Party by the Pool

Helen had a backyard pool party again this year. Her birthday is a great intro to summertime!

A Belated Birthday

Carys had a wonderful 5th birthday celebration. She had another dance party and a small cupcake party with the family on the BIG day. Time passes so quickly...

2008: A Year Almost Complete

Not that I intended to go almost an entire year without posting but it seems to be the case. We've been busy as have all our friends, who work, have kids and have time to post. I've decided I waste too much time by chilling out when the kids are in bed. But I can't stop myself. With baby number three, I think I'm going to be in overdrive for what I estimate to be another 2-2.5 years. At least I am planning on "staying home" with this baby. However, as Cullen said, with the after school activities for the girls, the baby will be sleeping more in the car than in the house.

Snow Angels New Year 2008

We woke up to a beautiful, snowy day. The girls played outside while Poppy worked with his "new to us" snowblower. After clearing the sidewalks, we headed over to the sledding hill. Poppy went down with Carys first after some hesitation on her part. She was scared of the ride and was a bit upset after getting to the bottom. She did not want to get hurt. Helen was ready to ride and really enjoyed her first run with Poppy. She was ready to go again until she saw the playground. After a quick stop at the slides, and a glove malfunction, Helen was ready to ride again. I'm told she did not enjoy the second ride so much. I think she may have gotten snow in her face.

We had hot chocolate and Christmas cookies when we got home. Poppy is not feeling well today, it's a shame because he worked so hard during this last week. At least he was able to enjoy the New Year snow with the girls a bit.

Carys's English teacher told me her favorite thing is making snow angels. She's really good at it.

Holiday Pageant

Carys's class put on another little play for their Holiday show. Carys played a monkey in the story of Momotodo, Peach Boy. She enjoyed being on stage with her friends and singing holiday songs. It was one of those moments, she looked so cute, I almost cried.

Graham Cracker Houses

Carys prepared all the twizzlers, mini kisses, gummies, jelly beans, chocolate covered raisins, gumdrops and dried cranberries we had for our graham cracker houses this year. Almost every picture I took captured someone chewing on candy or licking fingers. Tamra came up with the idea to use graham crackers and this year she made royal icing. We did not eat our houses but the kids decorated some graham crackers which were eaten after dinner with milk days later.

Happy Thanksgiving 2007

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving meal at Tiffany and Mike's house. The girls helped prepare rasberry sauce for Poppy's chocolate mousse. Also they washed and cut the green beans and mushrooms for the green bean casserole. Things moved a bit slower while they were helping but it was nice having some family time in the kitchen with us all working together.

I've still not managed to perform the Thanksgiving feast myself but I'm enjoying prepping the girls and by the time I'm ready, they will know how to make the sides so I'll just have to focus on the turkey. Just kidding, sortof.

We had the added bonus of a second Thanksgiving feast over at Lauren and Brad's house. The girls played with Dani and Hailey and we even trimmed the tree after a wonderful meal.

We are most thankful for God and his grace and our wonderful friends who give us more than we deserve.

Soup Warms the Soul

The weather is cooler and we love to make soup. I've already got tortilla soup, potato soup, and beef vegetable in the freezer. This year we're going to make chili, french onion soup, chicken noodle and pho. The girls love soup, some better than others. Basically anything with noodles or a good broth is well received.

Bathtime 2007

The girls still enjoy taking baths together. Although the bigger they become, the smaller the tub seems. I'm not looking forward to splitting bathtime up but I may have to soon since they are both a little rambunctious in the water.

Tower of Animals

Carys has been playing blocks again. This time adding more dimension and interest with skillfully placed farm animals. This is the boat for the animals, I believe based on Noah's Ark but Poppy would have to confirm this.

Halloween 2007

Carys and Helen had a great time trick or treating tonight. The weather was actually fairly good for once. No rain and it was not freezing cold. We had a merry gang of kidlets ready to brave the ghosts and goblins in order to get MORE CANDY.

Just Beachy

Carys and Helen spent a week at the beach with their new friend Cassidy. Helen was stung by a jellyfish (it healed the same day-incredible), they hunted crabs at night, Carys loved it when the waves crashed over her which made me a bit nervous. And they watched Cinderella no less than 16 times. It was a great farewell to summer trip. Poppy could not join us this time but we'll be sure he comes next time.

Cupcake

Yum Yum!

Helen Fun 2007

Helen and Henry enjoyed some backyard fun with Chalk and Mardi Gras beads earlier this summer. I've been slacking on posting pics but had to share these cutie pies with you.

What's Wrong With This Picture?

During the party pics, Carys managed to sneak this one by me. I had at least four shots of her scratching her nose with her big toe. Now I know we adults are thinking that's gross or even how did she do that. But that's a 4 year old for you. She's got many contortionist and gross out tricks. The beauty of this one is I was snapping away at how cute she was and did not notice. Next time, we'll pay closer attention:)

Helen's Second Birthday!!

Helen's loaded up on sugar and love this birthday. We took cupcakes to her school and had a little party at home tonight. She's growing up into a little person before our eyes. And a very willful, loving person she is.

Thanks to our family who sent their support and well wishes for her birthday even though you couldn't be here.

We'll have updates soon, there's lots more to catch up on with Carys and Helen!

Dance Party

Carys had a successful birthday party. All the kids were involved, had a great time and there were very few meltdowns. Ms. Diane is Carys's dance teacher and she is great with kids. At the end we had a parent dance and I'm please to say the parents actually participated. It was a short party, one hour. No cake, no mess and we were 5 minutes from home. We could not have asked for more.

Happy Fourth Birthday Carys!!

Carys is 4 today, I cannot believe it. Here she is preparing goodie bags for the children who will come to her party. I don't remember goodie bags when I was growing up. We did not have cake this year for her friends because we were having a dance class so we included some cookies and bubbles and a squirt gun for some spring fun.

COLD

This was our snow day mid-February. I was so excited to take Carys sledding but we basically never made it around the corner of the block. The snow was not too heavy but it was super windy. Once I had the girls loaded on the sled, poor Helen was taking lots of snow in her face and she was red within minutes. Carys was sad that we had to return home. She said, "Mommy, maybe I was wrong". "Wrong about what?" I asked. "I was wrong that we could go outside". So sweet.

Silly Chicken

We purged some old items from our closets and this Halloween costume was one in a pile. Carys proceeded to try it on for old time sake (she wore this when she was a year and a half) She added the silly faces for extra appeal.

Carys loves to be silly and I love to be silly with her!