Tuesday, July 11, 2006

The Box Returns

Pics taken on July 5


Ethan demonstrating the front entrance to the elevator / cave / dog house / Noah's Ark (we have many pairs of Little people animals). Actually, the Noah’s Ark is a new game and quite fun. After loading the animals in the "ark" we make rain sounds on the roof while counting to 40. Then we "blow" (God sent wind) for another count of 40. Then Noah (Eddie from Little People) sends a dove (the chicken) out the back window. After counting to 7, the dove re-checks, and after another count to 7 the dove "flies" (falls) out the back window and doesn't return -- and we are free to leave the ark.


.....This time Krystin wanted a piece of the action. She, like her brother and sister and countless children before her, enjoys being in the box. In fact, when we played hide-and-seek last night, this was her hiding spot every time (of course, she can't crawl yet, and Mom just left her there) :)


View through the back "window" flap


What I see just after lifting the flap as Mama Monster :)

Sunday, July 09, 2006

Krystin's 1st Haircut

On Tuesday, July 4, 2006, we finally broke down.


The "bad toupee" (Before shot)


..... in process. Dan used the 1 inch guard on his clippers to remove the bad toupee and give the hair an even "re-start" all over. I hope this to be the last clippers ever used on my daughters head!


In distress. When Krystin gets distressed, she will bend herself in 1/2 at the waist, putting her face on the floor. I, being the caring mother that I am, took this opportunity to take a picture.


Happy Baby - Sad Mom. She can finally see again, but my last baby just had her first haircut :( Well, actually it was a hair-buzz.....even worse for a girl!

4th of July '06


3/5 of our patriotic family enjoying "Red, White, and Blueberry pancakes" for breakfast. We had some raspberries and strawberries needing to be used up, so with the addition of frozen blueberries I made a fruit compote to top our wheat pancakes. It was a hit and I will have to remember it for next year. (the "white" portion meaning the pancakes, although it was REALLY red, BROWN, and blue) :) For a supper side dish the kids helped me make cherry jello topped with cool whip and fresh blueberries (another patriotic hit) :) Aside from eating red, white, and blue, we pretty much hung out around the house and anxiously awaited going to fireworks.......oh, and Krystin got her first haircut - but you already saw that!


Ethan practicing his scooter. He can actually go for several feet now, but sometimes the form is better than others, and it is never fast. But at least he is interested in some form of riding toy. Ethan just doesn't seem motivated to learn large motor toy skills yet. (I, as a perfect Mother, am trying to not get frustrated by this difference in interests and let him take his time ........errrr….but that IS OK – it just isn’t in line with how I thought things would be this year – you know, family bike/trike rides….)


Kaylin decided she did not need Dad's help. (she actually made it about 2 feet)


Krystin and HER "scooter". See how far away her chair is from the wall? Yah, it STARTED by the wall. But with a determined lunging/lurching/rocking motion she is able to move herself across the floor :)


Patriotic Children. This was as good as it got. Well, almost. I accidentally deleted the ONE where Ethan and Krystin looked cute while looking at the camera. Kaylin was being a "Calvin" the whole time :) However, as they ARE my children, I must say it is still a cute picture :)


Climbing Cube. Ethan and Kaylin have gotten pretty adventurous this summer (for them).


Beautiful sunset on the way to the fireworks display at 9:30. Ethan and Kaylin FINALLY fell asleep between 8 and 8:30 after excitedly discussing the upcoming fireworks, treats, and how Mom and Dad would wake them up. Unfortunately, Krystin also woke up all wide eyed.


Enjoying the pre-fireworks snack (lemonade, brownie, and Triscuits). This and the opening "boom, boom, boom" were the only parts the girls (and thusly Britt) got to enjoy outside. Britt spent the next 1/2 hour trying to hold 2 crying (mostly Kaylin) girls on her lap, wedged in the rear of the minivan craning her neck to TRY and watch the fireworks while singing songs the whole time (Kaylin did not like the sight or sound of fireworks and kept saying "go home now" and "sing 'nother song" . Krystin at least settled down once we were in the van. Dad and Ethan enjoyed the show :)

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Holding SweetHeart


7/2/06 - Krystin is now 8 months old. (And Britt is now 30)


Big Brother Ethan



7/2/06 – SweetHeart and Sweetie

Friday, June 23, 2006

Father Dan

This first picture was taken on Fathers' Day. The rest were taken in May, but I think they show what a great relationship Dan has with his children.


Sunday, June 18 - Fathers' Day


Monday, May 29. Ethan and Kaylin finally gave Dan his 5 minute head and hand massage for his birthday gift. They actually did a fairly decent job.







Action shot. The kids gave Dad multiple "forced" kisses for several minutes afterwards. Dan was gracious and allowed slobbery kisses all over his face :)


Right on the nose


"Come he-ere" (giggle, giggle)


The looks say it all ........


May 26 - Pace time with Dad

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Happy Papa's Day

Happy "Papa's" Day!

Papa,
I have this picture on display on my bookshelf. It was taken the day I graduated from high school. All through my schooling you challenged me in math and science. If I was learning multiplication at school, you were starting me on division. Remember the "visable woman" Christmas present?! Looking back, I see that I am very fortunate to have a Papa who took the time to help me with my schoolwork. To know that his girl could be just as smart as any boy. To learn that knowlege is worth working to attain (ie: If you don't know the meaning of a word, get up off the couch and go find a dictionary)! I always knew you expected me to go to college - and finish. Thank you. You not only helped give me knowlege - You helped give me self-confidence through knowlege.
I love you,
Britt :)