Hi

Doug has been out of town on and off for most the summer, at music festivals that are too incredible to pass up. I am feeling large and tired most days, taking care of 2 2/3 children myself. I miss my husband. I miss our extended family. We haven't been able to visit them for almost two years. But I feel such love from our "family" here. Thank you for all your support. On days that I feel I may lose it, you reach out to us, maybe not even realizing it. It means so much to me.

Our kids are such a joy. I love to be with them. Whenever I leave them with babysitters, I miss them (although I don't always want to admit it!). Our little family is everything to me, and I can't wait until we're all together again...and our family of four becomes a family of five.

More pictures

We've been spoiled to find so many incredible photographers around here. It ALMOST makes up for my crappy camera and lack of photography skills. :)

Britney of Shine Photography did this awesome photo shoot. Check out more pictures by clicking HERE.

Easter Outfits

This is looooong overdue, but I had a problem uploading the pictures for some reason until now.

I love shopping for our kids. I find it so fun to find frugal deals. A received her Easter dress from her grandparents this year, so we found Z a little suit to go with it. I found it at Target and had accumulated $5 gift cards, enough to pay for the suit!

We've had a few wonderfully talented friends who took pictures for us. These were taken by the Heatons. They turned out to be soooo adorable (I know, I'm biased).

Bike Riding

We've had fabulous 70 degree weather. The blossoms are out on the trees, and spring is here! We've been outside as much as we can, going to parks, going for walks, and practicing our bike riding skills.

Zach had to stop along the way to gather his collection of rocks and line up the shapes hiding inside of his truck.

We love the lake by our house full of ducks. It is so green here!You'd think all this outdoor play would wear out the kids...yet they still seem to fight bedtime. Someday they will appreciate sleep, I just know it. :)

Easter Baskets

The Easter bunny brought just enough gifts this year--candy, a few toys, and new outfits for the kids. I think Mr. Bunny thought the kids had already been spoiled with lots of new spring/summer clothes. :)

They got to pick out their favorite jammies to wear the night before (not MOMMY's favorite of course), and as soon as they woke up we discovered the goods.

Rise and shine! Candy for breakfast!

The weather has been in the high 70s lately. Easter was on General Conference this year, so we enjoyed cinnamon rolls (store bought--still no energy) and eggs for breakfast. It's become a fun tradition. It was so nice to spend the day home as a family, and listen to our prophet and apostles speak.

Easter Egg Hunt

We went to two Easter egg hunts this year. One at our church, and one at a friend's house for playgroup. I remembered the camera for the one at our friends' house. It was perfect egg hunting weather.
A was one of the bigger kids, so she got pretty competitive. But then her sweeter side kicked in and she helped Z out. Z stared for a while, watching everyone else get eggs. Then he got interested in what was inside and was motivated. It sure was cute.

All Sharks are named Bruce

Our boy loves all things related to sharks. He first discovered them on Nemo with "Bruce the shark". It started last summer, but that's ALL he talks about now. It's a love/hate relationship. Some days he'll say, "They're gonna eat me!" and freak out and refuse to play with his shark toys. Other days, he colors sharks, pretends to eat us, etc. Guess he's had bad dreams. Don't blame him--I dreamed 6 of my teeth fell out last night. :)

A drew these sharks for him in the bathtub. Z always requests "lots of teef and a triangle fin".

I never could get the crayon to come off the grout in some spots, even after using magic eraser. Any tips?

I discovered a shark swimsuit for him and he had to try it on as soon as he woke up. Don't you love that cowlick in front?

Daddy is so creative--can you find Bruce the shark, the snake, the turtle, and Horatio the Hippo?

Sledding

This past week has been warm and the grass is now visible (yay!), but a few weeks ago this is what it looked like outside. You can't really see the whole view--it was a LOT of snow. This is next to our condo--a nice small hill. Last time we went, the kids were petrified. We went on a huge hill with jumps and everything, so I don't blame them. A was willing to do it this time, but Z mostly shivered and looked cute. They lasted about 30 min. Then we went swimming at Silverlake's indoor pool to warm up. :)

February Snow

This year we didn't have much snow for Christmas, but plenty this past month. We got at least a foot in just a few days one week! School closed and everyone declared to be "snowed in". Here's a glimpse into the creativity my kids have had being stuck indoors so much. They are very good at entertaining themselves lately--it's hilarious to watch.
A makes her own "house" as she calls it, and does story time with us. She also loves to do my hair with clips, as you'll see below. She took the photos of me herself. What a photographer in the making!

Halloween 2009

We had a fantastic Halloween. It was nice weather, and both kids were able to walk by themselves this year--yeah! They were pirates on Halloween, but we bought some extra outfits on ebay that they wore to other parties throughout the month. Kids can never have enough dress up clothes, in my opinion. :)

Silverlake party

Carriage ride

HallZooween at the Cincinnati Zoo

Dressing up at home

Halloween night

"Aaarghh, matey!"