a few extra November items

It is fun to document little things. For example, we moved Anndra's crib to the other side of the room because she figured out how to get up to her window (which looks out onto our front porch) and do this:



...and she was way too distracted - looking at everything outside - to go to sleep for her naps.

Another little report for Anndra. We were able to pull her thin wisps of hair into a tiny ponytail on top of her head. She still yanks it out after 2 minutes like she does with the barrettes, but it is fun to see that she actually has enough hair to do this.






Lincoln has been learning his opposites and he loves to be quizzed. But the funny thing is that he likes to say "just" before each answer.

Mom: What's the opposite of hot?
Lincoln: Just cold.
Mom: What's the opposite of tall?
Lincoln: Just short.
Mom: What's the opposite of slow?
Lincoln: Just fast.

The other funny thing is when he can't remember the actual opposite and simply says something that makes sense to him.

Mom: What's the opposite of wet?
Lincoln: Just... {pause while he thinks} ...umbrellas!
Mom: What's the opposite of sad?
Lincoln: Just... being kind.


Of course Parker continues to amaze me EVERY DAY with his insightful comments, emotional maturity, and delightful temperament. Unfortunately, at the moment, I can't remember any of the stories I was planning to post here. Maybe they will come to me and I can go back and edit this entry. ~Sigh~


Finally, I have a few pics from a canoeing adventure Todd had with some co-workers on the Santa Fe River:







As I look over these pictures, I realize that I'm slowly beginning to appreciate the beauty of Florida. It helps that I've officially survived my 3rd summer here. I guess it only took 2 years or so for my body to get used to the heat... BUT I don't think ANY amount of time would be enough for Todd's body to get used to it!

Veteran's Day in DC

We drove up to Virginia to spend a few days with family. 2 of my brothers and 1 of my sisters (and their families) currently reside near DC. It was our last chance to see Erika before she and her husband and baby move to Texas. It was also our first opportunity to see where Dan and his family live now that they've moved out from Colorado.

Our first day in town, all 4 families went to the National Zoo together. Cousins climbing on a giant anteater statue:



Just as almost everyone got down, Lincoln had finally managed to climb up by his brother:



The biggest hits were the lions, tigers, and gorillas:





It was interesting trying to coordinate so many people as we moved about the zoo. Here is the stroller group (5 little ones):



We also had 6 bigger kids (all pictured here except Noah who is with Parker in the next one):





Once again I have to apologize that Todd isn't in any of these pictures - because, of course, he took them!

We also had a very good time just hanging out with everyone the rest of the weekend... including a sleepover with my sister, a little painting and mah jong at Dan's, and a party with s'mores and games at Ben's. Thanks for being such great hosts, you guys! We had a blast!

I'll finish off with two 'hanging out' pictures:



I walked downstairs to tell the kids it was time to go to the zoo and found Parker & Emma like this. Believe it or not, when I told them the plan Parker said, "Awww, can't we stay here and read?" and Emma said, "Yeah!" Gotta love it.



3 of the moms with 3 little girls - having bananas - too bad Erika wasn't there with Adelyn. :)

Three Cheers for Grandparents

Hip, hip, hooray!



I wish I could record every single special moment that my parents and Todd's mom had with our kids during their visits for Parker's baptism... but there are just too many to list.



I am so thankful for their influence in our lives.



Every day we get to spend with them is a treasure.

Boys' outing with Gators

Todd and Grandpa took Parker and Lincoln to search for alligators on my parents' second to last day here. It doesn't look like Lincoln's very excited, does it? ;)







I think this little adventure really made their day!

First Steps

Two days shy of turning 13-months, our baby girl walked by herself for the first time.




It was helpful to have my parents assisting us. Grandy cheered her on as she walked from me to Grandpa Paul and Todd captured it with the camera. I guess it really does "take a village" to get a child's first steps on video.

Halloween 2010

This year we had a skeleton, jaguar, and Minnie Mouse. Here's one with the boys' faces showing:



Anndra didn't like wearing the ears & bow headband very much. But she could not get enough of the dress. When she wasn't wearing it, she treated like a blanket - wanting to sleep with it, hug on it, and take it everywhere with her. So adorable.



Lincoln with his "claws"



Daddy - daughter



Our second son is such a "mama's boy" - so it was nice to let his grandmas do some of that cuddling while they were here.

Parker's B-day and Baptism

We had a fun time celebrating Parker's birthday with lots of family in town for the baptism. Can't remember why Parker was making this face... but it was too cute not to include it:




Everything went beautifully the day of the baptism. I can't say it enough: We love this boy!