marshall moments

Just a fun Sunday Dress

2010-11-21T14:55:00.003-07:00

I love the Christmas season, the lights, the music, the dresses. Just some fun pictures before church today.

The girls posing together...

Tori, 4 going on 20!

Abby sweet as a button!

I just wish every Sunday morning went this well!

Abby losses her first tooth

2010-11-17T21:52:00.003-07:00

Today was another big milestone in the passage to being a kid! Abby lost her first tooth tonight.

Dad took her to the dentist a couple of weeks ago and the dentist told her it was loose, so she has been working on it since. Tonight, the girls and I were all sitting watching a movie and folding socks when out it came! Dad was out of town, so we had to quick take a picture so he wouldn't miss it.

She was really excited to put it under her pillow and the tooth fairy brought her a "gold quarter" as she referred to it.

Victoria's Big birthday bash

2010-11-06T20:39:00.007-06:00

The big day has finally come. Tori could hardly wait for all her friends to come to her party. I made the lovely cake below, because she wanted to have a barbie cake. I didn't think it was too bad for my first one!
Another shot, because, yes, I am so proud...

Here is the birthday girl with her cake

and of course her sister had to get in on the action too!

At her party I got these cute little cups from the Oriental Trading Company and made pictures they could color and slip inside. They had a great time decorating them and then they got to use them with the cake and ice cream!

A lovely picture by the birthday girl!

Marley, one of Tori's friends.

Next we did bobbing for apples, at Tori's request, Abby got us started, although she didn't get an apple she did get nice and wet.

Next was Kyle from Tori's class. He did great, he got an apple and like it so much he did it about 3 more times!

Brighton also got into the action...

and was rewarded with her own apple!

I was surprised, but this was one of the big hits of the day, most of the kids wanted to try and several even pulled an apple out of it.

Next were the gifts. Rapunzel has to be one of Tori's favorite things now, so she was more than excited to get a barbie!

She got lots of fun presents...

which included jewelery,

makeup,

and a lot of fun with friends.

Here she is with another friend, Addie.

She is sporting some of her goods...

Happy Birthday...

She had a great time and so did friends, who would have thought a 4 year old would want to bob for apples?

Happy birthday sweetie!

Halloween and the great costume event

2010-10-31T20:38:00.006-06:00

The day has finally arrived for the kids to show off their costumes. I made the crazy decision to make their costumes this year. It took me 2 months and most of that was Abby's dress. I liked how Tori's turned out a little better, and I free lanced that one. Tori was a mermaid and Abby a butterfly.

One Wednesday of this week I put both of them in their costumes and headed out to drop Abby off. But when we got to school NO ONE had a custom on, so we quickly did a change in the car and off she went.

Tori had her party today at school and was happy to wear her costume all day.

Tori had her party first and then I met her to take her trick or treating at the building. Here she is with her sash over her head with her friend Addi.

A picture of Tori and Liza starting out trick or treating.

It took over 1 1/2 to get this far, the kids were ready to be done! They did great and listened so well. There were 19 kids in total and we didn't lose one :)

After this I took Tori back with me to work for a few minutes before heading home tonight.

Friday night we had our trick or treating at the church. This is the only time they stopped moving all night. Chris was going with them and at one point they ran by me as I was handing out candy and said, "that old man, can't even keep up with us." By the way, Abby does have black hair, nice, hu?
The kids had fun and all the work paid off, they loved their outfits! Did I mention that Abby had to have colored hair, hence the black hair below!

Our little girl is 4!!

2010-10-31T14:19:00.010-06:00

It was Tori's birthday this week, and she is 4, she can't even beleive it! Since she has a love for the cheerleaders, I thought the perfect gift would be a cheerleading outfit. When she opened it, she wasn't sure what it was. However she wore it around the whole next day, so I think it was a hit! I just can't wait for her party next week, lots of crazyness here, there will be...

The opening of the present in true Tori style!

She did like it, and wore it for the next 2 days, I had to talk her into not wearing it to bed, she looks so cute in it!

Slash

2010-10-25T20:38:00.004-06:00

This was the first year that we did pumpkin carving with the kids, well really Chris and Abby did it. Below is Slash, Abby's creation.

I think it looked good for her first one!

Can you guess why she called him slash?

A day with the cheerleaders!

2010-10-16T20:05:00.007-06:00

We were at the Hockey game last week and we saw some cheerleaders, which have become Tori's new favorite thing. One of them came up to Tori and asked if she would like to come to a cheerleaders camp the next weekend, which was like a dread come true for her! So here she is with the cheerleaders for UNO. She got to spend all morning playing and learning some cheers then she got to do a half time program.

Here are all the girls that participated, she is the farthest on the left in a purple skirt and her hair in a high pony tail.

Prior to the start of the game all of the kids were hanging out on the tarmac.

Now she is looking a bit more tired, it was really hot for October here, about 80 this day!

Here she is practicing a move for the half time show.

Here is the half time show, she disappears for a bit in the middle, but comes back with flare. Her day was a blast and she loved every minute of it!

Sleep in a bed, what??

2010-09-16T21:10:00.002-06:00

Oh to be able to find a place to sleep in so many places...

Your sisters bed, kind of...

Or maybe the stairs...

You would never guess that she has a nice bed waiting in her room, would you?

The story of the swallows

2010-08-31T21:10:00.002-06:00

Chris was fascinated by the baby birds that hatched on our security light over the garage. He would go out and talk with them and took many pictures as they grew. I thought he would like to keep forever his birds and the story of their growth...

Week one after they are born:

Week 2, a little bigger...

Week 3...

Week 5, they have gotten much bigger!

Right before they flew away for the winter...

Iowa State Fair

2010-08-14T22:52:00.007-06:00

How could we live so close to the "famous Iowa State Fair" and not go? So off we went for a fun filled day. It was just about 2 hours away so we didn't get a hotel room, much to Tori's dismay she kept asking in the afternoon if we could go to the hotel room for a nap, poor thing.
Here they are first thing, bright and bushy tailed...
Of course you can't go without feeding some deer...

Then we stopped for a pony ride. You gotta love the hat!

Abby, she is very good with balance on horses and doesn't need help these days. I could see her ridding as she got older.

After riding we were so hot we looked for the nearest indoor exhibit to cool down. So off we went into the hall with all the cakes. Here are some of my favorites:

The Farm

I loved the box cake and the wedding cake behind Tori.

How can you not love a purse that is also a cake?

The dinner plate and the ferret on the blanket...

Next we rode the sky ride. If you look really close you can see the terror in Chris' eyes, this was not his favorite and I don't know if I will ever get him on one of these again, just look at the grip on the handle bar!

We stopped and let the girls do this really cool jumping on trampolines. You have the trampoline, but them also have a harness that has a bunch of bungee cords attached that help you go really, really high! Abby went first.

She loved this thing...

Here is some video of her jumping, she got really high!

Next it was Tori's turn, she was much smaller so it was harder for her to jump as high.

Someday I will learn you can't turn the camera...maybe...

We saw lots of the animals we sat and watched sheep shearing for a while, it was very interesting, needless to say, these have all seen the sheers, just look at how many of them there are!

Tori was very fascinated by all the sheep.

I wish I had counted how many sheep they got in this truck. It was so full they couldn't even move, and it had a top and a bottom layer, wow!

This is for my Dad, since he goes hunting each year and no catches I thought he might like to see what an elk actually looks like (LOL).

This huge pig was so big he didn't even move while we were there and what do you think his name was....

You guessed it.

We had to take a picture of the Pamomino, Abby kept talking about how she decorates the Pamomino in her Disney game.

We were trying to occupy Abby until we got into the restroom because there was a huge line, not sure what she is doing, but she is happy and occupied, goal accomplished!

When Tori came out, she also got into the act. Lastly, we stopped to see Lamb Chop. That brings me back a few years. She was very good and the girls both liked it. Abby was all about the stage, Tori wouldn't even get close.

After this we were on the opposite side of the grounds, unfortunately, we did not bring the stroller, so we got to carry them both all the way back to the entrance and to the car. That was awful, and a long long walk, especially once Tori fell asleep on me! We stopped on the way out of town for some dinner and headed back home.

Over all it was a long, but very fun day for all of us. I think my favorite part was watching all the animals, and we saw hundreds of them and seeing how the girls enjoyed it. We will have to do this again, but maybe wait until 2012!

Picnic day

2010-08-12T14:43:00.007-06:00

Tori had a picnic lunch today that the parents were invited to, so of course I had to come. I was very impressed at how well they all did. Three year old children really can get their own food, and feed themselves, who would have thought!
This is Tori's friend Eliza, they have lots of fun in class together and like to play together too!

First Day of School and back to school night

2010-08-11T22:22:00.004-06:00

Today was Abby's much anticipated first day of school. For the last several weeks she has been talking about it non-stop. However when the first day came, she was very quiet today and reserved. When we were taking pictures she was fine with that. Tori wasn't so sure about leaving her sister at a school she couldn't see her either.

She is sporting her iCarly lunch box and backpack. She was adamant that she wanted to take her lunch on the first day so we packed her a yummy lunch.

Last week, we had back to school night. This is her teacher, Ms. Stein, who is super cute and I think Abby will really like. The room was super cute with all the work she had done before the kids arrived on the first day.

Her spot in the class room, where she had all her supplies and it even had her name on it!

When she got home after school, I asked her how her day was, and she said "it was fine, but I don't want to talk about it". She was WORN out and ready for bed at 8:00 tonight.

Look how smart I am

2010-08-10T20:42:00.003-06:00

We went to get Chris some classes for Chris today, and Tori thought she would make herself at home while wearing some of these fine glasses! This was a big day as he moved to contacts too, I am not used to see him in glasses yet!

The last days...before school

2010-08-09T17:46:00.009-06:00

We took today in the 100 degree weather and off to the parks we went. We tried to feed the ducks, but the fish were more into the whole idea of feeding. They would leap over each other to get at the food, it was very fascinating!

Then onto the second park, there we took a walk to this really cool and big tepee. Abby was the first one to make it there. Once Tori got there, she took off her shoes and sat down in the sand. Oh how she loved the sand.

Next we talked to the top of the tower that they use to look for fires. It took a really long time to climb, but both kids did great. It was fun how the weather changed as we got higher. The more we climbed the cooler it got! You could see for a long ways too once we were at the top.

Next we went to paint ceramics. Tori chose a mushroom to paint and she also choose to use lots of colors to make her rainbow.

Abby decorated a dog. They both really liked making these and the price was right too for this "keepsake".

Below is a little video that the made about their painting experience.

It was a fun, long day and we all enjoyed it, even though it was really, really hot! Tomorrow it is just Abby and I for her last day before school starts!

Fun at the Zoo!

2010-08-07T21:07:00.004-06:00

With only a couple days left till Abby starts kindergarten, I took a few days off of work and we played our little hearts out.

Day one was spent at the zoo, sorry not to many great pictures with this entry, here we are enjoying a fine set of penguins, an ostrich and giraffe's, kind of an odd combination if you ask me?
Here is some video that Abby took, riveting, I know!

The bronze giraffes...

Tori sporting her cute Tori tongue.

We ended the night was Abby piling all her stuffed animals on her bed and then doing a pose with them...kinda reminds me of the time I piled all my animals in the corner and then put my younger sibling (as a baby) on the top!

How to build your own slide

2010-08-01T20:47:00.002-06:00

How to build your own slide:
1st get all the blankets out of the closet
2nd place them on the stairs
3rd just slide on down
Here let me show you how it is done, sorry my mom keeps forgetting you CAN NOT turn the camera when using video...

Our trip to Colorado

2010-07-31T20:55:00.005-06:00

After we left Navoo, we sent back home and then the next day, the girls and I headed to CO for a quick trip to visit the family. We got to go bowling one day, thanks to Aubree and her free certificates, it didn't cost us anything to go!!
It was the girls first time bowling, and I think they did really good!
Here is our little Tori, she doesn't even need help to set up her ball, she just gets it and goes

Here is Grant, he did really good, he didn't even need to use the ball roller!

Abby did really good also!

Just Tori and Hailey just hanging out.

Not that I am the bragging kind, okay kinda, Tori had the high score of all the kids, way to go Tori!!

Later at Grandma's house, we had a "fashion show" with all the kids.

Tori sporting some her new "Party Dress" below.

The next night we went to Casa Bonita, and had some wonderful (okay not really) food and the kids had a blast.

I told Tori she could have another sopapia if she would do a dance....she got her other sopapia

The next day we got to go see Janae's kids, Logan and Lila have gotten so big, they are always on the go these days. The girls liked helping them get around or get them things that they could play with, it was very cute!!

You gotta love this bow!!

The next day we went to see the Cheatham's for some more dressing up and playing with our cousins.

More dressing up.

Tori was so tired, from all the fun, she feel asleep on the way home!

Ellie, not so much!

Hailey was really enjoying her ice cream here at Grandma's house!

While there we also got to go to Pirates Cove for one afternoon. The girls had a blast. Here Abby managed to put a straw through her chip, not sure I have ever seen that before!

Look, Tori's favorite things, sand and water!

James, also enjoyed the sand area.

As yes, the pirate himself...

We all had a lot of fun with our family and even go to see a few friends while we were there, it was well worth the trip. Thanks to Grandma for flying out to meet us, drive with us to Navoo and then come back to CO with us. We loved having you along for the trip.

Our newest cousin

2010-07-24T20:52:00.003-06:00

We recently took a trip to Navoo and who did we meet there except our newest family member, Allie! She even brought her mom and dad with her. We also were excited to bring grandma with us because she flew in from Colorado just for the trip.
The girls loved seeing Allie and couldn't get enough of her.
Abby giving her cousin some love...

It turned out not like we had planned, it rained so hard we didn't make it to the pageant, so we just hung out and talked. The next day as we drove home we passed the dairy, which is always fun to see our our travels out East.

The 4th like I have never seen it before

2010-07-05T09:06:00.000-06:00

Last night was a 4th of July I shall never forget!! The fireworks started about 7PM and ended about 12AM. The people of the great state of Nebraska take their fireworks seriously. We couldn't believe all the "professional looking" ones that we saw! We started on our street watching people all around us sending them up. Then we moved to our back yard and stood on the swing set and watch for a long time. Every where you turned there were fireworks going off. By 10PM, there was so much haze over the city because of all the fireworks it started to become hard to see them.

I have never before seen something like this and was amazed at the whole evening!!

The beach in sunny California

2010-06-05T21:28:00.002-06:00

After 4 days at Disney Land we took some time to R & R at Great Grandma's house up in the hills. The next day, Labor Day we headed to the beach. This was the girls first trip to the beach and Chris' second. Once we found a place to park, we headed for the sand. We had to remind the children, it wasn't like a pool and they had to be careful, or the water would pull their feet from under them.
The couldn't wait to go in, of course holding onto Mom or Dad!
Tori loved the water, but she loved the sand more!

Abby and Dad getting a little more wet.

Tori right at home in the sand

Why not?

Mom making her way to the water...

More sand...

and more sand...

Abby getting braver, deeper and deeper they go!

Next we started to bury in the sand.

A little video of their sand burying adventure.

Really buried now...

Our little mermaid!

Our other mermaid...

Happy as could be...

The girls with the neighbors dog. He was up in the top 3 for the highlight of the trip!

Wow we are ready to head home, what a fun and exciting vacation we had!!

Disney Land day 4

2010-06-05T21:20:00.004-06:00

As all good things must come to an end, so did our Disney days. We took day 4 as a go see a few things before we headed by my grandparents house in the hills.

Chris thought this was just to good to pass up below!
More Minnie

Try 1 at the family picture...

Try 2...

Dumbo the flying elephant, one that the girls both liked!

More tea cups.

We had to hit the open road one more time before we left! This is a forshadowding of the day she asks to take the car...

Cute Tori...

Tori zooming along.

He looks so relaxed as his daughter drives on...

We both got a kick out of all the strollers, we were go glad we brought ours, it make life so much better!

So long Disney till we come back next time!

Disney Land Day 3

2010-06-05T19:40:00.004-06:00

Day three again began at 7AM again, this time we stopped to see all the characters on main street as we entered!
When we walked up to the Queen of Hearts, Abby bowed and curtsied, to which she clapped. The person before her tried to hug her, which she did not like so much. We have more Minnie and Mickey, before we headed in.
We stopped for a family picture...

We started at Pixie Hollow and waited in a long, long line to see a couple of the fairies, we saw Silvermist...

then we went to see Tinkerbell. She is Tori's favorite but she wouldn't go see Tinkerbell. Terence her best of friend was there and Tori wouldn't let go of me. You can see how distraught she looks below.

Abby was happy to take a picture with them , after which we left. It was then that Tori told me she didn't like Terrence, because he was a boy.

So we went back up and I asked if Tori could take a picture with just Tinkerbell. To which they said of course, Tori was much more excited once the "boy" was gone!

Of course then Abby needed a picture with just Tinkerbell!

We wondered over to CA adventure and the girls of course found this water area, and preceded to jump right in.

Next we rode the bug ride. You could experience him eating his way through the ride including smells and touch as water sprayed on you. The girls like that they got to ride together.

The lady bugs spun around and around, since Chris wasn't on this one we were able to go faster, the girls loved it!

We also did bumper cars and then a ride where we were in the boxes and spun around and around. Another good one for Chris to miss out on!

Donald found his way over here...

We stopped and found a bug game movie, you had to wear these cool bug glasses for the 3D experience! Bugs dropped from the celling and you could feel them under your bum too, Abby thumbs up, Tori, not so much!

Abby happy as a bug...

Mickey in his jungle gear!

Tonight we had some special plans for the girls, we first stopped at the Bibby Bobbidi Boutique, where they good all pretty for their night on the town.

Abby starting her transformation.

Nice!

Tori because her transformation.

More Tori, this is one of my favorites, as she got her nails done, while she worked on her hair!

Now we start to add some flair...

Now some makeup....

A fine little song while she gets her hair done.

No outfit would be complete without a ring and tiera, right!

She is all done!

Tori with her "crazy hair" is all done too!

Look our 2 princess ready for their big night out on the town.

Before our big dinner we stopped for a quick ride.

Our big surprise was the Ariel Gerato dinner. The girls got to meet and talk with Ariel and get their picture taken with her. They thought that was the highlight until during dinner...

the princess' started to arrive and come see all the children. We saw Cinderella first.

Next was Snow White, she was my favorite again and talked with the children.

More Snow White...

Next was Sleeping Beauty...

Last, but not least was Belle, Tori's favorite, go figure. Tori was telling her how much liked her earnings, and Belle said "thank you the beast got them for my birthday".

More Belle....

I had to take a picture of this desert, it was so pretty, a great end to a yummy meal and great company!

Look who added some of their own make-up!

After we were done here, we went and rode the autotopia cars and when we were getting off, the fireworks were going off, it was a perfect night!

Disney Land Day number 2

2010-06-05T17:31:00.003-06:00

Another fun filled day at Disney Land. This morning, we started at 7PM, yes early, but well worth it the lines were small and we were able to get on lots of rides! We started with the Matterhorn, note to self, not a favorite of Tori!

We spent the first couple of hours in Fantasy land, the tea cups, much more her speed, and Chris made it though without a dizzy spell, which was really a win win for all!

This was one of my favorites, and it was really hard not to spin us around really fast, but I would rather have a husband all day, so I restrained!

Between some of the rides we saw Tiana dancing, so we stopped and danced with her, or at least Abby did!

We did a couple other rides, and then went back to the pool for some lunch and R&R. It was a great size pool, lots or area where the kids could reach the bottom, so they played and played...

It looks like she is up to something here, doesn't it?

After this we went back into the park and rode a few more rides including Space Mountain. Note to self, this was not a Tori ride, she started to cry as soon as we left the station and keep saying I want to get off, the whole time. Needless to say I felt really bad for taking her and it was the talk the rest of the trip and about how she didn't like the space ride. Abby on the other hand loved it and wanted to go again!

Back to the hotel, some dinner and then a movie in the room and bed.

Disney Vacation day 1

2010-06-05T14:22:00.004-06:00

What a day getting here. Even though our first day was really just travel, it was a long day. We flew into DIA about noon and didn't leave again until about 8PM! About 20 minutes after we landed there was a tornado warning, so they moved everyone into the tornado shelters, which was crazy, lots of people, little space and not much direction.

Once we got out we found out that our plan got diverted to CO Springs, due to fuel needs and couldn't get back out until later that afternoon. We continued to watch as our flight time got bumped back later and later. Finally we boarded about 7PM, only to find out once we were ready to take off, there were lighting strikes so we had to wait again this time on the plan, of course we needed to be ready to make an emergency exit if the tornado's came back our way. Great I am thinking this is a wonderful start to our vacation. Finally we were cleared for take off and we all cheered once we were in the air! Once we got to CA, we got our car and headed to our hotel, across the street from the Park, it was great! By this time it was almost 11PM, and everyone was tired, so we all crashed pretty hard.

So our first day one, is now upon us. I would have to recommend the The Unofficial guide to Disney Land it was a great help for us to know when, what and how to do the park. The most important thing was to get there right at opening, which we did, a little tired, but I think the excitement took over and we were on our way.

Abby outside the front gates, I think she is giving some attitude here...
One of our first rides was the Winnie the Pooh, which we ended up doing a lot because Tori loved it. Abby was more than willing to do a pose for the camera.

Then onto the Jungle Tour, the girls thought it was very cool. It has been redone since I last remember it, the tour guide, was very funny too.

More Jungle Tour...

Next it was Toon Town and Mickey's house. After walking through Mickey's you finally got 10 seconds with him at the end.

Then we went over to meet Minnie at her house.

After this we went and had lunch and back to the hotel for naps. We all were really tired, so it was perfect. We changed into our princess dresses and headed back to meet some of them at the royal palace. First we meet Jasmine.

Next was Snow White. She was my favorite, she was very much in charter, from her voice to her jesters.

Lastly was Sleeping Beauty.

We went and did some other rides, sorry no pictures. After that we found some dinner and ended the night picking our our Minnie Mouse to take home.

I made them all pick out a hat to try on, ah don't they look cute...yes Chris too!

Overall a great first day, and only a few melt downs! Tomorrow onto Space Mountain, yea!!

What is that??

2010-06-04T20:51:00.001-06:00

I decided to pick up a cantaloupe from the farmers market on the corner, well they only had the large ones left. I wanted to take a picture of this huge things so I asked Abby to hold it...which she did but it was so heavy she almost dropped it!

Then of course Tori had to hold it too, wow that is huge!! It was really good to, I am definitely going back for another one!

July 4th Celebration

2010-06-03T22:04:00.001-06:00

We decided to go down to Rosenblat for the final 4th of July celebration. We found a good parking spot (on someone's lawn a tradition for the old stadium) and then headed to the field. We found a great spot and headed off to get some of the famous ice cream at Zesto's. Since it was just a big night, you could see why they would only have TWO people working %*(#). After waiting in line for 30 minutes, we got to the window just in time to see the fireworks start!
So we stood at the table for a few minutes and watch, and then walked back to our seats, except we sat right behind some trees that blocked most of the view. Then the ice cream melted all over the girls hands. In the end the kids had a great time and after all who am I to say it was a disaster, they had fun, so it was a great night!

Some video of the girls enjoying the night!

One more thing as we walked back to our car, it was kinda scary to see people lighting off fireworks right next to their home, and by right next, I mean the were on the porch!!

Ballet Proformance

2010-05-15T22:57:00.003-06:00

Abby's big ballet day was today, she and her friend Andi were really excited to get dressed up, put on their costumes and dance!

Abby sporting a move for the camera!Another pose...

The practice video, the final will come later...warning it is a bit long, so watch if you want, of course she is cute! She is the pink flower in the right hand corner (first on the right).

The practice for the finale, she is very cute here as well.

Overall a fun and exciting day, I think for Abby and me, she was just too cute!

Tori was so upset at the end and started crying because she wanted to see the show again, I guess it was a hit.

Tulip Time in Pella

2010-05-08T13:16:00.002-06:00

The girls and I went to Pella for the Tulip Festive and meet Grandma there for a fun filled day. Of course we had to take the picture with the kids by one of the many tulip gardens!

Abby thought they were beautiful!

Tori had to keep reminding herself not to pick the flowers, a trait she is well know for!

This was an old cannon was fun to climb on for the kids and good time waster until the parade started!

This little boy was in Jaasma's Bakery, the best bakery in town, as demonstrated by the long line, but well worth the wait.

Ah the joy the wait...a dutch letter, if you like pastry and almond this is the perfect treat for you...the girls were quite happy with their treat.

More tulips and Abby

The crowning of the Queen of Pella time, Abby thought this was awesome!

Before the parade stated, there was a large cleaning of the streets, they dumped water and and swept all along the street in their true dutch gear!

The tractors, my favorite part...so here was my thought as they were having the tractor parade...so when people get older, we don't give them licences any longer and are concerned about them driving in traffic, however we put a large number of older men on tractors and send them to drive through streets with crowds of people around them...makes you say hum!
There were a large number of floats and the parade took about 1.5 hours to complete, this was just one of the fun things that came down the street.

The girls and I took a tour of the old firehouse and jail while Grandma stopped in the quilt store

The next day we did some touring in the morning and the girls to play, here Abby put the pails on to carry the water to clean the streets.

The girls posing as some traditional dutch people...

This is the great grand nephew of Wyatt Erp? He was sitting in the one the rooms of this old house.

This machine was amazing, it is a koliapie and it plays music based upon books of music, it was one of my favorite things to listen to!

I think we wore the girls out based upon that sleeping little girl in the back seat, thanks Grandma for coming with us!

2010-04-30T14:48:00.002-06:00

We went home for a trip to see the family and for Logan and Lila's first birthday party. Day one Tori managed to color on herself with the markers, isn't that great?

We went to the history museum the girls enjoyed their time with the dinosaurs, and Abby even posed for us! Tori thought that the people fixing the ones were really cool...

Abby dressed up as a astronaut, she was very cute...

We also got to go to the birthday party for the Cheathams, it was a fun time in the pool, the girls love the water and do great in it.

A little video footage of the fun...

Ellie's pink dress we got for her...

Josh got a fun game and beans, isn't it nice that Abby poses with everyone?

Tori finally got her dogie blanket from Grandma, she was jazzed as as all get out and loves it, thanks Grandma, it is great!

Our ride back home after a fun time with family, we loved it and can't wait to do it again! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for letting us invade your house!

Easter

2010-04-04T14:37:00.001-06:00

Because we are so smart, the Easter bunny at our house looks for the pre-stuffed egg's done by our kids and then hides them and replaces them with some treats...Tori is sporting the new glasses and Abby her new glasses and flip flops below...

A little video of the mayhem here. It was weird to be without my family this year, however I think we managed okay. Church was great and it was a nice family day.

Is it summer yet?

2010-01-31T05:58:00.001-07:00

I think they are ready for summer, although they won't be wearing this to the local pool anytime soon.
At least she has a cover-up.

Abby's Birthday Party

2010-01-23T19:18:00.007-07:00

Abby had her 5Th birthday party at Pump it Up! She got to invite a bunch of friends, including her teachers from school for a fun time to play, play, play!
There were 2 different rooms, the first one had slides, a bouncing area and some toy for the kids to play with. Here are LOTS of pictures from her fun filled day
Abby coming down the slide.
Regan taking a break

Abby wipe out!

One of the walls was really slippery and the kids had to try to go up it and grab the flags.

The second room had a climbing wall, Faith was right over there.

Tori gave it a try also, she didn't make it that far, not really her thing.

More sliding...

Ms. Amanda playing with the kids, she is Abby's teacher at school, we were glad she came!

Abby took right to the wall, she was a pro at climbing!

These were all the friends that came to the party, a lot from school and some from Church. She thinks Miles is very handsome, you can guess which one he is...it was a blast playing!

Then we went in for the party part. She asked for a cookie cake, so that is what she got. I also made cupcakes for kids that didn't want to have a cookie cake. I have to say it was awesome, easy and did I mention tasty?

Friends enjoying their treat, Ms. Sarah (another teacher) was in this picture also, we were glad she came also.

The rest of the friends enjoying their treats.

Then it was time for presents. Abby got to sit in this awesome chair and be the queen while she opened her presents.

More pictures of friends watching her open all her fun gifts.

She received lots of fun gifts including barbies, moxie girls, power rangers, poly pockets, a panda that makes noise, bathtub toys, and much more.

She had a lot of fun and I am sure her friends did too. This was something she will remember for years to come.

Mom's shoes

2010-01-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

Tori took wearing mom's shoes to a whole new level today, what do you say to this?

Happy Birthday Abby

2010-01-13T21:59:00.001-07:00

Tonight for Abby's birthday dinner we went to the Amazing Pizza Machine, it was great. I had to put these out there to give you an idea just how cold it is here. This is a pole outside the building and this is all solid ice!
From the top!

...and the bottom, all I have to say is it is way to cold!!
The girls couldn't wait to get out and play, unfortunately, I had the camera and Tori, so no pictures of Abby this time. However I have it on good authority that she had a lot of fun. Tori and I did the race car, she thought that was a lot of fun.

Then we moved on to miniature golf, at least until the dinosaur showed up to eat her...okay not really, but was the best part of the course. A ball, a club and a 3 year old, are not a good combination.

Abby and Dad played lots of games, bowled with the miniature bowling balls, rode in the cars to name a few. Thanks for the fun night!

BIrthday Party FUN!

2010-01-09T17:39:00.000-07:00

Today Abby had a really fun day, 2 of her friends from school had back to back birthday parties!!
First we went to the Omaha downtown fire station for her Faith's birthday party. The kids got to take a tour of the fire station, look and play in the firetrucks and have the fireman talk to them. One fireman even put on all his equipment to show the kids what everything did.
Abby almost fits in the truck, right?
More firetruck exploration...

After that party we headed to the other side of town for a swim/gym play party. The girls were so cute when they all piled into the shower when they got out of the pool so they could warm up! There was (left to right) Faith, Regan, Addi, Abby, Andi.

After the swimming, then they got to go into this huge gym and play and play before they stopped to go have cake. Needless to say all the kids wanted to do was quick finish food and get back to playing.
Abby really liked going from one piece of equipment to another. Needless to say she was very tired by the time we got home from all this fun!

Tonight we get to go to another Hockey game, we can all hardly wait!

Tori

2010-01-05T20:06:00.007-07:00

I got lots of pictures from Tori's teachers when she left her class late last year. I thought I would share some of my favorites. She sure will miss all her friends and teachers, Ms. Abbey, Ms. Sunni and Ms. Stephanie.

Ms. Abbey and Mason
Mason and Tori

Out behind the center

More behind the center

Ms. Stephanie, Tori's favorite teacher and MasonTori fixing hair

Tori's artwork

Peace

Artwork with Marley

Playing in the fountains in front of workMore work, Marley in the background

Water room painting

Her tree frog hand

Working on blocks

Art work, pink go figure, she LOVES pink!

She looks so young!

Marley, her best buddy since day 1! They are like sisters, good and bad! They got separated in the new room, but still get to see each other from time to time!

Ride'um cow girl!

Love the B&W

Just look at that attention to detail

More snow!!!

2010-01-03T15:23:00.004-07:00

Abby and I went out to work in the snow. You can tell from the red on her face it is very cold out here.

The snow is so deep that I have to throw her in and she makes a snow angel. Once done, I have to pull her back out.

This is a winter they haven't seen before. The snow just keeps coming. Today is sunny which is a nice surprise. When we left Denver it was warm and no snow. The closer we got to coming back the colder and deeper the snow was!

It just isn't right for this much snow to fall!

New Years Eve

2009-12-31T23:20:00.007-07:00

We had quit the fun night on New Year's. For years everyone has come to our house for fondue. However since we moved, we had to find a new home for our annual fondue party, and thanks to Aubree being so gracious, we were able to still hold this grand event. Gone are the days of telling the kids at 8PM that it is midnight. We also celebrated my Mom's birthday, hence the crown.

Not sure what Abby is up to, but it looks like trouble...

Elisa and James, hanging out.

Here James is talking up a storm, to who, we just don't know.

Here is the gift we gave my Mom. I love the saying so couldn't resist in the store.

Haley has the look of trouble, looks like she enjoyed dinner at least what didn't get on her shirt...

Grant's imitation of being a blower of the leafs. He also does a little eating of them also. I think this is why you have children, good old fashion entertainment.

A lovely close up of Aubree, our hostess for the evening.

Grandma blowing out the candles, how can she be 64, she doesn't look or act a day over 30!

The spread for deserts? Did we go overboard, no way!Everyone enjoying the deserts
Count chocula, enjoying her food.

We had a blast and did make it till the very end, past midnight! Tori started fighting it about 11, hence the flaying.

Christmas in the Rockies

2009-12-27T22:51:00.000-07:00

We finally made it to Colorado to celebrate with the family. We were glad to get there after a hairy drive Sunday. It was a good thing we left at o dark early as it was a 10.5 hour drive!

Tonight we read a Christmas story with Grandma in charge...
Tori had to get a candy cane to talk about the Shepard's crook...

Then it was time for presents. This is what we got Josh this year...

and Elli was very excited about her Barbie Musketeers outfit!

Abby got a microphone, however it didn't work, so she ended up with cash, which she still is holding on to...

Tori was happy with her favorite thing in the word a puppy and a puppy book!

Grandma is still working on Tori's puppy quilt, maybe when we go back and visit it it will ready!

Abby's was ready, can you say girl in more ways than this, it is super cute!

Cassie was well taken care of there...

Of course no event is complete without a family picture!

The girls showing off their new outfits!

Abby chasing Haley, she is a fast one!

A not so happy Tori, I think I had just told her no...

Before the basement was destroyed, the girls loves Grandma's basement.

Abby doing her favorite of all things, playing a game.

It was a happy ending to a long awaited trip. We are looking forward to the next couple of days here.

The show by Ms. Abby

2009-12-25T22:37:00.000-07:00

Abby has an amazing ability to get her sisters new toys and clothes and uses them for her own good. Tonight she talked Tori out of her new dancing shoes and did a little number for her audience (in the window).

Sorry for the shooting, I was trying out some different angles.

Christmas Morning...still at home

2009-12-25T15:27:00.001-07:00

We had expected to be long gone to Colorado by now, but with the snow, we are still here...so Santa had to make a switch and come to Omaha instead. It worked out okay. For weeks we have asking the girls what they wanted. Tori was adamant on a stinky skunk (don't know why), and Abby a violin, which she has been waiting since last years guitar. Christmas morning came fast, and both girls we excited to see what Santa brought them.

Tori opening her new hockey sweater!

Perhaps too much sugar for this one?

Even Cassie seemed happy with her new bone!

Hopefully the snow and wind will let up so we can head home soon.

All the rest...

2009-12-20T22:39:00.004-07:00

We got our first snow fall this weekend, it was a nice reminder of our Colorado home and girls and dog couldn't wait to get out there to play. So being the good wife, I told them that Dad couldn't wait to get out there with them, so off they all went to play. That lasted for about 30 minutes, then back in and off with the snow gear!

That night Chris and I went out for a date night, and came home to a very upset babysitter, and 2 very naughty children. We were not happy to say the least! Both girls got a stern talking too and sent to their rooms, crying none the less. About an hour later we went to check on them and found them together, comforting each other. Part of me was upset because they were supposed to be in their own beds, but the other part of me thought it was very cute that they went to find each other. Times like these I really miss Lisa, she had these kids down to a science and they never had her this upset!

Sunday came and after church Abby had a soda and candy bar, why, not sure, but the picture was too cute to pass up.

Tori one of the only times she has worn her dress, here sister keeps talking her out of it. She is also holding the doll Grandma and Grandpa got her for her birthday.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T19:11:00.000-07:00

For Thanksgiving we headed to Colorado for time with the family. We decided to make it a t2 day trip by stopping half way at a hotel for the night. Problem number one, the children were wound up, so of course they would start calling the front desk, oops, unplug the phone!
Tori painted today in preschool and her hands turned pink. According to her teachers, she kept asking for more pink paint until her paper was dripping with it. You can't tell here, but her hands are a bright pink color!

The next day when we got to Grandma's and Grandpa's, I put Tori down at night and this is how I found her a couple of hours later. For the record, the following night I stayed with her and put her in the top and she fell on me, doesn't look to comfortable to me...

The girls love the trampoline, I had to clear it the day we got there so that the girls could jump, by the next morning it was dry so out they went. Tori had a nice case of static from her time, to cute to not grab a picture!

Tori was more than happy to go out and play by herself. It looked cold to me, but she was very happy, I miss how quickly the snow melts now!

Tori has always had a special love for James, and since he was born wants to hold him. He is big enough now, that he isn't as interested in that now. He did give her a couple of minutes before he wanted off.

Abby managed to injure herself while she was playing, not uncommon, but this will be fun to show her one day, all the large amounts of injuries she had as a child!

Two very tired kids at the end of the day, cute James and Haley!

...and two tired adults, just goes to show you are never too old for a nap (right Ryan and Theresa)...

Here is Aunt Vivian, my Grandpa's sister, she is a regular when we get together and love see her. Abby calls her Great Grandma sometimes.

The next day I talked Mom and Theresa into going out for black Friday shopping. we had a lot of fun, or least Mom and I did. At 5:30 when we were standing in line, Theresa said to me, I thought this would have been more fun, I don't think I want to do this again.

We did find some good deals, but no real deal busters. I think it is the joy of getting up and shopping at 4AM that I enjoy, yes I know that is sick, however it is true. When we got back Mom and I went to the Spa and she did a makeup application and I got to have a pedicure, oh how I miss those in the winter!

By the end of the day, we all hung out and enjoyed a nice restful night.

The next day we went to Elisa's and Jeff's and the girls played and played for hours. I caught some video of James taking a ride, he seemed to enjoy it a lot!

2 peas in a pod

2009-11-19T20:45:00.000-07:00

These two have been best buddies since day one at daycare! Tori and Marley have fun together every day and tonight we had the "family feast" where all the kids, teachers, and parents and siblings could come for a dinner at the center. Next month they are going to new rooms, so they won't be together everyday, but hopefully they can still see each other some, and of course we will have to have play dates!

Welcome home

2009-11-17T22:19:00.003-07:00

I had to travel to New York for work this week. When I got home the girls and Chris had this cute sign waiting for me! I think he might have helped the girls just a little bit...

Kid's Museum

2009-11-14T20:09:00.003-07:00

Tori and I went to the kids museum today, just us to play for a while. She really enjoyed getting all the attention for the day. Her favorite thing all day had to have been the carousal that was going upstairs!
Followed by the dress up room where she tried on a large number of costumes and put on a show for me. We had a lot of fun and she had a nice long nap on the way home!

We don't get to spend enough time together, so this was a fun day for both of us.

Halloween and Hockey?

2009-10-31T23:00:00.005-06:00

For Halloween, we had tickets, thanks to work, for the Mav's hockey game. We decided to have the girls dress up and head downtown for some fun. We didn't know the time had been moved back an hour, we were were there plenty early. We played on the blow up bouncer, played with the animal exhibit and checked out our seats. The girls loved the game and liked all the action between periods, probably more than the game it self.
They were on the Jumbo Tran 2 times!! Shook hands with the bulls mascot, danced in the isles.

Notice how Abby managed to talk her sister out of the brand new dress she just picked out that morning with the money from Grandma and Grandpa?

More Tori's birthday

2009-10-30T21:33:00.006-06:00

Although we were done with Tori's birthday party with her friends, we were not done yet. We still needed to have our family birthday party. We decided to make a rice crispy treat for cake and Tori thought that was awesome!

She got a backpack with Dora on it, that she loved to carry all her books and toys in.

Tori is also into puzzles now, and so these seems a perfect present. Overall I think she really enjoyed the time with the family and she was very happy with her mini celebration.

Tori's Birthday Party

2009-10-24T19:59:00.007-06:00

Tori had a Tinkerbell theme for her birthday party this year. We decorated with lots of purple and pink, Tori's 2 favorite colors. Here is her cake!
Each child decorated a pail that they could use to take home their candy in, they all thought this was lots of fun and some had dozens of stickers on their pails...

Here is my cute assistant holding the pinata...to Tori's sadness we used the strings to reveal the candy...

Of course we had to sing happy birthday and have cake. Notice Tori's choice of clothes, none other than her favorites.

She received lots of fun presents including games, bath toys and books that sing to her!

Here are all her friends, stopping for just a moment...from left to right Shalee, Marlie (her best friend), Addi, Tori, Abby, Broklyn, Lilly. This is short lived as they ran off to play some more.

The three trouble makers showing off their goods!

It was a fun day and Tori will remember the fun for a while to come. I was kinda concerned that since we just moved here she wouldn't have a lot of friends come, of course in vain. She had a good turn out and everyone seemed to have lots of fun. Its hard to believe my baby is already 3!

Vala's Pumkin Patch

2009-10-15T19:58:00.000-06:00

Today's fun adventure was Vala's Pumkin Patch it was a pumpkin patch on steroids! There was so much to do that we didn't even make it threw 1/2 of it in the day. Back in CO we have been to several, and they put them all to shame...if you wanted it, it was here!

The girls love it, and I am sure it will be a family favorite for years to come.

Below are some of our favorite things that we did, and many more that we didn't either get pictures of or didn't do (at least) this year!

This was an an amazing inflatable that both kids loved. It was about 60 feet long and 20 feet wide and the ends were buried in sand. The girls jumped and jumped and bounced down the sides. They could have spent the whole day there, but sadly we had to move on...

The pony ride was a must do for any pumpkin patch. When we were looking at the activities, Abby was sure to let me know that this needed to be on the top of the list. Tori needed Dad's steady hand...

Abby on the other hand, was the natural on the horse. She held on and didn't have any problems with the horse while and was very happy to just move with him. I think she could have done this a couple more times. I can't wait until she is a bit older so we can go ridding!

We thought about this for our annual Christmas card, but thought it might be taken wrong by some...so we decided to go with another picture.

Tori kept wanting to go up and say hi to them. We finally got a picture with them, and the girls wanted to give Darth Vader a hug, kind of odd.

More cut outs that Abby just had to see...
Tori found this big pile of pumpkins and gourds and couldn't help but climb on it.

This was the scarecrow band, Tori thought they were the bomb and and wanted to watch them sign again and again. Here is a funny face that Tori made for the camera.

Another area was the pirate area, again Tori making a funny face and Abby not sure what to think of him.
There was so much to do and just not enough time, we didn't even make it out to the pumpkin's. You can always tell it was a good day when the kids crash on the way home. We will definitely be going back next year!

Spirit Days at School

2009-10-08T07:58:00.005-06:00

This was spirit week at preschool. I didn't get pictures of all the days, but did remember to pull out the camera this day, crazy day. We did the hair especially crazy and asked the girls to pick out some crazy clothes to go with it. They were supposed to not match, and I think they did pretty good.

A nice back of the head view.Lastly the next morning, I couldn't help it, she looked so peaceful in her yoga pose, in our bed, maybe this is why I can't ever find room in my bed??

Home Depot here we come

2009-10-05T21:36:00.002-06:00

How could you pass up on a free, yes I said free craft at Home Depot? This month we made piggy banks, the girls did a great job on their fire house piggy banks!

Tori did a great job helping to put hers together.

Abby looks right at home with the hammer...it is in the genes!

Grandma and Grandpa come to visit

2009-09-10T20:20:00.001-06:00

I was able to talk my parents into coming for a visit to over Labor day. The timing was right and they were excited to see where we lived, so here they came...day one they were one their own and took the kids to the Children's museum. The next day we all went to the zoo. We loved it so much that we went back 2 days later. The zoo here is so big that we could go for 2 more days and still not see any of the same exhibits.

The second time we went we got to go inside the jungle.

Here Tori, my mom and I are crossing the rickety bridge

Abby, prior to her visit to the car for the remainder of the trip...

The beautiful view from inside the jungle.

Tori enjoying all the attention as she eats her cookie next to the octopus.

And outside the butterfly exhibit...
Do they look alike??
Watching the tigers,with Grandma...her favorite thing at the zoo by far!

Enjoying the view from atop Grandpa.

Overall a good day, Tori enjoyed the zoo and Abby enjoyed the car...well at least a good day for Tori, I just felt bad Chris had to go with Abby.

Spirt Week

2009-09-05T21:32:00.000-06:00

The girls had spirit week at school this week, this had to by favorite day, it was crazy hair day. So I let them dress themselves(not to abnormal) and then did their hair.

How could you not love 3 weirdly placed ponies?

What in the world is that??

2009-09-04T20:39:00.000-06:00

When Abby woke up on Monday she had all these awful spots/rash on her body.

We didn't know what it was, so after a couple days we took her to the Doctor who said it was hives, a reaction to something she ate.

A couple days later she has another reaction...the culprit...peanuts. So she is off peanuts or peanut products for the duration...lucky us!

JDRF Walk

2009-08-22T20:26:00.003-06:00

Today the family, including the dog, headed down to the river for a charity walk for JDRF. Thanks to all those who donated for the cause!

On the way Abby and Tori found 2 friends from day care and walked the whole way with them.

Tori enjoying some of the water present, and there was a lot there!!

After the walk the girls each got to do face painting, Tori of course chose an alligator...

Abby's choice was a ladybug!

It was a nice walk and made even nicer by the new jogging stroller that I finally broken down and purchased off of Craig's list!

FHE Treat

2009-08-17T20:37:00.002-06:00

Ice scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!!!

Trip to Navoo for the pagent

2009-07-22T21:45:00.005-06:00

While looking at the weekly newsletter from Church we realized that we only had 2 more weeks to get to the Navoo Pageant. Now that we are so close we couldn't pass up the opportunity to go, so we quickly made hotel reservations and Chris picked us up on Friday night and we were off like a bunch of turtles. It took us 2 hours to make it 60 miles. Of course we had to stop and eat, and potty breaks. So we determined that we had to move it along a little faster after that. Needless to say we did arrive in Illinois before midnight. We settled in for the night and early the next morning we got up, had a yummy breakfast and headed to the pool!

Later that morning we headed to Navoo. The first place we stopped was a place where the kids could dress up and do pioneer activities. Tori was into it for about 4 minutes, I was lucky enough to catch her in action.

On the other hand, Abby was all about the dress up and even changed clothes about 3 times during the time we were there. We pulled out lunch while we were there and enjoyed that in between chores.

Tori is all about moving things around so she started with moving wood chips from outside to a bucket inside a little home...

Then she moved onto a larger bucket outside...

Then she enlisted her sister and a new friend with he same love of transferring wood chips...
After that hard work, we went into town to check out all that they had to offer, Abby of course decided to take some pictures, not so bad here of her sister...

The next one didn't go so well, or maybe Dad is too tall??
Next it was on for frozen custard by the nice ladies in the shop...

Here is a closer look at the yummy treat...

After that we went down to the brick yard, because no visit to Navoo is complete without your own brick! Tori sporting her brick here...

Abby of course needed to climb up on the bricks to show off her brick!

...and of course the family picture!

Then we had the oxen take us on a short ride, wow those pioneer's had a rough time of it. It was very slow and very bumpy

We took a drive so that some kids could take a little nap and then came back for the pre-pageant activities. Abby started by learning to do an old Scottish dance...

then Tori joined in, they both did very well, it must be their fathers genes!

Finally it was time for the pageant, Tori was really excited, Abby not so much, she kept asking me, is it over yet...how much longer...
It was really a great show. I ran into a family that was down here for 2 weeks doing the pageant, and they said that the main cast did it for the whole time, but everyone else came for 2 weeks and participated. There were babies, young kids and of course adults. If you didn't know that they were a moving part, you would never know.

At the very end, it was so cool, they sang their last song and the temple lit up behind them. There are about 300 cast members in all and quit the production.

By the end, Abby had perked up a bit and wasn't crying any longer.

The next day we drove back home, tired, spent, but happy. What a fun little family get away! We plan on doing this again next year!

Abby's first field trip with her new preschool!

2009-07-16T21:26:00.000-06:00

Abby had her first field trip with her new friends today and where did they go....the zoo of course! She had a blast and playing with some of the exhibits...
Here are all the kids that were in her group!

Dad was able to go...at first I told her that Dad was going and she asked if he could please be in a different group! She did change her mind once the big day came!

And what field trip is complete without a little funny face?

...and the best part about being a teacher...you can act like one of the kids and no one looks at you funny! Miss Pascale is one of her favorite teachers and she was excited she was in her group!

Trouble makers

2009-07-15T21:41:00.001-06:00

As of late, the girls seem to find trouble and of course they are always dressed the part. Here is what I caught them doing tonight, after it was quiet a little too long!

Yes Abby and Tori are both wearing a cocktail dresses, their new favorite play clothes! They are setting up for a cupcake party...lucky us!

First day at new day care

2009-07-06T21:13:00.005-06:00

Today was the first day of the new day care and preschool for the girls. Chris brought them down later then they would have had to be there for me to take them so I walked down to take them in. Tori of course wore her leotard with butterfly wins, perfect for any occasion and Abby had on her Huskers princess shirt, so she could blend in with the locals I am sure.
Both the girls were a little nervous about their new teachers and classrooms so we stayed with each for a couple of minutes to help them settle in. Tori's teacher sent me a not at work a couple of hours later telling me that Tori is having a great time! She seems to be getting along with the other kids really well. She also is following directions and jumping right into the flow of things!

Abby's teacher called me early afternoon, which by the way is never good, and told me Abby had taken a spill out on the playground and had cut her hip and arm, ouch!! She said Abby had been really brave and it was all bandaged up. I talked to her for a couple of minutes and she was okay and even wanted to tell me about the snack they had.

Personally it was a hard day for me, I felt nervous for them in their new settings and wanted and hoped they felt okay in their new daycare/preschool. Lots of changes happening in such a short period of time for them and I am sure they are adjusting much better then mom!

Happy 4th!!

2009-07-04T23:36:00.005-06:00

For the 4th we went to Grandpa's and Grandpa's for another hurrah before we leave town. Tori was very content to go out and play in the backyard, by herself.

Aubree made a yummy desert which was very patriotic which Rachel and Abby had to pose with!

I had thought we were going to go see fireworks, but we decided to do some of our own instead.

I am sure that we have deprived our children along the way, because they have never seen fireworks. so this was such an adventure for them. The girls weren't sure what to think of this thing called a sparkler.

Once they warmed up to, they thought it was too much fun!

They thought the small fireworks were grand so much that they clapped all the way through the display. Of course someone found some older sparklers that were very big, and Abby of course thought she would jump right in with holding one.
You gotta love the amount of smoke that is created, I am sure that the "global warming" people hate the 4th because of all the stuff put in the air. Don't think that will stop me though!
Chris even showed off his patriotic sprint!
Overall it was a very fun afternoon/evening and we all left tired.

Last day at Little People's Preschool

2009-06-29T20:21:00.001-06:00

Today was the last day with so many friends, and memories from the past several years. Tori hasn't know anywhere else her time from 3 months and Abby has been there for over 3 years and loved every minute of her time.

Every morning the girls would race up the steps and as of late ring the doorbell and hide, which Ula was also happy to play along with. The girls have both learned and loved so much during their time there. I know they both will miss all their friends as well as Trish, Ula and their kids.

At the new day care they have to wear shoes all day so that will be a change as they are used to taking off their shoes as they enter the house each morning.

Trip to visit Mom in Omaha

2009-06-28T20:52:00.000-06:00

This was Tori's first plane ride and the girls loved the fact that they could each watch TV too. It started off a bit bumpy with a 2 hour delay in Denver and then trying to put 2 kids, 2 car seats, 1 double stoller, 4 carry one's, 4 back packs and 2 kids and 2 very tired parents, but ended well with safe arrival late, but safe. It was 1:30AM by the time we rolled into the appartment and everyone was tired!!
This was the girls, happy to finally be on the plane!

It was really hot and humid while they were here. We did get out a lot though. One night we took a walk over the bridge. The best part is that half the family can be in Iowa and the other half in Nebraska all at the same time. Fun huh?

When we got back to Nebraska, the girls couldn't resist the fountains, so what could we do but let them run and play? They seemed to have fun, here are a couple of pictures...
Tori had no fear of the sprays!

Being that we will live here soon, it made sense to get a membership to the Zoo! Chris and the girls went one day while I had to work, too sad for me, but good for them. The Zoo is so big that they only saw a very small amount, good, then I can go next time and enjoy some of the new.

Did I mention it was hot and humid while they were here? Thankfully it won't always be like that!

Vegas time for Mom and Dad

2009-06-09T21:29:00.007-06:00

Chris and I took our final vacation for a while, which was our adult vacation to...

Here were my favorite things about our trip...

$10 Serendipity frozen hot chocolate...

A night watching the water on the strip...can you say oceans eleven??
A nice condo at the end of the strip, Hilton style...

Looking at all the lights in the casino's, what an amazing image!

It isn't every day that you see a look like this, the decor, not the funny looking man doing a scared look below them...

The grand look of a happy some us having adult time!

And one of the best things was finding some friends to spend time with there!
We loved out time there, walking, talking and spending time with the Sanders. However after the days were done, we both decided that we have had enough of Vegas for a while, sorry Wendie and Nate...maybe we can meet back in Denver next time!

Chris' update

2009-06-04T21:47:00.001-06:00

Have you looked at Chris' blog lately, I think he is really good at it...the best Colorado blogging husband ever.

Given that he is talking about my kids how couldn't I say it is great??

Here is the link http://memy2princessesandthedog.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!

Cooking with Mom

2009-06-03T21:07:00.001-06:00

When I was home over the weekend the girls asked to make pumpkin muffins a favorite in our house. Thanks Mom for the homemade pumpkin and Elisa for the recipe!!
Once made the girls each must put the papers in and cover with cinnamon and sugar.
Note the cute outfits, doesn't it just make you want to cook?
I have to help Tori a little, otherwise we get a thick cinnamon and sugar crust, even too much for me the sugarholic!

Abby does of course supervise and let us know if we are doing anything wrong!

What cute sisters!

The first "real" bike ride

2009-06-01T21:27:00.002-06:00

We got these bikes from my friend Stacie at my old work at least a year ago. Once the girls got big enough we told them once we got hats they could ride in the front yard.
Even though it was raining, we couldn't tell them no anymore once I got home with the long awaited helmets.
Abby did great, she went all the way to the end of the street and back.
Here she is coming back down the street with Dad.

Tori opted for the push me down the street Mom method. She was so pround she posed for the picture. Unfortantly when I went to take the picture she stood up and right after I clicked the picture she fell over. Well I guess it wouldn't be a good ride unless their was a spill.

She did get back on the bike though so I have to give her credit for getting back after the tears!!

Tori's funny face

2009-06-01T21:26:00.001-06:00

Tori asked me to take a picture of her "funny face" how could I resist, especially since she is so cute!

Family Get together

2009-06-01T21:10:00.002-06:00

We all went over to Grandma's house since an old family friend was in town, really any reason to go to Grandma's and Grandpa's is a good excuse.
Tori and Grant played out on the swing set. Lucky for me the kids haven't learned all the tricks that mom used to do like standing on the seats and swaying back and forth.
Aunt Elise, being the great seamstresses she is made all the girls Strawberry Shortcake dresses. They were a big hit and just look how cute they are!

How could you not wear your skirt over your jeans...Tori thought that was a true fashion statement.
Of course it wouldn't be a good gathering without the funny faces...

Our latest vacation in the mountains

2009-06-01T21:01:00.001-06:00

Finally getting the pictures of our picture to the mountains up, sad I haven't had time, so here it goes...
We took a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park the best park were I lost a bottle of water to the waterfall. Tori was very, very upset about this. She really wanted us to go get it in the "pee water" due to the dirt the water really did look like pee.

She wouldn't let it go all day.
Here are the girls and the "pee water".

Tori and Abby loved the pictures of the Ku kids and couldn't get enough of the pictures Wendie took of them after they were born. I think to get in the true spirit Tori felt that they would be best viewed which she was also naked...

We had a hot tub in our room, which was great given that the sad excuse for a pool was almost this small inside with cigarette buts inside and the rest outside. This doesn't work so good in the cold weather in the mountains, hence why we spent less than an hour at the "pool". If it wasn't for the large bathtubs at the hotel we wouldn't have stayed there at all.

We spent time in the hot tub every day. The girls loved that they could reach the bottom of the hot tub. However it wasn't so much fun when it kicked on at 3AM in our bedroom.

Again another sad playground, however the girls seemed happy with it, so I guess it was okay. Abby loved when I pushed her and ran under her.
Tori also did really good on the big swing, I guess no more baby swing for us!

In case you are wondering Chris was there too, but since he took all the pictures it doesn't look like he was there, but we promise, he was.

A beautiful day in Omaha

2009-05-30T21:14:00.003-06:00

I have been here for a month and am really getting my barrings about myself now. The first day I got here I settled into my place and have been working on finding my way around since then. The first 3 days of work I took different ways each day not on purpose, but because I did or didn't make the turn where I was supposed to. The first time I had to come home from the airport, I ended up in Iowa, no worries, I did of course find my way home, eventually.

Since then I have been more successful in finding my way around town. Somewhat because I am not afraid of getting lost, which is good because I do it often, but more because I enjoy finding new things. Today I left at 9AM to run an errand and didn't get home until 3:30 in the afternoon. I spent the day meandering around town.

I decided if we are going to live in Nebraska then the girls should have something with Nebraska on it. Of course the place to go is the Huskers store. Let me say I haven't seen that much red in one place EVER!!

I tried to find something for the girls that was red, but I couldn't bring myself to buy it, not yet at least.

So I found these cute shirts instead for them, I am sure they will love them, and I will work into red, maybe!!
I really like it how green it is here. Here is the view out the back of my apartment.

What a view, there are so many trees and again so much green...

Every day is a new adventure. Tomorrow I will see about getting to church. I am hoping for the best.

Another blog??

2009-05-15T21:02:00.000-06:00

Chris decided that he wanted to start a new blog for the time he was gone. So here is the link to the Chris Blog. He thought it would be fun to document the time while I am here and he is there. He is really a trooper with the girls while I am here. It won't be for long 3 months at the most. I will of course be making lots of trips home and seeing them often!

Home sweet temp home

2009-05-14T20:48:00.000-06:00

I haven't been good about writing which is sad given that I don't have kids, a husband or dog to take care of. Since I moved here I have been really busy getting to know everyone that I will work with and learn the area.

My little apartment is smaller than I am used to, but I am getting used to it. I thought my kids would like to see some pictures of where Mom is living, so here are some pictures, of course I don't think I need to describe them, so you can just look and enjoy...

What is that called...gunk?

2009-04-27T20:23:00.001-06:00

I got a Colorado state parks pass before we decided to move, so I thought we should go use it and take Cassie to the unleashed dog area. Abby took off after some other dogs she saw and Tori stayed by me most of the walk.

The bad thing was that I was so focused on Abby that I didn't see where Cassie was headed. Next thing I know she comes out of the marsh covered in the yucky gunk that they have in marshes.

I didn't think it was that bad, until everyone we passed starting saying how awful it was and it would take hours to get the gunk out. Well they were right, when we finally made it back to the car. She stunk and at home it took so long to wash her, that we ran out of hot water.

Well lesson learned, we won't EVER do that again!!

Nebraska or bust

2009-04-26T23:08:00.001-06:00

To make a long story short, after leaving my last company in January I started a new job hunt. I accepted a position with a great bank in Nebraska and so we will be moving to the great state within a couple of months.

I am so grateful that Chris was supportive of this decision and know that while I am there and he is here it will be hard with the kids, but he will do great!.

From the first call about this position it was my dream job. I can't say how excited I am to get to go on this new adventure!

We will miss my family and friends, but also look forward to all the new people we will get to meet.

Babies...babies....babies

2009-04-25T22:57:00.003-06:00

We took the girls to see Janae's new babies today. Abby said she wanted to hold the girl baby first and so Tori got to hold the boy baby first.
Here is the proud mama with Logan.

Here is another picture of Tori holding Logan, see that cute smile on that little guy, you gotta love him!

Abby just loved holding Lila, she just sat there for a very long time happy as could be.

Of course we had one picture of the two of them together!! Janae and Tom did good they are both so cute!

Vacation in Dillion

2009-04-22T22:23:00.005-06:00

We went our our first vacation of 2009 as a family this weekend and had a blast at our time share in Dillon. Of course because we let the kids pick the activities we so we spent almost all of our time in the pool.

Abby was giving us attitude about taking a break.

Abby LOVES her floaty and used it a lot, she has gone really far from hating the water to not being able to get enough of it.

I also spent a ton of time in the water. Tori unfortunately is not afraid of anything so I had to keep a close eye on her so she didn't get hurt!

They had a hot tub and so we did a lot of hot, cold, hot cold. Here Tori is going from the hot back to the cold!

The other activity was getting ready to go to the pool. They really were focused on the pool activity.

Tori took a fall on the way home from the pool one day and stopped her fall with her face, poor thing. Here is her injury...

She took a nap later that day and insisted on a band aid before she sat by Dad for her "movie watching aka nap"
By the end of the time we were all water logged, but enjoyed all of time and are looking forward to our next time together!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T22:35:00.003-06:00

Happy Easter!!

The girls could hardly wait to get up and get out to see what the Easter Bunny had brought them. At our house the we stuff all the eggs with candy for the Easter Bunny and put the baskets with filled eggs outside the front door. The Easter Bunny will then take those hide them and put some items in their basket, the Easter Bunny really like this method. It was a little cold so the girls did put their jackets on over the PJ's to get out first thing.

Abby of course provided her pose with her new tiara, which she didn't take off all day!

Tori was on a mission to get as many as she could, she wouldn't even stop for pictures!

Here they are after finding all their eggs!

After Church we headed to Grandma's and Grandpa's and before all the grand kids showed up Grandpa read the girls a story upon their request.

Here are all the kids in waiting. It is like a release of the hounds, we had to release them in small groups to avoid a stampede!

In total there were a couple hundred eggs that were hidden for the kids to find.

Here is Tori sporting her new Easter dress out looking for some of those eggs.

Abby with her finds...can you see one the on the banister behind her?

After all the finds here is what they ended up with.
After all the finding was done we were able to trap them all for a picture before the sugar kicked in...

I so can fit into it!

2009-04-03T13:17:00.007-06:00

Tori decided today that she could indeed fit into her teddy bear's jacket...well I guess she was right, she can.

Rachel had a sleep over last night and this morning the girls all played dress up.

Not sure what Abby is sporting here, I am sure it is her individualism!

Blizzard of 2009

2009-03-27T13:45:00.001-06:00

Since the weather so was bad yesterday the girls and I stayed home today and PLAYED in the snow!

Abby helped me shovel and then they both made snow angles while Cassie bounded around in the snow.

Tori was not so found of the snow, she kept taking gloves off and then couldn't understand why her hands were cold. She finally had enough so we sent her inside and she watched us from the front door finish the shoveling.

It was perfect snow for a snowman, so Abby and I built one, her first one ever!
She had me put a face on him and wanted lots of pictures.Abby is definitely much more of a snow bunny than her sister. She would have stayed out longer if I was up for it!

All by myself!

2009-03-26T19:32:00.000-06:00

Abby gets a treat each night she stays in her bed all night. Last night she picked this 50 piece puzzle as her treat.
Today it started to snow a lot, our first blizzard of 2009, so I went and got the kids around 1PM so I wouldn't get stuck in the crazy weather. They decided to change into their PJ's and play around the house. Abby put together this puzzle all by herself. She was so proud of herself so I had to take a picture of her.
It was really impressive that she could do that, even if I am. not sure why she flashing a peace sign.

Sugar Cookie Treat

2009-03-23T21:27:00.002-06:00

Tonight for FHE Abby was in charge of the treat and she wanted to make sugar cookies and decorate them like we did at Grandma's. So we make sugar cookie's on a stick. You can tell from the large amounts of frosting that they got to decorate there own.
Needless to say they were up late because of the large intake of sugar so close to bed, oh well!

Cousin time

2009-03-20T22:09:00.003-06:00

Today the girls and I went to Grandma's house to play with all the cousins. They played outside, jumped on the trampoline, ate lunch and later dinner, made a decorated cookies and played and played some more.
I was glad we went as we don't often get together for a whole day like that just to play. Tori was able to hold James today, which means he sat on her lap for a couple of minutes. She loves to hold him whenever she can.
I am sure that Grandpa and Grandma were glad to see us all come, but happy for us to finally leave to, it was a crazy yet fun day!

ER stands for...

2009-03-16T21:53:00.000-06:00

We made our first trip to the ER last night for Tori. I arrived to pick them up from Day care and had split her head open. She banged her head on the corner of the wall because she didn't get a baby doll to play with.
She was a real trooper at Children's, she didn't cry at all. The doctor had to put 6 stitches in her head and she just laid there.
Here is the beautiful wound that she will get to look at for the rest of her life...lucky kid!

Here she is with the dog, happy as can be.
When she was done, they brought in a big Easter basket for her for being so brave. Abby crossed her arms and was upset they didn't bring her one too...once I asked Tori if she would share and said we could stop at Old McDonald's on the way home, everything was much better!
A nice close up...

I think she was probably surprised that this happened to her. On the other hand I think it was a good lesson, with not too much pain, that we really do know something as adults and that we really do want to keep her safe.

Can you really ever get all the cookie dough??

2009-03-15T17:24:00.000-06:00

Tonight for dinner we had some friends over so we had to make a desert. We pulled a recipe from The Cookie Bible, which I am in love with. Everything in this book has turned out and been great (that we have made).

Because Abby helped make the cookies she got to lick the beater. Apparently, the beater didn't do it for, so next thing I know I look over and see this..................

So the question is, can you ever really get all the cookie dough??

Pool Party!

2009-03-14T21:32:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Birthdays with a Party for the Jakob, Josh and Ellie at their local gym pool today. The kids all had a blast and my little girl that hated the water a couple of years ago, couldn't get enough of it. I purchased one of the cheep tubs and it fits her pretty good, so she can go all over with it and really enjoyed it. Abby...
Abby and Ellie in their tubs.

Of course Elise did a great job on cakes (as seen below).

Everyone had a great time and I am sure this birthday party will be hard to top.

Most of the kids.

Abby giving us peace and Rachel eating a little lunch.

Walk anyone...

2009-03-11T20:46:00.000-06:00

Here is our little mommy going out for a stroll with her baby. She likes to get her purse and baby and pretend that she is leaving, going to a meeting or just talking a walk.

Remember those shoes?

2009-03-03T22:34:00.000-07:00

Abby has had a pair of white dress shoes for a couple of years. She recently decided that she wants to wear these every day. I told her last night as I was pulling the shoes that are 2 sizes too small from her feet that I would get some in her size. So I went to old Target today and got her a new white pair.
She was so excited when I gave them to her she gave me a big hug and said that thank you mommy. I knew we had a winner when we went to check on her tonight when this is what was waiting for us.

Like 2 peas in a pod

2009-03-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

The girls both made it to our bed last night. Some nights one of them will wonder in, but it is rare for both of them to come to our room. They even bring their own pillow and Abby brought her care bear too.
Which is funny in a way, because I also had care bears too when I was a kid. She also has cabbage patch kids, my little pony and strawberry shortcake. The oldies, but goodies!
You will notice the nice pink comforter, not to worry, Chris isn't bringing out his feminine side, Tori got sick recently and lets just say the other one is at the dry cleaners.

Bye, Bye

2009-01-30T22:12:00.000-07:00

I am officially unemployed...as of 4:30 today. It was bitter sweet as I handed over my badge and RTD pass. Everyone in the room was happy that it was finally over and I think most of us were ready to move on.
I did get a little teary eyed as I said so long to friends, but know that this is a small world and we may see each other again.
As I rode home I again thought about all that had happened since I started there...
I met my husband, had 2 kids changed positions about 4 times and grew up a lot. It has been a long, but good 9 years and now I am ready to move on to new adventures.

The End is here...

2009-01-23T22:42:00.000-07:00

I received the offical word today that Friday will be my last day. Now that the conversion is done, I will be able to move onto a new opportunity. Lets see how the last week goes.

More birthday party

2009-01-21T15:02:00.008-07:00

Today was the official party for Abby's birthday with her friends. We started with some pizza which is always a a favorite for birthdays. The theme this year was your favorite character. We had princesses, spider man, superman, a pit crew member from cars, and a fairy.

Then we took pictures of all the kids and had every one make a picture frame with decorations of their choice. Here is everyone decorating their frames.

After that we opened presents, and Abby received lots of fun gifts from a Tinkerbell plant that you get to plant and watch grow, to a purse that had animals inside. She loved them all!

We managed to get a pictures of all the kids to send home to parents with all their cute outfits on.

Then it was time for cake. It was speed racer meets a princess. The kids loved choosing from the blue or pink side for their cake.
Abby blowing out the candles in her birthday hat.

It was a fun day and everyone had fun especially Abby.

Happy 4th Birthday Abby

2009-01-12T22:39:00.002-07:00

It was the big day...finally!!

Abby couldn't wait for her birthday to come. She has been talking about Chuck E. Cheese's for weeks. Today the big day came. When we picked her up she said, and I quote: "I asked who wanted to go to Chuck E. Cheese with me for my birthday, and Skye (a girl at daycare) was all over it, then I told her just kidding".

I told her that was mean and she should be nicer to her friends. She said, oh it is okay, she knew I was kidding.

I have to say that the food had A LOT to be desired. However, the games made up for it. Here are Abby and Daddy having a race.

Tori also enjoyed racing her car, and may I say I have never seen so many crashes in such a short period of time.

The girls thought the Pizza was just fine...

The girls are too busy looking at Chuck E. doing his dance.

Nothing like a dance while you eat.

After we got done, we went home for cake a presents. I worked form home today, so I was able to throw together a cake. It only took about 3 times to get all the candles blown out.

Abby was again too busy eating cake to smile for the picture with me.
Tori, food, cake, need I say more?
Abby received a new Bell princess dress and a camera, both of which she was really happy about.
Over all it was a good birthday and Abby had a lot of fun today.