With summer coming it seemed time that we look at our yard and try to come up with something new for style and substance. We agreed this year that a garden would be good – it would teach the girls about natural foods, how things grow, and ultimately give us some good vegetables, too. Needless to say, both Sofi and Natalie were excited about sharing with their audience the new garden in our back yard.
Papa
I’m not sure that we’ve gotten (or will ever get) the whole story, but you read it right – Natalie broke her arm last month playing in her room. Apparently her sister told her one thing, then something else happened and then… well, apparently, in her words, “I forgot to put my feet out.”
She was a trooper, though, and the compound radial fracture is nearly healed!
Papa
It’s difficult to believe that my daughters are old enough to be riding scooters – it seems like just yesterday that they were “scooting” around the house as part of learning to walk. But here we are 2009 – Sofi is 5 and Natalie is 4 – and they’re out riding their scooters; tearing up the neighborhood. Fortunately, they’re having loads of fun, too!
The Razor scooters are actually pretty cool and the pink handles, wheels and board make them girly enough for even our little princesses to ride with pride. In just a few days they’re actually pretty good at it, too, and a lot better than I would have expected. We’ve even made the morning run to Starbucks – about three relatively long blocks away – and they did very, very well. Before too long they will be doing the trips that Sofi is so ready to try out. Read the rest of this entry »
It seems like just yesterday that I was standing in the maternity ward waiting (and stressing) about the birth of our first child. We didn’t even know what sex she would be, let alone how much work and joy that she would bring to our lives. Five years later and the only thing I want is more time to spend with my children so that I can enjoy each and every moment of their lives.
Celebrating birthdays -- milestones -- are little reminders of our successes and of the life that we have created. In these words I hope that you will see my pride and realize the happiness and joy that both my children have brought to my life, and know that for every milestone we achieve I learn more and more the value that these lives bring to mine.
Happy Birthday, Sofi. We love you.
Papa
I’ll have some photos coming up to the site sometime really soon, but I wanted to share with everyone that we have actually completed the unwrapping (not too out of control this year) and right now Mama, Sofi and Natalie are all playing with the new Cinderella game (complete with battery powered musical, lighted shoe) trying to understand that not everyone can win every time.
In the meantime and especially for those waiting for pictures, I’m attaching another short video clip to share some of the unwrapping.
Papa
Christmas is off to a rip-roaring start this year and the girls are as excited as can be. So far they have found the bicycles that Santa left and cleaned out their stockings. The first gift, from Grammy and Grampy has caused quite a stir. They each got a barbie doll that includes a golden retriever. The excitement from this comes from the fact that you can actually feed the dog. Parent’s will get a chuckle from the fact that this dog also “poops” the biscuits and barbie comes with all the appropriate attachments for cleaning up the poopie. Brief video attached for those that really must know.
Papa
Lisa C Being a Great Sport with PJ's on Her Head!
It’s been a long time since Mama and I have had a party that didn’t include a princess related theme, more children than adults or a jumper, and I realized this morning (after yesterday’s party) that’s it been way too long. Needless to say, we did a friendly potluck yesterday (with more adults than children) and it was awesome. Thank you so much for everyone that joined in. The food was fantastic, the weather was amazing (especially for November), the wine was divine, and the company cannot be matched. Thank you to everyone that joined in, we appreciate it more than you know.
Of course, no good party would be great without some stories, a few pictures and maybe a video or two. Fortunately for all, we got a few of each. Don’t worry, nothing too embarrassing for anyone.
Many of our friends that came to this party were co-workers of Gina and their spouses and children. It’s nice to see that most of the teachers have geeky husbands, and that similarity seemed to give everyone something to talk about. John Ironmonger was in town for his daughter’s basketball game (University of Oregon vs. San Jose State) and was able to make it by for a snack and catch-up. I’ve missed seeing John every day, and am very happy to know that he’s doing well, enjoying life and very, very happily married to his sweetie. Carolyn and Carl are (finally) engaged, which added some additional celebration, and there was plenty of good food – for the meaties and the vegies – to go around. Everyone brought along a bottle or two of wine and I think we consumed all but one. That made for a very light afternoon, and at 6:00PM we were still sitting outside enjoy a 71 degree evening in November!
A couple of weekends ago the girls and I took the time to finish what Troy so graciously helped start – the treehouse stairs. We didn’t finish the railing, but the steps, landing and everything in between has been installed and is usable now. Of course, while I finished the girls had to get their cars washed in the back yard. I only add that in because I think everyone needs a half-naked, in the backyard, in a pair of rain-boots picture in their life.
Papa
Natalie: “I’ll open the garage and get our bikes out.”
Mama: “No, you need to wait until I’m done doing the dishes.”
Natalie: “Oh, yeah, I thought I was a grownup.”
Yes, honestly, it does feel like it’s been forever since we started working on our tree-house, but now that we’re getting close I realize that two things have happened. First, the closer we get the more motivated to finish I get. Second, and more importantly, the girls are getting closer to the age where they can appreciate having their own play-room and space to have their things. We’ve cleaned out the inside and they have actually spent some time in the house getting their table and chairs situated. Of course, now that I’ve painted the exterior (using the sprayer generously donated by Troy) we’re going to have to clean the interior from top to bottom before they can get back in. For those that have never used a sprayer (like me) you can’t even begin to imagine how much overspray mess they make.
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