Getting dressed for the day

This is the first of many posts, so just warning you. While driving back from California, Dave downloaded all the pictures off the camera so we could begin taking more. (I was driving, not him!!)

Katelyn just loves shoes!! Of any kind. Especially if they aren't hers. I think it's because she can put them on by herself.

She loves putting pajamas on, no matter what time of day it is. At least these ones are hers. She usually grabs Kelsey's which are entirely too big, pulls them on over her head and around her stomach, then gets stuck and ends up stepping out of them. Very frustrating for an 18 month old.

Whenever the camera comes out, which hasn't been very often with all the sickness going around, Kelsey jumps in for the shot. I'm trying to get some pictures without Kelsey in them so Katelyn has some of her own, but it doesn't always work. So we have to compromise. Some with Kelsey, some with Katelyn and some together. Kelsey usually ends up doing whatever Katelyn was doing because if I think it's cute enough to get the camera out, then she has to do it as well.

Sunday shoes are among the favorites to slip on and off. But only around the house and not very often.

Suitcases come out and she gets inside. If only that could really work.

I love this girl. She has the cutest smile and lately she's just gone to saying "Cheese" without looking at the camera. But right on cue when I get it out, she runs around the house saying cheese. She's finally figured out how to walk up and down the stairs. Lately she's been crying at the top as Kelsey and I walk down because it's just not fast enough for her to turn around and come down backwards. I've tried to show her, but she just has a fit even more. Then one weekend Dave showed her how to hold onto the railing and walk down and all is right with the world. He can do no wrong in her eyes. And that's how it's supposed to be, I guess!!

Showing off her new talent. Climbing the railing. Not a proud moment for me!! Thanks Kelsey

Where have we been?

For any of those wondering where we've been, we've not fallen off the earth, just traveling and having a great time. I will be posting many new and exciting goings on in the next couple of days so check back.

Princesses and learning to self-feed

Katelyn has taken to feeding herself. She no longer wants little bites on her tray or for us to "help" feed her. Which in some ways is nice and in others, just not.

As for oatmeal, it's pretty easy to stay on the spoon.

Such a look of accomplishment!!

Just a snapshot of what I came down to find a couple of weeks ago. I had thought it was just her blanket on the floor, until I heard her telling Katelyn something about not waking them up. It wasn't till I looked down and saw what she was talking about. Apparently princesses need their beauty sleep too!!

Waiting for spring and good-bye February

While I know there are many of you out there just waiting for me to post an update about the amazing things we have been up to these last few weeks, it is a major let down to report we've been here, the whole time, just in the house trying to get over these flippin' colds, ear infections, and flu type symptoms with multiple visits to the doctor and pharmacy.

It all started when I took Katelyn in for her 15 month check-up (the doctor was MIA for a while, but we found her, and lucky for the girls because they have latched on to her and just love her). Kelsey was starting to come down with just the touch of the flu so I had her check Kelsey out too. Katelyn had a clean bill of health, just after being in a week earlier with bronchitis and showed that had cleared. Great, so she got Kelsey on a low dose of antibiotics and off we went. That was on the 8th. And here's where everything went terribly wrong.

Work has been so crazy, busy, which is good because it's been so slow lately with no signs of picking up again in the near future. However, with being busy came an ice fishing trip with the teachers and priests, gun shows, yard work, and everything else that fills our weekends up. We've planned a trip to Mt. Charleston for over a month now, that we still haven't gotten to go and every weekend has been booked (with sickness).

Dave had to take a trip to Arizona to get docs signed on a machine and drove down and back in a day so he could be home. A week later he was laid up in bed, missed mutual and stayed home half the day from work to sleep it off. Finally on the 15 he went to the doctor and got some antibiotics. I'll spare you the additional details, but by Sunday he seemed to be doing a whole lot better. We thought for sure Katelyn would be the one to get sick again because she just couldn't leave him alone. Kelsey obeyed strict orders to stay away from dad and Sunday after church, she laid down on the couch, hardly touched her dinner and was on fire, up to 103. Which we thought was odd because she was still on the antibiotics. I just figured the fever was back because by Wednesday she seemed to be doing much better; one dose of Motrin in the morning and it broke. It was gone Thursday and then back again Friday morning.

By Thursday I started coming down with it too, no fever, just what Dave had had. I knew it was only a matter of time since I'd missed everything else all winter long, that it would knock me out and boy did it ever. Come Friday morning, Dave took the girls in and made a later appointment for me to go in. I fought him on it because I hate going to the doctor for anything but at the same time, going into the weekend it would be Monday before I could get in to see anyone. So I went, reluctantly. They gave me the same stuff they gave to Dave and by the time I got home from the pharmacy, I could tell I was only getting worse. Earlier in the week I'd made some sort of comment that I don't have time to get sick, because when I am, I'm still expected to have the house clean, cook the meals, raise the kids and be happy. He said I could let the house go and that he would try harder to help.

Dave had dinner cooking when I got home, and the rest of the weekend was pretty much a blur. He did loads upons loads of dishes, made all the meals (not one was soup & grilled cheese or mac and cheese, either), and played with the girls. Fortunately there were enough clean clothes to get by, but I think he was at his max by then. By Sunday they were still not feeling their best, so he went to teach the third hour and it was just me and the girls. I picked up and vacuumed the downstairs really quick, and then it was upstairs to tackle the toy room. And now today we've been outside enjoying the warm sunshine (sorry Micaela), playing at the park and walks and such. So it's been a long February and we're just glad it's almost over.

But here is a huge shout out to the wonderful, great guy that I married because if I was a single mom, I don't think we would have made it through the weekend without him. So while he managed to take out the whole family with whatever was going around at work, he did make it all better with all the help he gave this weekend.

Edit: It seemed that Katelyn stayed well through all of this but never fear, she's been right there with us, because she's teething again, with 3 coming in all at one time. What a trooper!!

This is on Friday after I came down from drying my hair. I put Cinderella on for Kelsey and found them like this. I guess nothing tires you out quite like a visit to the doctor!!

2 tags for Valentine's Day

Well, I've been tagged a couple of times so instead of posting twice, I figured I'd just combine them into one.

What is his name? Dave

How long have you been together? Officially 8 1/2 years but we knew each other long before that. 2 years while on his mission and 2 years before that

How old is he? 29

Who eats more? Depends - usually him, but I can put it away when it comes to ice cream

Who said I love you first? Dave

Who is taller? Dave

Who sings better? I think we both sing pretty well, but I sing more.

Who is smarter? We're a pretty good balance, but he is filled with "useless" information and he'll be the first to admit it.

Who does the laundry? I do because he claims his mom made him fold clothes when he was younger (and folding for 8 is no cake walk) so that is one thing he refuses to do. Unless I've just had a baby or he's completely out of clothes for work and it's Sunday night (which has happened once or twice because I refuse to do laundry on the weekend - it's my time off).

Who pays the bills? I do, Dave makes all the money in which to pay them.

Who sleeps on the right side? When looking at the bed? I do. That's so if someone came into our house, he can get out (or be gotten first).

Who mows the lawn? Before kids, I did more, until he caught me mowing it 8 months pregnant and then he did it. But now he's hired two teachers to do the yard work to save for their mission.

Who cooks dinner? I do it during the week and he does it on Sunday - usually bbq

Who drives? Evenings and dates Dave does, otherwise it's me.

Who is more stubborn? We are equally stubborn but he's usually the first to say sorry. Unless I know I'm in the wrong, then it's me.

Who kissed who first? He kissed me first

Who proposed? Dave

Who has more friends? I do, he just has more aquaintances through work

Who is more sensitive? I am

Who has more siblings? Dave - 7 to my 3

Who wears the pants? For the most part I do, but he does in some cases. If I didn't, I'd be scared to see what shape our house would be in - oh wait - it would be like it is when I'm sick, a disaster. When it comes to big or important things we discuss them together

Now 3 random things about me...

1. I sing every song I hear. I can't help it. In fact when I was younger I was often asked by my friends "Who sings this song?"

2. I love to play volleyball. I completely embarrassed myself in grade school with this sport, but I absolutely love to play it. Not great at it, but can't get enough of it really. Our stake has a women's volleyball league from September to November and after having Katelyn, and being cleared by my doctor two weeks later, I was trying to figure out how my body would bounce back enough to play. However, I only got 2 weeks out of 2 months to play - one before and the last week of it.

3. I passed my college math class in 3 weeks. The teacher I had, had every test in the testing center and you could take them whenever. So to get it out of the way and to focus on more important things, I took them all in a 3 week period.

Now I tag Jessica, Lindsay, Debi, Camille, Rachel, Susan, Tara, Mical, Brianne, and D'on.

Super Tuesday was not so super

Warning: I am not usually one to openly discuss political views, but I will make an exception. However, in light of the recent events in which I feel strongly about, I couldn't help but to publish a post. So if you are not interested, please do not proceed.

Well, after the Nevada caucus, with Dave as the Romney chair, spokesman, delegate, and the landslide win over McCain, Huckabee, and Ron Paul, things looked pretty promising for the Romney campaign. That is, until Super Tuesday came around. After participating in our first caucus, Dave and I were pretty excited about this election and really couldn't wait for November to come around for us to decide on a new president. So imagine our surprise with the results from Super Tuesday and then the announcement today that Mitt Romney is withdrawing from the election. After listening to his speech, it was disappointing but understandable for why he withdrew. I think he would have led our country in the right direction and I hope he returns to the race in later years, for a much needed victory.

That men will be punished...

Last Sunday the primary secretary asked me if Kelsey would be willing to do something in primary the following Sunday. I agreed simply because I'm told she sings solos and is just a little sponge in there that I didn't think it would be a problem. So when I saw the note on her wrist after sunbeams I wasn't at all surprised. I was however surprised at the content. I just thought it would be a scripture or prayer, but it was to say the 2nd Article of Faith. K, thinking back to my primary days, it was a little shady, but came up with it before cheating and looking it up. We read it for family night and talked about it and then practiced it all week long. By Wednesday she was saying it with a little bit of prodding from me and by Thursday afternoon, she was asking what she had to say on Sunday, meaning she wanted to tell me what she had to say in primary. So from Thursday on, that's all I've heard but she was pleased with herself and her ability to remember things. Fortunately for her she gets her memory from me and not her dad.

She told it to everyone and anyone that would listen to her, my mom 2-3 times each time she called, mainly because my mom asked her to, and then to my sister as well. I only had a few trepidations about it because the thought crossed my mind that she might get up to the microphone on Sunday and freeze. Only time would tell.

Katelyn came down with a bad case of bronchitis Friday so Dave opted to stay home with her so I could go with Kelsey. Besides his brother and wife were coming over to watch the superbowl and I was asked already subbing in primary anyway. And I can only assume that Kelsey was acting quite differently because I was in there. She kept looking back at me and smiling, waving, not singing or signing I Am a Child of God, etc, etc. One time the chorister asked a question, she waved her hand and answered, "That men will be punished." It had nothing to do with the question but she thought that was her que. Not quite. I was trying not to laugh but it was just too funny.

When they took her up front, she was a little nervous about the whole thing, but went. Her friend Bradley had the scripture and his mom helped him say it so that made things a little better. When it was her turn, she climbed up the stool, looked out at everyone and then back at me. I think she forgot what she was supposed to do until I reminded her by saying, "How does it start?" She replied, "We believe... (long pause)... and then went on with the rest of it just like we had practiced. It was perfect. She wasn't scared and everyone was so impressed that she had it memorized. When we were driving home, she asked if she could say it again, next Sunday. I told her it would be someone else's turn to get up next time, but that she would get her chance again.

That may be the only thing she says for a while, but hey, at least she won't forget it. One less thing she'll have to memorize to graduate primary. And thanks to my mom for always making me memorize everything I had to say in church.

The Cornered Cat

While some of you may know, my husband is into guns. In fact that is an understatement and if any of you have been shooting with us, you know this to be true. However he left me a website in my favorites for me to browse at my leisure. I don't just wander to sites like these, however it was messing up my favorites organization so I went to it, mainly so I could say I read it and then delete. If interested feel free to read this page but don't feel obligated to go any further. It's kind of interesting.

You will be missed

While phone calls flooded our house Sunday evening of the passing of our dear prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, it is bitter sweet for us and for him to be reunited with his sweet wife, Marjorie. I know for me and Dave he is the prophet we know the most about because the longevity of service he rendered. You will be dearly missed.

Giddy up!

Here's a few snapshots of Katelyn on her pony. She has really loved this thing. We've removed the seat and bounces without holding on to make it crawl across the floor. I guess that's why younger siblings have more accidents because they're going to do it anyway. Always chasing after the older ones.

Just warming up.

I love this one

Kelsey had to get in the action. World's cutest girls.

She's starting to protest, but ever so slightly so I don't notice, but I think it's hilarious. Elbow in the neck, classic manuever.

C'mon, who's pony is it anyway?

Chocolate, anyone?

Dave made chocolate oreo milk shakes for family night and need I say anymore? Love is an understatement.

That's my cup after she finished her own.

Obviously she didn't get enough. Gotta love those blue eyes.

Forgotten posts

Instead of going back to do a post for each of these subjects, here's a few fun pictures of the girls over the past month. Nothing like the present.

Kelsey loves her ipod. And Dave loves his and I love mine so we don't have to share. She can listen to her own music, which is really ours, but only the songs she loves and sings constantly.

Just kickin' it on mom's bed. She almost blends in and I love her huge smiling face amongst the pillows.

I don't know what it is, but you give a kid a "baby" stroller and they have to sit in it. Something about trying to squeeze into the smallest space available. Too cute

Nothing like being the third wheel. This is one of Kelsey's friends, Kayla, that didn't move on to Sunbeams so we had her over for a play date and Katelyn felt so left out of everything. The girls were completely in their element playing with all the toys and princesses and poor Katelyn couldn't join in the tea party or cooking because everything has 2 of everything, not 3. Oh well, such is life. Gotta love sibling rivalry.

Live in the snow

Some of you have heard this in past conversations, but I finally got to the bottom of it all. For the past month Kelsey has been telling me (almost everyday) that she wants to live in the snow. And I have responded that we live here because this is where dad's work is and since he works very hard to keep mom home with you and Katelyn, we can't live in the snow right now. It wasn't until a couple of days ago that I figured it all out. We have had a bit of wetter weather this year and with the rain in the valley comes snow in the mountains. Needless to say, driving around on our various excursions and errands throughout the day, Kelsey numberously points out the snow on the mountains and then says, "I love to live in the snow." So I asked her if snow on the mountains means we live in the snow." And she simply replied, "Yes."

Well, if that's all it takes to make her happy, then we live in the snow. Besides, I think she'd really not like it if we lived in it all the time. At least for now. But we'll live in it someday. Right now she just thinks snow is good for building snowmen and snowboarding/skiing. And she's absolutely right.

Language 101

Ok, so I know it's been a while since my last post, but we seemed to have resurfaced for the meantime. I've been crazy busy cranking out a bunch of baby quilts and I kind of get tunnel vision when I get going so I tend to do a bunch and then just pick from my stash when one is needed. Anyway this was a couple of weeks ago, but way too cute (or sad) not to post. Katelyn's vocabulary has just gone crazy in the last few weeks or so and she is learning words all over the place. Among her favorites are (still) finding pictures of grandpa and continuously pointing them out, singing The Itsy Bitsy Spider and Popcorn Popping. One morning I was doing the dishes after breakfast and in the other room I could hear Kelsey giving Katelyn speaking lessons. She was doing pretty well repeating every word Kelsey would point to and then repeat it proudly. It wasn't until I really listened in that I picked up on the words Kelsey was teaching her. This is what took place.

Kelsey: Say papa

Katelyn: Papa

K: Say Belle

K: Belle

K: Say Sleeping Beauty

K: Beauty

K: Say Cinderella

K: Rella

K: Say Prince

K: Pince

Is it sad that a 16-month's vocabulary consists of princesses? Katelyn has a different princess on each of her drawers so she knows where her clothes go and puts them away if you tell her what princess to pull open. It's sad, I know. But that's what they're into. That's all they are into. Kelsey is heard singing "I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream" all day long throughout the house and Katelyn is picking up on it as well. High school musical's got nothing on the princesses.

Another one bites the...

Well, no. Not dust at all. And it's not who you would expect either. It's Katelyn. The first time she bit Kelsey I just didn't think she was aware of what she was doing. But she did it again 2 nights ago. And yeah, she knows. But Kelsey is no means innocent either. All day long she is dragging Katelyn around, picking her up, telling her how to play and where to play and what to play with. Well, I think Katelyn just got fed up with it all and since she can't speak her frustration she's acting out the only way she knows how. I took pictures of it but it didn't really show up so you can't witness the carnage. Granted she only has 6 teeth but she left a pretty bad mark on Kelsey's chest.

This is a whole new ball of wax for me because Kelsey wasn't a biter and Katelyn's not been around any other kids and hasn't been bitten herself. So what to do?

Room reno

We decided to move the girls together because I'm just tired of all the toys taking over our house. I spend my day picking up toys and trying to stay organized and it's driving me crazy. Plus trying to keep up with cleaning 3 areas with toys in it is just not working, on top of every other job a mom has to do in a day. A typical day: clean Kelsey's room. The next day: clean Katelyn's room. Meanwhile, as I'm cleaning one room, they're in the other one messing up everything I had done the day before. I was just done with it.

Dave doesn't remember having the conversation about turning the nursery into the play room until we're ready to have any more kids but he was fine with it so Friday night he went into turbo mode and started moving things around. Starting with the bed. When we moved Kelsey out of the crib she was 20 months and Katelyn is only 16 so she's still really little, but we figured, what the heck, we'll try it. Because we knew she was too little for the bunkbeds. So we moved Kelsey's dresser into Katelyn's room until we can get the little bed out, Katelyn's potty-trained, etc, etc. Still being a baby (for a little while) she packs alot of extra stuff.

Anyway when we finally got stuff cleaned up and moved around we brought the toddler bed up, and Dave asked Katelyn if she wanted to sleep in her room or in Kelsey's. Naturally she pointed to Kelsey's room so we put it in there. Just let the pictures tell the rest.


She was all about her new bed. Look at that grin.


But I'm not sure who was more excited.

Storytime and she's still smiling. Still a good sign.

Are you ready for bed yet?

Well, the story continues. We did the whole routine and turned out the light and it was a different story completely. Katelyn started screaming. So Dave laid down with her at first until she got used to it. He was up there for an hour before she was asleep. But he was asleep on her floor too, of course. Later when we went to bed she woke back up to us checking on them and the proceeded to scream again. Good thing we didn't take the crib down like Dave wanted to because we just put her back in her room in her crib to sleep until we came up with another solution.

The next day...

So it didn't quite work out the way we planned originally, but they're in the same room and the toys are all upstairs. Better yet, I have half my floor back for my quilts again. It was taken over by the pool table, and later by the girls toys.

As for the toy room, I think it was a success. And now only area with toys and mom is much happier. It just proves, Mom ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.

If any of you are wondering, they do keep the bins pretty organized and they help clean it up each night. But being in the same room for bed has its new challenges: they stay up talking and would all night long if we let them. But we're glad to know they love each other and are still friends in the morning. It's a race in the morning to wake the other one up though.

Sneezes

Some background info for the following conversation. Kelsey's lesson in nursery was on our bodies looking like Heavenly Father so we have decided to have our family home evening lessons to reitterate her lesson for the previous Sunday. Monday afternoon I had a sneezing attack and the rest is history.

K: Mom, why did you sneeze so many times?

M: Because I breathed in something that tickled my nose and made me sneeze.

K: Why?

M: Because it was dusty and we breathe air in our noses and dust was in the air and it went in my nose and made me sneeze.

K: Why?

M: Because Heavenly Father created our bodies to keep bad stuff out of it so we can keep our bodies clean.

K: How did he make us?

M: He made us look like him.

K: How did he? Out of what?

M: He created us from stuff in the air and made our bodies

K: But how did he make us?

M: Maybe we'll ask dad this question to see if he can tell you something different.

K: Ok.

So we put the conversation on hold to wait till after dinner. When Dave entered the conversation she was perfectly fine with his answers of "stuff in the air" and so we talked more of the creation and the things that he created.

Hawkins Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Celebrity Collage - Family history

Hawkins Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Celebrity Collage - Family tree charts

No more nursury

Now, I know all you moms out there have said at least once, "I can't believe I have a kid old enough..." or "I'm too young to have a kid in...". Now granted, we didn't exactly jump on the having kids band wagon after getting married, but I can't believe I have a kid in Sunbeams. Crazy, I know. I never thought this day would come, right along with getting to go to nursury, walking, talking, etc, etc. It was kind of bitter sweet and I was so excited for her. She loved it and did great. While other kids were crying and quite scared of doing something new, she asked me to sit with her and as soon as she saw the little chairs in the front row, she never looked back. She loved it, especially the singing time. She came home singing A Child's Prayer, at least the first line she remembered. In fact I'm told by the chorister that she sang a solo today. It wasn't supposed to be that way but she sang exactly what she was asked to and none of the other kids in her class did. She won't stop talking about it. I don't remember going to primary, but I remember when I thought I was too old for primary and counting down to Young Women's when I could leave, but it will be over before she knows it and let's not get ahead of ourselves. Here's a picture of her first day of Primary.

Don't spill the beans

We finally have a game that Katelyn can play. And boy does she love it too. It was given to Kelsey from her friend Paige and the girls haven't stopped playing with it since they got it. Thanks Jenn and Paige.

The stickers aren't even on yet

Katelyn's turn. Such concentration.

I love the smile on her face of pure joy. She was so proud she did it by herself

Kelsey spilled the beans and I'm pretty sure that was the last of it because as soon as any beans were on top, Katelyn would hit it with her hand to make it spin and spill all the beans off the top. It was too cute. And even better that dad was playing with them.

"Grandpa"

We have a couple of photo albums lying around the house with wedding pictures in them and Katelyn was looking through them last night when she loudly exclaimed, "Bampa." I looked at the picture she was pointing to and sure enough it was a picture of Dave's dad. Then she went a few more pages and found a picture of my mom and dad and again responded with grandpa. It was too cute.

This trip down she finally got over her fears, somewhat, that family wasn't out to get her and take her away from mom. Although I was thinking that might be nice!!

Surprise!!

No, no. No announcements here. Some of you know, we go to Utah for a much needed snowboarding break during the week between Christmas and New Years. After all, who wants to be in Vegas for New Years Eve? Well, virtually everyone that doesn't live here. But this year we had a different plan. Much to the disappointment of the grandparents, there was no convincing us to come home for Christmas. However little did they know we were doing a little plotting of our own. After church and family festivities on Dec 23, we told Kelsey we were going to drive to California Christmas morning to surprise grandma and grandpa for Christmas. And since we did a countdown till Christmas paper chain, there was no lying to her. Sorry we had to lie to all the family so they wouldn't suspect anything and wouldn't leave us with all the leftovers either!! We told her Santa was making a special trip the day before Christmas because we would be getting up very early Christmas morning and be driving so he couldn't find us. She quickly agreed to getting her presents a day early and what 3 year old wouldn't? So we woke up Christmas Eve morning and had our Christmas and here's a few pictures of the things Santa brought.
Katelyn wanted nothing more than a baby she could call her own because Kelsey has a couple but they couldn't play with them together. I'm learning with two same-sex children in a row, you need to have two of everything. It's worse than having twins!! It's hard to tell, but she was smiling so big when she saw what was in the box.

And now the tears come when you just can't get all the wrapping and packaging off fast enough!!
She loves her baby. "Baby" was both Kelsey and Katelyn's real word (after mom, dad, dog, Kelsey of course.)

Kelsey got an ipod shuffle and was beside herself with excitement. No worries we didn't splurge. It was passed down from her cousin who was getting a nano for Christmas herself.

Katelyn got a "grow 'n' go" trike so she can ride with Kelsey.

Isn't her smile priceless?
The girls got to open their stockings first while I was making breakfast and of course the chocolate didn't disappoint. We left them in the family room while we opened the presents, but after every present Katelyn opened, (she couldn't be bothered with what Kelsey, mom or dad was opening), she ran back into the other room and snuck a piece of chocolate. She even got quite good because she took bites at first, until Dave caught on to what she was doing and he stole the rest of the piece of chocolate from her. But then she outsmarted him. He caught her in the act of stuffing a whole miniature in her mouth at once. And then ran away laughing!! Haha. It's hard to tell, but around her mouth is the remainder of the chocolate that she wouldn't wouldn't let him get near enough to wipe away.

Trying out the new wheels. It's a little big, but it's supposed to be 18-36 months. Perfect for spring and summer!!

Katelyn got a princess chair too and they are just two peas in pod. Or partners in crime as Dave likes to call them.

And the grandparents were shocked. We fooled the best of them and no one had any idea. We had a great time playing with cousins and the grandmas and grandpas. They all agreed it was best Christmas present. Sidebar: It is possible to make it home in 4 hours with kids (just leave at 6 am Christmas day with no bathroom breaks).

Anybody seen Katelyn?

This has become Katelyn's favorite hiding spot. As soon as the fridge is opened, usually trying to come up with something for dinner, she runs in and sits before the door can close. Which tends to make for a very cramped kitchen with 2 extra little bodies running around.

What else do you do with empty wrapping paper rolls...

...but climb into a laundry basket and sing "Row, row, row your boat?" The sword fights came later when dad was home and there were enough rolls for everyone.

Nice one, Kels.

"Do I have to be in here?" She wasn't loving it, but Kelsey wanted her to be part of the experience.

This is much better!! Life is good.

Christmas pics

The annual picture in front of the Christmas tree. That's the best we got of the girls. I'm surprised Katelyn actually stood there for a minute just looking cute. And then she was off and running again.

Isn't that just precious. When we were getting the camera ready, Kelsey reminisced about the pictures from last year because she remembered holding Katelyn. Well, I don't think she was going to let her hold her this year, so is the best she could get. The look on Katelyn's face is just classic and actually seen quite frequently around here.

A cheese face. There's always one. But ya gotta love 'em.

Happy New Year

Here's to the new year and everyone's resolutions. I hope this finds all of you happy and healthy to have survived the holidays. Now that all the decorations are taken down (hopefully) it's time to get back into the swing of things. I love Christmastime, but I love it when it's over. I can only handle a month of non-stop whining and tantrums, crowded malls and all the cute decor (clutter, after a month). We are in the process of trying to get our house back in order. Kelsey however, is not. Any mention of Christmas at all and she pipes in: "Christmas is horrible." And then I add: "because it's over." And she simply agrees. I hope someday she'll understand, although not anytime in the near future. Probably in another 20-30 years.