Easter 2012

For as long as I can remember my family has gone to Granny's for the Easter holiday. Fortunately we were able to go to GGma and GGpa's this year too! Rachel liked the egg hunts, but Noah LOVED them. He walked around picking up eggs like there was nothing else on the planet to do! It was a GREAT first egg hunt experience for the little guy!I think Rachel had the most fun playing at GGma's later in the day. As seen in the pictures, Rachel made a new friend! My cousin Richard was in town visiting over the holiday weekend. He brought his girlfriend, Alissa, and her two kids, Noah and Landry (sp?) When we got to GGma's Rachel and Landry had on the same dress. Later that night at bedtime Rachel assured me that Landry was her best friend, and she "couldn't take her dress off and that she wanted to wear it tomorrow so she could match Landry!" It was great to meet them and see Richard since we don't get to very often. Now I'm looking forward to seeing Dacia this weekend! Hope everyone had a great Easter! We did!

Talker #2!

Noah has just recently (the past month) began to say more words. Some are regular while some are only occasional and although there aren't very many they still "count" as talking!

The regulars: jack, peasss (please) dog, up, thanks (not thank you, simply thanks!) uh-oh!, uh-huh, daaaad, this, that, and grampa (grandpa)

The occasionals: nack (snack), duck, ma-ma, boon (balloon), sue (shoe) ock (sock)

I'm sure there are others that I can't think of right now, but at least I've documented a few! My "baby" is growing up!

Finger Painting Fun!

It had been a while so we pulled the finger paints out today! This was Noah's first time and he was a little unsure of what to do. But leave it to Rachel to show him how! Shortly after the fun they enjoyed a much needed bath!

Rachel Recap

It's been quite some time since I really had any updates on Rachel. It seems we are out of "major" milestones such as walking, talking, etc so everything seems to just kind of flow and be "as expected." however, I wanted to document some things I'll want to remember in the future about her hobbies and interests, as well as things she is able to do at her age.

Her biggest toy fav is anything to do with the Disney fairies! Not only in toys, but her room decorations as well. We recently moved a twin bed into her room and she was able to pick her bedding. She adores the tinker bell bed set and uses the excuse of being cold so she can bring the comforter out to the living room to use. Her communication and comprehension skills continue to improve. She is quite the little negotiator, and tells us exactly what she thinks WHEN she thinks it. Example: at Christmas aunt Jenn bought her a pair of Disney princess light up tennis shoes. Upon opening them she yells... " I don't want this kind, I wanted fairy ones!" there are many times she says embarrassing things, just as this, but I guess we are blessed she can communicate, we just heed to work on some manners! Recently she has become interested in "dress up" and "pretend" activities.. Noah just doesn't really like being a princess so she especially likes when Kate comes over for the fun. Even though Noah doesn't enjoy "dress up" they really play pretty well together...if you think torture and playing have the same meaning! :) the two of them know exactly how to push each other's buttons, but then again, what siblings don't?! Rachel loves to finger paint, blow bubbles, read books, play with her new leapster explorer ( a new Xmas present from ggma and ggpa), and watch movies. (Amongst her favorite are Gnomeo and Juliet, Tinkerbell, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid.) favorite foods now a days include "dough bread" ( she calls homemade bread dough bread) corn dogs, Mac and Cheese, peas, and if she asks for a cookie she PREFERS an Oreo...well really 2!

Rarely is there a day she doesn't get a spanking...she is DEFINiTELY my challenge, but she does have a sweet spirit as well...even if we don't see it all the time. She still is truly one of the greatest blessings of my life.

Gingerbread House Making 101

Aunt Krista organized a gingerbread making activity at Gma and Gpa Oakley's a few days before Christmas. Tons of fun for everyone!

Pump It Up With Santa!

Not that either one of my kids cared at all about seeing Santa...but it was a great time to go to the "jumping place" with Daddy and some other family that doesn't normally get to go at the same time as us! Last Tuesday we went to Pump it Up with The Prindle Family, Michelle and Tegan, and Uncle Trey and Aunt Monica. It was especially fun since the kids hadn't been in a while. (Momma is still out of commission for bouncing and climbing, so we haven't been able to go during the days!) The kids and adults had a great time!

Rachel's 3 Year Pics

We finally got around to having Rachel's 3 year pictures taken. She did so well, I had very hard time picking 1 pose out for the package! Luckily, Sears emails all the prints. Here are 15 of the 42 the photographer took! She is sometimes a handful, but moments like this make it all worth it! (The 10th pic is the one that I picked for the package!) :)