Two years beautiful!

Our little daughter is now 2! It seems like she's been two for awhile because she is so grown up, but as of a month ago, it is official! She is tiny as always---as of this week she is now 22 pounds--an accomplishment for her. Her favorite foods are fruit snacks, vegan maccaroni and cheese, salsa, soup,refried beans and anything spicy. She loves playing with her babies, her brother's action figures (all of which she calls "good guy"), she loves jumping, dancing, singing (especially the "Hello Song") She also loves laying on the ground on her belly and coloring. She's been trying to potty-train herself for several months now, but I've been resisting. She can say ANYTHING! The boys love playing "parrot" with her and having her copy them. We often describe her to others as having enough personality for 3 kids. She loves getting into things (especially the cleaning supplies and my makeup). She's tough and loves action, but she also loves giving kisses and hugs. She's one special little girl and we are so grateful to have her in our family!

A digital slideshow by Smilebox

A True Texas Girl

This morning Maj-Lis and I went to go play in the bluebonnets. For three spectacular weeks in the spring, Central Texas explodes in gorgeous bluebonnets--along just about every freeway and filling pastures and fields. They smell as beautiful as they look. They smell kind of like a hyacinth or a lilac. It was quite a windy morning, but I was able to get a couple of good pictures of My little native Texan playing in the native flower of Texas.

Texas Snowman #2

Tuesday was a day to remember in Central Texas. For only the 15th time since 1886, it snowed!---and I mean snowed! The pictures don't do it justice because they were early in the day and it continued to snow for most of the day---4 inches in total! It was sooo beautiful. The kids had so much fun and so did Jared and I! We are so greatful for this random Texas blessing. Also of interest--It was 76 degrees on Sunday. It is, of course, now melted, but as you drive through the neighborhood, you can still see dozens of melting snowmen. Fun! Crazy, Huh!

Texas Snowman #1 (December 2008)
Texas Snowman #2

Maj-Lis next to Hudson's snowman

The snowman on day three after being chopped to bits with a shovel on day two (by Tanner and Hudson)


Hudson having a ball playing in the snow for the first time

Notice the stark contrast in shovel size


Tbe view from our back yard in the morning after the snow started falling

Halloween in November

So, admittedly it's crazy to be posting Halloween pictures in November, but that is kind of par for my course lately. I just HAD to get these cute pictures on the blog for everyone to see the cutest Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Tinkerbell ever. Usually costumes like these are out of our league (due to my non-crafting) but thanks to Grammy, the kids were living the dream.

Mom and Dad were able to come over to see the kids in their costumes. It was so special to have them there. The kids were SOOO excited to show them their costumes.

Notice that Tinkerbell Maj-Lis is still not walking.

Tanner was such a handsome Peter Pan. He won best kids' costume at the Trunk or Treat!

Grammy and Grampie are putty in Tinkerbell's hands

Hudson makes the cutest villain ever!

Hudson with his buddy Joseph at their school Halloween carnival. I made Hudson wear a different costume so his Captain Hook suit wouldn't get messed up. He was such a cute Zebra, though.

Newfound independence!

Tanner is now officially a real bike rider. He was able to do it on his very first try. (I guess we should have taken the training wheels off sooner:) He loves it and begs to go ride his bike every day.

Both boys have started T-Ball, but for Hudson, as the middle child, I think it is especially exciting to have people cheering for him. He loves being at bat and being the center of attention. Watching the slow-rolling dribbler balls roll past the kids gloves is pure comedy.

Maj-Lis still isn't walking, but has discovered a whole new world that is available by pushing things in front of her(big trucks, chairs, shopping carts etc.) Once she gets over the swine flu, she should be walking in no-time.

The First Day of School

So, Tanner is already in his third week of Kindergarten, but it shouldn't surprise you that I'm just now posting this. Tanner's first day of school was a memorable one for sure. Things like parking a mile away from the school and running (carrying my almost 6 year old Tanner) from the car to the parking lot, the community gate crashing on the front bumper of the car, and being with a dear friend while she was in labor, are some of the more memorable moments of the day. Tanner's teacher (Mrs. Farque) is a tiny little lady in her first year of teaching, but she is amazing! He's having a hard time with the long day 7:30AM to 2:30PM. His favorite parts of the day are lunch and science.
Yesterday was Hudson's first day of Preschool. We also had John, Shelly and Lucy over at our house for the day, which ended with swimming at the pool (the kids' favorite activity.) It was hard for us to decide to let Hudson go to preschool this year. I would rather he be home with me, but it has been hard for him while Tanner is at school all day every day, so we definitely did the right thing for him. He already loves going to school and can't wait for day two (he goes twice a week.) He loves learning and I know he will be a big help to his teacher, Mrs. Blay (the mom of one of Tanner's friends.) It's crazy to see them growing up so quickly. I try to treasure this time while they are small and remember it as well as I can so I can think back on when the were at this priceless time of their lives. I am so grateful to be their mother and I know they will be a good example for the kids they are around at school.

Developing Her Personality

Our Precious Maj-Lis is now 15 months old. She's just over 18 pounds, but we like to think of her as being "consistently petite." She may be small, but she has a full-size personality. She likes to be heard and she is quick as lightning (no walking, just crawling or doing the modified crawl with rear end in the air.) She "talks" all day long. Growling sounds and phrases like "whatcha doin?" are some of her trademarks. She now has 7 (almost 8) teeth, which are easy to see when she is acting as "Baby Dino." (Aunt Rebecca coined the term.) Her favorite foods are watermelon, green beans, Gerber veggie puffs and CHEESE. She is the lightest sleeper ever, loves getting into everything and laughing (usually laughing after getting into something.) I just had to post these pics to give you an idea of her budding personality. Just a note--the car was definitely NOT running when she was at the wheel.