Happy Holidays!

Happy 4th!

This 4th, we met neighbors and friends at the Coralville parade. The kids got a TON of candy, which we don't need! We also got coupons for free kids meals at Chili's, so we went there for lunch afterwards.




Later that night, we met more neighbors at the fireworks in Iowa City. We thought they were going to be rained out, so we decided to go out to eat at a nearby restaurant. Sure enough, as soon as we were walking out of the restaurant, the fireworks began. It couldn't have been planned any better.

The next night, we went across the street for sparklers!

Father's Day

We spent the day cleaning out the garage and putting up new shelving, but hey...at least I remembered to take a picture this year!

Happy New Year!

Ringing in the new year with our official 2010 pancakes.

Our Christmas Morning

Here is our Christmas tree, the night before we went to bed. Notice how nice the presents look under the tree.

Aidan came into our bedroom early this morning...asking for permission to play the Wii. Brian and I were a little confused...because wouldn't Santa's visit be a little more exciting than the Wii? With a little prodding, we discovered that Aidan and Alex were already busy downstairs opening presents! And we hadn't heard a thing!

As we walked downstairs, Aidan was explaining to us how he sorted all the gifts by name. This is what we saw...

We put off opening the remaining gifts until Caitlyn was awake. When it was time, Alex was in the basement playing with his cars (he's had them forever), and did not want to be interrupted to open presents. "Alex, it's time to open presents. Alex, do you want to open your presents?" We were answered by a stubborn "No! I don't want to open presents!"

So, needless to say, I was a little disappointed to miss their original reaction to Santa's visit. And a little disappointed that Alex didn't want to open anything. But they made up for it with all these great expressions...

I am reminded every day when I read all the other blogs, how important it is to write about even the little things.

We have a tradition each December of making a countdown chain to Christmas. On the inside of each link, we write the date, and something we are supposed to do that day. Sometimes it's something like donating a toy, or food for those in need. Sometimes it's something fun like watching a holiday movie, or making a gingerbread house from scratch. Other days, we read and learn about Hanukkah or Kwanza.

A few days ago, we were to learn a new Christmas carol. Aidan had different plans though, and decided to write his own Christmas carol. One that has never been sung before. So here is what he came up with, and I love it. It also shows how much he is developing with his reading and writing skills. They are taught in kindergarten to sound out the words and spell them as they think they are to be written. He does just so with the words "selubrates" and "brth". My favorite is how he shortened the word "because", just like he does in regular coversation.

Happy Halloween!

The homemade lion costume I made 5 years ago for Aidan's 1st Halloween (he was 7 months old) fit Caitlyn this year, at 17 months old.

Some of the kids from our awesome neighborhood.

The Super Mario Bros.! They really got into character this year!

The boys were all business this year. They were on a mission for candy, and no one was going to get in their way. Luckily, it only took one street and their bags were full. Quote of the night was by Alex as a neighbor handed him candy: "Thank you, witch". She was dressed up as a witch.

Is it still July?

Am I too late to post my pictures from the 4th?

We spent the entire week in Chicagoland, with a quick stop at the Niabi Zoo on the way. We had a GREAT time with family and friends!

Downtown Chicago

Fireworks on the beach

Happy Mother's Day!

I think I might possibly have the sweetest husband in the world. He snuck around all weekend (and took the kids with him) creating this really awesome Mother's Day gift. It's a 27x33 inch frame, with a very special poem:

Sometimes you get discouraged ,
Because I am so small.
And always leave my fingerprints,
On furniture and walls.
But as the times are passing,
I'm growing every day.
And all those tiny handprints,
Will surely fade away.
So here's a little handprint,
Just so you can recall.
Exactly how my fingers looked,
When I was very small.



On another note, I have one sweet little 5 year old. He must get it from his dad. I can't even count how many times Aidan said "Happy Mother's Day" and "I love you, Mommy" to me today, unprompted. He is one great kid.

Happy Easter!

A little Wii action...

Caitlyn was worn out from all that Wii playing...

I love it when she falls asleep on the floor like this...

Happy New Year!

Our New Year tradition...

Thank you Santa

We had a fabulous Christmas, quiet at home with just the five of us. We must have been good, because Santa sure was good to us this year.

Caitlyn was exhausted after all the festivities...

Aidan mastered his new Leapster within an hour. He can even play it upside down now...