Two Weeks of Leave

Yea, Dad's back!

In time for the Easter Egg Hunt

School Justin and Clay in a game of Football

Take some Easter pictures with your favorite Sister

Be Cute (while Planning World Domination)

See Grandma Peterson

Win a speed eating contest.

Jump on the trampoline

Ride the 4 wheeler

Learn to crawl, (Olivia, not Aric)

See Aunt Sabrina and kids



Meet Scott.


Familyreunionize

Go Back to Iraq

Spring Fever

Not exactly picnic weather, but you can't blame them for trying.

Shoe fetish

I bought some new shoes last weekend - I can't wait until it's my turn to wear them.

And since Addie wears them to bed, it may be a while.

Bedtime

Looks fun.
It would be more fun if they would actually fall asleep.

Hungry?

"Dodo loves nummies."

Meganspeak for "Olivia loves cheerios."

Bonding Time

Baby Steps

Step #1 - Stand on diving board with swim instructor.
Step #2 - Stare at water and shake head "no".
Step #3 - Turn around and get off diving board.

Better luck next week Addie.

Paco the Snowman

He was a happy little guy. Must have been that magic hat.

Sad Olivia

Happy Olivia

We like her either way.

(but we prefer the latter)

Belated Christas Update

Christmas Eve - four wheeler rides, cookies for Santa (and Megan), and of course, Addie as Mary
Christmas Morning - Breakfast at the Manwarings - YUMMY, and free train demonstrations from Ogden

Olivia was just happy to be there (or maybe she just likes Grandpa)

Megan was happy to open anything

Addie was happy to open everything - especially all her new purple pajamas!

Dreaming of a White Christmas?

Then I suggest moving to Idaho.

Especially if Grandma is willing to shovel the walk.

"The elves are watching . . . "

Birthday Girl

Finally old enough to shovel in plenty of cake and ice cream

unwrapping gifts . . . with an enthusiastic helper

The cake - post-destruction (p.s. it was a carousel)

Pop Quiz

What's more fun than traveling cross country on an airplane with three small children?
A. a root canal
B. an IRS audit
C. 1,000 tiny paper cuts
D. all of the above

Not sure? Ask AMBER, who courageously volunteered to brave the journey with us. Probably not the easiest day of her life, but she definitely secured an incredibly high ranking in the "favorite aunt" category!

Thank you!

Tagged

by Esther, and I actually did it! This one asks for a little info on each of my kids.

Name and Meaning: Adeline, (noble)
Age: 4
Nicknames: Addie, Addie Maddie, Number 1
Favorite Activities: dancing, coloring, playing with friends, watching movies
Favorite Foods: squash, popcorn, pizza, corn, fruit snacks
Least Favorite Foods: hamburger
Favorite Music: Disney Princess CD, Jack Johnson Curious George soundtrack
Favorite Toys: shopping cart, blocks
Favorite Book: Frog and Toad books, Olivia
Favorite item of clothing: pink skirt w/ sunflower
What makes her happy? ballet class, talking to Dad, getting Megan to repeat everything she says
What makes her sad? time outs!, going to bed

Name and Meaning: Megan, (Pearl)
Age: 2 (almost)
Nicknames: Meg, Meggie, Megpie, Number 2
Favorite Activities: COLORING, swinging on swing set, dancing
Favorite Foods: taco soup, bran flakes, anything with dip, fruit snacks
Least Favorite Foods: squash
Favorite Music: Disney Princess CD, baby bumblebee song, Roll Your Hands
Favorite Toys: Whatever Addie is playing with, princess shoes,
Favorite Book: Where's Spot?
Favorite item of clothing: Mom's high heels
What makes her happy? Making Addie laugh, sucking her thumb
What makes her sad? nap time

Name and Meaning: Olivia (Olive tree - she's named after a tree?)
Age: 4 months
Nicknames: Livie, number 3
Favorite Activities: watching the fan, stroller rides
Favorite Foods: big mac
Least Favorite Foods: anchovies
Favorite Music: Aerosmith
Favorite Toys: Rubix Cube
Favorite Book: Moby Dick
Favorite item of clothing: Huggies
What makes her happy? staying home
What makes her sad? too little sleep

Thank you note

Dear Aunt Sabrina, Aunt Heather, and Nicole,
Thank you for coming to visit. We had so much fun with you. Megan misses making you laugh, and I'm still wishing I could play "cats" with Nicole. I loved all the horsey rides and the rainy visit to the beach. Thanks for letting me turn the animal game into the princess game, for making LOTS of popcorn, and for all the fun presents. It was great to have you here - Mom actually cooked something other than quesadillas! I hope you can come again soon.
Love,
Addie

Halloween

Our little skunk managed to sample every sucker in her pumpkin before being hauled (literally) off to bed.

Aurora

(love the addition of the pink bow - a nice touch)
Unfortunately, her night didn't end as happily as it began. Her princess slippers gave her a bloody toe while trick or treating. Can you say DRAMA? But she survived, with the help of her best friend Emma, and she still has a pumpkin full of candy to show for it.

Scary

Megan's impersonation of a jack-o-lantern

The Magic of Sleeping Beauty

Today I bought this:

(the movie, not the child)

And while walking through the store I heard this:

"Mom, you are so nice."

"You are the best mom ever."

"This is the best day ever."

And I'm thinking it's money well spent.

And to those who say money can't buy everything, I'm thinking it sure can help us survive a trip to Wal Mart.

I'm also thinking Addie has learned the art of positive reinforcement . . . and it's working.

(Wow, I've been doing a lot of thinking.)

Do You Believe In Miracles?

Smiley

He's on a roll

Tulips, Lilies, AND Gerbera Daisies. Impressive. Thanks Aric!

Story time

Can your hair do this?

Didn't think so.

Mail Call

The source of a lot of excitement around here for Addie and Megan (I'm sure Olivia loved her card too). Well done Aric.