The LeCureuxs

Happy Birthday America

2011-08-31T08:00:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday America is what my husband decided to call our 4th of July party. And this is one birthday party he had fun planning!:)

The party began with Andrew P. pulling in on his riding lawn mower,
which he sold to us and decided this was the best way to get it to our house.

Dessert!

A mean game of Bocce Ball

Miss Ida entertaining

A game of cards

Love the hand holding...and the imaginations!

Our very own concert!

Don entertaining :)

Can you tell what's going on here?
An attempt to have Corey touch Spartan logo.
He didn't fall for it, even with the offer of beer!

Sparklers!

Carys holding ice on her finger after
touching the sparkler as soon as the fire went out. :(

The kids thought a chair on top of the car looked like fun.
Of course, parents promptly told them
this would not end well.
So one of our guests went and
grabbed duct tape to strap the chair down
and make it at least appear more safe.
Well, the kids had fun!

Finished off the day with fireworks seen from our yard.

Sibling Fun

2011-08-30T08:00:00.001-04:00

I love it when they play nicely together! It's fun to see the fun things they come up with to do!

June 2011

Fashion

2011-08-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

June 2011

Daddy's Little Helper

2011-08-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

We've mowed the lawn before when Caedmon had to
hold onto the mower and walk with us.
This was a nicer option and he came up with all on his own.

Homegrown Strawberries

2011-08-27T08:00:00.004-04:00

Corey planted a couple strawberry plants last year and they've spread like crazy this year! They produced quite a few strawberries - big and sweet ones! The kids really enjoyed picking them in our own back yard!

June 2011

Strawberry Picking

2011-08-27T08:00:00.003-04:00

I went strawberry picking 3 weekends in a row this year. I made sure our freezer was full for smoothies, breads, pancakes and whatever else I want to use them for. The kids weren't always big fans of picking for hours, but they enjoyed this outing with friends.

Here come the troops, looking for a good spot to start picking.

Carys and Lily hanging out.

The strawberries were very sandy,
which didn't seem to bother her at all!

The boys hanging out.

June 2011

Height/Weight Stats

2011-08-26T08:00:00.002-04:00

As of June 14th,

Carys: 34 inches tall
25 lbs. 8oz.

Caedmon: 44 1/4 inches tall
40 lbs. 4 oz.

Carys is my petite little girl and Caedmon is once again off the charts for his height.

My 31st Birthday

2011-08-25T08:00:00.001-04:00

Where did the years go?! I had a great birthday this year! I think it's rather fun that I can blog about my own birthday! That's how special everyone made it!:) Thank you to all who made it a fun day!

I walked into the office that morning
to decorations, cupcakes and gifts!
It was a great day to work!:)

I came home for lunch and
there were more decorations, cake and gifts!

Corey did a great job picking out gifts!!!

I'm getting old, but I still love birthdays!!!:)

Carys' 2nd Birthday

2011-08-24T08:00:00.002-04:00

Carys turned 2 on June 3rd. We decided not to throw a big party knowing she didn't really care, and I was just too lazy. We had a fun day, opening a present at each meal and eating lots of cake.

'It's my birthday!'

Presents!

Yay for baking stuff!

Cake! Ladybug Cake!

Come on Carys, you can do it!

Mmmm, so good.

Candy too!

More kitchen toys!

And more...

Dressed herself and lookin' cute

One more present before bed.

Whew, what a day!

Memorial Day Evening in Alden

2011-08-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

We enjoyed a picnic supper in Alden on Memorial Day. There's a train in the park that we'd not yet taken Caedmon to see. The kids loved it!

Ice cream after supper.
Carys and I shared. :)

A lovely end to a beautiful day.

A Trip to Manistee

2011-08-22T08:00:00.001-04:00

In May, we made a trip to Manistee to visit Corey's family. Always good to catch up with them!

Carys with Tia Martha

Corey with his Tio Sal

At the beach with Tia Martha and Uncle Glen.

Found some cool drift wood...
made for a great picture!

The park and pizza....

...and funny faces!:)

May 28 - 29, 2011

The Decemberists...and Friends

2011-05-08T09:00:00.000-04:00

We had the opportunity to see one of our favorite bands play in Grand Rapids. We got into town and headed to Old Boys Brewery where we met up with old friends and enjoyed good food and company.

Heather and Ben are always awesome with my kids!

Our long table filled with friends - it was great to see everyone!

Concert time!

We did a "Carys" pose.:)

Lead singer for The Decemberists

The Decemberists
We had a great time! They were amazing!

Shopping the next day...
Auntie Heather was very popular!

Of course we had to get some reading time in!

Auntie Heather's cats were a HUGE hit with my kids!!!

It was fun to get away for a couple days!

Saturday with Friends

2011-05-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

We spent a lovely Saturday hanging out with friends, eating, egg hunting, egg dying, making egg rice krispie treats and dancing to a Wii game. The kids had a blast, as did their mama!:)

And they're off!

Carys is rehiding the eggs she found.

Elie

Carys was more into crushing the egg than dyi ng it... everyone kept telling her to eat it (she eats hard boiled eggs often), but she gave her brother quite the look and then proceeded to mash it
and dump it.

I believe this was "Who Let the Dogs Out." The kids were really into dancing...okay, so we mothers had just as much fun.:)

Good times had by all!!!

Piggy Back Rides

2011-05-06T09:00:00.000-04:00

We were getting ready for bed and got distracted..

.so yes, Carys is diaperless and Caedmon pantless.

Rockin' Buddies

2011-05-05T09:00:00.000-04:00

(notice the hat on Carys - her infant hat from the hospital)

Dancing

2011-05-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

My kids love to dance, especially Carys.

Spring Day at the Park

2011-05-03T09:00:00.001-04:00

Love this time of year and getting back to the park again!

Ben came up to visit and the really good pics are one he took.:)

April 9th, 2011

Dress Up

2011-05-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

Gotta love the face...

and the assortment of paraphernalia!:)

Getting Dressed

2011-05-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

Finger Painting

2011-04-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

I don't get the paint out as often as I should...the mess is a little much for me. And although they had fun, they felt the need to continually wipe off their hands throughout their projects...perhaps I've passed on my need for clean.

Notice the face. Yikes!

Love of Books

2011-04-29T09:00:00.001-04:00

I love finding my children like this...
I'm usually a little jealous that I'm not doing the same!:)

Helping with Supper

2011-04-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

Tearing lettuce for salad...
and enjoying it!:)

3/31/11

Sibling Silliness

2011-04-27T09:00:00.000-04:00

March 2011

In Loving Honor of Miss Kaylee Hope

2011-03-21T09:00:00.001-04:00

My cousin and his family lost a dauther/sister in utero this past week. Our hearts go out to them and we wanted to send our love in a tangible way, so we made a blanket. Purple is Kaylee's color and we hope that this blanket will bring smiles and sweet memories to those who snuggle with it for years to come.

We love you Joey, Jamie, Kiera and Carson!

(Caedmon wanted to know if we were going to go to Kiera and Carson's house to give them the blanket. I wish we could!)

Skating Socks

2011-03-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

Caedmon was taking his time getting dressed this morning
(and just about every morning!)
when he came out and declared these his "skating socks."

The best part was the skating attire!!!:)

Auntie Heather's Visit

2011-03-19T09:00:00.000-04:00

We always have some much fun when Heather comes to town! Heather and I were able to get away for a whole day of shopping kid-free! But the kids are pretty convinced that the reason for her trip up is them!:) I try not to leave all the entertaining to her, but my children make it clear they don't want me! And I admit that having the focus shifted off me for awhile is awful nice!

"Ring Around the Rosies"

2011-03-18T09:00:00.000-04:00

"...pocket full of posies..."

"We all fall down!"

Reading Together

2011-03-17T09:00:00.000-04:00

Love Caedmon's arm around Carys

One Day Snowman

2011-03-01T09:00:00.001-05:00

It warmed up last week after a frigid spell and it was time to get outside! The warmth made the snow packy enough to finally build a snowman. The continued warmth caused our snowman to fall down that very evening and now it's almost nonexistent. But it was cute for a few hours and we had fun building it.

Disclaimer: The hats in this picture were not necessarily picked out by mom.

Valentine Cards

2011-02-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

I braced myself for the mess of paint in order to do something fun with the kids. They don't have a clue what Valentines Day is, and I never actually got around to sending out the cards we made, but it was a good reason to do a paint project.:)

She makes the funniest faces!

She's still clean...

I reacted to the mess on her hands and face and upset her. She's just as sensitive as her mama used to be. Poor thing.


					They did a good job and had fun!

2011-02-27T09:00:00.006-05:00

The guys had plans for the weekend, so my friend and I got together and made sugar cookies with the kids.

I didn't realize till they arrived at our house

that Caedmon had a fever.:/

We tried to quarantine him during the cookie making,

but it was kind of impossible.

It was a good time.:)

January Fun

2011-02-26T09:00:00.001-05:00

We brought the New Year in with Ben, games and food.:)

Lookin' cute all dressed up.

Think she'll start a new fad?!

That smile is the best!

Carys is slightly obsessed with footwear

and often adds a hat to complete the effect.

In unison now...

I think we've instilled a love of music in them

and they, like me, can't sit still.:)

I think she's attempting to match her brother's smile.

They put up with mama's photo shoot

and even gave me beautiful smiles!

Hollywood pose...and done all on their own!

Stats (12/2010)

2011-02-25T09:00:00.002-05:00

In December, the kids were weighed and measured.

This blog is my form of a baby book,

so for those who could care less, enjoy the picture.:)

Caedmon at 39 months: 43 1/2 inches, 39 lbs.

Carys at 18 months: 32 1/4 inches, 23 3/4 lbs.

December Captured

2011-02-24T09:00:00.003-05:00

The beginning of December always brings with it

one of my favorite traditions:

finding the perfect Christmas tree.

Caedmon had fun helping mama put the lights on the tree.

I didn't put sugar cookies on the list this year,

but I decided the kids would enjoy the experience,

so we made a small batch and kept them for ourselves.:)

Carys was into eating the dough more than cutting out cookies!

My little dears

Caedmon loves decorating the tree

and especially putting the candy canes on it!

Cousins, enjoying Blue's Clues...
at least Caedmon's glued!

Caedmon enjoyed a specially frosted cookie

from Grandma right before bed Christmas Eve

Christmas morning the kids found Carys' gift waiting;

amazing how fun a table and chairs can be!

The train was a big hit!

Grandpa's present, a Wii, was also a hit!

Carys took a ride on the snowmobile,

showing a more adventuresome spirit than her brother.

Cousins enjoying the Wii

Merry Christmas 2010

Thanksgiving Trip to Wisconsin 2010

2011-02-23T17:00:00.002-05:00

We made the trip over to Wisconsin to see my side of the family for Thanksgiving as well as attend my cousin's wedding. My Aunt Cindy and Uncle Keith hosted our family along with a slew of other people! We hadn't been over in four years, so it was the first time with the kids. We had a good time seeing everyone again.

Caedmon and Karissa(My cousin Ellen's little girl)

Only a few of the many in this house:)

Carys playing with Karissa
(there were way too many names with the "k" sound:
Caedmon, Carys, Carson, Kiera, and Karissa)

Carys took Joey's seat and so he sat down behind her
and she was quite oblivious.

My aunt had just cut Gabe's hair

and I selfishly asked if she would cut Caedmon's.
Like she didn't have anything better to do,
being mother of the bride!
(I haven't cut it since!:) )

Caedmon and Kiera - he loves the babies!

Carys and Kiera - she's a popular lady!

We "snuck" out of the full house
with Joey and his family
for lunch at a local coffee shop.
Thankfully this place was child friendly!:)

Caedmon and Gabe playing together.
I think Caedmon could have stayed here forever.
I didn't get enough pictures to do our stay here justice,
but there were so many playmates and so many toys,
and even an indoor slide! He was in heaven!:)

Couldn't resist posting this pic!
Miss Kiera with her Aunt Priscilla
right before Dana's wedding.

Trick or Treat!

2010-11-06T22:22:00.003-04:00

Another cold Halloween! I love that you can find full body, fleece costumes in northern Michigan!:)

We went trick or treating downtown again this year. It was a lot tougher this year with two. I had two last year, but Carys was in the sling. She wasn't too thrilled about the trick or treating part; she wanted to do the eating part!

This pic cracks me up -
it sums up my daughter's mood.
(she's flapping her hands in a tantrum)

I put her down to let her walk by herself,

but we didn't get anywhere.

Caedmon could have stayed at the fire truck all night!

Some of the friends we hung out with...

and more friends:)

Fun was had by all!
Well, mama had fun when she got to dig into the candy later!:)

Helping His Sister

2010-11-06T22:10:00.002-04:00

I love to see Caedmon taking care of his sister! I told them they had to finish the food on their plate if they wanted a treat, but Carys didn't want anything to do with those veggies, so Caedmon decided to help her out. And sure enough, she ate them all with his help!

It always does my heart good to see Caedmon emulating the good things I do. Too often I see myself in his negative behavior. I don't want to be a parent that needs to say "do as I say and not as I do." And when I hear Caedmon raise his voice and I ask him to use a gentle voice, I realize that he's only copying what he hears.:/

So when he decided to help his sister get a treat by feeding her, first of all, it warmed my heart to see him loving his sister in this way and secondly, he was doing what he'd seen me do for him. It was encouraging for me to realize that along with some of the negative things I do, there are positive as well. Parenting is tough!

Hats

2010-11-06T22:04:00.002-04:00

They have so much fun emptying out my bench of winter things,
especially when I've just organized it!
But they're awful cute!:)

Family Time 3

2010-11-05T13:05:00.003-04:00

We went up to Friske's Orchards to enjoy the animals, playground, hot apple cider and fresh donuts!

Feeding the goat

and the sheep

He loves tractors!

swinging with Mama

That pose is all him!:)

Ride that bull!

Climbing the ramp up to Noah's Ark:)
Up the ramp and down the slide;
she did this over and over again.

Family Adventure 2

2010-11-05T09:20:00.003-04:00

We decided to brave a three mile hike! The kids did well, the fresh air was lovely and the woods were beautiful despite the leaves having fallen already.

Caedmon walked most of the way by himself!

Obstacle

I carried Carys in the backpack about half the hike and finally couldn't go on.

Caedmon and I found walking sticks.

Yes, Carys worked so hard she just couldn't stay awake any longer!:)

At the end of our journey, we were rewarded with a beautiful view of the Jordan Valley.

It was a lovely family adventure!

October 18th, 2010

Family Day 1

2010-11-04T18:11:00.002-04:00

Corey takes Mondays off and we try to come up with something fun to do as a family. This particular Monday we headed out on a color tour to East Jordan.

Caedmon was very excited to discover that East Jordan has a train!

And on the way back we stopped at a scenic overlook.
The scenic overlook part was pretty overgrown with trees,
but we enjoyed the walk anyway.

Potty Training!

2010-11-04T18:07:00.002-04:00

Shortly after Caedmon turned 3, we decided it was time to try potty training. Not a very fun process, but Caedmon is doing very well and we're finally saving money on diapers!

Sweet Kisses

2010-11-04T18:04:00.001-04:00

Pumpkins!

2010-11-04T17:59:00.000-04:00

The Reception

2010-11-04T13:31:00.006-04:00

Corey's cousin had a HUGE reception a couple days after the wedding.

We met Tyrone, Shannon and Maria
at Steven's (another cousin) restaurant before the reception.

Carys going to town on the salsa.:)

Tyrone and Corey

The kids at some point really got into the dancing

Well, Maria smiled nicely!:)

Selena with Carys

Caedmon and Selena

Aunt Martha and Tyrone

Daddy and his princess

Tio Sel and Tia Lydia

Steven and Corey

Fun times had by all!!:)

October 2nd, 2010

Birthday Package

2010-11-04T13:26:00.002-04:00

Auntie Keesha sent a birthday gift via UPS, so there was definite excitement when the big truck pulled in! First there was the truck, then Caedmon got to give Neo treats from the UPS driver, THEN he got to open his package! What an exciting day in the life of a three year old! Oh, and of course he loved his gift....THOMAS!!!:)

Thanks Auntie Keesha!!!:)

Wedding at the Park

2010-11-04T13:03:00.002-04:00

Corey's cousin got married at the state park in Manistee and Corey officiated the wedding. It was a little chilly but a beautiful day and temps could have been worse for the last day in September.:)Checkin' out the view

Attempting a cute pic, but Carys wouldn't cooperate.:/

Corey surrounded by his aunts.

Family pic...in a bad spot.

My kids during the wedding...they were mostly quiet.

September 30th, 2010

Caedmon's 3rd Birthday Party

2010-09-27T09:53:00.003-04:00

While constructing this cake,

I kept muttering under my breath that I'll never do this again!
But Caedmon made it all worth it!
He ran around the house throughout the evening chanting,
"train cake! train cake!":)

It cracks me up when kids start "over" smiling for the camera.
He was pretty geeked about his birthday party.
It was so much fun this year with him understanding what it was all about.

Blowing out the candle.

When the first two attempts didn't work,
daddy helped out.

Enjoying cake

Time for presents!

Carys getting in on the action.

Caedmon knew he was getting Thomas the Train for his birthday
and after he'd with all of the gifts his friends had brought him for a little while,
he informed me he wanted to play with Percy and the coaches.:)

I had so much fun watching Caedmon enjoy his party this year. After all his friends' birthday parties this summer, he was ready for his turn and knew what to expect!

I can't believe he'll be 3 tomorrow! Where does the time go?! My baby has grown up! Even the way he speaks; his word choices and complete sentences amaze me!

Caedmon, you are a joy to us! We thank God for placing you in our lives! We love you so very very much!

Apple Picking

2010-09-27T09:48:00.002-04:00

We went apple picking twice this year. We picked two (plus) bushels and canned 19 quarts of applesauce.

Watch Out!

2010-09-27T09:45:00.001-04:00

Crazy drivers on the loose!

My Little Church Musicians

2010-09-27T09:44:00.000-04:00

My Little Princess:)

2010-09-27T09:41:00.001-04:00

Visiting the Grandparents

2010-09-24T22:53:00.004-04:00

The kids and I headed north to hang out with the grandparents for a couple days. So thankful we live fairly close. So grateful for their love and care for us!

They found the old wagon!
Yes, mama had to take them for a ride. :)

Hanging out at Great Grandma Sabel's

Nice hat girlie!
(Checkin' Grandma out...jury's still out)

Once again, enjoying a lovely morning and breakfast on the deck!

Always a highlight!

Grandpa found some new toys...

Serenading Grandma

Whew! It was a tiring couple days!:)

8/28 - 8/29/10

Picking Peaches

2010-09-24T22:44:00.004-04:00

This was our second year picking peaches. This year I learned how to pick them correctly. Peaches are very persnickety. Last year, I picked them before they were ripe enough and they stayed sour. I think we picked them correctly this year. We froze some, made jam with some and canned some!

8/11/10

Joey, Jamie and the Twins

2010-09-24T09:13:00.004-04:00

Dinner at our favorite brewery!:)

Caedmon playing with Kiera

Caedmon and Carys loved the twins!

It was fun to watch them interact with babies!

Caedmon took a turn with each one,
and can still tell them apart!

BBQ

Carson loved the grass!:)
(he's missing in this pic)

Jamie was awesome with Carys!

Carys has not been my friendly, people person,
although she's getting better and
will probably become my little social butterfly before too long.

Corey helping out with the little ones!:)

We had such a good time!
Thanks so much for driving the extra (many extra) miles to come visit us!!

8/5 - 8/7/10

Playing Outside

2010-09-23T21:52:00.002-04:00

It warms my heart to see them playing well together, making each other laugh!

8/20/10

Picking Raspberries

2010-09-23T21:50:00.000-04:00

7/25/10

Lovin' the Cherries!

2010-09-23T21:49:00.000-04:00

Helping Mama

2010-09-23T21:39:00.002-04:00

7/22/10

A Trip Up North

2010-09-23T21:20:00.004-04:00

We made a last minute trip to Corey's parents for his grandmother's funeral. The kids enjoyed the time with Papa and Grandma!

They love the bunny...and the cage!:)

Waiting for the boat to come pick us up

Caedmon's feelings about the boat show on his face here.
He asked to get out of the boat the entire time we were in it!:/
He REALLY did not appreciate when mama got on the tube!

Carys keeping Grandma company

Trying to stay warm

Blueberry picking with the cousins

Breakfast on the deck with Uncle Anthony - what a treat!

7/11 - 7/12/10

Auntie Keesha & Uncle Jeremie's Visit

2010-09-23T18:18:00.006-04:00

An impromptu visit to the beach.

We started out at the park, but it was so stinkin' hot...

Carys and Uncle Jeremie...hangin' out...I guess:)

Caedmon and Auntie Keesha having a blast in the water!

Bonding time...it took awhile

A picnic lunch by Torch Lake in Alden

Ice Cream!

Mmmmmm!

Oh yeah!

7/6 - 7/7/10

A Day at the Cottage

2010-09-23T13:49:00.007-04:00

A friend of a friend has a cottage about 20 minutes or so from our house and we spent a day and night there emjoying some fun and relaxation. It was nice to get away from our house even for just a day and enjoy a leisurely day on the lake, kayaking, sitting around a campfire, enjoying good food and great company!

Caedmon with "Aunt" Sarah (his friend Jack's aunt)

Mama and Carys kayaking - she loved it!

and she loved climbing it and keeping mama vigilant!

The boys, doing some kayaking on land.:)

Carys keeping warm with dada

Jack and Caedmon enjoying the setting sun...
or just making their parents nervous...

for good reason...Jack finally took the dive of the dock

a quick morning swim...it didn't last long for the cooler temps

waiting patiently for breakfast

6/27 - 6/28/10

Trip to Detroit

2010-09-23T08:37:00.001-04:00

We took our "anniversary" trip the middle of June and, with kids in tow, headed to Detroit for a Tiger's game and the zoo. I wish I had tempered my excitement, 'cause making trips with kids is not at all relaxing! But we did get out of town for a few days.:)

This is at the hotel restaurant the first night and it didn't go so well. This picture cracked me up! Quick story: A few weeks later this couple came up to us at our coffee shop in Bellaire and said they recognized us from somewhere and we all racked our brains and couldn't figure it out....until we got to talking about kids and "vacations" and they then figured out that they had seen us at this restaurant (above pic). Why were we memorable? 'Cause my daughter was a handful that night and I looked like a "tired mom." Awesome.

Lounging during lunch before the game Sunday

Must be something fascinating on TV

At the game: I got to see the first inning and the last inning and
in between hung out with my kids in lines for rides.
And we only rode two rides once each!

Enjoying way too much ice cream
while mama enjoys the last of the game

Caedmon couldn't wait to ride in the "train,"
otherwise known as a people mover.

We were pretty high up;
the view was just a parking lot,
but it doesn't take much!:)

Probably a highlight for Caedmon was swimming;
he even got to the point he didn't need dada to hold him!

We opted for supper IN the hotel room; it's just easier to stay in.

Riding the train at the zoo; another highlight for Caedmon!

Caedmon was in heaven!

Observing a little crocodile.

Carys' First Birthday Party

2010-07-15T22:39:00.004-04:00

Caedmon actually had an interest by his first birthday, therefore, the dog theme.
But Carys had no interests that I had noticed
so we found a cute tablecloth and based our theme on it.

Her mouth is stuffed with something from supper.
She did manage to swallow it before she dug into her cake.

Waiting for her to figure out she needs to get rid of one thing in order to consume the other!:)

We don't usually let her have a pacifier throughout the day, but she was not a happy camper with all those strange people in her house...

The cake is gone and the pacifier is back in place!

Caedmon trying out cake for his first birthday...love the difference between the two. Everyone commented on how Carys made quick, messless work of her cake...Caedmon was another story. 'Course, she had the advantage of having had cake for the first time a couple days before.

The one person she allowed to hold her.

Matt is a friend in our small group.

Presents were a little overwhelming.

Laying herself down and trying to cover up with her new blanket.

She's playing peek-a-boo with her blanket.

And this is the happiest she's been since the beginning of the party...
most everyone went outside.:)

Cuteness:)

The kids hanging out together

The boys

I think fun was had by all...mostly...
that's questionable where the birthday girl is concerned.
Oh well.
The party is really just an excuse for us parents to get together, right?!:)

One Year Old!

2010-07-15T22:29:00.003-04:00

I was going to wait till her birthday party to give her cake for the first time, but we ended up at Moka and well....:)

What a face!:)

She has 8 teeth now. She walks like a pro. Not much new to tell.

We love you Carys!! Happy Birthday!

Cutie Patootie!:)

2010-06-02T22:57:00.001-04:00

Playing with Dada's hat.

Goooo Tigers!:)

My Little Climber

2010-06-02T22:37:00.005-04:00

It's amazing to me the difference between my two children!
Here she is barely one and already climbing and practically running!
She keeps me on my toes, that's for sure!

Choo Choo

2010-06-02T13:40:00.002-04:00

All aboard!

Awww

2010-06-02T13:38:00.001-04:00

She went through a short phase of cuddling with her stuffed animals.

Fun at the Grocery Store

2010-06-02T13:21:00.000-04:00

Big Boy Carseat!

2010-06-02T13:17:00.001-04:00

We finally made the transition!
He loves it and so do we!

The lack of a five-point harness is freeing!:)

Proper Etiquette Out the Window

2010-06-02T09:11:00.001-04:00

Thought I'd try a bowl...
guess it was easier to put it to her mouth
than grab the food out of it!:/

(5/5/10)

11 Months!

2010-06-02T08:45:00.002-04:00

Yes, she's one tomorrow, so this is a bit late, but I'll do it anyway. And try to remember the facts accurately.

She had 7 teeth by 11 months.

She's walking!! I have a video of her walking on May 3rd. But she was just starting; although she could walk, it wasn't her main form of transportation.

As you can see by the pictures, she's everywhere, into everything!

Helping Daddy in the Garden

2010-06-02T00:02:00.002-04:00

We couldn't keep her out!

(4/30/10)

By the way, we learned our lesson with planing a garden so early...we got snow in May and just about everything died.:/ Guess that's why most people wait till Memorial Day to plant!

Introducing His Sister to the Woods

2010-06-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

Taking Turns

2010-06-01T23:56:00.002-04:00

I thought this pic was sweet

Not sure who's doing the work here!:)

Get Off the Road!!!:)

2010-06-01T23:54:00.000-04:00

(4/28/10)

My Little Dog and Butterfly

2010-06-01T23:52:00.002-04:00

New towels from Grandma

(4/28/10)

Fun in the Flinstone Car

2010-06-01T23:46:00.003-04:00

Caedmon in the driver's seat;
Carys along for the ride.

Enjoying the ride!

Change in drivers

Sharing control.:)

(4/26/10)

Fun in the Bathroom :/

2010-06-01T23:43:00.001-04:00

Such fascinating "toys!"
Thanks guys.

Good Times!

2010-06-01T23:40:00.001-04:00

Get off the road; here they come!

Enjoying Bathtime Together

2010-06-01T23:33:00.002-04:00

I decided Carys was ready for the big tub. It's so nice that she and Caedmon can take baths together! They have a lot of fun together! She's wild and crazy, standing up, falling down, going under the water at times, but rarely complaining. She's more of a fish than Caedmon!

Washing her brother...or something like that.:)

Here mom, want my washcloth?!
Sorry Caedmon...I just realized that's you in the background. Oops.:)

(4/21/10)

New Sweaters

2010-06-01T23:28:00.004-04:00

Sporting their new sweaters from Grandma

Grandma wasn't very happy that Carys was wearing Caedmon's coats (hey, whatever works, right? :) ), so she spent the couple days we were there looking for something girly and finally bought this sweater. She wasn't very happy with the colors, but a lady in town makes them and didn't have anything more girly at the time. Caedmon ended up with one as well and loved it!

Fun times with Grandparents and Cousins

2010-06-01T23:21:00.002-04:00

These carts are such a pain to maneuver,
but the kids love 'em!

Carys with Grandma...and not crying!

Caedmon and Maria eating breakfast.

A bath was only necessary for Maria, but Caedmon had to join the fun!

(4/15/10 - 4/16/10)

Start 'em Young

2010-06-01T23:12:00.002-04:00

Only time will tell whether he has any athletic ability or not.

I'm not too concerned!
But he seems to love balls!

(4/11/10)

Boys and Puddles

2010-06-01T23:11:00.000-04:00

My Little Dare Devil

2010-06-01T23:09:00.001-04:00

We really have to watch her!

Uh Oh

2010-06-01T23:05:00.002-04:00

That is what we say when the kids do something they're not supposed to, and then they get "chair time." Carys is in "chair time." Who knows what she did, but I thought she looked pretty funny.

(4/3/10)

Caedmon's Idea of Fun

2010-06-01T23:03:00.001-04:00

Not sure it was Carys' idea of fun.
But she took it pretty well.
(4/14/10)

Miss Independent

2010-06-01T23:01:00.002-04:00

She's pretty good at getting off the couch by herself....sometimes.

April 14th, 2010

The Park

2010-06-01T22:51:00.004-04:00

This was April 14th. Yes, I know. It's been too long! I'm getting used to life as a working mom. Blogging has been put on the back burner. But I'd like to try and catch up a little, mostly for me, since I treat this as a journal.

Enjoying the swings together.

Mouth stuffed with apple

He loves the slides

She eats anything and everything. :/

Someone is going to need a bath!

Daddy's Idea of Fun:)

2010-04-09T11:54:00.002-04:00

I'm in the kitchen and all I hear is this giggling coming from Caedmon. I go out there to see what all the fun is and find Corey throwing a large pillow at Caedmon and Caedmon hitting the floor with the force of it. And he kept getting back up for more!

Daddy getting ready for the throw...

...he's hit! And hits the floor, but I didn't capture that on film.

And he cleverly dodges the pillow!!

10 Months Old

2010-04-09T11:32:00.003-04:00

Wow, my baby's growing up!

She hasn't had anymore teeth pop through - the count is still 6.

She's cruising now, along the furniture and pretty much anything. She stands on her own and has really good balance. I think walking may be around the corner, although she's not attempting to take any steps toward us when she's standing by herself.

The other day one of her toys was playing music (the angel, Aunt Christy :) ) and she was dancing to it. Pretty cute!

This morning, I wasn't able to get in the shower before she got up, so she sat in her little high chair in the bathroom, and when she started getting a little fussy, I started singing and she joined in!

She's definitely saying ma or mama and I'm still convinced she knows what she's saying. She's saying her own version of dada - she'll repeat after us, but it's not crystal clear.

She continues to exhibit major separation anxiety. She'll turn her head away when people talk to her. She's such a stinker. But last night I babysat two children, ages 1 1/2 and 3 1/2, and she was actually quite social with them, following them around and not needing me to be in sight! I was rather excited by this!

Sometimes she'll take off to one of the bedrooms and play, or get into things, all by herself. And she and Caedmon play together well when he decides not to push her around. And even then, sometimes she finds this funny. She's a tough cookie, taking it in stride when her brother body slams her to the floor! Just watch out Caedmon - her day is coming!:)

She won't sit still for her pictures anymore.

Carys at 10 months
I LOVE this picture!:)

Caedmon at 10 months

Why Do We Buy Toys?

2010-04-09T11:25:00.001-04:00

Corey's New Look

2010-04-09T11:20:00.003-04:00

Sorry dear!
Corey went to a 30th birthday party last weekend,
and the stipulation for the guys was they all had to have a mustache only.
Needless to say, Corey shaved the mustache off the next morning (Easter Sunday)
and he looked like the guy I married on our wedding day!

SPRING!

2010-04-09T10:55:00.002-04:00

Today, April 9th, our flowers are shivering under the snow. Poor things. They should know not to trust Michigan warmth in late March and early April!

Crib Time

2010-04-09T10:54:00.001-04:00

Yes, he climbed in all by himself.
She was waking up from her nap.

Great Stripes!

2010-04-09T10:51:00.001-04:00

Lovin' the pj's and the bare pigger toes!:)

Teaching Them Young!

2010-04-09T10:50:00.001-04:00

Helping mama sort recyclables

Mommy is a Jungle Gym!

2010-04-09T10:46:00.001-04:00

Gotta love naked babies! And that smile!:)