Our Family

Garden of the Gods

2009-12-08T16:36:00.000-05:00

Here we are out at the Garden of the Gods. Unfortunately not in the same picture, but we'll take what we can get these days.

The Real Jack?

2009-12-07T14:00:00.000-05:00

Only 5s between shots? "Happy go lucky" or "Are you seriously going to take another picture, I just posed for the last one. All you get is one Mommy." Hopefully the former :-)

Exploring in Denver

2009-12-03T22:00:00.001-05:00

Here are the kids enjoying some wildlife in Denver. Note Grace holding the taranchula in the top picture. Sure that one will disgust her at some point later in life (Oh, about 10 years or so).

Piano Lessons

2009-12-02T09:11:00.000-05:00

Here are Grace and Jack breaking in the new keyboard for Grace's piano practice. She loves the lessons.

A Nice Picture of Grace

2009-12-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Here is one of Grace not faking the smile too much. Often she tries too hard to smile and ends up looking like a face-lift gone seriously wrong. Tough thing, learning to smile on cue.

Abstract Art

2009-11-30T22:00:00.000-05:00

Here is Grace showing off some "Abstract Post-It" art. A rare art form, but appreciated equally around our home.

Feeding the Giraffes

2009-11-30T07:30:00.000-05:00

Who liked this activity, and who was less than impressed? Grace fed and petted the giraffe (Daddy also did the same), while Jack and I kept our distance.

Summer Crafts

2009-11-25T20:44:00.000-05:00

Here are the kids posing with Grace's collection of summer crafts. She loves crafts and art, although I had rounded all of these items up to box and store them away. When you make 3-5 items/day, clutter has a way of sneaking up on you.

Jack at the Zoo

2009-11-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

A rare photo: sitting still and smiling (and really adorable).

Dress-Up Fun

2009-11-24T23:28:00.001-05:00

We picked up a whole bunch of new dress-up clothes which have been a blast for Grace's imagination, as she creates stories and directs all of us into our various roles and costumes. Jack and Daddy are wearing the closest things that we have to boy's wear in our collection.

Hy-Ya!

2009-11-24T23:20:00.002-05:00

Cowboy Jack hard at work or is it simply screaming? Either way, in Grace's dress-up straw hat, it is really cute.

Hiatus

2009-11-24T23:07:00.002-05:00

I had contemplated discontinuing the blog since Grace was getting a little older (well not that old at 4.5), but then I thought Jack will miss out on "my take" of his childhood and all of our adventures together.

So the blog is back, and quite behind. A lot behind. Look for lots of great pictures and stories.

Mr. Brown is a Wonder

2009-09-29T08:05:00.002-05:00

Here is Jack with his Dr. Suess book, Mr. Brown.... Check out the video below for his version of the book.

If you think a 2 year-old has sense.....

2009-09-23T09:36:00.002-05:00

Last night I was thinking how Jack is doing really well brushing his teeth. Then he picked up his toothbrush full of toothpaste and stuck it into his ear. Go figure. Not the presumption of "innocence" but "anysense."

Macrame Anyone?

2009-09-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Grace and I made this macrame flower keychain while I had flashbacks of middle school home economics. At the time (I think), I vowed never to practice the fine art of macrame ever again. The reliving of the experience for me was hilarious to Grace, as I have 5 photos of her hysterically laughing and having a great time. Perhaps a bit concerning, great joy in my suffering ;-)

Uncle Bob and Aunt Barbara

2009-09-14T14:30:00.000-05:00

Recently, we had a wonderful visit from our Aunt Barbara and Uncle Bob. They have numerous grandchildren, and the kids love them so much. So great with kids, we wished we could have had them here longer. They brought wonderful presents for Jack and Grace. An automated fishing pole with bait, and a fighting fish to use indoors and in the bath (well-loved), and a super princess dress and crown for Grace, which she loves to dance around in and pretend she is a princess at a ball. We are looking forward to when we can see them again.

Batter Up!

2009-09-12T15:00:00.000-05:00

Jack picked up the Tee-ball bat a few days after he ended up on the wrong end of the bat from Grace, but he had learned quite a bit from watching her closely (except how to actually hold the bat, which could be an issue later).

Umbrellas!

2009-09-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

We are soaking wet, but we need to hold our umbrellas as we ride our tricycles. Really cute and funny.

Note the little Shiner

2009-09-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

Here's Jack coloring a few days after the Tee-ball bat incident. You can hardly see where the bat caught him on the cheek. Tough little cookie. Much tougher than his sister right now.

Some New Creations

2009-09-08T16:24:00.000-05:00

Here's Grace striking a pose with some of her new creations.

Garden of the Gods Part II

2009-09-04T10:17:00.000-05:00

The natural rock structures here were the most unique we have ever seen. All bright red and seemingly from nowhere.

Colorado Springs

2009-09-04T10:13:00.000-05:00

Garden of the Gods, our favorite.

Tee it up

2009-08-25T15:30:00.000-05:00

We picked up a tee-ball set for Grace, and she loves it. The first swing was solid contact, maybe a natural sport for her? Who knows, but for now it is big fun in the backyard.

See-Saw

2009-08-20T08:04:00.000-05:00

At the science museum in OKC, here are the kids on a huge see-saw, having some "balanced" fun.

Fearless

2009-08-17T08:01:00.000-05:00

Alligator wrestling anyone? We are raising a tough bunch around here, and their attraction for "gators" appears to be natural.

Our First Train Ride

2009-08-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

The highlight of the Zoo in OKC was the train ride. The kids thought it was the best thing ever. Never mind all the animals we saw along the way. The train made their day.

Two Peas in a Pod

2009-08-06T07:53:00.000-05:00

These storage cubes are just the right size for storing cute little kids. They thought this was hilarious and were happy to pose for some pictures.

We've Discovered Nail Polish

2009-08-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

Some of Grace's friends have started getting their nails painted, which means that Grace wants her nails painted. I am not much of a nail painter, so we did not have any polish or anything around the house which made this into a bit more of a production. But she loves the polish, and her first response was "Mommy, I love this, and I always want to keep my nails this way!" Like music to my ears, painting nails (not my own for the next umteen years).

Let's Build Something!

2009-08-03T15:31:00.000-05:00

The vest made this present (intended for Jack) a blast for Grace. She was running projects all around the house. With the radio, she was talking to all of her "workers" and directing them throughout the house.

Daddy's Helpers

2009-08-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

Daddy let the kids help "shave" his face. They thought it was great fun.

Seconds at Chuck E. Cheese.

2009-07-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

Jack was not a fan of our first vist to Chuck E. Cheese, but with time, another rainy day, and a ton of leftover tokens, we tried again and fared much better.

Dancing Girl

2009-07-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

Turning 4 made Grace able to sign up for ballet and tap dancing class. I think the dressing up is almost as much fun as the dancing itself. Absolutely adorable.

Grace's School Birthday Party

2009-07-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

The Montesorri birthday party was exceptional. They all gathered in a circle around Grace, with signs for all of the months of the year, the sun and candles in the middle. Grace held the globe, and I brought pictures of her at each year of her life and talked about her. Then for each year Grace walked around the circle as they all said the months of the year, and the teacher lit another candle. It was a truly unique and special celebration.

Jammin'

2009-07-27T15:52:00.004-05:00

Not sure where she picked up the inspiration for this, but I loved every second.

What would you do with extra Birthday Candles?

2009-07-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

Jack thought hat. A true innovator.

Grace's Birthday Cake

2009-07-26T15:20:00.001-05:00

Here are the kids enjoying Grace's real birthday cake.

Grace Turns 4

2009-07-26T08:21:00.000-05:00

As part of Grace's 4th birthday, we had her Grandmother here for a visit. Here they are making cupcakes decorated with sprinkles (before baking per Grace's request, which led to lots of fun and mess).

Playset Fun

2009-07-21T08:12:00.000-05:00

Before the summer started, we installed our first decoration for the back yard in honor of the kids turning 4 and 2. Some major calories are burned out there daily.

More Crafts...

2009-07-20T07:20:00.000-05:00

Grace made this nice one for Grandpa, along with several other decorations. She cannot get enough of the arts and crafts, and by taking pictures we do not have a house full of crafts either. :-)

Craft of the Day- Flower Necklace

2009-07-17T23:13:00.000-05:00

Here is Grace modeling a necklace she made, although she is still sporting her PJ's and some bedhead.

Little Detectives

2009-07-16T23:11:00.000-05:00

They are on the case but have no idea what to look for. These magnifying glasses have been a huge hit with the kids. Grace yells "Detective Grace is on the case!"

Crafty Kid

2009-07-15T23:09:00.001-05:00

Arts and crafts are a staple around our home. Grace cannot get enough of making "decorations." We have her going to an art school here in town for some extra fun.

Jack turns 2

2009-07-14T07:30:00.000-05:00

This is trust

2009-07-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

I say trust, but this is a picture of Jack with my laptop taken by Daddy. Hmm... Perhaps Jack needs a turn over on Daddy's computer?

Easter Basket

2009-07-09T15:00:00.000-05:00

Here are the kids enjoying their Easter basket. They loved the candy fest.

Little Painters

2009-07-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Jack looks like a wild man in this picture from a couple of months ago. His hair has lightened up a bit (and been cut since we took this one).

Quality Time with Daddy

2009-07-07T23:05:00.001-05:00

Grace kept Daddy very busy with arts and crafts during one of Jack's weekend naps, and he loved every minute.

Clip of the Gingerbread House Fun

2009-06-29T14:25:00.001-05:00

Chirstmas Leftovers

2009-06-29T14:23:00.000-05:00

We recently came upon a leftover gingerbread house kit from Christmas (which had to be assembled ASAP) and turned into a fun and yummy project.

Snowman?

2009-06-23T09:49:00.000-05:00

Well not quite a snowman, but close enough for the attention span of our children. We'll have to do much better next winter.

Ice Storm from the End of March

2009-06-16T07:43:00.000-05:00

Some highlights from an icestorm we had at the end of March. The 3rd one is a favorite. Take a look at the ice glimmering in the sunset.

Cheese Video

2009-06-13T07:38:00.001-05:00

Here are the kids expecting me to take a picture, and it was set to take a video which turned out to be quite cute.

Harley Girl?

2009-06-09T07:52:00.000-05:00

On an extended plane delay (by extended, I mean 30 hours) in the Tampa Airport, we were able to discover everything it had to offer multiple times. This is the one and only photo you will see of Grace on a motorcycle under the Mommy and Daddy support/supervision plan.

Aquarium Hangout

2009-06-08T09:06:00.000-05:00

When we were in Florida, the kids spent some time at the aquarium, and had a ball. I think they enjoyed climbing all over the sea turtle more than anything else? Many great action photos :)

Beach Bums

2009-06-04T11:35:00.001-05:00

On a recent trip to Florida, we made it to the beach and the kids were in heaven. The world's biggest sandbox.

Random Things

2009-06-03T07:46:00.003-05:00

Grace has been telling me some interesting things I wanted to note. I asked her yesterday what she wanted to do this summer, and she replied "I want to find all the chicken and french fries houses (AKA McDonalds) with playgrounds and play on them." High aspirations for the summer. A road trip around the state looking for McDonald's with playplaces was not exactly what I had in mind, but an A+ for creativity.

Her favorite colors are green and yellow, and she says she wants to be a fairy godmother when she grows up. Grace is writing well and coming along with her reading. Jack knows all of his colors and is starting to count. He and Grace love to paint and do all sorts of crafts together everyday. Art class is Grace's favorite time every week.

They are outside playing in the backyard on our playset and in the sandbox and on their riding toys as much as they can. They also love Dora, Diego, and Thomas the Train.

Merry-Go-Round

2009-06-02T07:39:00.000-05:00

The Merry-Go-Round was a big hit at our local park with the kids and Daddy. Much better than our first experience with Grace that resulted in our first visit to the Emergency Room after a bump on the head.

Prince Jack?

2009-05-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

Jack wanted to wear one of the crowns from Grace's princess dress-up set, and I thought it was adorable on him. Thankfully, he did not show any interest in any of the other items.

New Hats

2009-05-20T08:04:00.000-05:00

Here is Jack sporting a couple of new summer hats. The top one is a new Hanna from Uncle Bob and Aunt Barbara (Grace has an adorable one to match) and the bottom one is from Uncle Mike and Aunt Wendy from the Bass Pro Shops that says Lil' Hunter. Both are adorable, thanks to everyone.

Bag Boy

2009-05-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Jack loves to fill up Grace's shopping cart with cars and trucks and run around the house like a wild-man. The amount of stuff he sticks in there reminds us of bag ladies, but with trucks and stuff.

Time to Paint

2009-05-13T07:56:00.001-05:00

Here is a recent painting session where Grace is doing great as usual, but watch Jack. He has the brush at first then looks at me as he sticks his fingers in the paint and by the end (a minute later) he has a big mess on his hands and is saying "Mess, Mess!", really? The look in the first picture of Jack is priceless, you can tell exactly what he is going to do (which is why I kept the camera in hand). Too cute.

Truffles

2009-05-13T07:50:00.000-05:00

I love chocolate and snapped a quick picture of a batch of dark chocolate truffles I made for a recent party. Super Yummy.

We're Ready

2009-05-12T13:48:00.000-05:00

Jack is ready to go around the world with the globe and Daddy's hat, and Grace is coming along for the ride.

Peas in a Pod

2009-05-06T08:11:00.000-05:00

Here are some fun pictures of the kids. Jack looks like he needs a haircut, which he has gotten since I took the picture.

Chuck E. Cheese

2009-05-03T21:50:00.000-05:00

I remembered to take a couple of pictures here at the Hairy Rat, oops, Chuck E. Cheese, so that the kids can't say, you never took us there. Jack was miserable the entire time. Overstimulation for him, we will have to wait a few more months before we try again, and I still have a ton of tokens and tickets to use up.

Time for Baby to Sleep

2009-04-28T08:08:00.000-05:00

Here is Jack putting the baby (with a stuffed animal) to bed in his crib. I did not show the tossing of the doll up and over the rail, which was sort of brings the toddler boy into the sweet cute moment.

Necklace

2009-04-27T09:50:00.000-05:00

Grace loves to do anything arts and crafts, and we recently made a beaded necklace which was the perfect accessory to her adorable self-selected outfit :) She has a great sense of style, all her own. Last week she picked out an outfit that did not match, and I said "Grace, that doesn't match at all." She replied "I know, I don't feel like matching today." Live and let live. What she picks out looks adorable to me all the time.

2009-04-24T08:12:00.000-05:00

See Saw

2009-04-24T07:55:00.000-05:00

Here we are at the Science Museum on the See Saw, and Jack is loving it.

Funky TIghts

2009-04-23T08:02:00.000-05:00

Grace is an Official Fan of the Funky Tights Club. In fact, the funkier the better. She has her own style, and I love seeing what she puts together to wear.

Rollerskating

2009-04-22T13:00:00.000-05:00

Grace is trying to get ready for the outdoors. She needs to get used to this pose :) for a little while.

Daddy's a Sucker!

2009-04-20T08:05:00.000-05:00

Craft and Jodie Foster?

2009-04-17T07:59:00.000-05:00

Here is Grace showing off our craft of the day, but what caught my eye was she reminded me of Jodie Foster in the photo. Only time ever, must be the smile. Hunter said he doesn't see it.

I Think....

2009-04-16T07:54:00.000-05:00

I think these blocks are going to hurt Mommy and Daddy's feet during the night when Jack and I hide them in random places throughout the house.

Princess Fun

2009-04-13T07:47:00.000-05:00

Recently we picked up a princess dress-up set for Grace (much to her great delight). At the beginning she was restrained, and would put on one "outfit" at a time. But after a little while she decided she needed to wear every last top, skirt, crown, ring, bracelet, necklace....all at once. Follow the progression in the photos. She loved all of the stuff so much she didn't want to take any of it off, so we just kept adding layers. We loved that she was giddy over all of the gear (but not so much over the name "Princess Grace", which we quickly extinctified). FUN!

Grace's Camera

2009-04-12T21:30:00.001-05:00

Here are some of the pictures I found on Grace's camera recently. Not too shabby for Fisher Price and a 3 year-old at 1MP resolution.

Read to us and we will love you

2009-04-12T21:28:00.000-05:00

Here is Grandpa speaking Grace and Jack's language, Books. Very Wise, Very Wise Indeed.

Gator Boy

2009-04-09T07:40:00.000-05:00

I cannot remember if I posted this before, but really can you post too many pictures of a cute little boy in a Gators #1 Jersey, I think not!

A Few More from the Science Museum

2009-04-08T07:38:00.000-05:00

Water Fun At the Science Museum

2009-04-08T07:37:00.000-05:00

Zoo Time

2009-04-06T07:32:00.001-05:00

Here are Grace and Grandma and Grandpa at the Zoo on a really cold day, but in the Jungle exhibit it is always 85 degrees and muggy as a rain forest. Great combination, you will never be "dressed for the weather" for this one.

Cookie Fun

2009-04-02T07:29:00.000-05:00

Here are Grace and I cutting out some cookies while Grandma does some serious cleaning. I think we had the fun job :).

Grace with Grandma and Grandpa

2009-04-02T07:19:00.000-05:00

Grace and Grandma Baking

2009-03-30T17:00:00.000-05:00

Grandmother's Apron

2009-03-28T07:17:00.000-05:00

Here's Grace doing some cooking in a cute little apron from Grandmother.

Snow Girl

2009-03-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

I thought these pictures from a couple of months ago would look out of place on the blog, but our forecast is calling for lots of snow this weekend! So let it snow, let it snow, and I can have some pictures to post this summer (as I generally run a couple of months behind with the photos, but as long as they are in order not such a big deal).

"2 Kids"

2009-03-15T21:30:00.000-05:00

Grace and Jack get Hunter to do this every evening when he gets home. One night last week, Hunter had Jack and said to Grace "Daddy's too tired for "2 kids" right now". To which Grace replied but "My Daddy is the Strongest Daddy in the Whole World", and he immediately picked her up into his open arm. She certainly knows how to stroke Daddy's ego and make him feel great and appreciated.

Grace's Helper

2009-03-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Jack likes to help Grace with the train by sitting in the middle of the tracks and taking the pieces apart. This scene did not end well at all. The train had to be placed in the toy relocation program on the other side of the gate to the lower level of the house. Followed by some hugs and kisses for Grace.

What You Talkin' Bout Mommy!

2009-03-07T18:00:00.000-05:00

All I could think of was Arnold from Different Strokes and "What you Talkin' Bout Willis" when I saw the expression on Jack's face. He picked out one of Daddy's shirts, which is a tad too big to say the least.

Toys for the Tree

2009-03-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

Shortly after we put up our X-mas tree, which is pre-lit, Grace and I decided to decorate it with all of our toys. Who knows when our lovely pre-children glass balls will be able to appear again. So while Jack was napping, Grace and I went crazy and put everything we could find on the tree. It turned out beautifully (eclectic chic).

Unsupervised for a Minute and Adorable

2009-03-04T14:35:00.000-05:00

Wait long enough, and I think every kid will do this one.

Jack the Walker

2009-02-27T17:18:00.001-05:00

Here is a clip of Jack when he first started walking in November. He saw the camera, and started saying "Cheese" repeatedly. And Grace is "So hungry again" because we never seem to feed her ;)

Too Cute

2009-02-26T09:12:00.000-05:00

Here is Jack making Mommy melt.

Why Jack Shouldn't Be Painting/Why We Use Washable Paint

2009-02-20T13:00:00.000-05:00

Teacher Work Day

2009-02-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

What do we do on a Teacher Work Day While Jack Naps? Grace is in school weekdays when Jack naps, but every so often there are teacher work days, which means Mommy is the teacher for the day. Here is a sampling of some of our activities on a recent day. We worked on our math problems with puzzles and did lots of painting and then moved onto reading.......She drives a hard bargain on those afternoons. School keeps them really busy and gives me quite a high quality standard to maintain. On the weekends, Daddy takes her to the Science Museum (for the 2nd time that day) or the zoo during the nap.

Playtime with Grandmother/Decorate Your House Already

2009-02-16T20:00:00.000-05:00

These pictures of the kids playing with Grandmother, kicked me in the side of the head with the thought "Decorate your house already, just a little bit, something, anything." The Wal-Mart clock ($5) on the mantle is certainly not doing the trick. We have some work to do, but we have already started adding a few things (it's only been 7 months :).

More Fun with Grandmother

2009-02-14T21:00:00.000-05:00

Here is more of the kids having fun playing with Grandmother.

Drawing with Grandmother

2009-02-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

Here is Grace drawing with Grandmother when she was here on a visit from Florida on Thanksgiving. Ironic, yes. We convinced her to LEAVE warm, sunny Florida, for freezing Kansas. It was in the upper 80's when she left Tampa to come here. But on a positive note, it is warmer here than New Hampshire. Grace loves her very much, and I took this photo a few hours after she arrived. They were writing and drawing together and having lots and lots of fun. We were glad Grandmother was kind enough to brave the weather.

Art Display at School

2009-02-12T09:15:00.000-05:00

Here is Grace's self portrait on display at school.

Rootbeer with a Spoon?

2009-02-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

Here is Grace sporting her Indian hat from school enjoying her after school treat (diet rootbeer) and reading a book. A real treat. She loves to savor the rootbeer, so she drinks/eats it with a spoon. The noise is a bit irritating, but I have discovered that the wider mouthed glass makes much, much less of a mess. Right when we walk in the door, she requests her rootbeer for "doing a good job at school."