Joshua and Tucker 12/21/11!

Our wonderful friends, Mike and Sara, welcomed a beautiful new addition to their family on Wednesday 12/21! Along with big brother, Michael, they welcomed Joshua Thomas into this world. We are so happy to finally meet this handsome boy! At 6lbs 15 oz, he is a little peanut, but so darn cute!! Congrats to a well deserving family!!

On the same day, Wednesday 12/21, our other friends, Sean and Jody also welcomed a baby boy to their family. Tucker joined big sister's Morgan and Bailey. A beautiful family!!

Christmas Day 2011

Christmas Day:
We spent Christmas day at Joe’s Aunt Karen’s house with many of his relatives: Karen, Chris, Cherice, Lance, Fran, Michael, Patrick, Rae, Maggie, Molly, Pat, Nikki, Cory, Emilee, Mary, Shorty and Us. It was a fun gathering with lots of chatting, eating and more presents! Leah had so much fun playing with the older girls – Maggie and Molly, as well as playing with Emilee (almost 3). Amber was tired, she spent most of the time with mommy or daddy. She did start to warm up to the puppy (she loves puppies- from afar!). She was petting her by the end, and even said “bye bye puppy” as we were leaving.

Some of Leah’s presents- clothes, movies, creative room pockets, xbox kinect games

Some of Amber’s presents – puppy guitar, pillow pet, clothes, learn through music (fisher price game), crayons

Another fun day spent with family. Joe and I also came home with some great gifts. Thanks to all who made our Christmas Day a special one!!

We had a great Christmas weekend. Both girls were (and still are) exhausted. We said goodbye to Joe’s dad on Monday morning, and he made it safely back home Monday evening. We are still organizing the house, and I think we will be for some time. Leah and I have gotten a good start on her room this week. I am off through Wednesday. Joe is back to work and working out of town again this week. The girls and I have been playing. We went to Pump It Up yesterday, swimming and haircuts today, and cookies tomorrow with my mom, Tiffanie, Thea and Delila. Fun times! I will post more on those activities later this week (I hope)!

Christmas Morning 2011

Christmas Morning:
I got up Christmas morning to find Leah and Joe downstairs. Leah already opened all of her Santa gifts and stocking. I gave Joe the 3rd degree because he let her open them before I was up. But, I was put in my place when I learned that Leah had gotten up before Joe (we think it was around 5 am), and she went downstairs, by herself, and started to open her presents!! We didn’t put up a tree this year (because of the “destroyer”), so Leah had me leave a note so that Santa would know where to leave the presents! Amber got up around 8:30. She was most excited about the candy. She really could have cared less about what else she got. She opened her presents one handed because she had Reese’s pieces in the other hand!! Oh, and then we let her have a candy cane which was followed by cereal that stuck to her hands and face as she was so sticky from the candy cane!

Leah’s gifts from Santa – candy, wallet, pillow pets (small and big pink and purple lady bug), hair binder, big pen, cars

Amber’s gifts from Santa – candy, wallet, hair clips, coloring books, and cars

Santa was pretty good to Joe and I as well – dark chocolate for me, I Tunes gift card and jelly bellies for Joe!

Christmas Eve 2011

Christmas Eve:
Shorty, Joe’s dad, came to visit. He arrived from Michigan on Thursday, Dec. 22. Leah was excited to see him, but Amber had to warm up to him. It didn’t take long. She was calling him “papa” by Friday morning!

We spent Christmas Eve at my parent’s house with Dan, Tiff, Thea and Delila. We spent the day opening presents, making Ravioli, going to church, eating, and opening more presents. The girls were opening presents throughout the day and made off with quite the load of gifts. They also had great time playing with each other. It was fun to watch Leah and Thea jam to the music after Leah opened her Ipod.

Some of Leah’s gifts: Ipod (fully loaded and ready to go thanks to daddy), DS with games (Leah is really getting into the DS now), American Girl doll horse, guitar/microphone, clothes/hat, craft activities, nail polish

Some of Amber’s gifts: puzzels, crayons, felt purse, legos, clothes, big stuffed puppy, bike helmet

What a crazy, fun, enjoyable day. Joe and I made out pretty good too! Thanks to all who made this day so great!!

Amber may be 22 months, but she is still my "Baby"

So, my “baby” is now 22 months! I still call her “Baby.” I guess that is my nickname for her. Although, it the last couple of months, “destroyer” seems more appropriate! She is picking up on so much and learning new words daily! She is excited about Santa. She loves her big sister. She is still a “daddy’s girl”

Here are some other highlights:
*Knows some animals and animal sounds – puppy, kitty, cow, and horse
*Very opinionated - that doesn't sound like another little girl I know :)
*Has a very specific bedtime routine- we have to read 4 books: How do dinosaurs clean up their room (dinosaur), Goodnight moon (moon), Chugga chugga choo choo (choo choo), and Mommy hugs (baby). She will usually say “again” to read the books again, but will settle for just one – usually choo choo. Then, we take a couple of rocks, she looks at me and says “nih nih.” She is laid in her crib with the following: lying on pillow pet, in the corner – 2 bears and dolly, her musical puppy, and 4 crocheted blankets over her which are laid on top of her : 1 blanket, 2 blanket… Then, without a peep, she goes to sleep! Well, I guess this is what goes on when I put her to bed, it may be different for Joe!
*Has used the potty chair successfully 1 time, but loves to practice sitting on the potty chair
*Still does not like me to fix her hair, but she will let the lovely teachers at daycare put pigtails in her hair without a fuss!
*Does not like having her nails clipped, hair combed, or teeth brushed (she can do it herself, do not try to help this independent little girl)!
*I am amazed at her vocabulary, though there is still a lot she tries to tell us that we have not a clue what she is saying!
*She takes off her pants multiple times through the day. And now she can take off her shirt and diaper too! Look out – naked baby on the loose!
*Getting better at using a fork and a spoon, but still finds it easier to just use her hands!
*Puckers her lips for kisses--“muhaw”
*Seems to love her music, just like daddy and big sister: she dances and sings along!
*Loves to help cook- wants to participate in the entire process
*Wants to pick out her cereal- wants to be placed on the counter to pull the box out by herself!
*When you get the camera out, and she is in the mood for a picture – she looks at the camera, smiles and says “cheeeeeese.”
*Still sleeps in some funny positions!
*She is pretty much independent in the stairs.
*She is working on door handles now- but she has figured out if she closes the door, then pounds on it hard enough, someone will open it for her!
*She loves attention!

*Says "pease" and "tank you"

*loves to "olor" - but also loves to eat the crayons, markers, pencils!!

Holiday Dance Recital 12/18/11

Leah had her holiday dance recital on Sunday evening. She was so excited. She enjoyed the entire process. She certainly loves to be on stage!! Her class danced to "My Favorite Things." The show lasted about 1 hour. Amber sat quietly on my lap for the first 45 min, then she was squirmy the rest of the show. We were impressed with how well she did!

Duluth 12/2-3, Holidazzle 12/4

What a fun weekend we had...
DULUTH 12/2:
**Polar Express**
The girls and I along with my mom, Tiffanie, Thea, Delila's, Aunt Vicky, Aunt Linda, and Aunt Sara went on the Polar Express in Duluth. The train brings you to the Depot where the tell the story and the kids get to sit with Santa. The girls had a great time.
Some highlights:
*Train from Fitger's to the Depot, story told, got bell, sat with Santa, train to Fitgers, bonfire with hot cocoa and cookies
*It was a bit chilly and windy, but we are true Minnesotans, so we managed to still have a wonderful time
*All the girls were so EXCITED
*Leah, Thea and Delila sat on their knees and listened intently as the story was told *Amber sat on my lap...when Santa came in during the story she stood up and waved "Hi Santa" at least 3 times (the story teller did not miss a beat). Then, when Santa left, she waved "Bye Santa." *Leah, Thea and Delila all told Santa what they wanted for Christmas. Although, Amber was thrilled to see Santa from afar, she was not ready to sit on his lap - but was happy to sit next to him on my lap!
*Amber mastered "Ho, Ho, Ho"

**Bentlyville**
After the Polar Express, we all headed to "Bentlyville" - a tour of lights. It is an amazing Christmas light display.
Some highlights:
*Leah- The Master Marshmellow Roaster!
*Amber liked the lights, but was not happy being pushed around in the stroller, she wanted to walk! Oh, and she did not want to wear her mittens either!
*The girls sat with Mrs. Claus, but not Santa - the line was too long. Amber, again, was happy to sit next to her on my lap!
*Leah and Thea dancing!
*The great aunts and nonna all bundled up!

DULUTH 12/3:
**Edgewater Hotel**
My mom, Tiffanie, Thea, Delila, Leah, Amber and I spent the night at the Edgewater, so the girls could enjoy some water park time.
Some highlights
*HOT TUB - all the girls spent time in the hot tub
*Lazy river - ditto
*Kid's Zone - all the girls played here - going down the smaller slides (even Amber - with me), except the were sure to get out when the heard the bell for the water bucket splash down!
*Tube Slide - Thea and Delila loved it, Leah walked up the stairs with me, but instead of going down the slide, she freaked out and decided to go back down the steps instead of going down the slide.
*Amber loving to "jump" in the water (from a sitting position) and then to be dipped under the water - again, again, and again!
*Rope monkey bar crossing - Thea and Leah are masters...but, don't count Delila out- she so wants to keep up with those two!
**Fitger's**
Leah remembered that last year we saw the reindeer and met Santa at Fitger's. She so wanted to do this again. Plus, she had colored a picture that she wanted to give to Santa. So, on our way out of town, we (my mom, Amber, Leah and I) stopped at Fitger's. Amber and Leah met with Santa. Again, Amber needed to be sitting on my lap (mind you we just left the hotel swimming- so the hair was not the best). Leah told Santa that she wanted a little lady bug pillow pet. Santa gave them each a candy cane. They both enjoyed their candy cane! Then we saw the reindeer (they have 2 real reindeer outside with their owners). We decided that we should eat some lunch before we left. During lunch, Leah remember that she forgot to give Santa her picture. So, we went back to see Santa. He gave them both another candy cane. Well, Mommy decided that maybe they should wait to have their candy cane. So, I took them and put them in the diaper bag. Amber proceed to reach for the bag and started to yell "mine, mine, mine." She cried all the way to the car. Yup, I guess I am the mean mommy! So, it wasn't long and they were both asleep (Amber first - before we even got on the freeway). About halfway home, Amber woke up (briefly) to mutter "mine, mine, mine" as she reached forward with her arm. Then she went back to sleep. This caused my mom and I both the laugh - we figure she must have been dreaming of her candy cane!


Leah's picture: She did not right Santa-- an older friend at daycare did that for her, but the rest is her!


HOME: 12/4
**Holidazzle**
We knew that this really was the only weekend that we would be able to make it to the Holidazzle Parade, but we were just too exhausted on Saturday night (so we had pizza and movie night with our wonderful neighbors). We decided to go Sunday night- which turned out to be a better option: better weather and not as many people! Both girls enjoyed the parade. So fun to watch Amber as she was just amazed by it all! Leah enjoyed it as well, but she knew what to expect now that she has been to the parade now 6 times!

I can't believe November is already over!

I feel like it was just Halloween and now November is almost over! I am not sure where this month went! We've been busy with normal stuff - school, work, dance (Leah), and just trying to keep up our crazy girls! We have had some fun thrown in...my birthday (I got my first smart phone - Leah and I are addicted), scrapbooking with my gals, and Thanksgiving.

Oh, and the girls' daycare moved into a new free standing building which they built - BEAUTIFUL. They opened this building on 11/21. I had difficulty getting the girls to leave both nights they were there last week. The good thing, they could care less when I leave in the morning! So, on Monday when I went to pick them up, it took me 10 minutes to get Amber to agree to leave without throwing a fit. What did you do, you ask? Well, I promised her we would go home and make waffles! Yes, she loves waffles. What is even better, she loves to help make them. She is very interested when anyone is cooking anything.

Shockingly, I took only a few pictures this month. My goal when we gathered for Thanksgiving (on Sunday 11/20) was to get a good picture of the girls (Leah, Amber, Thea and Delila)...well, that proved to be difficult. Here is a sampling of a couple of the better ones. Have a great day!

10/29/11: Bridge to Terabithia

In the midst of all of the Halloween fun, we also got to Stages Theatre in Hopkins for the Bridge to Terabithia. It was general admission and we ended up in the front row. I think Leah really enjoyed that experience.

A weekend of Halloween Fun!

Saturday 10/29/11: Nonna and Grandpa's House
The girls and I went to Nonna's house to trick-or-treat and have lunch. My mom always loves to see the girls in their costumes! Renate brought Thea and Delila over. The girls had a blast together. Amber is even starting to "play" with the other girls, which is really fun to see. Amber had much fun eating the Chocolate Pumpkin Cake! She did not leave a bit of orange frosting on her plate!

Sunday 10/30/11: Carving Pumpkins

We carved pumpkins as a family. Joe, as always was the designer. Leah, however, chose the Kermit design and helped me to carve the pumpkin face. She was more into it this year than any other year. Amber was not going to be left out. She helped to clean the pumpkins, and she even tried to "carve" a piece of scrap pumpkin when we weren't looking!

Sunday 10/30/11: Zoo Boo at Como Zoo

Our family, Sara and Michael went to Zoo Boo on Sunday night. Leah was more into this than any other year as well- but she walked through fast! She is still not ready to hug anyone dressed in a costume, but she is now willing to give most a high five! Amber loved all of the costumes. She was inspecting the people, smiling, and giving high fives. There were only 2 costume people that she did not want to get to close to- the gorilla, and the person with no face (it was a container of some sort). She went "trick or treating," but instead of holding out her bag, she would hold out her hand, then put the item in the bag. Too cute!

10/31/11: Trick or Treat

Leah, Amber, and I went Trick or Treating with Sara and Michael. We walked the entire time (about 2 hours) with Amber in the wagon. We saw a number of people driving, but I just feel that it is important for them to walk as they Trick or Treat... that is part of the experience! It started out well, but both girls got tired near the end. Leah did complain that her feet hurt (check out her shoes...I did suggest that maybe other shoes would be more appropriate before we left the house) and that she was thirsty. Amber started to cry and I had to carry her for about 1/2 mile. I got my workout in for the day!! They made out pretty darn good!

Leah's 1st grade picture

Leah requested the braids in her hair! She is growing up for sure.

10/15/11 Anoka County Farms Pumpkin Patch

Last Saturday, My mom, Leah, Amber and I went to the Anoka County Farms Pumpkin Patch. The girls had fun...painting pumpkins, checking out the animals (Amber even went on a pony ride - Leah did not want to do this), running around, eating mini donuts and kettle corn, jumping in the bounce house, and getting their caricatures drawn. We had a beautiful day and great company!

Sicktober

So here is the run down of the last week:

Joe - Bronchitis: zpak x2 and prednisone
Amber - double ear infection and sinus infection (seriously, who knew...best sick baby ever): Amoxicillen
Leah - double pink eye: eye drops (same day x 2hours to get them...with both girls...no fun)
Me - HEALTHY!!!!!


This morning we had a family photo shoot. Leah was great. Very cooperative. Amber, well, she is a stubbern one year old. We did get some good shots after we started to bribe her with candy corn. I think we might have a candy corn fanatic on our hands. Excited to see the results. Very happy we chose to do it with an independent photographer instead of at a store studio...especially since Amber was not in a cooperative mood for pictures.

My baby is 20 months

(double click to enlarge picture)

I know I say this every time I post one of these, but I will say it again. Seriously, where does the time go...my baby is 20 months! Amber is such a darling. She has a magnetic smile as well as a mischievous one!

Here are some of what she has been up to:

**Her vocabulary is growing daily...she has so many words now that I have stopped recording the new ones. She says 2-3 word combinations as well

**Climbs on everything! She still loves to climb

**Adventurous

**Keeps moving, does not like to stay put for too long, but you can have short cuddle sessions **Walking down the steps with railing or hand hold

**Finally sitting in the tub, still hates having her nails clipped

**Sleeps great (about 11 hours at night and 2 hour nap)

**Starting to distinguish animals...if she does not know what the animal is, she now calls it an "animal" (all animals are no longer "puppy")

**Can bark and meow when asked what a dog or cat says

**loves her blankets!

**Loves to play with her big sister and tries to mimic her big sister!

**Usually a very good eater, she is not a picky one - favorite still is sweets: especially chocolate!

**wears 24 month clothing

**brushes her own teeth

**washes her hands

**tells you "poo poo" and sometimes "pee pee," starting to practice sitting on the potty chair (no, she has not had a success yet)

**starting to put some easy puzzles together and recognizing some colors

**loves to sing, does gestures for "itsy bitsy spider," "bumble bee," "wheels on the bus," and more. Asks for "itsy" and "bee" often!

**likes to color with her big sister. She is pretty tough on those poor crayons (likes to pound them into the paper

**DADDY'S girl!!

**loves to be outside

**still possessive of mommy and daddy's lap

**mastered zippers, can take off her coat, can take of shoes and socks (usually in the car when we would prefer she keep them on), working on taking off her shirt (overhead)

**loves to buckle buckles

**MESSY eater!!
**gives the best hugs and kisses!!

Catching up on the weekend!

10/7: Joe completed his first week back to work!
10/8: I got to spend all day Saturday with the ladies scrapbooking! Got a lot done, have much more to do!!
10/8-9: Leah had her first slumbar party for her friend, Haley's 7th birthday
10/9: My mom, Leah, Amber and I went to Aamodt's Apple Farm. What a beautiful day. So nice, in fact, that it was hard to believe that it was October. When we got into the truck, it said 92 degrees- WOW). The girls had a good time, I think. Amber was in a rare mood. She is rarely crabby, but I don't think that a 45 minute nap was enough, and she was a little moody while we were there. Leah was still tired (recovering from her slumber party). But, they seemed to have fun on the riding tractors, seeing the goats, playing in the hay maze, going on the tractor train, and going on a hay ride. Leah climbed her first tree! They had apple donuts - yummy! Leah really wanted to pick out a big pumpkin as well, but, luckily we (okay, my mom) was able to convince her to go with 2 small and 1 medium/small pumpkin!

Enjoying the weather today!

We have had some gorgeous weather this week, so we decided to take a little time this afternoon to enjoy it as it is going to be cold and snowing before we know it!!

Really!!?!!?!!??

So my conversation with Leah today after school went something like this...

Leah: "I know who brings the presents"
Me: "What to you mean?"
Leah: "Well, Santa isn't real and the parents bring the presents"
Me: "What makes you think Santa is not real?"
Leah: "Someone on the bus told me."
Me: "Who told you?"
Leah: "Caden's cousin"
Me: "Do you believe him?"
Leah: "I don't know."
Me: "Well, if you believe in Santa, you will get presents from Santa."

Well, then she got going on something else, and the conversation was done. But, really? Why do other kids have to spoil the fun?

Closing the cabin

So, it is time to come to terms with the fact that summer is over. We closed up the cabin this last weekend. Well, the boys did all of the work, while the girls played. My mom rented us a hotel room (Joe, Amber and I stayed there), so the girls could swim. They certainly did enjoy the pool. Amber was a bit shy of the water on Saturday, but by Sunday, she loved it as well! She started to step about 5 feet back from the edge of the pool, then she proceeded to "run" and jump into the water. It was adorable!! Leah is becoming a little fish. She started work on handstands and somersaults in the water. Thea and Delila also love being in the water. It was a lot of fun to play in the pool with them.

On Saturday, Steve, Linda, Doug and Sara also joined us. We had a fun visit with them.

The girls also enjoyed a slow ride from Joe on the 4-Wheeler we borrowed from friends to make the weekend projects MUCH easier! Amber, again, was hesitant, but, as soon as she saw Leah going on a ride, she was going to go on a ride as well!

It is always a bummer when we have to say goodbye to the cabin for the season. But, at least we had decent weather, and another bonus...the trees were at peak! Beautiful!!

Where did September go????

Okay, it is a good thing that I take lots of pictures, or I might not be able to remember everything that happened in the last month. Seriously, it feels like it went by so fast. I hope this doesn't mean that I am going to blink and it will be Christmas!

Leah is very busy with school, soccer (which I am coaching...with the help of my wonderful friend, Sara), and dance. She is doing well. I just went to lunch with her at school today. I stayed for recess, and I was able to chat a little with her teacher. She told me that Leah is such a sweet girl (yeah)! She is doing well. She typically stays on task, but, right now, she is in the back sitting next to another little girl...well, they like to distract eachother (go figure), so when they move in October, Leah will be near the front! I like that better anyway.

Amber is busy being as cute as can be! She is so adorable (most of the time). Joe did put up his Halloween houses this year (they look great - pictures to come), and she is getting more into trying to play with the pieces. It is hard for her to just leave them alone (again, go figure). She is saying more and more words. She is very adventurous and likes to try anything!

So, here is September in pictures:

9/5: Amber comes home from daycare in pigtails. I would have never guessed that her hair would fit in pigtails!

9/17: Leah, Amber and I went to the Mall of America to see Cousin Ronda (who was there working for a scrapbooking convention), go to the American Girl Store, and Nickoledeon Universe. Leah even got to meet a couple of Viking Cheerleaders! She was very excited about that. They both had a great time on the rides, but Amber would get upset when Leah would go on rides that she was too little to go on. Amber is definitely going to be the daredevil of the two girls. While at Nickoledeon Universe, some of the characters where out for pictures. Amber was pointing to them as if she wanted to get her picture taken (while Leah was trying to walk the other direction). I finally convinced Leah to come with us (she did not have to be in the picture, just stand by the railing where I could see her). Well, our turn came and as we neared the character (to be honest, I wasn't even sure who they were...we are more of a Disney Channel family), Amber started to cry...oh no, does this mean I am going to have another child afraid of character people?
9/24: My mom, Leah, and I along with our friends Deb, Jaclyn and Kaylee went to see "Miss Nelson is Missing" and Stages Children's Theater in Hopkins. We have season tickets this year. This was the first of 7 plays we will get to attend. Leah loved the show (well, we all did)! After the cast does a meet and greet - here is Kaylee and Leah with "Miss Nelson." After the show, we went to get some ice scream at Cold Stone. Yummy! While we were there 3 of the kids from "Miss Nelson's" Class came in as well. Leah and Kaylee were star struck. It was very cute. Leah no longer was interested in her ice cream. She kept staring at the kids. She did attempt to go say hi, but came back to me and said, "I got shy!" One of the girls came up to Leah and gave her a high five...so cool!

Leah had said to me earlier in the day...out of the blue, "Mommy, I am so excited about the play, but I wish that I was on the stage!"

9/25: We enjoyed some playtime outside. Amber has figured out zippers and likes to take off her sweater. The solution? Well, it's an interesting look!

This is the first time that Amber actually got into the sand box and played in the sand. Until now, she has not wanted to touch sand!

9/27: I went to eat lunch with Leah at school. She requested that I stay for recess, so I could see how good she is on the monkey bars! Of course, I had to stay. Lucky for me, I had my camera in my purse, so I took the opportunity to get a picture of Leah and her teacher, Mrs. Bistodeau.