Girls Night In

Natalie and I got to have some bonding time tonight. Which means playing with any toy she wants, no fear of big brother coming to take it away. I was shocked to see she had picked up a stuffed toy... but then turned to see she had dropped it in favor of a car and tractor. That's my girl.




Driving the tractor over the "My Big Truck Book". She likes to look at all the pictures, Nathan has always liked that book also. I can't remember when he started knowing what the trucks were... maybe that's good, so I can't compare. It's fun to have a darling little girl who likes cars, balls and trains. She even makes the car sounds when she's driving them on me.

Family work day

On Monday and Tuesday we brought the kids out to the house for some work on the yard. The weather was perfect, a beautiful fall day. The kids did really well playing while we worked. Natalie loves to drive the tractor now, she knows how to operate the bucket up and down all by herself. They both like to sit with us when we're driving it around.

It's so fun to be out there getting work done together. We might slow Trever down a bit, but I'm positive he appreciates it (most of the time). We miss Daddy, so we love to have the opportunity to help out when possible.


A beautiful moment when the kids are playing well together.

Red Light - Green Light

We had so much fun playing Red Light Green Light with the kids! This was the first time we played a family game together. The house was full of joyful shrieks and loads of laughter! Trever, Nathan and I each took turns being in control of the red and green "lights". It turned into a bit of a race and game of tag (is that how it is meant to be?). As the game started following some "potty time" the kids are far from decent. I tried to choose pictures that would show the fun without showing too much skin :)



Trever and Natalie running for the win. Natalie ran non stop for about 20 minutes, she just giggled and jiggled all over the house!

Trever caught Nathan. We used a green plate and red slipper for our "lights".

Birthday getaway

I have to take a moment to thank Trever for having a birthday (well, thank his parents actually). We used the occasion as motivation to get away for a night. My parents took the kids for a night and we went to the Alderbrook Resort on Hood Canal. We stayed there two years ago and I've dreamt of going back ever since. It was just as wonderful the second time around!!

We talked of creating a family tradition of bringing the kids there in the summer, then staying an extra night without them. We also talked about making the outing a birthday tradition. Whenever it may be, I know we'll be back.

We miss the kids, but love our time together. We figure its our gift to them... that we continue to enjoy our time together. We have such a wonderful marriage, I feel blessed every day to have Trever as my partner.

Crazy hair

Gagi gave Natalie crazy hair during bath time (this was actually back in February). It's turned into one of our favorite pictures of Natalie. It makes us laugh every time we see it.

My mom actually turned it in for a photo contest at her work, from hundreds of entries Natalie won the grand prize! They blew the picture up really big for us. One of the IT guys also asked my mom if he could use the picture for a monthly mailing, there are so many captions that can go with this pic, especially in the IT world.

Painting together

I braved it and did some painting with the kids. We had so much fun. They each picked out two colors (I might get more brave in the future and allow more colors) and had a blast painting. Then we painted their hands and made hand prints. They were both fascinated by having their hands painted, but actually preferred to have them cleaned off. This made me want to do more crafts/painting with the kids.



The masterpieces were for Daddy's birthday present.

Potty time!!

Nathan has been doing so good being potty trained. He enjoys being a big boy. Recently he decided that Natalie should join him when he goes "pee pee on the potty". He nearly forces her to sit with him at times. She's now a bit more accustomed to the routine (she doesn't actually have to sit with him every time).


Lately when we ask Natalie if she wants to go on the potty she insists that we take her pants and diaper off. She tugs at them and won't sit down until we oblige. Natalie definitely shows signs of needing to do things the "right" way. She closes doors, shuts cabinets, puts things back (sometimes), I'm probably crazy but I'm a little hopeful that she'll be organized!

Steam roller

Building a house has provided the opportunity to play on lots of heavy equipment. Nathan sits on the machines and "drives" them. And of course, climbs on them as if they were a jungle gym.

Our darling Natalie

This little girl melts our hearts. She is so amazing. She is full of laughter and love. She watches everything we do and tries to do it just like us (more than we remember Nathan doing). She also idolizes her big brother. She loves to play with cars and balls, is really starting to enjoy books and takes every opportunity to give kisses. Every once in awhile she'll shock us by picking up a baby, and then she promptly drops it back down. She wants to climb, tumble and laugh. I love her eyes in this picture!

Mr. George and Nathan

George Ziesemer, one of our neighbors, has a very special relationship with our children. We are so fortunate for his influence. He and Nathan are watching the bulldozer work on our yard. Nathan saw him out there on one knee and went to be with him, making sure he had the same knee down as Mr. George. Cute little buddies!