors and relatives who hold you captive for hours looking at all their boring vacation photos? Well, your in luck, because do I have some vacation photos for you! What can I say? I have a lot of cute photos, and what's a narcissist to do, but share those photos with the world. Blogs are, after all, narcissism at its best. So, here are our Disneyland vacation photos.
For Christmas this year, Dan's Mom took us all on a fabulous trip to Disneyland (in April...I am not that slow at blogging.) We had so much fun! It was wonderful to spend the week with family, sun, and no dang pager! Thank's Marilynn!

The week before we left David left his hat at the beach. He was insistent that he needed a new one, and with that white skin, we figured he was right. Doesn't he look cute?

Charlotte enjoyed the trip mostly from the stroller or someone's arms, but she was a trooper and seemed to have fun as well.

Emily, Michelle, and Grace on the teacups. I can't imagine taking the kids to Disneyland alone. I don't know what we would have done without Michelle and Wendell and Marilynn and Natalie and their kids. They helped us keep track of our kids, watched them while Dan and I went on rides and in general helped us navigate the craziness that is Disneyland. Thanks you guys! The cousins were all so cute helping Grace and David have fun. They all wanted to sit by them and watch them go on rides for the first time (they are all Disney pros.) Grace and David are in love with their cousins!

David on Pirate Island (or whatever they call it these days.)

Marilynn, Dan, and Grace in front of Small World.
Thanks for the wonderful vacation Marilynn! Scroll down for more vacation excitement...

More Disneyland

2009-04-21T21:46:00.000-07:00

I love this picture because these two cuties walked all over the park holding hands. Grace and David just LOVED spending time with their cousins.

David on his favorite ride Winnie the Pooh. He loved this one and went on it several times. We loved it because there was hardly ever a line!

Meeting Lightening McQueen and Mater. David was also very excited about this event.

Riding the bumper bugs.

Waiting to see Bug's Life. I wish I had a picture of Megan. She was sitting there with her glasses on and asks in all seriousness, "Do I look like a dork?"

Random Disneyland

2009-04-21T21:39:00.000-07:00

I love this picture. Dan was determined to get this disgusting turkey leg. Megan's face sums up just how gross this thing looked. Do you think they just had a lot of turkey parts leftover or something? Why would they sell this thing?

Davie looks huge next to the Alice door.

Charlotte looks just right by the Alice door. What a cutie.

Sporting their new Disney gear courtesy of Natalie and Mammy.

David could not get enough of posing by the letters at California Adventure. I have about 10 shots of him in front of different letters.

Goofy's Kitchen

2009-04-21T21:29:00.000-07:00

On our last night we went to dinner at Goofy's Kitchen. The food was great and the kids had a great time meeting the character's. Except for Charlotte. She was not a fan of Minnie Mouse.

Poor baby. Minnie just wouldn't go away. It may have been the hardest I have ever heard Charlotte cry. I finally took a picture so that Minnie would leave. Maybe she couldn't hear her through those big plastic ears.

Poor David was so hungry and excited. He passed out in the waiting room and slept through the whole thing. He didn't get to eat a bite.

Grace is a big fan of Mulan. Also, she ate enough jello to make up for David not eating. You have to get your money's worth after all:)

The whole group.

Seriously, this kid was tired. He was talking about the dinner a few days after when Grace brought it up. He kept saying remember the carpet and the couch. Yep, all he saw was the waiting area.

Lunch with the Princesses

2009-04-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

Grace lucked out and was able to meet almost all of the princesses in one fell swoop. (Lucky for me too...I think this probably saved us hours of waiting in line and we got a great lunch too.) Stacey had a ticket that they didn't end up using on their trip to Disneyland last month and so I decided to take Grace. Michelle, Megan, and Emily joined us and the girls had so much fun. I still can't believe we are indulging in this much girliness...my only consolation is that it can't last :) Megan used to be obsessed with this kind of stuff and she has moved on...I hold on to that hope.The feminist in me just can't stop being cynical about grown women in silly dresses talking in high-pitched voices. I can't help it.

Grace all dressed up and ready to go. She does look cute :)

Ariel, the hostess of the lunch.

Grace showing off the crown she was given to decorate during lunch.

The girls and Belle.

Pretty cute picture of Charlotte and Cinderella.

Dancing Queen

2009-03-31T12:30:00.000-07:00

Gracie had her first ballet/tap class this morning at the North Haven Recreation Center. She has been wanting to take dance classes for a very long time, so as you can imagine, this was a big day for her. She woke up early and pestered all of us until we were out the door and on our way. I have to admit, she looked adorable. She was attentive the entire hour, and was dissapointed when it was over. I have always been a bit klutzy, and I like to say that this was because I never took any dance classes to help me acquire some grace. (You have to blame something, right?!) So Dan likes to joke that I am living vicariously through Grace. I have to admit that a little part of me wants to take ballet now too:) It looked fun! The stage mom in me has to brag about Grace a little. Her teacher kept asking me, "Are you sure she has never had lessons before." No, but she has spent countless hours watching the Nutcracker and copying the moves. So, without further adieu, here's the little dancing queen.

Visit from Grandma and Annie

2009-03-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we were blessed with a fabulous visit from my Mom and my sister Anne. We were busy! And we had so much fun. There were trips to the Peabody, the aquarium, and a girl's day in New York; we ate delicious food, had some rousing games of balderdash and speed scrabble, and lot's of great late-night talks. Most of all, the kids just loved being with grandma and aunt Annie. When we took my mom to the airport David kept asking me, "Why did we take Grandma to the airport? I love her." Thanks so much for your wonderful visit. It was a much-needed break from our winter monotony. We miss you already.

Michael's birthday party. The best part about being a little brother is that you get to tag along to all the parties.

This was a party with a pony. Pretty cool.

The Little Mermaid

2009-03-26T16:01:00.000-07:00

Posing at the Rockefeller Center.

Whew..we had done a lot of walking by this point, but we are still smiling. (Something about following driving directions instead of walking ones...so what if we circled around a few blocks so as not to go on one way streets. I believe the comment was even made "These directions have a lot of right turns." Whatever.)

We went to see the Broadway production of The Little Mermaid. It was fantastic. The best part was watching Grace enjoy it. She was in heaven. It didn't start until 8:00, but she was awake and excited the whole time.

Girl's Day

2009-03-26T15:57:00.000-07:00

Dan was a sweetheart and took David and Charlotte for the day, so that we could have a girl's day in New York.

We visited Dylan's candy shop. We knew anywhere with chocolate would be high on Annie's list.

We also checked out the American Girl's doll store. There are some very cool dolls there and we had a great time window shopping.

We also did some window shopping at some of the other fabulous stores in the city.

Grace getting a lift at the aquarium.

David and the new love of his life. He had to be touching Grandma at all times.

The Norwalk Aquarium

2009-03-26T15:50:00.000-07:00

Checking out frogs at the aquarium.

Look at that gigantic sea turtle! It kept trying to hide from us, but we finally got it on camera.

Hello!

"Your being a bad mom today."

2009-03-02T09:21:00.000-08:00

Let me just say that last week was a rough week. The kids were sick, not at the same time, but overlapping for about two weeks. Of course, that meant we were not able to go anywhere, and I think we drove each other crazy.One unfortunate day we went to run one measly errand and our car broke down. We then spent two lovely hours at the Pep Boys where the kids proceeded to scream and fight the whole time. I actually had two people comment that they never want to have kids. But you who read my blog already know that people back here don't worry about offending you when they have something they want to say...especially if it involves your kids. I, of course, proceeded to scream at the kids once we were safely back in the car. Grace then let me know what she thought of my parenting skills (see blog title). By the end of the week, these two did not like me at all (and I'm not going to lie and tell you the feeling wasn't at least a little bit mutual).

Fortunately, this one still liked me.

And so did this one.
Two out of four aint bad.

We have movement!

2009-03-02T09:06:00.000-08:00

Charlotte has finally decided to join the world of the movers and shakers. I am undecided about how I feel about this. On the one hand, seeing a baby this small crawling around is so cute and a little hilarious. Also, she's nine months, so she gave me a respectable amount of time when I didn't have to chase her down. On the other hand, I now have to chase her down! I lose her occasionally because I forget that she can move. Places Charlotte can be found: two to three rows ahead or behind us in sacrament meeting, under Grace's bed, under her crib, under a chair...you get the idea. Here she is in all her glory:

Headwear

2009-02-22T14:32:00.000-08:00

Here is a sampling of the things that have been found on heads at our house...what have you been wearing?

Bloggers Block

2009-02-15T17:00:00.000-08:00

I totally have bloggers block lately, and not a whole lot to say. Or at least, not that I have the time or desire to articulate right now. Sorry:) But here are a few pictures because I was getting tired of looking at my last blog that was talking about Davie's poop. Thanks for all your suggestions by the way. We are trying a new bribe with dinosaurs...his latest obsession.

Valentine cookies.

Sugared up after her school Valentine Party.

Cool face paint from our "Night at the Peabody Museum" adventure.

Plea for Help!

2009-02-02T14:57:00.001-08:00

So we have been potty training our little Davie, and for the most part we have been very impressed with how well he is doing. Number 1 is great. He only very rarely has an accident, he is very conscientious about keeping it in the potty and loves to wash his hands. Number 2 is a whole different story. Just when I think we have a breakthrough, he poops in his pants again. Grace did not have this issue. How do I help him?! Any stories from the trenches you could pass on so that I can help David (and me and Dan?)

Dan's best Christmas present ever!

2009-01-18T18:18:00.000-08:00

One lazy morning a few days after Christmas I heard a knock on the door. I went to the door and found a white refrigerated box on our porch. Curious, I opened the box and then let out a loud scream as two claws reached around the package at me. I peeled back the wrapper and this is what I found....

Two live Lobsters conveniently sitting next to a lemon and some butter.

Here are the lobsters in their full glory...Dan's Christmas present from my brother Nate. Nate's wife, Stacey, was concerned that the present was a little strange, but as my family assured her, strange is good for Dan.

David's look pretty much mirrored my own.

Dan and his present. He claims this the the best gift he has ever gotten and no one will be able to top it. Hmmm...

Grace enjoyed the lobster more than David. In fact, she even started taunting him and daring him to touch it.

2009-01-18T18:08:00.000-08:00

The mighty hunter ready to kill his prey. (Not so mighty when your prey has elastics around it's weapons.)

Up close and personal with our lunch.

David still not so sure what he thinks.

Into the pot it goes. (I kept singing the song the chef sings on Little Mermaid about "It's going to be hot in my big yellow? pot")

Dinner is served!

Santa Train

2009-01-18T17:51:00.000-08:00

A few days after Christmas we took the kids to Essex to the Essex Steam Train. David is in love with Thomas and all things trains these days, so this was a very big deal for him. The trains were very old but very nice inside. The inside was all lined with polished wood and brass and vaulted ceilings. It gave it a nice old-timey feel. I think the highlight for David was meeting the conductor and handing him the tickets. He really enjoyed that. The train also featured Rudolph, Santa, Mrs. Clause and Pablo the Penguin?!? An elf passed out little Rudolph stuffed animals to the kids and Christmas music played in the background. All in all a nice little adventure.

Grace is bending over because I kept telling her I needed to see her eyes. She never looks at the camera!

Watching for Santa Clause with Mrs. Clause

The girls with Santa. David wanted nothing to do with the jolly man in velvet.

The girls and I on the train. Whew...we made it.

2009-01-18T17:38:00.000-08:00

It is so hard to get the kids to look at the camera.

Grace loved Mrs. Clause. She was her favorite of all the characters we met.

David enjoyed hanging out with the conductor. He was a very sweet man and explained a lot about trains to us.

Charlotte was probably the least afraid of Santa. She doesn't know any better:)

Dan and David loving the train ride.

Auburn Soul

2009-01-11T09:09:00.000-08:00

My friend April has a cousin that takes beautiful pictures in Utah and Texas. I love her use of color and her creative backdrops. For any of you in those places, check her out.

Christmas Day!

2009-01-08T15:38:00.000-08:00

We stayed home for Christmas this year, and while we missed everyone so much, it was really nice to do our own family thing as well. It was the first relaxing Christmas we have had in a long time! Christmas morning we took our time opening presents and then we let the kids play for hours. They loved it! Our families were so generous and the kids were spoiled. Sorry for the deluge of pics. Grandmas need lots of pictures:) We had our traditional breakfast of matzoh meal latkes that my grandpa used to make. Then I was able to talk to both of my brother's on their missions in Spain and Peru! It was so wonderful to hear their voices and know that they are doing well. After that we had a delicious dinner at the Taylor's and then adjourned to our house for games and dessert with friends. Thanks everyone for the wonderful Christmas!

Christmas morning at last!

Some excited faces.

Stockings first.

The precious moments of the holidays....forced hugs.

Now that is excitement!

2009-01-08T15:07:00.000-08:00

We put Charlotte in her swing to watch the action, but she had other plans!

Ahh...sweet success!

Cute hat from Grandma Grace.

2009-01-08T14:57:00.000-08:00

Fancy Nancy slippers from Mammy...Grace was in heaven!

Thomas slippers...David wears them every day.

David is all Thomased out. Mammy gave him a Thomas track suit as well. He is loving it. He keeps gettting out his Thomas stuff and his Thomas trains and saying, look, a match!

Dollhouse from Mammy!

Barn from Mammy!
Let me just say, the kids are in heaven with these two gems. They have played with them every day. For those of you who know about Grace's game "talkin" it is torture. Well she and Davie now play "talkin" together with the barn and dollhouse. I am so happy! I knew the day would come when she wouldn't need me to play "talkin." I KNEW it, but I couldn't FEEL it.

White Christmas

2009-01-07T09:01:00.000-08:00

We were dreaming of having a white Christmas and boy did we get it! After last year's dismal winter, we weren't expecting the deluge we recieved. Hooray for snow when there is no where to go (not so much when there are things to do.)

Look at that pile of snow out there.

Grace was worried that her house was going to get buried.

Davie getting lost in the snow.

Dan trying to dig us out.

Almost snowed in.

The 12 Days of Christmas

2009-01-06T07:32:00.000-08:00

In the continuing saga of Christmas 2008...
For Christmas this year my mom, dad, and little sister Annie sent us the 12 days of Christmas. We were so excited! Opening a present a day makes the wait for Christmas day a lot easier. Not to mention, it allowed the kids time to really play with and enjoy each gift. It also helped us to feel a little less homesick. Thanks! We enjoyed delicious homemade treats, new slippers and lotion for me, matching ties for my handsome boys, and a few great ABC games for Gracie, among other things. Here are a few pictures of the fun.

What's left of the 12 days by the time I finally took a picture.

The awesome alphabet train puzzle. It's huge! (As Davie likes to shout.) We have done this puzzle many times and we are not slowing down yet.

Quick picture before tearing in.

I was suprised at how good the kids were at not opening anything until I said they could. Who knew they had such restraint?

Charlotte enjoying her new lamby. It is so soft and she loves to cuddle with it. (Ignore my unshowered look...things have been busy around here!)
Thanks Starley fam....we love and miss you so much!!

Merry Christmas!

2009-01-02T12:07:00.001-08:00

That's all for now...but there is lots more for later.

Curse Genetics

2008-12-17T12:42:00.002-08:00

Now you might be wondering at the title of this post, because despite mine and Dan's genetics, Charlotte turned out gorgeous :) I would agree with you wholeheartedly on that point...she's the kind of baby who's cheeks I can't stop kissing. However, if you take a closer look at the second and third pictures you will notice two sharp little teeth. Those were quickly followed by two more. And she's only seven months!! My kids have all gotten teeth at three months and I blame this entirely on Dan's genes. Early teeth are no fun, especially when nursing. Ouch.

First Snow

2008-12-12T11:45:00.000-08:00

Days like the first snow of the season remind me why it is good to have kids. In my old age I have started to hate winter. I'm too broke to ski, and often too pregnant to go sledding. I hate driving in the stuff, and I hate being cold. I really have come to believe that I have no use for winter. That is, until I see the wonder and excitement on my children's faces when they wake up to a day covered in white. It was so fun to watch them discover snow angels, snow men, and snowball fights. We tackled Dan, chased each other around the yard, and made a snowman, covered in leaves. It was refreshing to watch a child discover the delight of getting cold and wet when it means you are having fun. We enjoyed hot chocolate...the best part of playing in the snow, and that snuggly feeling you get on a day when its cold outside and warm inside. So thanks to my kids for reminding me that sometimes winter really isn't all that bad.

Quick trip to NY

2008-12-10T07:32:00.000-08:00

Dan's sister Michelle and her family came out to New York for Thanksgiving to visit Wendell's sister. We spent the day up there with them on Tuesday. Grace and David were so happy to see their cousins. We had a great day. We spent a lot of time at the Museum of Natural history. We also spent a lot of time in the Charmin Bathrooms. We had great pizza and went to a three-story candy shop. Grace and David (and ok me and Dan too) were in heaven. So great to see you guys! We miss you already.

Grace dancing at the Charmin building. She couldn't get enough of dancing with the girls...we had to drag her away.

A little push from her friends.

Grace's turn to "go". The Charmin building was hilarious. Every year at Christmas they set up a big building with music and toys and clean bathrooms and dancers and etc. to thank New York. The kids had a blast! And clean toilets are hard to find in New York, so the parents were happy too. They even gave us free diapers for the babies.

Wendell and Michelle's nephews were so cute with the kids and couldn't get enough of holding Charlotte.

And Grace too.

2008-12-10T07:20:00.000-08:00

The kids and their cousins and their cousin's cousins :)

Dan snugging Charlotte

The only group shot we got all day. The kid were watching a movie...how else do you get them to hold still?

Grace and mama at the Museum of Natural History

Davie hates the cold. Brrr...

The kindness of strangers.

2008-12-09T06:45:00.000-08:00

Today has been quite the day already. Dan left for work this morning (if you can call it morning) to head for Hartford where he is doing a three-month rotation. It is about a 45 minute drive. I got a call from him at about 4:45 telling me he had forgotten his ID badge which allows him to do everything and get in everywhere in the hospital. Basically he could do no work without it. He was already in Hartford at this time and needed to start rounding on patients and so he was in a tight spot. Being the good wife that I am (ha ha) I dragged the kids into the dark, cold, car and headed north. Grace at one point on our journey asked me in confusion "Mom, WHAT are we doing?" When we got to Hartford Dan was still rounding, so we arranged to meet at the Dunkin Donuts across from the hospital. So the kids and I, all in pajamas and each dragging a blanket, stumbled into the donut shop. I am sure we were quite the site. I got a lot of compassionate looks and I am pretty sure several people thought we had slept in the car last night. A few people offered to buy me coffee, and the manager gave the kids free donuts. Many people admired the kids and offered kind words and several "God bless you honey's" One sweet lady gave me a dollar for each child and told me to "hang in there because I was doing the lord's work." She also admonished me to read my bible and that would help me. I appreciated the good wishes, but felt so bad taking her money. I am so glad it wasn't more than that. While we weren't quite as needy as we may have appeared, I was impressed and touched by the kindness of strangers so early on a cold morning in Hartford. Thank you for lifting a tired mom's spirits.

Happy Birthday Mammy!

2008-12-08T13:51:00.000-08:00

Saturday was Dan's mom's birthday. The kids call her Mammy and love her so much! She is a fabulous grandma and we think she is pretty great. (I think she did a pretty great job raising Dan as well.) Happy Birthday Marilynn...hope your day was wonderful!

Fall updates

2008-11-23T06:17:00.000-08:00

Here are just a few pictures that I forgot to post earlier.

David proudly holding the pumpkin we grew in our garden.

Dan called it the "perfect pumpkin" because it was so round.

Here is why it was so round. It grew up on our fence and so it was hanging and not leaning against anything to distort it. I wasn't sure if it would hold up there or break because of the weight. Luckily it didn't get too big.

Here are the kids trick-or-treating in Cheshire with their friend Annie. She was a very cute Curious George. David caught right on to trick-or-treating, but he tuckered out early. He didn't give up though. After about six houses he started crawling on the ground saying "More Candy, More Candy!"

Here they are at our neighbors house. There aren't a lot of kid in our neighborhood so they got A LOT of candy at this house. Our neighbors are very sweet to the kids.

Racquetball is a dangerous sport!

2008-11-19T13:52:00.000-08:00

While in Utah (and incidently the day we had scheduled to get grandparent/grandkid photos) my dad came home from work looking like this....

A wildly swung racquet by a fellow racquetball player was to blame for this horrible wounding. My poor dad was very tough about the whole thing, but it sure looked sore.

Here is a close-up on the stitches. I believe it was SEVENTEEN in all.

Stacey had the great idea to get one of these in place of the uncomfortable ice pack.

I added this picture so that you know just how handsome my dad really is :)
The wound is healing really well and last I saw he was just about back to normal.
Nevertheless, for all you who like racquetball...watch out! Thank goodness he was wearing his protective goggles.