December 4th

DAY 2 of Christmas

Christmas Lists

Ok, so I know (as always) I am early on this. But there seems to be so many wants over here. So I thought I would just start to write them down.

MADDIE
Sesame Place Season Pass
Rescue Pets Swim to Me Puppy
Littlest Pet Shops (Both of the girls only have a handful of pets, they would like something to play with them as well as some more pets!)
Something to store Littlest Pet shops in. LPS sells a box that looks like a tackle box. But we have also seen LPS tin lunch box at Five Below that would work as well.
Songebob Sponges(http://www.spongetechs.com/SpongeBob-Soap-Filled-Bath-Sponge-p/410008.htm)
Spongebob Tag Reader Book
New leapster games
Leapster battery charger
Zhu Zhu Pet accessories! (who is up for this challenge?)
Wii Dance revolution (disney)
lego's
a globe
My first disney Princess doll - Cinderella
Clothes for Bitty baby or bitty twins (american girl)
Anything crafty.. she needs stuff to do while ty and Savannah nap!


SAVANNAH
Sesame Place Season Pass
Littlest Pet Shops
Zhu Zhu pet accessories
Anything Mickey Mouse Club house (Santa is bringing Mickeys Express Train)
Candy Land Castle Game
My First Disney Princess doll - I have to ask her again which one.
Outfits for Bitty baby or bitty twins (american girl)

TYLER
SOME ONE HELP ME... what does a 1.5 year old boy play with?
plastic play animals


JEFF
Sesame Place Season Pass
Wii Games (he is perfectly happy with used games as well from game Stop)
Game Stop Gift Certificates
Sketchers Gift Card
new wine glasses for red wine

NIKKI
Sesame Place Season Pass (bigbird)
Wii Fit
And Wii Fit games
Chi Flat Iron, or something just as good. (If you know Amanda K. please talk to her ... she mentioned she can get them at Wholesale!)
Clinique Acne Foaming facewash
William Sonoma Automatic Soap dispensor
Ipod touch
A watch .. I love Fossil (some I like are.. jr9761 analog blue dial, es2076 analog pink dial)
Sketchers gift card

A HOUSE CLEANER! LOL...
Or an organizer.... LOL

I need your help!

I have created a form that I am trying out and hoping to use at home point. Could you please fill it out and submit it so I can see if it works! The more the better!! Thank you very much in advance!

Just as life begins to get easier it gets harder!!

Just wanted to post this before I forgot it! We just got home from Alstead Farm. We planned to pick blueberries, but the field was closed so we picked Raspberries instead. Which was fine, but kinda bored the kids. We only picked a few and then went on to see the animals. So like I said.... As life gets easier, it gets harder!

We went to the farm with an almost 2 year old that is full blown potty training! Savannah is doing great!! I still put her in a pull-up when we go out just incase, but no accidents so far. Anyhow, the farm has one of those big port-a-potty's with many stalls! You know... climb up 3 steps or so and with real pottys that flush. Anyway, no strollers would fit in there, so I had to take Ty out of the stroller, try to hold him and get Savannah situated. All Ty wanted to do was crawl around (GROSS) and Savannah did her thing. Then I had to find a way to wipe her, pull up her diaper, flush the toilet, and wash hands all while holding Tyler. By the time this was over I was in a full blown sweat. I was proud of Savannah for going on the potty and was glad it was all over! We then went to see the animals some more. Maddie then tells me she has to POOP. I was beginning to sweat again about having to go in there again. But how could I deny her bathroom use because I could not handle the other 2. SO we went back again, I told Maddie to go again by herself. Savannah then begins to scream POOP POOP POOP... ANNA POOP! So here I was again.... I could not deny the kid who is wanting to go on the potty!! Ugg.... So this time I made Maddie hold the outside door open to the bathroom so I could see her and Ty who was outside. This went a little better. No poop for Savannah, but was a great start! I was so freaking hot after this we b-lined to the car.

With Ty well on his way to walking, but not really! And Savannah beginning to potty train. This is all so exciting and will in the end make my life a ton easier, but in the middle really sucks. I was proud of myself for taking all 3 to the farm by myself, but it was definitely a challenge! And I tell myself.. THIS TOO SHALL PASS!

Summer 2009... so far.

I know I have not been too good a blogging so I will do one very large post to catch you all up! Madison was in her first ballet recital. For a while there I did not think she was going to do it. She went through a period where she would not seperate from me. I think part of that had to do with her ballet teachers going out on maternity leave for a few weeks. But as soon as she came back things seemed to get better. She went out there super proud and did a great job. I have to say though she did not LOVE ballet, so we might go gymnastics in the fall. We are just trying now to find the right place for her to go! I found the one I like, just not sure how I feel about the tuition payment!

Next, my mom and I took the kids to the Turleback Zoo. The kids loved it. Tyler was in love with the animals that he could touch. Maddie actually fed the animals. Years in the past she would not go anywhere near animals like this. Cute (well, kinda sad) story: the night after we went to the zoo Savannah had her first real nightmares... She was yelling and crying "the birds, the birds" and I have to say, the bird exibit at the zoo was kinda scary. It is a large open area will a million small birds that are flying freely around you. Then she began to yell, "THE TURTLE BIT ME!" I felt so bad for her!

Next, we were invited to Gabriels birthday party at Bounce U. I was excited to check this place out. Later we found out one is moving closer to our house. The kids had a blast at the party!

Next, we went to the Summer Solstic at Solgerg Airport. This is a small festival to kick off summer. They have airplane rides, food, hot air balloons, and more. We got to walk inside of a balloon, that was fun. And the kids liked that they could climb into small plane. We saw a few friends and neighbors there. Any night that ends with hot air balloons is a great night!

Over the July 4th weekend we went to Canada. This trip was different than all the others we have done. The weather was not all that great while we were there, which puts a small damper on things. This was the first time we were there without Abby and Grace. So although it was not quite at all, it was 2 kids less crazy. My inlaws went with us, which made me realize that I can not go to Canada with out them (at least not for a while.) There is always work to be done at the cottage, and I need the extra help with 3 kids on an island when Jeff is working. The kids also need stimulation for other people. I am excited to go up again in August, but this time I will bring more toys. We were going to stay for 2 weeks in August, one of which we would be there alone. So needless to say, I realized that I can not do it alone, so we will be coming home after only 1 week. But Jeff has taken 2 weeks, so we will get some things done at home. I am ok with that! While we were in Canada we had an awesome opportunity to go visit friends from home. The Vollers family (all of them!!) vacationed on Watch Island in a mansion. It was a fun to see everyone up there, as well as check out the really cool house! We took all of the kids with us on the trip, was about 20 minutes from home. Tyler and Savannah were obviously was more tired than I knew when we left. Jeff placed Ty on the floor of the boat, just so we could get moving and he fell alsleep and slept there for about 10+ minutes. He slept through all of the hard bumps in the water and everything. Then Savannah fell asleep with Cheerios in hand and sitting upright! She slept the whole was home! Amazing! I guess the lack of solid night sleep was catching up with both of them!

Finally, my mom and I took the kids to Sandy Hook. This was the first time I had been to the ocean in 2+ years. I was a little nervous that I was going to truck all of my stuff out there and the kids would be a pain in the butt and we would have to leave. Much to my surprise, they were great. Tyler hung out in a pack-n-play for 4 hours. Savannah and Maddie played well. Maddie tell me she wanted to go in the ocean but she was going to wait for the waves to stop. LOL. So next time we go I think I will take her to the bay instead. Overall, it was a great trip and I will consider doing it again (if someone will come with me to help me!)

That is the recap of our summer for now! More to come!!

MADDIE: 4 1/2 years old, SAVANNAH: almost 2 years old, TYLER: 11 months.

Strawberry Picking 2009

Madison, Savannah, Tyler and I went Strawberry Picking with MOMS club this past week. We went to a local farm which we never knew about it! All I can say is AMAZING!!! We have picked for many years and nothing was like this crop. We picked 6.5 lbs of strawberries in about 30 minutes. We could have very easily picked double that! We consumed those strawberries in 48 hours and are going to go back again this week! Just wanted to share some pics. I brought my camera picking but forgot the memory card! TYPICAL ME... So here are a few pics when we got home!!

VISIT SUNHAVEN FARMS in Hillsborough!!!

Visiting Friends in MD

Last weekend we made a short trip to Maryland to see our dear friends Pat and Kerri and their adorable kids!! Christian and his daughter joined us also! I love to see all of the girls together because they are like long lost friends. Although they go 6 months or more without seeing each other, they act like they are best friends! So sweet! Sleeping was not that easy for all, so we were a bit tired when we got home, but it was a trial run for our summer vacations. So I am happy we learned how to deal with out kids on the road and we will be better prepared for vacation and traveling. I took so many pics that I could not limit my selection... so you get to view many!

This is Carter.. he is Tyler's age and will be a great friend for him when they get a little bigger! This is how we started our get away! The boys really missed each other too! And if you know how Pat, Jeff, and Christian can be when they are together, this pic explains alot! (I know I am going to get in trouble for posting this one!)

The real reason we were invited to visit... so Pat had his "own workers" that did anything he asked for! : ) (yeah, going to get in trouble for this one too!) Natalie, Maddie and Emily

Maddie and Emily on the boat! How freaking cute are these kids?????

I know it looks like he is picking up dog poop, but he really is digging a ditch to run some wire in the lawn... another reason we were asked to visit.... Carter! Love him!!!!!!!!!!!

Ty and Emily

So this was the very first time that I let Tyler play in the mud. Actually, the first time I have let any of my kids play in the mud! I will confess that I kept putting him in the pool to rinse off. I did not want him to eat it too!

Thank you Pat and Kerri for letting us bring our chaos to your house! You are such great friends and we want to come again soon! We miss you already!!!

BLIMP TOUR

The other day on a whim I decided to call Solberg Airport to see if they do Blimp Tours. The woman that answered got me directly in contact with the pilot of the Direct TV blimp that was parked at the airport. And Viola... in 2 days we were there. We even got to go on board the ship. It was very fascinating! Definitely something to remember forever! The blimp left for Chicago on Memorial day, but will be back for the Summer Solstice at Solberg! Can't wait! Enjoy the pics!

TYLER IS 9 MONTHS OLD ALREADY!!

I woke up this morning thinking back to this time last summer! I was 7 months pregnant (oh and the summer before...UGG), fat, and tired. I am so happy to not feel that way today!! Tyler turned 9 months old today. He is a VERY big boy, but is the same at Savannah at this age. He is 25 lbs. He just started to clap and he is very mobile. He is not crawling yet, but he has his own way of getting around. He is trying to pull himself up onto stuff, but is still having a hard time with that! He has been eating more table foods. Today he ate almost a whole piece of french toast and dinner was never ending. We went out to dinner and he ate a whole yogurt, mashed potatoes, stuffing, french fries, cranberry sauce, and a whole bowl of ice cream. He is a big boy with a big appetite. I am in love with my little man!!!!

Madison Anne

A larger post will follow, but I was so excited to see that my scanner worked with my Laptop today. Was a freak thing and I have no idea how to get it to work again. This picture was on the scanner, so FINALLY, I have her 2009 school picture to share with everyone. If you would like this picture in email form please let me know and I will send it to you so you can print it yourself. I did not buy a large package of pictures this year!

An Afternoon at the Beach

Yesterday we had a fun afternoon. I thought it would be fun to go let the kids play in the sand. It was a beautiful day and why stay home when it is so nice out! We headed to Round Valley Reservoir. It was so much better than I could have imagined. Our friends Barbra and Will came with us, which it made it better to have someone else to play with. Off season it does not cost anything to go and no one was there! They have several playground areas and beach. So the kids went back and forth. Then we had to go for a little walk to find a bathroom, where we discovered another park with swings. This was the first time Savannah was in the sand. She loved it. (and did not eat it... YEAH!) There was no swimming allowed (for many obvious reasons) so telling the kids they could not go in the water was easy and they only got a little wet trying to get some water for the sand. I liked it so much that the next time it is warm we are going back... maybe with lunch this time (or dinner!). If you live in the area, I strongly suggest it as something different and fun to do! After Memorial Day they charge to get in... so we will get all we can out of it now!

Savannah

I am going to create one post about each of my kids. They are all so fun right now there is so much to tell you about them. Savannah is talking up a storm. She can tell us most, but can repeat all. The repeating thing is so much fun. We know what she is saying, but she makes up her own way of saying some words. First she calls herself "anna" and a banana is "anna" and her friend is "anna." Sometimes I can not figure out what she is referring to, but in due time I get it and she is so proud of me when I do. We are having fun with Uncle Chris which to her is "Uncle Titty!" And today she said "Uncle Har-Nerd" for Uncle Harland. We are trying desperately to get this on film. I will post when I get it good.

She has started to really sing. One day I was just hanging out and she pushed me to the side so I would look at her and she started to sing A-B-C-D. I was floored. Since then she is now singing Happy Birthday (we have been to a lot of birthdays in the past few weeks.) She knows who's birthday is next and she is practicing for the next party. We have 5 parties in the next 2 weeks, so she will be doing a ton of singing.

The poor kid just wants to go play outside. It is just not warm enough yet, and she knows this. She does not care... she brought me her snowsuit and gloves on the last 55 degree day and asked me to put it on. I did and then with no shoes/socks I let her go out on the deck with her shovel. She was so happy to just be outside. Now everyday she brings be her winter coat, gloves, and hat and asks to go outside. Today I let her go out with out a coat and she was very upset and confused. Summer should be fun. You will see my kid getting ready to go play in the 80 degree heat with her snow clothes.

We are working hard on trying to figure out what is the best way to get around with Savannah. We currently use the sit and stand stroller. She is in the back, but has begun to climb out! UGg... the biggest problem is that she will not hold my hand. So I started to use the "leash." I hate that word, but what else do I call it... harness? That is going ok?? But I did witness Savannah doing the ... fall to the floor when you grab her hand ... act with my mom. It was nice to see her act that way with others too and not just me.

And one last story... (PLEASE PRAY FOR ME) she climber out of her crib today. This is making me a little scared and not ready for the next stage of her life. I am crossing my fingers this was a one time thing (prob not) but I can pretend for now cant I. I don't know whether to buy a crib tent or a toddler bed. This is going to be disastrous no matter what I do. For now... we are going to ignore it happened! And cross every bone in my body that is never happens again!

Some things she loves: Madison, bike helmets, outside, cheetos and doritos (I want to kill Jeff for showing her these foods), the ride on Tractor, baby dolls (she is an awesome mommy!), and Tyler!

Tylers Baptism

On Sunday March 1st, Tyler was finally baptised. I say FINALLY because I kept putting it off for the first 6 months of his life because something was always going on. The birth of my niece, thanksgiving, Christmas, and much more. I finally planned the baptism and then we came down with a stomach bug. I had to cancel the whole thing and do it the next week. If I did not do it March 1st, I would not have been able to do it until April. Unfortunately by the next week, half of my family was sick. It was not a pretty few weeks around here. Special thanks to Amy for taking some pics for us that day.