2009 family pictures

Any one out there still read this thing? If you do, you get a first peek at our family photo.

big words

Abel is starting to use big words. Today he said that something was "annoying" for the first time. And he used it in the right context.

We had a FHE on self reliance yesterday which tied into Abel learning to zip up his coat (and Afton tying her shoes). In the car today, Abel said "I'm going to be self reliance and do my own bottom buckle!"

When something he is looking for cannot be found he says, "_____ it lost and no where to be found!"

After play dates he says "I was on my best behavior Mom" which I verify with the mom on duty. Today it was true!

I'm still glad that he hangs onto a few baby words like "grasspopper" and "Holly Wonka " (for willy wonka)

Daisy is 7 months

It is a good thing I got this picture of Daisy on her 7 month birthday...

...because it was the only one of her being still!

Latest Highlights:
*first tooth
*says "ma ma ma ma"
*loves to roll
*does a cute head shake trick

Update Post on Afton

I'm still a bit sad sending Afton off to school every day. But she loves it. The recesses, lunch, special classes and FRIENDS. But she didn't complain much when I offered here a hookey day last Friday. She is super into picking her outfit out now.

Afton loves to play with Daisy. She never gets tired of it. She is a second mommy. (Abel must have snapped this photo on a camera heist)

Afton is super into music right now. The first thing she asks me to do in the morning and after school is to listen to her music. She's doing great at the piano...teaching herself a lot of things since her teacher is a bit of a slacker these days. She loves soccer and ballet right now. She is never far from a book.

Afton is such a joy. She is a happy helper (with a tiny bit of whine to keep it real) and a sweet, sweet girl. She still loves to cuddle up with me and have me read to her. She still needs a tuck in at night.

Update Post on Abel

Abel is so entertaining to spend my days with. He tells great stories...which usually end with him flying. He loves going to preschool and tells me about everything when I pick him up.

He loves playing his new recorder (he and Afton both got one over the weekend during a Mommy spoiling trip). He loves reading books. He loves Curious George right now...hopefully he won't extend his already vast curiosity too much!

Abel is becoming more patient. He put together this scarecrow at preschool almost all by himself. He couldn't care less about coloring though! He is trying so hard to be good...but sometimes the feisty just cannot be stopped.

Abel is so awesome. I love my busy boy!

Update Post on Daisy

Daisy does not enjoy riding in the bike trailer. She is starting to tolerate it a bit more.

I just took this picture this morning and I love it.

Daisy is eating a little bit of cereal now. She spits most of it up though. So I don't really consider it eating. She likes to play with spoons a lot!

Aunt Christy sent this adorable dress just in time for our Fall weather. You can't see it but there is a cute squirrel in the corner.

Daisy's first tooth broke through today. Which explains a lot! Daisy is almost 7 months and is heading into that net baby phase of sitting up, copying sounds and noticing when people are strangers.

Daisy is so sweet and happy and fun!

Caught

This face can only mean one thing...

trouble!

Photos of the Week

Afton cannot wait to be a rock star.

Daisy is the best sleeping baby. Have I mentioned that she sleeps from 6pm-7am every night!

Abel is REALLY into socks right now.

Abel bonding with Daisy.

The two silly heads look a lot like each other upside down!

Daisy recognizes who people are now. She loves Daddy.

Buddies

This is Jameson and Abel. Buddies and tag team trouble makers. This is them right after finding a sand puddle.

This is Berlin and Afton being vets.

Jameson and Abel in a moment of non trouble.

And hey look...Mom has buddies too. CPB widows on our first girls get together.

Back to school

Afton's backpack surprise. Must train early to beat Grandpa at Scrabble.

The new big girl back pack. Afton deliberated over back packs for 30 minutes!

Afton said her first day was "awesome!" In her journal she wrote, "Today was the best day of my life!" Three recesses is where it's at

And here are Abel and Daisy bonding. ahhh...

Darling Daisy

Daisy is adored everywhere we go. She lures people in with her happy brown eyes then keeps them occupied with big smiles, kicking feet and wet bubbles. If she senses someone about to leave; she will pull out a trick like putting her chubby foot in her mouth or verbalizing a few syllables baby talk. I will not be surprised if "You are so cute!" is Daisy's first phrase because she hears it so often.

And, darn it, it's the truth!

It's been a while

Updating the family blog has taken a serious back seat to summer fun. Since summer is winding down for use, with school starting in just 8 days, I thought it was time to pick up with the regular posts...so if anyone is still checking, this is for you!

We had a blast traveling to and through 7 states in June and July visiting the grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, first second and third cousin and friends.

Daisy was a great traveler. Abel and Afton were happy as long as treats and movies kept coming!

Here is Daisy wearing our "heirloom" dress that Patrick's aunt made when Afton was a baby. I love this dress and squeeze the girls into it for as long as I can.

Daisy is 5 months now. I know, holy smokes, how did that happen?! She is super vocal, loves to blow bubbles, rolls over both ways and loves to play with anyone.

Afton is so excited to start first grade. She can't wait to wear her new backpack and pick out her outfit! She is the best big sister in the world. Afton is definitely Daisy's favorite person!

Abel is usually in constant motion. He still loves Buzz Lightyear and has different names for all of his Buzzes even though a few of them are identical...he can tell them apart!

Patrick is BUSY! Big news there! He was promoted a few weeks ago to an assistant creative director which means...more work! Luckily, he has hardly had to travel lately. A huge improvement from last summer!

And I promise to be a better blogger again.

Daisy's Baby Blessing

My Dad, Patrick and Tom: the blessing crew

Our family

Our family + nana and papa

Sweet Daisy in her blessing dress

Snapshots of the Kiddos