girls 2 boys 1

Many Months Worth of Updates

2012-02-15T13:21:00.000-08:00

I don't think I am a blogger anymore. I'm not sure what the acceptable definition of a "blogger" is, but I'm sure it must include something about posting photos, links or text on the internet more than once a month. I don't apologize for falling off the blogging bandwagon. There are many reasons for it; some easy enough to explain, others, not so easy. And while I am not going to bereate myself for not publishing daily, weekly or biweekly photos and updates, I do believe I need to at least give it a go once a month. How else will I know what to write in my scrapbooks when I actually get around to them? (Currently I am working on 2010, yet haven't even started Katelyn's "First Year" book.) But I'll tell you, keeping my blog up-to-date was not one of my New Year's resolutions. Just so you know...

So, here is an update of the last couple weeks and months to catch you up a bit. I'm sure I will forget many important pieces, but you'll get the idea of our current existence. These are in no particular chronological or importance order.

I went back to work about 20 hours a week the week before Christmas vacation. I am working as an aide to the English Learner Specialist at the girls' school. The specialist is an old friend of mine. We used to teach together in days gone by and have trained teachers together for the last 10 years. So, it's not your typical teacher's aid position. Which is just fine with me. All the things I love about teaching without all that pesky stuff like report cards and grading essays.

I work while the girls are at school, which means Robbie is with a sitter 3 days a week, 1/2 day two days, full day one day. She was our regular sitter before, and now she is really our nanny. Robbie loves her, but the first couple weeks were rough. By Friday morning as I was getting ready to go, he would cling to my legs and tell me not to go. Now, he has settled into his routine. I leave right before lunch on Thursdays and Fridays, so he is ready to lunch with M., take a nap, then I am home when he gets up!

Speaking of Robbie, there are many many many things to say about him. I probably should do them all separately...

Potty training has begun. I wasn't really looking forward to it, and didn't want to push it, but it sort of happened and now we are on good path. After several months of pulling our hair out over Robbie's slow gut (read:pooping every 7 to 10 days, and being really pissed off about it), we finally make a dietary change. We totally upped his fiber and cut his white flour intake. It took a little bit, but he started pooping more regularly. Then, we finally figured out that when he pulls up on the back of his pants, he needs to poop. We started sitting him on the toilet...with my iTouch. Don't judge me. With the girls, it was M&Ms and stickers. For Robbie, it is Angry Birds. And we haven't looked back. We haven't changed a poopy diaper in over a month. The peeing on the potty took a bit more time to pick up, but just last week he started telling us when he had to go. Today is day #2 of a dry pull up all day. Those Angry Birds are miracle workers!

Because of the regular pooping, Robbie is now a much MUCH happier little boy. No more crying for hours or holing up in his room to lie on his tummy all afternoon. No more screaming while having a bowel movement. No more fussiness for days on end. So so pleasant.

Robbie has also undergone another language explosion over the last month or so. He doesn't just repeat sentences, he initiates conversations. He sings songs, reads books, and tells you why he wants something. He calls for his sisters to come play with him. He asks for specific games, books and toys. He seems to finally have caught up verbally with where his sisters where at this age. I think the most noticable change is he now says, very clearly, " I DON'T know!" instead of "Iuhknow." I kind of miss it.

But unlike his sisters, he is super cuddly. We love that.

Now, onto other news...

Phineas and Ferb has been a constant in our house for the last several months. I was told about what a fabulously awesome show it was a couple years ago by my friend, but since we didn't have cable, I just assumed we would never watch it anyway, so I didn't take it to heart. Well, we discovered it through instant Netflix probably back in the summer, and we now know every song and most episodes by heart. Even Robbie will sing and quote it. Daddy and I have been known to tell the girls they can't watch a particular episode because we haven't seen it yet and want to watch it, too. It's that fun for us. We now own two CDs and a movie. I thought they would have tired of it by now, but nope. It has staying power.

Katelyn seems to be outgrowing some of her more annoying clothing sensitivity issues, but they are far from gone. While she will now wear different clothes every day, and occassionally socks, the tags must still come out and there are many articles of clothing that she dismisses without even trying on. Her tantrums over other things come and go. Currently, they are in. But while her reactions are big and out of proportion to the slight or injustice, fortunately, they do not last too long. When she's done, she's a happy kid again.

Padyn is content in third grade. She goes through a chapter book every couple days, yet I have to force her to study her multiplication facts. She loves learning about the planets and our solar system, and even tried out for a speaking part in the upcoming 3rd grade play. (She got one). She is usually very helpful with her brother and now has to make her own lunch every day. It only took a couple weeks for her to stop complaining about it!

We have yet to ski this winter (seeing as how there has been no snow) and both the girls are eager to hit the slopes.

Daddy and I just had a kidfree get away to San Diego for a long weekend. It was a much needed parental time out.

We had new windows installed in our house back before Christmas. It now feels much cozier and quieter inside.

I'm still getting used to all the trees we took out of our yard in November. The ones I have to plant keep falling over in the wind. I'm not sure they are going to make it until the spring. One that I planted has already passed away, its root ball having been too shaken up in all the falling over it did while still in it's pot.

Katelyn is already asking when summer is coming so we can go swimming.

Padyn is amazed at how quickly the school year is going.

I keep writing "2013" on my checks and documents. Who knows?

Robbie is calling to me. Must be another no nap day. But I will leave you with my most recent picture of the kids. I took it last week for my dad's birthday.

Photo Friday-Christmas Family Photos

2012-01-06T21:03:00.000-08:00

Lots of photos at Christmas time means lots of shots of family members, some combinations we don't get to see often. Here are a few I shot...

padyn and kate

kate and robbie everyone-my sisters, brother in laws, mom and stepdad, cousins and us

colleen, me, mom and christie

bella and padyn

trevor, christie and bella

christie and trevor (trevor LOVES his mommy!)

the girls with grandma

padyn, kate and bella with gretchen, my mom's new addition

trevor, robbie, my dad and step mom (the beanies were a stocking present. thanks, papa)

Happy Friday.

Lightening McQueen Christmas

2012-01-04T20:14:00.000-08:00

Christmas of 2011 will go down in Robbie's history as "The Christmas of Lightening McQueen.' Here are just a few pictures him with some of his new speed demon products. I say "some" because these photos do not capture the new blanket and pillow for his bed, the socks, the jacket, the white board, the book, or the remote control Lightening. These only show....

The "Shake Car Lightening"

Two of the three Lightening matchcars

The Lightening McQueen PJsThe first Lightening toy he opened

Today, he told me that he wanted to see the other Cars movie. I guess he finally figured out that there is another one. I don't know how, because that was one of the few Cars things he did NOT get this Christmas....the Cars 2 movie. I guess that will be on his birthday list.

Photo Friday-Christmas Day

2011-12-30T12:12:00.000-08:00

As always, it was a lucrative Christmas in our household this year. As well as busy. We manage to open presents at 4 different houses in the span of 31 hours, ate countless cookies, and spread good cheer (and germs) to most of our close relatives. Here's a photo perspective of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. More photos to come....

Robbie won for the biggest present this year. It is a new train table for his new trains (and his 32 million cars...)Padyn and Katelyn...happy as can be that Christmas had finally arrived.

This was the Christmas of Lightening McQueen for Robbie. That will be a whole other blog post. But you can see here that one of his favorite presents was his LM jammies. He demanded to put them on right away. And yes....he is pushing around two LM's.

Padyn got her much needed bigger rollerblades. I don't recommend skating in fancy dresses, though.

The big hit Christmas morning was Robbie's new GeoTraks. I bought them (and two other sets) at our rummage sale this fall. We are only giving him one set at a time. Everyone loves playing with them. Daddy was particularly excited to put them together Christmas Eve after the kids were in bed.

Maybe Robbie is unhappy because he is jealous that this isn't actually his new beanie?

This is not his new headlight, either.

Kate is dashing in this wig headband from Mimi and Grandpa.

Padyn is starting softball this fall, so to prepare her, Papa got her a new bat, mitt and softball.

More photos to come late. For now, Happy Friday and Happy New Year!

My Living Room a.k.a The TB Ward

2011-12-29T11:59:00.000-08:00

With the coming of Christmas, we also had the coming of sickness in multiple forms.

I got a touch of food poisoning Christmas evening, Robbie and Joel and I are still getting over our 2 week old coughs, Padyn started coughing on Tuesday and Katelyn came down with a fever Christmas night. Here she is two days ago...relaxing (ie sleeping) outside after her snack.
Now all 4 of us are (Joel is working) are sitting around watching Phineas and Ferb, coughing. Quite a pleasant experience.

Here's to a healthy New Year.

Christmas Carnage

2011-12-29T11:56:00.000-08:00

Christmas puked all over my living room... ...and this is after cleaning up for about 30 minutes.

Tis the Season...

2011-12-18T20:55:00.001-08:00

On Sunday night I created this spectacular post with witty comments and enticing captions....then blogger didn't save it. And now..., I'm too tired and lazy to try to recreate it. So instead, I'll give you the cliff notes version of the following photos.

What: Two Christmas plays at two different churches
Main Characters: Padyn and Katelyn

Why: Because it is Christmas, and variations on the nativity scene are plentiful

And now, for you viewing enjoyment, Christmas Play #1:

Lots of angels. Robbie refused to be a stable creature.

Angels, post play.

Play #2

Padyn=flower

Kate=sandpiper

Yes, yes. Sandpipers and flowers were present at the birth of Jesus. What? That's not in your bible?

See...there is Baby Jesus, among the flowers, stallions, a lion, sandpipers, and woodland creatures.

May your Christmas be filled with just as many miracles....

More Photos From Grandma's House

2011-12-03T21:07:00.000-08:00

We spent a few days before Thanksgiving up at Grandma and Grandpa's House. We didn't have as much snow this year as last, but we did find this cool trail that we had never hiked before. There were waterfalls, red trees, a rushing river, and HUGE boulders. Something for everyone! I won't narrate each picture...you can just make up your own story.

Photo Friday-New Favorite Toy

2011-12-02T21:02:00.000-08:00

Tonight I let Robbie play with my plastic tongs while I was cleaning up from dinner. He had been trying to climb up on the counter so I gave him the tongs as a means of distraction.

Guess what he took to bed with him?

Happy Friday.

End of a Thankful Day

2011-11-24T20:54:00.000-08:00

So many things to be grateful for today. So many things to be grateful for everyday. It's good to have a day that forces me to put it all into perspective.

Thank you, Lord, for the abundant blessings that I do not deserve but gratefully accept.

And if I were to make a list of all those things, this would be at the top...

Happy Thanksgiving.

8 Years Old

2011-11-14T22:10:00.000-08:00

Dear Padyn,
I can't believe you turned 8 years old today. Long gone are the days were I could rock you to sleep or pick you up and swing you around. Actually, I can still do that last one, but only at risk of injury to one of us.

I can't believe how grown up you are becoming. You certainly look more grown up. Your face it maturing and you are getting taller. You don't like to be called "cute," even though you certainly are. Would you prefer beautiful? Pretty? Adorable? All those are true. And you are much more capable and confident than you were a year ago. You read, you spell, you solve math problems, you try to help me solve problems. I'm so glad you are finally interested in doing things for yourself! And when you choose to be, you are extremely helpful, especially with your brothers. These are things I really look forward to as you grow older.

But I also fret. I worry as you get older that you will stop talking to me and telling me things. It has always been incredibly hard to get you to talk about anything, and I fear it will only get worse as you get closer to your teenage years. Already you show signs of the future years...moodiness, attitudes, crying even though you don't know why....sigh....I am so not looking forward to that. I would love to just stop time and have you stay 8 forever. In third grade. Innocent. Happy. Carefree. I know you want to grow up, but trust me. Later you will wish you could remember more of this time, enjoy it a little longer. I know I will. I pray this 9th year will be full of joy and friendship and growth and happiness and fun. I hope you know how much your Daddy and I love you. It makes me cry, you growing up. Soon you may want to have much to do with us for a bit as you can sort out who you are and what that will look like. I pray that will be a very long time from now. Until then, enjoy being 8. Be nice to your sister. Enjoy your friends. And keep giving me hugs and kisses. Keep telling us that you love us. We feel the same about you.

Love,

Mommy

Favorite Comic Strip of the Week

2011-11-14T11:02:00.000-08:00

You can see it bigger here.

Photo Sunday-Playing with the Fishies

2011-11-13T20:45:00.000-08:00

On Friday we headed out to the fish hatchery on the American River to watch the amazing quantities of salmon that are spawning at this time of year. And while we often visit a fish hatchery when we visit Grandma and Grandpa in Oregon, this one was humbugs in comparison. It was a bit of a different experience. Plus, I think it's the first time I've let Robbie out of his stroller to feed the fish. You can see that he thought this was the best thing since the yogurt he had earlier in the day... There were two areas with these troughs of trout and salmon, each the length of a football field. In each area there were at least twelve troughs. At one point the feeding truck came through row by row, shooting fish food into the troughs. What a scene. Between the fish leaping out of the water to get all the food and the mass quantities of children running behind the truck screaming with joy, it was pure, delightful chaos.

Then there was the extra long fish ladder. I'd seen a few fish ladders in my day, but never one this big. In this picture, we are about a third of the way up from the gate entrance on the river. What you can't see is at the top of the ladder, it makes a sharp 90 degree turn to the left and continues another considerable distance.

The kids (and their friends) could have spent a hour walking along the ladder, watching and cheering for the salmon as they made their way up stream. They were especially fascinated by the gate. Salmon packed in gate to wall, fighting for their chance to get past the gate and up the ladder. And they just seemed to keep pouring in from the river. Really amazing.While the other kids were watching the fish, Robbie spent some time enjoying the vegetation. Kooky kid.

Happy Sunday.

Photo Friday-Funderland

2011-11-04T17:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the teacher in service day today (sorry, teachers, that you still needed to work today and we didn't), we had a random Friday off of school. And since it was a beautiful sunny (yet chilly) November day, we decided to take a family outing to somewhere we had never been-Funderland. Yes. That is what it is called. It's a little tiny amusement park in our state's capitol city. There are only about 9 rides. We only rode on 8...but the kids loved every minute of it.

The Octopus Ride (Padyn was too big for this one)

The Cars

Padyn as a train

The Carousel

The TrainThe Log Ride

The Airplanes

The Dragon Rollercoaster (the girls favorite)

The Tea Cups (Mommy refused to go on this one)

Happy (Fun) Friday! Hope you had as great of a day as we had.

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-01T20:50:00.000-07:00

Here they are...all decked out for Halloween last night. We cruised the neighborhood with the kids in our hood. There was...

Kate! The "Karate Girl"

Padyn-the Hip Hop Dancer

And Robbie-Dragon Boy...He got into the whole trick or treating tradition. By the third house, he was running down the street yelling, "I want some CANDY!"

Hope you had as great of a night as we did...and collected the same absurd amount of candy.

Signs Stating the Obvious #382

2011-10-25T20:11:00.000-07:00

I really hope no one had to stop and consider why this sign at the pumpkin patch was posted. Unless they thought that starting a fireball under hunderds of children was a fun trick...

Airplanes!

2011-10-24T19:46:00.000-07:00

Our local university airport had their annual open house this weekend. We decided to check it out. The kids always like seeing the other side of Daddy's life. These airplanes are, of course, much smaller than the ones Daddy flies, but still....we did see the plane that Daddy did his first solo flight in.

As soon as we got out to the runway, Robbie started running out toward the airplanes shouting, "Airplanes!"

The girls liked the paint job on this one...

...but the rainbow plane was Kate's declared favorite.The kids hung out inside an Army chopper for a while.

Robbie did not want to leave this seat once he was strapped in. Safety first!

I think she is feeling the fabric wing...or she is just posing. She's good at that.

Photo Saturday-Arm Bands

2011-10-22T22:13:00.000-07:00

There is a story here, but for now, just let the pictures speak for themselves. I call this collection "Photo Shoot with Arm Warmers."

Happy Saturday

I TWO!

2011-10-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

Actually, Robbie, today you are two and a half.

What do you like to do at 2 1/2? The same things you liked to do at 2, but now you talk about them more. You LOVE talking about what you are doing. You are the master of stating the obvious. But you do it in this super cute way, as if you are asking a question, so it isn't too annoying. Well, not me your Daddy and me. Padyn sometimes gets annoyed, but you can just ignore her.

You like to climb and jump (two footed) and run and yell and dance and sing. You love playing the piano and reading a book. You love your cars and your sisters. And your mommy and daddy.

Your favorite phrases include, "I did it!" "Tah-dah!" "Great job!" "Carry me!" "NO! I no want it!" "Actually, no." "Mommy, sit in my lap." "Change my diaper." "Play Chica?" "Watch Cars?" I see Daddy!"

You wake up in the morning exceptionally happy, but not always so from your nap. You are really really REALLY cranky when you have to poop. It's almost impossible to do anything else because you just want to be held. You love dancing around to some song in your head and you have this funny little wiggle-sideways-chicken-winged move that you do. And the look on your face as you are doing it tells me you KNOW you are being silly and you LOVE it.

You are super adorable and we love you so. Even when you are a pouty whiny mess. Can't wait to see what 3 brings!

Photo Friday-Grandpa's Barn

2011-10-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

One of our many local pumpkin patches has a little barn petting zoo. Last year I made the mistake of only taking the kids once during the month of October. This year, we bought "season passes" (I know, I know. Can you really call the month of October a season?) so that we can go as many times (and for as little duration) as we like. If there are too many people holding the kittens, we can say, "Oh well. We'll come back tomorrow and hold the kitties." And everyone stays happy.

We've been three times already in the past 12 days. I'd say I'm getting my money's worth. The first day we went, it started raining so I didn't pull out the camera. But here are some photos from our last two visits.

The ducklings are more popular than the chicks. They don't squirm as much when you hold them.These guys are my favorites...baby pygmy goats. I so want to bring one home...P and C posing the on hay pyramid that hasn't quite been finished yet.

Daddy and Robbie in front of what I think is supposed to be some type of maze, but is really just trampled vegetation.

Robbie-King of the Hay Pyramid

The first week, the hay maze wasn't finished yet. Yesterday was our first visit where it was complete. The kids loved it. I don't love losing Robbie in it, but fortunately, it's not that big.

Hay maze Queen

Katelyn found a fuzzy friend that didn't live in the barn.

Robbie did not want to have his picture taken with me. I had to resort to tickling to get him to smile and look at the camera.
Padyn asked for this picture to be taken. I think her exact words were, "Take one of me sitting on the fence." But don't call her "cute." Apparently she hates that.We ran into one of Kate's preschool friends at the patch. (As well as some church and school friends, but we only took pictures with these guys.) The boys decided this kennel looked like a good place to hang out. Kate and Robbie thought so, too.
In a cage...right where they belong. Happy Friday. Maybe we'll get out to the corn bath pumpkin patch this weekend and get more fun photos.

Sorry...

2011-10-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

...I seem to be on sabatical. It doesn't mean we aren't doing blog-worthy stuff. It doesn't even mean I'm not taking an pictures (though I haven't been taking that many). Someday life will slow down and I will be able to post again. Until then...sorry.

Video Friday-Baby Beethoven

2011-09-23T20:38:00.001-07:00

I think Robbie is our most musically inclined child. Every day, two or three times a day, he climbs up on the bench and "practices piano" with Padyn's piano books. I'm amazed at how gentle on the keys he is. Very rarely does he bang. Who knows what he will become.

Happy Friday.

10 years later...

2011-09-11T21:03:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking all day about what to post today, the 10th anniversary of September 11th. It's a day that personally changed our lives, though not as drastically or painfully as it changed many others. Memories are clear, but words are difficult to come by. My prayers are always the same on this day...peace and comfort for those who lost loved ones, wisdom for our leaders, safety for our men and women in uniform, continual healing and unity for our nation. But to speak of the day, or look at images from 10 years ago...that's pretty challenging. I still choke up just thinking about it.

So, I think I will just extend my thanks to two groups of people I saw today, each helping others remember this day but in very different ways...

Thank you, flag waver in the East Bay on the crossing over 680. Thank you for marking the day for those who may have forgotten what should always cause reflection.

And thank you protesters in the Valley on the crossing over 80. Thank you and your mean-spirited sign for reminding us that this great country we live in is still a place where you are allowed to voice your opinion. Even when it is a hurtful kick in the stomach to everyone who lost someone 10 years ago. Even when it disparages the very land you call home.

Never forget.

Big Boy Bed

2011-09-10T19:49:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the first night Robbie is sleeping in his new "Big Boy Dinco Car" bed. It's a temporary solution until I figure out what I want to do with his room, furniture, bed, etc. And I wasn't in any rush to take him out of his crib-he doesn't try to climb in or out or anything. In fact, my original plan was to leave him in his crib as long as humanly possible. But a friend was getting rid of this bed, so I took it while I could. And since it was making my real car sleep out in the driveway while it took up space in the garage, we decided it should just be in Robbie's room instead.

I didn't think he would fall asleep so fast or willingly tonight, but look at that. Not even 45 minutes after I left him. I guess cars really do have a magically qualities for this boy. (Oh, do you see the navy blue bag with the red strap next to him? That's his "Car Backpack." Many of his matchbox cars, mainly the ones from the Cars movie, are in there. He demands to sleep with it these days. Just further support of my theory.) Night night, Buddy. We'll see how this all plays out in the morning...

Photo Friday-Trailblazers

2011-09-09T21:11:00.000-07:00

Over the Labor Day weekend, we did our annual camping trip with several fabulous friends and our hordes of children. This year, we trekked up to Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Shasta area of northern California. This was the first time our family had been to this majestic park. We felt relatively safe, as this volcano has not erupted for almost 100 years...

On Saturday morning, the 6 adults that had made it to camp by that time took our 9 children on a 3 mile round trip hike to Bumpass Hell, where many mud pots and boiling ponds smelling strongly of sulfur fascinate the visitor. Strange name, I know. Apparently it was named after a hiker who severely burned his leg after falling into one of the boiling pools. You can Google it. But the important part is, my children did it! Yes...there was lots and lots of whining. And Robbie fell asleep in the backpack on the return trip. But the number of times they got to slide down snow covered hills made up for it. Here are some photos from our hike...

This sign was posted in not just one, but two places at the beginning of the 1.5 mile trail. Why would this encourage you to hike? Of course, I only took a picture of it and we still did the hike...

This is the opposite direction from that sign...and yes. That is snow. But what do you expect at 8000 ft?

I was most proud of Kate on this day. I really wasn't sure she would make it all the way to the mud pots, let alone back to the car. It was slow going in a few spots, and I had to bribe her with the hope of snacks, but she was a willing participant early on.

We heard almost zero complaining from Padyn. I'm not sure if it was peer pressure or if she just enjoys hiking as much as I do. Either way, she helped make it an enjoyable morning.

There were several places that we were distracted from our destination....

When we arrived at the boiling ponds and mud pots, the children were a bit disgusted by the smell. Can you see them all holding their noses? But after about 10 minutes, we were all used to it and eagerly ate our snack right next to a very stinky pond.Trailblazers...

On the hike back, the kids decided to take a slight detour and do some butt sledding down the snow covered hill. I think this was Kate's favorite part of the weekend.
Bye bye Bumpass Hell....

This coming weekend might not be as adventurous as our last one, but we will try to enjoy it anyway.

Happy Friday.

Grammatical Forms

2011-09-07T21:09:00.000-07:00

You know what every two year old's favorite word is, right? MINE. And Robbie is no exception. Everything is MINE. Mommy's iTouch, Katelyn's markers, Padyn's shoes...and usually when you say, "Is that yours, Robbie?" he responds with, "NO! MINE!"

But not today. Today he started moving into the next level of language proficiency.

I let him play with my iTouch, or "Chica" as he so affectionately calls it, while I was helping the girls get ready for bed. After a brief struggle which almost involved wrestling him out of the rocking chair, I managed to take the iTouch out of his hand and convince him it was time to read a book. As I put the device in my pocket, he looked longingly at it, then up and me and said, very clearly, "Yours."

Such a big boy he is becoming!

Such a Good Big Sister

2011-09-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

And she only had to bribe him with Cars to get him to lie down with her.

Piano Man

2011-09-01T12:49:00.000-07:00

What makes the piano more melodious? Cars, of course!

First Day of School

2011-08-25T21:31:00.000-07:00

First Day of School, Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011. The day Padyn became a 3rd grader and Katelyn became a Kindergartner. They were pretty happy to be going back to school...but I think Mommy was most happy.

Robbie was pretty happy just because he is Robbie...and he has a car.Padyn is pretty lucky to have her best pals in her class again.

And we are pretty excited that Mrs. W is our teacher...

And Mrs. S. is our classroom aid again. We love her.

Katelyn is SO LUCKY to have Mrs. B as her teacher.

And while she thinks preschool was more fun because it wasn't as long, she is pretty happy to be a big kindergarten girl.

The first day of school also coincided with Daddy and my 14 year wedding anniversary. Not that we had much of a chance to celebrate...Yeah Mommy and Daddy!

Kinder Orientation

2011-08-22T14:38:00.000-07:00

Katelyn and her cute new hair visited her kindergarten class today. School officially starts tomorrow. I'm a bit anxious for her, remembering how the first couple months of preschool last year were a difficult transition for her. I'm taking as a good sign that she did not want to leave her new classroom today. I had to drag her out....

Yea for school starting tomorrow!

Strange Children

2011-08-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

I have strange children who live in my house with me. Most days they do normal strange children things, like refuse to eat the "crust" of the quesadilla or demand to wear sweatshirts when it is 97 degrees. Some days it is really out there, like not liking to eat the cookie part of a chocolate chip cookie (many crumbly bits all over the floor) or going to bed in 5 pairs of pajamas. Yes. Five. When it is still 80 degrees in the house. AND sleeping under her down comforter.

I can't capture it all, but in the past week I got a few things to share....

Dressing up with sheer skirts. (Fortunately this time, she kept her clothes on underneath. Usually she only has on underwear and throws a fit when I won't let her go over to the neighbor's house to play like that. )I didn't take these pictures, nor do I recall this incident, so I must not have been present. I wonder if Daddy really encouraged Robbie to put that skirt on, or if he did it himself...

With a unicorn in one hand and Lightening McQueen in the other. What could be better?Two in a recliner is better one, I guess. I didn't witness the beginning of this transaction, just the end result. I'm sure Padyn was there first, and Robbie decided it looked like a good spot to play with his cars.

Notice the anklet on P? She's been wearing that all the time these past couple weeks. Not sure where that idea sprang from...

Apparently suspending yourself between the couch and the coffee table is just as comfortable as reclining in the chair. Again...no idea. Missed the set up, just saw the end product.Is there a better spot to play with your iTouch? Since I saw him doing this again today, with iTouch in hand, there must not be.

And lastly, our dress-up queen has moved onto pretend injuries. Here is her "broken leg" in its "cast." I'll have you know she wore that 4 socked cast to bed tonight.

Oh, and this is the kid that doesn't wear shoes and SOCKS, remember? But according to her, 4 socks are more comfortable than one. Maybe I could buy her shoes 2 sizes too big? Then her huge socked foot would fit into them and we'd be done with this battle.

I doubt I will ever win the "Wearing Dress That Falls Off Shoulder" Battle, though. Too bad. As they say, gotta pick 'em.

Haircuts and Candlemaking

2011-08-20T20:22:00.000-07:00

A bit over a week ago, we did a little candle making with some dear friends at a very fun little shopt while visiting Grandpa and Mimi. We also had very scraggly and unkept hair. Today, the girls got haircuts. Now we have candles (that we are forced to light at every meal) AND nice hair! See for yourself...

Before (working on her candle) Today! (New Kindergarten student!)

Before (not the greatest expression, I know)

Today! (She was very serious about posing for all her photos today)

Katelyn picked the length of her hair. She actually wanted it shorter, but I managed to convince her that a bit longer would be better. (I was afraid of tears tomorrow). She loves her new hair.

Padyn just wanted a trim, but wanted her hair straightened. She got it! Thankfully, I have a very kind and patient hairstylist who works very well (and quickly!) with the girls. Everyone is very happy with their new, slightly more grown-up haircuts.

And I will be even more happy during hairbrushing time in the morning!

Day at the Races

2011-08-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

Today was the last day of summer swimming for the girlies. We had our final, very low key swim meet this morning. It was Kate's first opportunity to swim an event this summer. Can you guess how excited she was to take first place in her heat? You can't tell by the picture, but she was pretty jazzed. She wanted to know if she could swim in the fall (no) and when would her next race be (next summer). From not wanting to get in the pool last summer to swimming 25 yards freestyle by herself...what a difference a year makes.

Padyn chose to swim 3 events today: backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle, all 25 yards. She took the backstroke race in her heat (so excited!), came in 5th in breaststroke (very disappointed until I pointed out that had it been a proper race, 3 kids who beat her would have been disqualified for not actually using breaststroke kick) and 3rd in free (she missed 1st by a second and 2nd place by a fraction of a second).
All in all, a pretty fun and successful morning!

Photo Friday-Random Couple Weeks

2011-08-05T15:20:00.000-07:00

We were only gone one week, but it feels like 7. I haven't had time to sort through all my pictures and come up with clever stories to share about them. These photos will have to do for now, then another post will share our trip to Oregon...

These last two were taken before our trip, but I just had to share them because they crack me up. Not that Robbie needed Kate's help in putting more than one paci in his mouth...

Happy Friday!

TV Viewing

2011-08-02T16:08:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, August 2, 2011. The day my son figured out that he could turn the TV on AND start his favorite movie all my himself.

Photo Friday-Photo Attempts Numbers 1093-1096

2011-07-15T21:41:00.000-07:00

Last week I was trying to get a photo of Robbie with his Cousin Tommy. As you can see from these photos, it didn't really happen... Apparently, my son is a ham.

Happy Friday.

Adoration

2011-07-13T21:57:00.000-07:00

Katelyn loves her baby cousin, Tommy...

...and he's quite taken with her, too.

Boob Tube

2011-07-12T09:54:00.000-07:00

This is what regular TV viewing looks like in our house. Only Cousin Tommy doesn't seem very interested. I love the open mouths. And you know Robbie would have one, too, had he not had that sippy cup there.

5 Year Old Wisdom

2011-07-11T08:49:00.000-07:00

Said by Katelyn to her younger cousin, Trevor:

When some people die, people put them on beds with a nice comfy pillow.

I have no idea...who has she been talking to about dead people? And what the heck were she and Trevor talking about, anyway? Since I was not present, I will never know. Thankfully, Trevor's mom had the foresight to send me a text with the quote so I could share, too.

Photo Friday-A Day Late

2011-07-09T21:20:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, we attended a large dD reunion in the Central Valley. It was a very well organized and thoughtful event, and I think all 185 people who attended can claim that, despite the heat, it was a very memorable occasion. It was a two day event, and after the girls got over their fevers, the kids and I headed up to join Daddy on Saturday morning. There were many fun games and crafts, tons of good food, and lots of conversation. But I think the next three pictures capture what my children enjoyed/wanted to do most...

Robbie would have been happy had I left him alone with my iTouch all weekend...

The girls would have stayed in the pool all day (except, of course, to get out and jump off the diving board) had they not been tempted by the carnival games, face painting, crafts and ice cream...

Saturday night, the kids really got into the 4th of July spirit. At every meal, the utensil were wrapped in a napkin and held together with some red, white and blue creation. These were a highlight of the day. Padyn and Katelyn started collecting them, so by dessert time, we had quite an array. Robbie preferred the red ribbon and willingly let Daddy's cousin (in the background) tie it to his hair. Shocking, really. I couldn't believe how long he kept it in.

Katelyn was quite taken by these little streamer things stuck onto long toothpicks. She had to have them in her hair. Well, I told her that the only way she could get them in her hair was to have a ponytail. So the girl who has REFUSED to do anything to her hair for the past 8 months willingly let me put it in a ponytail so she could insert these sticks. And can I just tell you that for the next 4 days she asked me to put a ponytail in? Even without the sticks! But it only lasted for 4 days....But isn't she so adorable with her hair back? I wish she wasn't so crazy...

Padyn preferred the curly ribbon to the sticks. Smart girl. I wouldn't want pointy sticks in my hair, either...

Oh, and Robbie really liked these glasses. (Especially the arm of them which he kept ripping off and asking me to fix.) With the ribbon in his hair, he was ready to party...

Happy (not quite) Friday.

Run Away

2011-07-03T16:55:00.000-07:00

We went to the park last weekend. The park is alongside of a school. A school that has another play structure on the other side of the blacktop. Another play structure that Robbie really wanted to play on. He saw his chance and took off (probably when he thought we weren't looking). Just being curious as to how far he'd actually go by himself, we let him. This is how far his journey took him...

You probably can't even see him in this picture. I didn't zoom in so you'd have a sense of how far he went. This is the point he stopped. Not quite to the other playground, but pretty darn close. If you squint and look to the left of the farthest basketball hoop in the center of the blacktop, that little tiny speck is my defiant son. (I love how you can see Daddy hiding behind the tree, ready to race after Robbie, just in case.)

And then he decided that since no one came with him, he should come back.

Just a picture of things to come, right?

Photo Friday-New Memory Card

2011-07-01T16:16:00.000-07:00

Our week started last Saturday when Aunt Hezzie, Uncle Greggie and Cousin Tommy came for a very quick visit. And along with them came a new memory card for my camera! For whatever reason, around image number 500 on my old card, the images were warped. So now I have a new, bigger card, thanks to the abundance of memory cards owned by Hezzie and Greggie. I've never been able to hold 1000 photos on my camera before. I'm not sure if I like this new found freedom. I'm afraid I'll never organize my photos again!

But I don't need to worry about that now. Here are some shots from the week instead.

Here is Tommy watching his cousin Robbie run around like a crazy person on the playground. Robbie was surprisingly nice about sharing his toys. Maybe he doesn't feel threatened since Tommy isn't going to run away with them. The day after Cousin Tommy left, we headed out to Papa and BonBon's house for a couple days. Robbie and Kate (but mostly Robbie) immediately reconnected with Ollie.

Ollie was pretty happy with all the attention until Robbie tried to step over him. Not step on him, just over. For whatever reason, that really made Ollie nervous. He jumped up, leaving Robbie crying after being unceremoniously knocked to the ground. Robbie was a bit more cautious the rest of the week. But it certainly didn't stop him from giving Ollie love.

While we spent hours visiting people, much of our short visit was spent in the pool. Well....the girls spent their time in the pool. Robbie spent time on the couch watching Cars. He is still not willing to go swimming this summer.

I think this is the first year Kate has willingly jumped off the hot tub or diving board. Her hesitation with swimming seems to be a thing of the past. Now if we could just get her brother to follow suit.

I think Padyn calls this her "surfer girl" jump.

And now we are home and Padyn has some flu fever virus thingo. She is mostly acting normal today, but I'm just waiting for the other two kids to get it. Kate had a bit of a fever yesterday morning and today, but she has been acting normally for both days. Padyn was certainly pathetic yesterday, but as I write this, she is busy playing some make believe game about cats with Kate. I think she feels better. Hopefully we won't be stuck at home for many more days. We are supposed to go to a big family reunion this weekend...we'll see.

Happy Friday.

Tahoe Days

2011-06-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

Enjoy these few pictures from our trip to the lake the weekend before last. They may be the last photos you see for a little while. Something is up with my camera. It doesn't show me the pictures it has taken. It takes them, then I get no preview on my camera or on the computer. I think it's my memory card, but until I have a few hours to sit down with the computer and do some research, I am not going to figure it out. And until then...no more photos.

But, here are a few to enjoy...

Now, you need to understand that when we were in Tahoe, it had still been snowing the week or so before. There were still piles of snow in our parking lot...right on the lake. Not big piles, but still...I haven't seen that much snow up there in June ever.

Still, it was summer vacation, and there was a pool, so even though it was only about 60 degrees outside, the girls wanted to go swimming. Here you see them checking it out...

...but very quickly after their initial assessment, they were in. I don't know how. So. Stinking. Cold.

Somehow they convinced Daddy that he should go in, too. They didn't stay in very long. Just long enough for their lips to turn blue.

This was at a park down on the lake. You can see that it is still brisk weather by my children's' attire. But it was sunny and beautiful. And the lake was still the hit of the weekend...Robbie enjoyed hanging out on the pier with Grandpa.

The girls stayed busy created sand masterpieces. That is, if you call large holes in the sand masterpieces.

BFFS

2011-06-12T10:33:00.000-07:00

What a difference two years makes...
C and P on the last day of kindergarten...

...and on the last day of 2nd grade.We don't have one for the last day of 1st grade because C was in Australia with her family. Totally messed up my photo record keeping.

And next year? This will be the duo to be reckoned with. Crazy incoming kinders...

Photo Friday-Last Days

2011-06-10T10:41:00.000-07:00

Summer has officially arrived for us. The rain ended on Monday, no one got the stomach flu that has been going around, we hit the mid 80's, and the girls finished school. Yippee!

Here are some photos from their last days of school. Katelyn was done on Wednesday and Padyn finished yesterday. Now we are relaxing at the lake with Grandpa and Mimi for a couple days before we head back and tackle summer vacation.

Kate receiving her award of "Most Imaginative and Creative Superstar" from Ms. K

Best buds...sadly, we are losing one to another town. She moves this weekend. Kate is very sad about it. Mommy is very sad to be losing her friend, too. But we will be visiting!

Katelyn with her loving teachers, Ms. J and Ms. K. Thank you, ladies for being just the teachers Kate needed. We will miss you!

Robbie has to wait another year before he can be in preschool. He is going to be very unhappy that he doesn't get to come visit anymore. But I'm sure I'll have just as hard of a time getting him to leave Kate's kindergarten classroom.

Padyn's class had "Closing Cermonies" yesterday. Here she is waiting for her certificate.Getting her certificate from Ms. D. We will miss her, too! But at least we get to still visit on a regular basis...

As usual, Padyn was reluctant to take a picture with her sister...

I love how Robbie wanted to be in the picture, but not really...

Paypay and Corcor...future 3rd graders.

Future kindergartners...fighting crime and learning to read. And yes. Kate and C coordinated their outfits. They had a superhero playdate while the big kids were still at school.

Padyn and Bella...always happy to be together.

Happy Friday! Hope you are getting to enjoy the beginning of summer, too!

Photo Friday-Adoring Fans and Close Ups

2011-06-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

Remember that dance recital Padyn was in a couple weeks ago? I have many more photos from that day. Here are just a couple...

Padyn's adoring fans awaiting her arrival after the show...A dancer of a different kind...Preshow entertainment...Padyn was able to sit in the audience with us for the first half of the show.Nervous, pre-performance face...

And two other random close-ups...

Super-cute two year old face...

Katelyn and Marni (her classroom monkey mascot)...

Happy Friday!

Such A Lady

2011-06-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

The sure sign of a princess...

Dance Master

2011-05-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

Padyn had her dance recital last weekend. She clearly loved being up on stage dancing her heart out. She was one of the few performers who actually looked like they were having fun. It was heartwarming to watch her up there, face shining with a huge grin. It literally brought tears to my eyes. Unfortunately she isn't as good at gracefully accepting compliments and congratulations after her performance, but we will continue to work on that... I love her poses...

Photo Friday-2 year old Comparison

2011-05-19T15:49:00.000-07:00

I should have done this a month ago...all the kids at 2 years old. All these were taken within days of their two year old birthday, if not on the day itself. Just in case you haven't been paying attention, the order for the pics is Padyn, Robbie, then Kate. I didn't go in birth order because I wanted have Robbie's pics between those of his sisters' so I could get a better look at how he stacks up to them.

I think he clearly resembles Padyn more than Katelyn. In this picture of Padyn where her hair isn't done, she looks so much like Robbie to me. Robbie thinks so, too. He was sitting next to me when I was posting the photos. He kept pointing at the screen and saying, "Bobbie!"

One thing I noticed as I was browsing their photos...they all had extremely runny noses when they turned two!

Happy Friday.

Another Two Year Old

2011-05-06T21:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Robbie,

On April 17th of this year, you turned 2. And it was like a switch was flipped. You went from a calm little bundle of cuddles to a tantrum throwing crazy monkey. Though still cuddly, you now love running around kicking balls, jumping in your crib, and trying to ride your sister's scooter. I swear that was not the case two weeks ago.

You are a pretty happy boy. Smiley and chatty until you don't get your way. Then...well, then you scream like your finger is trapped in a door. And you keep screaming. And screaming. Your stamina is quite impressive. Tiring, but impressive. That must be why you like 3 hour naps. I don't know if you actually sleep that long. Just today I came in after you had been in bed for 3 hours, and you were just lying there, happy to play silently with your crib bumper. And you love your bedtime routine. We read a couple books (chosen by you, and you are very picky about it), then we sing you a song. Since Mommy and Daddy takes turns putting you to bed, we sing you different songs. I don't know about Daddy's songs, but you will only let me sing one to you every night. If I try to change it, you lift your head off my shoulder and say, "No, Mommy." I've tried to trick you. I've tried to put you down without singing the whole thing, or stand up to put you down while I'm still singing. You will not have any of it. I have to sing 3 verses of "Come Thou Fount" then you are happy to go into your crib. You aren't a big eater. You love your snacks...the crunchier the better. But you refuse to try most new foods. You really don't even try. You just hand it back to me, shaking your head and saying no. Or, you put things in your mouth, chew them, then spit them out. You would be content to survive on diary products and crackers if I let you. But you know what you do love? Watching TV. You don't love to watch just anything. You love the movie "Cars" and you constantly ask for Veggie Tale videos. Well, actually, you ask for Bob and Larry. You call it "BoBo." You don't like Baby Einstein. As soon as you see the little Disney Tinkler Bell intro, you freak out and start crying. Waving your hands at the TV, you turn away repeating, "NO!NO!" I think a little toy mouse popping out of a fake piece of cheese startled you once and has ruined all the videos for you. Oh well. I was ready to get rid of those anyway.While you have been running around much more lately (and running away from Mommy), you are also happy to sit still. You love coloring. You prefer to use Padyn's felt tip markers, since she doesn't want you to, but you are happy with most writing implements. You also love hanging out in the recliner. You look at books, DVD cases, my iTouch, or just lie there with your hand on your tummy. That is the most soothing thing for you. Once that pacifier goes in your mouth, you stick your hand on your tummy and sometimes, even when it isn't your nap time, you look like you are going to fall asleep. And speaking of my iTouch, you know how to unlock it. And play music. And open up the apps that you like to play. And you can play them. There is this game called Shapebuilders, designed for preschoolers,where you drag shapes over into the right spot until an image is revealed. Up until about 2 weeks ago, you couldn't do it. You pushed too hard, couldn't drag the pieces with your fingers, and always had two fingers on the screen so nothing would move. But now...about 9 times out of 10, you can do it yourself. When you get bored, you skip over to the Dress Chica app from Sprout. You love Chica. That's another word you say. But remember those tantrums I was talking about before? That's what you throw when I make you give up the iTouch. I'm sure you will asking for your own by your 4th birthday.But you do love running. Just a couple days ago you figured how to kick a ball. And you don't just kick the ball...you dribble it. And when that gets tiresome, you line it up on the grass so that when you kick it, it goes right into the street. It doesn't matter where I kick the ball to or how I try to distract you, you pick up that ball, carry it to the bottom of the lawn above the sidewalk and kick as hard as you can into the street. It's lovely. Fortunately, you don't run into the street after it. Then we couldn't have the soccer ball in the front yard anymore.

You like saying "No." Usually you include a hand shake with it, just to emphasize your point. Sometimes you use the word "Go!" interchangeably. You also like saying apple (though don't eat them), uppie,Robbie, Mommy, Daddy, Uncle Paul, Chell (for your babysitter, Michelle), car, go car, all done, puppy, poop, strawberry and BoBo. And just yesterday I noticed that you now say "bee" when referring to any type of insect. You still use a guttural sound for your sisters' names. It sounds the same for Padyn and Katelyn. You don't seem to have words for the things you like the most-paci and milk. Usually you just point in the direction you think it is in. This is what I think of as your "look." It usually means you are not happy with whatever I have just said or am forcing you to do. Lately, you have been putting up a fight whenever I pick you up and try to carry you around in public (like at Padyn or Katelyn's school). You want to walk and explore on your own. Which is funny, because by about 5pm, you become very clingy and won't leave my side. You climb on my feet and bury your head into my legs until I pick you up or peel you off. Usually only a video will change this behavior. You want to be up when I'm cooking and cleaning...always the most inconvenient times. Unless, of course, Daddy is home. Then you whine and cling to Daddy.

You love big boys, especially your cousin Trevor. And you love your momma...and your sisters....but mostly, you are all about Daddy. You adore your Daddy. He calls you his fan. Secretly, he loves it, so don't let him tell you otherwise. You keep hanging out with him while he's trying to work on the truck or on his computer. He may complain, but mostly he's faking it. You are currently his favorite thing ever.

Happy Birthday, Buddy. We love you.

He is Risen!

2011-04-24T20:17:00.000-07:00

Amidst the fun that is eggs, bunnies and candy, may the joy of the resurrection find your heart.

He is risen, indeed!

Photo Friday-Non-Aquatic Hawaiian Activities

2011-04-22T21:25:00.000-07:00

We spent two weeks in Hawaii, but we didn't just hang out at the pool and the beach. Don't misunderstand me...that's certainly what we MAINLY did. But there are other ways to pass your time in the islands. You might be like my two year old son that decided he did not want anything to do with water or sand. Where does that leave you, you might be asking? Well, here's some pointers on what you can do in Hawaii without actually getting in the water.

Lounge on the grass BY the beach (preferably in the shade) and color, or do school work, or read that trashy novel that you never have time for.Play with your grandparents.Shop.Take hula dancing lessons, especially if they are free.

Lounge about in your pjs, eating cereal while watching TV. Don't ever bother to make the bed.

The more you lounge, the better. Take lots and lots of pictures of your kids. You must always get a group photo of your children with at least one of them having a tantrum...

...or trying to climb into a fountain. Bonus points if it is the same child in each picture.
Never ever leave Hawaii before you have seen some fish...preferably at an aquarium.

And you should always find at least one turtle to play with while in Hawaii. If you can climb on it, then all the better.

Attempt a large family portrait with matching clothes on your last day in paradise. The more children that you have to wrangle to get to look at the camera with some semblance of a pleasant facial expression, the better.

It's so much fun just getting the babies to look at the camera... ...while squinting in the sun (or snarling if you are Kate).

And, of course...playing in the sand at the beach. This does not require you to actually set foot in the water. The prettier your dress, the better.

You can do all this and more. But, really...nothing is as good as playing in the waves when you are in Hawaii. Padyn highly recommends it.

Happy Friday.

Birthday Girl

2011-04-19T13:09:00.000-07:00

If you know us, you know we have two birthdays in our family in April. Both has already passed (that's how good I am at keeping up with current events around here.) Katelyn was very excited to have her birthday in Hawaii, and before we left, she would tell anyone who would listen that she was going to Hawaii for her birthday. Like that was her present.

We tried hard to make sure her 5th birthday did not get lost amidst our Hawaii adventure. We even had a party for her with two sets of her grandparents, a couple cousins and our next door neighbors! Yes, they were in Hawaii at the same time as us.

These photos are from her actual birth day. It wasn't her greatest day healthwise. We had a lot of coughing and a bit of puking, but shave ice sure helped!

Here she is right after waking up on her birthday, in her new dress from Mimi...it was probably still like 5:30 in the morning in this photo. I see no daylight out the kitchen window. (That three hour time difference is still kicking us in the butt.)We went into the town of Lahiana for the afternoon. That banyan tree in the background takes up a city block!

There was an art fair going on under the banyan tree. It included free face painting. What better birthday present than a mermaid painted on your arm? Well, the shave ice afterwards was pretty good, too.

I think I'm going to start picking restaurants by the quality of the coloring materials they have for kids. This one was quite good. Lots of fishies to color. It took her the entire meal to finish it. Then she made it into a birthday crown.

We took a little drive along the coast afterwards, attempting to get the kids to nap. It didn't happen. But we got some sightseeing in, which the girls were not interested in at all. You can't have everything on your birthday, now can you?

And now Kate is five. I have no idea where the time has gone...

I'm hopeful for five. I'm hoping for the illogical, overly sensitive, slightly crazy 4 year old to leave and a calm, rational five year old to take her place. Two weeks in and I haven't seen a sign of her yet...

Photo Friday-Sneak Peek

2011-04-15T13:12:00.001-07:00

No...I haven't given up blogging all together (though many weeks it feels like I should). We've been gone for the last two weeks. Gone far far away on a warm, sunny island, in a hotel with very poor internet service. Plus, when you are far far away, do you really want to spend your time uploading photos to your blog? I don't either. I call this one "Sneak Peek" because I've only just begun to sort through my 500 photos from Maui. That's right...500. We've got beach photos, pool photos, aquarium photos, birthday party photos, cousin photos and much much more. For now...here are a few that I liked as I skimmed through...

Aloha. Happy Friday.

Close Ups

2011-03-21T09:57:00.000-07:00

Katelyn's Artistic Prowess

2011-03-19T22:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Kate spent a lot of time coloring. I mean a TON of time. She was silent for like, 30 minutes. It was completely unheard of. When she finally talked to me, it was to ask me to help her remember all her friends in her class. Clearly, this was an odd question. So when I approached the table to clarify her meaning, she showed me this... Katelyn: This is all my friends playing at school. My teachers are in the picture too. They are watching us run around the playground. I don't know if I drew all my friends.

Then she started pointing to the kids wearing green and stating the names of children in her class.

Mommy: Well, let's count them and see. You have 16 kids in your class.

After counting, I stated that there were 27 people in the picture, but she only had 16 kids in her class and two teachers, so she had too many people in her picture.

Katelyn: No, Mommy. (Implied: Don't be an idiot Mommy.) The kids wearing green are the Monkeys (her class), and here are my teachers (the taller ones), and the other kids are the Frogs (the other PreK class). They are naked.

Hmmm....and I keep telling everyone what a great preschool Kate goes to...

It reminded me of another drawing done by another child a few years back. Interesting how the development of how to draw people seems to be the same among children.

Photo Friday-Playtime

2011-03-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

What do you do on a wet wet Friday afternoon when you are stuck inside? Watch too much TV? Drink too much coffee? Go crazy? Yes. And if you are my children, you find new ways to entertain yourself. Like play with your sister's headband...

Build a "castle" with your brother's blocks (all the while getting mad at said brother if he even looks sideways at your creation)...Dance around the living room to your brother's mad skills on the piano...

Or help your brother play the piano...Practice Beethoven's 5th...

Or break the "only one person on the trampoline at a time" rule because your brother is having a hysterical hissy fit that NO ONE IS JUMPING WITH HIM AND HE DEMANDS SOMEONE JUMP WITH HIM!

Yep. Fun rainy times. You can imagine that our weekend will be similar as the forecast remains the same. Cold and wet. Yippee.

Time to go rent a classic at the Red Box.

Happy Friday.

General Silliness

2011-03-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

These are photos from our trip down south a couple weeks ago now. My children love the camera, don't they?

This boy has been getting himself into all sorts of trouble lately. Climbing in things, onto things...and his new favorite is going into the street when we are out front. He thinks the curb off the sidewalk was made specifically as a ramp for his push car.

Goof balls.

Robbie Gets His Groove On

2011-03-03T17:24:00.000-08:00

I'm sure that chicken wing dance move is going to impress those ladies in his future...

My favorite part is the second half were he knows to pause and wait for the music to start before he busts a move.

From Snow to Sun

2011-02-27T22:13:00.000-08:00

Two weekends ago we were in the snow. Last week, we headed in the opposite direction and went to the sun for the week. I say "sun," but that does not necessarily imply warmth. I should clarify again...it was warmish, but not hot. Not like, swim-all-the-time hot. Clearly, that didn't stop my family from jumping in the pool on a daily basis.

As long as you stayed in the pool, it was quite warm.

Photo Friday-Snow Fun

2011-02-18T21:02:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, while we were in Tahoe, everyone had a fun snow day. Padyn and Daddy spent the day doing this...

...while Robbie, Kate and I played outside the cabin in the snow. The hard, dirty snow.

Here they are, suiting up...

...and here they are outside. Don't let Robbie's smile fool you. He hated the snow. Didn't even want me to carry him around in it. He preferred to play here, in the street, while his normally non-adventurous sister tromped around in the snow. The hard, icy snow.

So proud of herself that she climbed up the "hill" (read: very small slope) all by herself. She had a bit of trouble getting on the sled, though.

Both of them actually enjoyed playing in the parking lot.

Kate was very adventurous. I was quite astonished by her this day. Here she in on top of another "hill" that she climbed.

Did I mention the snow was dirty? Definite drawback of playing in the parking lot. But what are you going to do when one of them hates the snow?After scaling the snow mountain, Kate wandered off to find cleaner snow to make a snow angel in. She didn't really care that the snow was hard and icy. She was going to make her angel, dang it.

Happy Friday.

Photo Tuesday-Winter Day on the Lake

2011-02-15T19:53:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we headed up to the mountains with some friends for a beautiful weekend of sun, snow, skiing and general winter wonderful fun. There was still snow on the ground at the cabin, but down by the lake, it was hard to tell that it was still the middle of winter.

Well, the girls reminded us it was winter. Their favorite game was pulling ice chunks out of a sunken boat. I guess their boats let us know it is winter, too.

The prize of ice.

Jealous, aren't you?

Happy Tuesday.

Life Through Kate's Lense

2011-02-09T16:35:00.000-08:00

Grandma was kind enough to get Kate her own camera for Christmas. It has eliminated the fighting between Kate and Padyn over Padyn's camera, but has created a new rival between Kate and her brother. Oh well.

Most photos on the camera are of inanimate objects-stuffed animals, toys, light fixtures, the hallway...but there are a few of us in the mix. I chose to highlight these for Kate's first photo post. Obviously, she didn't take all of these, as she herself is in some. But she did take most. Here's her budding photo skills on display for the first time ever.

I think I am responsible for the first and third of Kate, and Padyn took the middle one.

Definitely taken by a child...

Daddy might be responsible for this one. The distance from the camera is just too appropriate for a four year old.

This is more like a four year old shot...

Stuffies!

Mommy! (Yes, taken by Kate)

Bella!

Next time I'll see if I can get Robbie to take some, not just delete them.

Photo Monday-Because I Owe You

2011-02-07T13:05:00.000-08:00

This past Friday I helped put together a fundraiser for Kate's preschool. It was a bit of a crazy week, so go figure as to why I didn't post photos on Friday. Then there was the weekend of recovery. And now it's Monday. So here you have it...Photo Monday.

This one was actually taken just a few moments ago. The girl who won't let you brush her hair suddenly wants to look like Princess Leia. Literally. That's what she said when she asked me to do her hair..."I want Princess Leia hair." She hangs out with too many boys...Robbie has a new word. EESE! Yes. He's gotten quite used to everyone taking pictures of him and can now say cheese. Unprompted.Like here....And here...Look! A new shirt! I think we are now at 5 shirts that she will wear.

Not many photos of Padyn these days. Mostly because she's not home as much as the other kiddos. And when she is home, you usually find her reading. Robbie decided to join her the other day. I'm shocked he shared his chair willingly. But then again, he does adore his big sister.

He just climbed right up there next to her to work on his block box.

Another new trick-he can climb up on the piano bench by himself. We've been introduced to so many new "songs" lately.

He's so proud of himself.

Happy Monday.

Photo Friday-Random Weekly Photos

2011-01-28T16:00:00.000-08:00

Here are just a few photos (because "just a few" is all I've taken lately) from the past few weeks. We'll start off with one from today. This one records Kate wearing gasp! new clothes AND a sweatshirt. Willingly. But I'm not sure why she always has to wear her hood. You'll see that in other photos as well. She's so happy here because I just let her purchase this silly horse that she's been eyeing for several weeks in the used children's store. It was only $4, but I made her do chores to earn it. It's not her birthday yet...nor is it a toy we need. (We have two other horses that we inherited from two different neighbors.) I felt that she really needed to work for that $4.

Robbie is in love with shoes. He calls them fee. Actually, all things relating to his feet are fee. Shoes, socks, and, well, FEET. But he also loves bigger shoes, and lately he's been all about stealing Padyn's pink Crocs. Like here... ...and here. He thinks he's so clever.

A few Sundays ago we decided to go bowling on campus since the weather was crummy and we had some friends visiting. Apparently, the rest of the county had the same idea because there was a huge wait for lanes. So instead of bowling, we played in the arcade. The first thing the girls wanted to do was play air hockey. I have no idea why. Padyn kicked Kate's butt. But, as you can see, Kate thoroughly enjoyed herself anyway. The score of 8 to 1 did nothing to deter her enthusiasm. Oh, and we came home and played our bowling video game, so I guess we got to "bowl" anyways...

It looks like she's laughing maniacally here, doesn't it? Skunking her sister must have gone to her head.

I found them doing this one morning when I came out of the bathroom. I guess raiding the game closet is better than raiding the pantry. I have a feeling these two are going to enjoy getting into plenty of trouble together in the future.

And finally, nothing is better than wrestling with Daddy. You can see here Robbie looks like he is about to do a belly flop onto Daddy. That's exactly what happened next.

Daddy trains are fun, too...

We'll try to do something photo-worthy this weekend.

Happy Friday.

A Girl and Her Brother

2011-01-25T10:28:00.000-08:00

This set of photos brings tears to my eyes. I've never seen Robbie play with Kate like this, totally unprompted. He certainly loves his big sister.

It all started on Saturday after we rode the train at Roaring Camp. Kate was just lying her in the grass, minding her own business...

..and posing for the camera......when Robbie decided to join her.And then he decided Katelyn needed to be wrestled with. The rest requires no text...

Finally, after at least 5 minutes of wrestling, Kate ran away. She must have decided that her hair had had enough musing, and she went off to join the other kids.

I love that they love each other.

Photo Saturday-Roaring Camp

2011-01-22T21:31:00.000-08:00

I apologize for not posting photos yesterday, but I knew I would get several excellent ones today on our adventure, so I made you all wait. And so now, you may witness our day at Roaring Camp. We met up with some of my college roomies, one of whom was passing through from So Cal on their way to visit family in the Bay Area. So, those of us in Nor Cal rushed down to Santa Cruz this morning so we could have some time together.

Here's our quick lunch before boarding the train. Ten kids, all between 7 and 6 months. So. Much. Fun.

All aboard. We sat on the "wet" side of the train, but no one really noticed their wet bottoms.

Mommy and Juls...

Sach and Jack...

Picture perfect afternoon...

Through the trees...

A boy and a train...

Taking a break from the train...

Here they are all...all ten of them. And, of course, Chris. He was our only Daddy that could come today. He had to be in the picture or else we couldn't get baby Ryan in the shot. And yes, this is the best photo. Have you ever tried to take a picture of ten children? The next one in the serious has a kid running away and the following one has a child crying, I think.Ready to head back to the station...

Train trestle. Thanks for taking the pic, Chris.

This was slightly creepy, so I had to get a shot of it. I'm pretty sure this dude works for Roaring Camp, but in this neck of the woods, you never really know...

Showing off its steam...

I think she had a good time...

Back at the station, we had a little play time before heading home...

Our boys in orange...Brother Bear and Robbie.

Show much fun on the tree...

This was pretty fun. Both Calvin and Robbie brought some cars along to play with. Without any adult intervention, they lined them up opposite each other on the edge of the horseshoe sandbox. Then they stared at each other, as if daring the other to go first. They didn't actually play together. They just stared for a while. I love boys.

Thanks, Juls for organizing. We had such a great day. I love you all!

Happy Saturday.

Photo Friday-Januarys of Old

2011-01-14T20:22:00.000-08:00

January is a slow photo month. I've got nothing new for you. But as I was browsing through old photos to find something to post (so I don't get hate emails), I realized I hardly ever have photos from January. I decided instead of doing recent January photos, I'd go back and post ones from years past. Since this computer only goes back to mid 2007, my January photos start at 2008. Of course, I didn't post them that way. These are posted January 2010 to January 2008. Sometimes I just like doing things the hard way (and does it ever drive Daddy crazy!)

Ok, so to begin...January 2010. One year ago. Actually, I don't even have any January photos from last year. I find that incredibly hard to believe...maybe I never downloaded them to this computer? It's possible, but not very likely. So, instead, we have some photos from December 2009 and Feburary 2010...

Here's Padyn and Robbie about one year ago. Padyn looks similar, but look at Robbie. A year ago, he couldn't walk, he couldn't even sit up properly. He still had to be in the Boppy. And he has absolutely no hair. But he still loves his big sister. That hasn't changed.Here's one of our family photos from last December. Don't we all look so special!This is from Feburary 2010. I remember how hard it was to get a good picture of all three of them. This was the best one of the lot, and it still isn't great. But look! A year ago Kate was still letting me pull her hair back. Padyn still wears that green shirt. Robbie still has that pacifier.Feburary 2010. Katelyn doesn't wear her dress up clothes much anymore. I think it's part of her "I hate all clothes" phase. And look at those two tiny teeth Robbie had a year ago! He's got a full set of chompers now. I know. He likes running up to me and biting my legs.

Here we are in January 2009. I was pregnant with Robbie and we were living with Auntie. She was so kind to let us live with her while Daddy was still working two hours away and our house was being remodeled. Look! Katelyn used to willingly wear a leotard! (Next post I'll tell you all about her new ballet class.)

This is something that has remained the same in two years. The girls love dancing together. They got the soundtrack to "The Little Mermaid" for Christmas. We listen to it daily. They have choreographed little numbers for each piece of music. Good thing I like the soundtrack as I have heard the "Daughters of Triton" song at least 10 million times while they pretend to be Ariel's sisters.

Remember this? We used to come back to Auntie's house in the afternoon after kindergarten and preschool and the girls would get in their pajamas and play in their tent. It would be 3 in the afternoon and they would be dressed for bed. And even though it's been two years, they still have these PJs in their drawers. Yes. They still wear them.

January 2008. Three years ago. We still lived in the Bay Area. Katelyn was the age that Robbie is now. (She seemed so much older). Robbie wasn't even a thought in our minds at this point. The girls were just starting to play together. I remember this being a fun game...stick Kate in the laundry basket and sit on her. Padyn's always been such a good big sister, hasn't she?

Padyn at 4 years old...a bit younger than Kate is now.

Kate at 1 1/2. I know this is a horrible picture of her, but I just remember how messed up she'd be when she woke up from her nap. And she had that horrible mullet.

Here's a better one of her from the same month and year...such cute girls.

Happy (blast from the past) Friday.

Letter to a Four Year Old-Part II

2011-01-11T20:28:00.001-08:00

Dear Katelyn,

Thank you for going through all your pants and shirts with me over the last two days and choosing the ones you are willing to wear. I'm actually quite amazed that you have 5 pairs of pants and 6 shirts that you claim are suitable for your sensitive body. Now you have a drawer that you can go to with all your acceptable clothes. That drawer right above your "will wear" clothes that have the clothes you "aren't sure about"...well, we'll just keep checking in on those. And while I'd say I was impressed that there are actually pants and shirts you are willing to wear, I'd have to forgot about that drawer in the stairs of you bed that now holds all those clothes you claim "you will never ever ever wear." You know, that drawer that holds your jeans, fleece pants, and every single pair of pajamas you own. I have to keep them. I do. There are just times when you have to wear jeans and you might absolutely require a solid pink shirt. But I won't dwell on that drawer. Today we made progress . When I told you it was too cold outside for a skirt and that you HAD TO wear pants and a sweatshirt or jacket, you did. Never mind that you get almost completely naked for the short ride to school. Never mind that you didn't wear socks. Never mind that you wore a short sleeve shirt under your fleece sweatshirt. I will just keep reminding myself of the progress.

But if you could just answer a simple question for me, Katie, you're daddy and I would be much appreciative. It would help us plan for future years. (Do we need to set money aside now for counseling?) How long are you planning on staying crazy? Is this a four year old thing that kindergarten will beat out of you? Or is this completely illogical, insane behavior that you exhibit day in and day out...over clothes, shoes, underwear, food, carseats, hairbrushes, and toothbrushes...is this here to stay? Are you that kid? If you could just let me know, please. I'll make sure I purchase enough booze on my Costco runs.

And even if you do stay crazy, I'll still love you. Even when you refuse to wear pants when it is 29 degrees outside.

Love,
Mommy

Photo Friday-Just Barely

2011-01-07T21:16:00.000-08:00

It's hard to post pictures for Photo Friday when I hadn't taken any since December 27th. So, despite the hand foot and mouth disease, ear infections, cold viruses, goopy ears, and sore throats that have plagued us over the last couple weeks, I pulled at the camera today to show you what our typical Friday afternoon looks like...

The girls like to bring all their toys out to the family room and set up some elaborate scene to pretend around. Robbie just likes to hang out near them in his new shoes playing with his toys before the girls steal them to make part of their production.

Padyn is often writing some elaborate list or script or drawing some new creation. I'm not sure. But she prefers the floor to the table. Oh, and look. You can see Kate's new shoe, and the only pair of pants that she will wear these days. The shoes are the 3rd pair of Crocs I've bought for her over the last couple weeks. This is the pair she finally doesn't complain about. Well, she doesn't complain about them much. She still wears them, which is a huge accomplishment.

I'm really not sure what they are doing here but I do know that yarn is one of their favorite accessories lately. (See Robbie's blocks down there that they've stolen?)Oh look...here's the only other article of clothing besides the "snow dress" that Kate will wear. It matches her pants. BonBon got it for her for Christmas. You had to scrape my mouth off the floor when she willingly put it on the day after Christmas. Seriously. It's this or the snow dress. And usually she wears the pants with the snow dress. The pant knees already look like they are a year old.And here's the big boy. Hand foot and mouth (which he gave to Mommy), runny nose, goopy ear with infection...isn't he a handsome one? I think he needs a haircut.

Happy Friday. I hope you are staying healthier than we are. We might be pathetic, but at least we are no longer contagious (fingers crossed).

Photo Friday-Sports Center

2010-12-31T21:29:00.000-08:00

It's great when we go to Papa's house. Everyone gets a little sports conditioning...

And everyone plays baseball in their grandparents' garage, right?

Everyone uses the inside of the garage door as a backstop (complete with cardboard target) while wearing totally inappropriate clothing, right?

We are so normal.

Happy Friday.

And welcome 2011.

New Skillz

2010-12-30T15:00:00.000-08:00

There's a lot of things Kate wants to do for herself lately. I just wish they were the same things I want her to do by herself (like find her pjs and clear her place). But I'm usually willing to take the ones that she gives me. A new skill that she decided she was capable of earlier this month was cutting her own apples. So, me being the busy mom I am, I said, "Great! Here you go." and gave her a cutting board, a butter knife and a peeled apple.

Silly me. I assumed she'd cut a few chunks and be done with it. But no. Not Katelyn. Twenty minutes later, this is what I found on the counter.

She'd already consumed about half the apple. This is what was left of the massacre.

Catching Up

2010-12-29T20:38:00.000-08:00

Clearly I've been on a vacation from blogging lately. Somehow I just haven't been able to find the time. So we'll start with something easy...Christmas.

Christmas came a bit early this year. The girls' first present actually arrived before Thanksgiving, but it was a couple more weeks before we could put it together. These awesome bunk beds have literally doubled the size of the girls' bedroom. They are super excited about their new beds. But clearly, it hasn't really helped keep the room tidy...Another early present for the girls...tickets to the Nutcracker ballet. Surprisingly, both girls enjoyed it. I wasn't sure since they are so sensitive to anything slightly suspenseful or a tiny bit frightening. Kate did ask me to cover her eyes while she covered her ears when the Nutcracker was fighting the King of the Mice. And other than wishing it was over about 15 minutes before it ended (because she was bored), she thought it was great. Padyn also loved it. When I asked her what her favorite part was, her reply was, "All of it."

Here they are demonstrated what they had seen that afternoon. Oh, and Robbie wanted to get in on the picture, too.

Christmas continued to come early. We let the girls open their present from Uncle Greggie and Aunt Hezzie the day before Christmas Eve. Thanks, guys, for our AWESOME new game!

I skipped a day of photos, but we celebrated with Grandma and Auntie and Bella and Trevor on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Day found us at home in the morning opening our presents from each other. Still in our jammies. We were all a bit tired as Katelyn was up coughing most of the night and Robbie was awake every couple hours with, what we figured out a few days later, was hand foot and mouth disease.

Only an hour later, the house was in complete chaos...

Christmas continued...more presents, more houses, more family. Kate and Robbie didn't get to participate in all of it since the were ill. But they didn't mind sitting around watching TV with Daddy while Padyn and I celebrated at Grammie's house.

And after it all...all the presents I mean, the clear winner for Katelyn was the last one she opened at Papa and BonBon's house. Can you tell what it is from the picture?

Even when I tell you it's a unicorn pillow pet, you still might not know what it is. But don't worry. If you come over, it will be the first thing she shows you.

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas.

Definitely Has His Own Drummer

2010-12-10T09:31:00.000-08:00

Robbie is really starting to bust a move. Up until last night, he needed music to get in the dancing groove, but now apparently all he needs is a command. This morning, he was swaying his hips so hard to "Little Drummer Boy" that I thought for sure she was going to fall over.

It's worth watching the video until the end, just to hear the exit line for Kate.

Happy Friday.

True Story

2010-12-08T20:57:00.000-08:00

Padyn has been bugging me lately about the tooth fairy. When she lost her sixth tooth this weekend, she again asked me about the reality of the tooth fairy's existence. I pushed her question off and told her we would talk about it when Kate was not around.

Today she had her chance. Just she and I were in the car when she said, "Mommy, tell me about the tooth fairy."

Not looking forward to this conversation (it's never fun to shatter your child's views on reality), I asked, "Tell you what?"

"Is the tooth fairy real?"

"What do you think, honey?"

"I think you are the tooth fairy."

"Sometimes I am. Is there anyone else that can be the tooth fairy?"

"Daddy."

"Yes. Sometimes Daddy is the tooth fairy. Anyone else?"

"I don't know."

"Well, every parent is the tooth fairy sometimes."

Thinking we had cleared this up, and one small part of my daughter's childhood existence was now shattered, I as quite surprised by her next question. Wait for it...

"Mommy, how do you get so small?"

Ah. Innocence safe for another day.

More Pictures from Thanksgiving

2010-12-07T22:37:00.000-08:00

Here's a few more pictures from Grandma's house...

Playing with snow when there isn't even any on the ground. That's pretty tricky...

Photo Friday-New Shoes

2010-12-03T09:50:00.000-08:00

Well, they are almost new shoes. And they are Mommy's. But Robbie clearly thought they belonged to him this morning. We were amazed at how well he could walk around in them.And just for something different...here's the little man having a fit yesterday. Who knows why.
Happy Friday.

Peace

2010-12-02T21:42:00.000-08:00

There was a moment today when the girls were playing together without bickering, screaming or tattling. Of course I had to take a picture of this miraculous event.
Yes, those are pajama bottoms that Kate is wearing with her dress. And yes...she did wear them to school. But hey-she wore pants. So you will hear no complaining from me.

What was Robbie doing while his sisters were so nicely working together to solve a work puzzle? Sitting in his new chair, playing with his cars and Little People, of course. Ok, it's Mommy's new chair, but we haven't put the legs on yet, or really decided where it and its sibling chair are going to actually go, but nevermind. It's a new chair, and it's Robbie height, and he loves it. Loves it. You should see how pissed off he gets if anyone else sits in it.I had to include this picture because you have to see how many silly bandz my eldest wore to school today. Her right arm, the one she's writing with. How many is that? Like 30? I don't get it, but I'm sure I felt the same way about jelly bracelets or something when I was her age.

Snow At Grandma's House!

2010-11-23T21:15:00.000-08:00

We got to Grandma and Grandpa's house last night and this morning we were greeted with snow. YEAH! Guess who was out in it before they ate breakfast?Robbie LOVED the white stuff until he put his gloveless hands on the table covered in snow. The wail he let out was enough to shake snow off the trees. Let's just say he didn't stay outside much longer.

It had mostly melted by midday, but it's snowing again now this evening. Tomorrow is promising a high in the 20's, so maybe we'll see it again tomorrow. And if it's not at the house, we'll just drive up the highway about 20 minutes and we'll see it again. So much fun!

Photo Friday-New Haircuts

2010-11-19T20:37:00.000-08:00

As promised, both girls got haircuts yesterday. The smaller one's was more dramatic than the bigger one's, but both came out just perfect.

The Before Pictures...
Katelyn, the non-hair doer

Padyn, the shaggy hairdo girl
The After Pictures...

Katelyn-the new 4 year old in the house
Padyn-the mature looking 7 year old

And here are some other fun "during" and "after" pictures...

Kate admiring her new look...

...and enjoying her post-haircut lollipop Padyn getting her hair straightened...she wants me to do this everyday for her.Both girls are very happy with the results. So is Mommy.

Happy Friday!

Letter to a Four and a Half Year Old

2010-11-17T20:07:00.001-08:00

Dear Katelyn,

Thank you for deciding that you had other clothes worthy of wearing. I was getting tired of seeing the "snow dress" every day. I'm not sure why anyone wants to wear the same article of clothing four days in a row, but that seems to match your persistent, selective personality. You certainly have made me seek out how to be a better parent. I'm ok with cutting the tags out of your clothes and letting you decide what you wear everyday, but you really do need to wear underwear. I'm sorry. It's just required in this family. You can sleep naked (except for underwear), wear the same dress everyday, and not do anything to your hair, but you 1) do have to wear underwear and 2) change it on a regular basis. I'm sorry there seem to only be 4 pairs you like right now. I'm doing my best to find others that "feel right." If only every pair of underwear went up to your mid-back, as you seem to require it. I'm sorry. Hanes and Fruit of the Loom just don't do granny panties for little girls. I'll keep looking.

And about the hair. You will be undergoing a drastic hairstyle change tomorrow. I'm really really tired of you not putting anything in it, crying when I brush it, and pulling on it while screaming, "It doesn't feel right!" A short bob with bangs will make us both happier, I think.

And while we're at it, I think you might need to seriously think about another pair of shoes for this coming winter. Your pink Crocs will only last so much longer. And eventually you will want to play outside in the cold and rain. You will need shoes that do not have holes. But I just can't even talk to you about socks right now. They seem to be your mortal enemy.

But anyway, thanks for deciding other long sleeves dresses are just as good as your sweater dress. I'm glad I remembered them and pulled them out of their 5T storage box the other day. I'm happy that your happy. Eventually we'll work on socks and sweaters and pants, but for now, I'll take whatever means you aren't screaming like a banshee and having a knock down tantrum every morning.

Love,
Mommy

Verbal Ability

2010-11-16T22:02:00.000-08:00

Robbie is a man of few words. Literally. Few. But I thought I'd share them with you anyway...just in case you ever try to have a conversation with him, you'll know what to center it on.

Mommy! (Always said emphatically)-Mommy
Daddy! (see above)-Daddy or Paci
Momma-Mommy
Dadda-Daddy or Padyn or Katelyn
Cah! (see above)-car
BAH! (ditto)-ball
moe-more
ng-anything that he doesn't know how to say but wants to make you get for him, like Daddy's truck, a much loved book, or some tasty morsel on the counter
uh oh-uh oh, dang, didn't mean to drop that, or totally meant to drop that but want you to think it was an accident
bye-bye-always accompanied by waving
BAY-bee-baby
panting like a dog-dog

He makes a lot of noises much of the time, but we have yet to decipher their meaning. He's very good at screaming, but lately it's for joy, not frustration. I'm sure that will change.

This is What a Seven Year Old Looks Like

2010-11-14T21:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Padyn. Seven years ago today you came into the world, changing it forever. But you've certainly changed our lives for the better. We are so grateful for you...even when you drive us crazy.

We love you, Birthday Girl.

18 Month Semi-Comparison

2010-11-10T11:56:00.001-08:00

Today, Robbie had his 18 month check up. Sure, he'll be 19 months old next week, but who's counting? We do what we can around here...
Presently, the little man weighs in at 26 pounds, 7 ounces and 32 inches tall, which puts him in the 60th and 40th percentiles for each. But don't let that fool you. His head? 46 cm. That's right. That's at least 75th percentile. But really...have you met his daddy? We're surprised his head isn't bigger.And while I'm pretty sure Robbie outweighs his bigger sisters at this age, he certainly can't do things that Kate could at this age. Things like this......or this...

Thank you, son, for being such a calm mellow toddler!

(If you want to see and read about other things the girls were doing at this age, you can go here.)

Photo Friday-Photos You Haven't Seen Yet

2010-11-05T04:54:00.000-07:00

Daddy leaving for the desert in July

Spider Girl shooting her web

Queen of the haystack

Carving

Haircut Happy Friday!

All Hallows Eve

2010-11-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

Appearing at our house on Halloween this year was...

Crush, the sea turtle from finding Nemo...Spider Girl...

and two Batgirls (Padyn in the pink, Bella in the black). We were joined by our neighbors, Luke Skywalker and Kitty. And down in the last picture you can see Trevor as Thomas the Train.

And yes. Those are Christmas lights in our front yard in October. They have been up all year. They are our front porch lights. That's just the way we roll...

We Love Baby Animals

2010-11-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

The pumpkin patch we went to last week had an extensive petting zoo. Well, petting farm, really. For a nominal fee, the kids were able to roam around with baby pigs and goats, hold kittens and bunnies, and pet and brush ponies, a calf and a few sheep. We can't forget the miniature pony or the ducklings. Or Kate's favorite...the baby chicks.Robbie's squeals of delight could be heard throughout most of the county. He was giddy from start to finish. I was amazed that he wasn't frightened by the animals. He walked right up (usually yelling his happy yell) and gently pet his new farm friends. Thankfully those little animals were extremely tolerant.This was Kate's favorite...the baby chicks. She really couldn't hold them. They were a little to jumpy and scratchy. But she loved petting them. When I asked her why she liked them so much she said, "They made me laugh because they were goofing around so much."Here the three girls are sitting and watching the ducklings dine.

Robbie was fascinated by the chickens. I didn't let him go in the enclosure because I was afraid he would chase those poor chickens around. Here he is screaming at that nice black and white one.I think the baby pygmy goats were Robbie's favorite. They were definitely my favorite. I really want a goat.

The kittens were Padyn's favorite. She could have spent all afternoon holding them. Now she is asking for one for her birthday and Christmas. Why does she love them so? "Because they are SOOOOO cute!"

More pygmy babies... Next year, we are getting the season pass.

Photo Friday-Pumpkin Patch Part I

2010-10-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

Impromptu trip to the pumpkin patch yesterday with cousins Bella and Trevor. I'll let the photos speak for themselves...

Part II will include the photos from the petting barn portion of our outing. And of course with it being Halloween on Sunday, I have SO MANY other photos to post with costumes and class parties and whatnot. But for now, Happy Friday.

Photo Saturday-Cool Patch (seriously-that's the name of the pumpkin patch)

2010-10-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, when it wasn't raining, we heading out to the best pumpkin patch in the universe. It's more than a patch, really. It's a whole fall extravagance. World's Largest Corn Maze (which we did last night, but that's another blog entry), thousands of pumpkins still on the vine, haystack pyramid, haystack maze, 4 man tricycles, little pink houses, and course, the corn bath. Really, we should have just gone for the corn bath. That's where all 11 children wanted to spend their time. That's right...these children right here...

I took my camera, all ready to get some get great pumpkin shots to add to my collection from years past. Unfortunately, 6 shots in, my battery died. And one more shot later, my back-up battery died! Good thing there were a few other mommies there with their cameras. Otherwise all I'd have to show you would be this photo....

and this photo...

...and this photo that sort of proves that Robbie is now walking.

Oh. And this one.

And thank goodness I got this photo. I really need to capture these fashion moments, don't you think?But I would not have been able to show you the first photos of all the kiddos, or of these next few in the corn bath. Really. It was the best $3 per kid I spent all week. We were hoping to go back today, but somehow I don't think the corn bath would be as fun wet as it was dry.

Corn AngelPadyn's BFF being buried in the corn.

I'm not really sure of why this was so much fun, but these girls loved putting the kernels in their shirts. I think the joy came from releasing the corn rather than collecting it.Sorry the weather isn't cooperating or I'd have more photos for you today. Luckily the patch is open until Nov. 7th, so I'm sure we will be making at least one trip back before the corn (and pumpkins) disappear until next Fall.

Happy (wet) Saturday.

Ingredients

2010-10-21T08:48:00.000-07:00

At breakfast this morning as Kate was eating her dry cereal...

Kate: Are Rice Krispies made from sand?

Mommy: No honey. (slight pause) What made you ask that?

Kate: Because they feel like sand when they get into your eyes.

Photo Friday-Almost 18 Months Old ...

2010-10-15T20:39:00.000-07:00

...and finally walking!

It's only taken 18 months, but Robbie has finally decided he should be a walker. Of course, I have no pictures of him walking, but I'm sure I'll get them in the next few days. He's possessed the ability to walk for at least a month, but has chosen to remain a butt scooter. But two days ago, it was like a switch had been thrown. Suddenly, walking has become the major mode of transportation for the little man. He walks back and forth, up and down the kitchen and family room, over and over again...he's just so proud of himself!

Of course, it's only been two days, so now he thinks he's ready to RUN. He's tried a few times. It always ends the same-him in a heap on the floor. But when he's excited about something, it doesn't seem to matter. These next couple weeks are going to be a hoot, let me tell you.

Now, even though I have no pictures of him walking, I decided I'd just dedicate this Photo Friday to random close ups of Robbie. Eighteen months old on Sunday!

Happy Friday!

Seriously...I have no idea

2010-10-12T09:04:00.000-07:00

Can you tell who picked out new socks at Target today?

So stylish. So classy. So...Katelyn.

California Academy of Sciences

2010-10-11T09:23:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the budget crisis, Padyn had last Friday off due to district furlough days. We decided to take a family trip to the city. I had not yet been to the remodeled Academy of Science. It was a perfect day for the trip. The girls never whined or had a fit, the boy slept on the way there and the way home, and the weather was fabulous. It left me wondering why we don't do this more often.

Watching the rays and shark.Katelyn was very concerned with this cheetah display. The cheetah was displayed with an item of prey. This was very distressing to Kate. She's not so happy about the realities of the food chain.Robbie enjoyed the trip, too. He spent most of the trip either in his stroller......or bouncing back and forth between Mommy and Daddy. He was thrilled to have us both in attendance.There is this cool fish tunnel where swamp fish and sea turtle swim over and around you while patrons up in the rainforest gaze down at you. I think here we might have been looking up at our neighbors who happened to be at the museum on the same day. You wouldn't know it, but this was Robbie's favorite spot. While Kate HATED the walkway ramp up the rainforest, she loved the butterflies. We all loved the butterflies. And geckos. And frogs. And snakes. And chameleons.

Look! A butterfly! You know it was a good day when before you leave, the 4 year old is asking if you can come back tomorrow.

The Small People Living in Our House

2010-10-09T21:03:00.000-07:00

The super cute drama queen...The Shoe Thief....and Pantry Thief....

And, The Toothless Wonder...

(It's a bit hard for her to eat carrot sticks these days but she's mighty proud of that gap.)

It's a good thing they are all so cute. Some days that's their only saving grace.

Photo Friday-Favorites

2010-09-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

This is Daddy's favorite photo of the week...

and this is Mommy's... I'm sure the girls would have a different favorite, but I didn't ask them.

Happy Friday.

Park Time!

2010-09-23T13:09:00.000-07:00

Kinda nice that we can spend the first day of autumn at the park...love living in California.