.: 2010

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Texas December

Even though it was 70 outside the week of Christmas,

it was still a beautiful day. Look what we did:

My Pirate sailing the high seas....

We had a "book picnic"...we take our favorite books out to the

backyard to read. Helen took the event more literally.

More of my sweet babies....

I love having pictures of my kids, especially at Christmas. But someone thought it was ridiculous to schedule another professional photo shoot while we were still waiting for the last session's pics to come in. And someone else thinks getting dressed up and going do pictures is "horrible and dreadful".

Uhh, boys.

So, we decided to get some at home. I love what we got - good job, Alan!

The Latest of our Greatest

Here's what we can do:

Helen is officially mobile. There is no video of this, because she is like a ninja when it comes to rolling over multiple times. You don't see her try, you just find her somewhere other than where you left her (although not far, yet). After finding her nearly under the bed and trying to yank down the Christmas tree, I am convinced she is more capable that she lets on. Until I catch her in the act, here's a generally cute pic -

And Matthew can.....

I am so proud of my little guy. He's really growing up. He is such a sweet big brother and so much fun.

Monday, November 29, 2010

The Pirate and The Roly-Poly Princess

My children are the cutest on the planet! You'd think so, too, if you didn't have your own kids. Here are a few snaps of them:

Helen and Great-Grandma Tootsie

Roly-Poly baby + Old quilt = Adorable

She always makes us smile.

Unpacking after the Thanksgiving trip to see

grandparents....can you believe all this fit in

our Camry???

Papa-Bear, Daddy and Matthew -

his first hunting trip

Posing with his first pocket knife.

He was very proud of this gift.

Check out that grin! I think Dad's

gift was a hit.

Matthew as a Pilgrim

And, in the spirit of fairness,

Matthew as an Indian.

And speaking of kids, here's what mine are teaching me:

1. Disposable diapers are not machine wash/dry. Don't ask how I know this.

2. When faced with the choice to build a fort or mop, choose fort. You can step over the sticky spots for another day.

3. Even if you're late for work, covered in baby slime and drinking cold coffee while driving, there is still reason to smile. Look in the backseat.

4. Never underestimate the power of daddy. He is your most powerful ally - and he kills bugs.

5. This too shall pass...and you're gonna wish it back.

Look Who's Five

Matthew is officially a whole hand! I can't really believe it, but he insist it's true. The day he was born, he gave me a reason to smile again. And he's been doing it everyday since. He's exactly what I wanted in a little boy. Happy Birthday Matthew!

Enjoying the unlimited soda at Chuck E. Cheese!

Opening his gifts

Ready for some pizza?

Having fun with his buddy

Last day to be four...

...first day to be five!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Rules and Regulations

As a parent, I appreciate all the rules and safety features for the modern baby. I mean, how did our mothers do it? Bicycles without helmets, no car seats...frankly, I'm surprised any of my generation survived until adulthood. But no matter how careful we are, there are some things you can't prepare for.

Take Helen's swing,for instance:

3 point harness with snap-in tray for added security

Jacket with snaps, no strings (choking hazard)

head rest designed to encourage proper development of head and neck

toys that snap on (so they never touch the ground), are free of small parts and designed to promote brain development

So, what did we forget? Apparently, all the bright colors of her "safety features" attract bees!
But, never fear, big brother got his sword to protect her!!

Way to go Matthew!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Pumpkins, Parades and Jedis - Oh, My!!

Halloween weekend was busy - a costume parade, time with friends, a field trip to the Pumpkin Patch and Gram and Gramps came to visit. Whew-mom needs a nap!

My favorite scarecrow