...and frequent ice cream cones.
Life is good.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Take me out to the ball game.
Wednesday we went with some friends to the Brewer game. We decided at the last minute to leave Charlotte at home with grandma because of the of extreme heat we have been experiencing. After Katherine recovered from her initial funk of finding out she had to miss swimming lessons, everyone had a great time.
Next time we will bring Charlotte, I think she would dig the racing sausages. Plus, her big sis missed her.
Next time we will bring Charlotte, I think she would dig the racing sausages. Plus, her big sis missed her.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Summer is here.
What have we been up to? LOTS. We have not had a whole lot of down time around here, but have been enjoying lots of fun summer activities and a change of pace from our school year schedule.
Katherine started summer school this past week (before you think I am the meanest mom ever, know that our summer school program is awesome, and she is able to take tons of fun stuff--currently she is taking "Surprise Party," "Books and Cooks," and "The Magic School Bus." She is loving every minute of it!), and Will attended Safety Town. In addition to that we also...
...went to see my niece's dance recital at UW-Whitewater, were Mike and I met over ten years ago. I took Katherine to show her the dorm we lived in.
...Charlotte has been busy playing with all her new birthday toys (lots of new baby dolls, which she LOVES, I will post a video of the creepy baby my parents bought her soon).
...Katherine was not happy to find out she would have to have another tooth wiggled out by the dentist, though was thrilled to find the tooth fairy left her $5 in quarters (no, the tooth fairy here is not rich, just gives a little more when needles are involved!).
...Charlotte was thrilled to test our her new carseat and finally be able to face forward and see the world the way the rest of us do (she really enjoys the cup holder as well!).
...all three kids (and Missy's kids) started swimming lessons this week, and are loving it.
...Will started his summer t-ball league, with his good friend, Lilly.
The whole family went with to watch, and Katherine entertained herself by taking pictures with my cell phone. Afterwards, we started the tradition of a McDonald's ice cream cone (affectionately called "49ers" in our house because they are 49 cents)on the way home. Charlotte christened her new carseat with one of her favorite treats.
...we hit the park with some good friends.
...and enjoyed a few lazy afternoons at home (don't mind our burnt out lawn...is it ever going to rain?!).
So far, I'd say we have been having a great summer. How about you? What did you do to keep busy this week?
My goals for this next week include getting thank yous written for Charlotte's birthday, finally starting my graduate class work, and experimenting with photoshop in order to figure out how the heck to make a collage look decent. We are also going to the Brewer game on Wednesday with good friends; together we have six kids ages 6 and under. Are we nuts? I'll let you know.
Take care, enjoy your weekend!
Katherine started summer school this past week (before you think I am the meanest mom ever, know that our summer school program is awesome, and she is able to take tons of fun stuff--currently she is taking "Surprise Party," "Books and Cooks," and "The Magic School Bus." She is loving every minute of it!), and Will attended Safety Town. In addition to that we also...
...went to see my niece's dance recital at UW-Whitewater, were Mike and I met over ten years ago. I took Katherine to show her the dorm we lived in.
...Charlotte has been busy playing with all her new birthday toys (lots of new baby dolls, which she LOVES, I will post a video of the creepy baby my parents bought her soon).
...Katherine was not happy to find out she would have to have another tooth wiggled out by the dentist, though was thrilled to find the tooth fairy left her $5 in quarters (no, the tooth fairy here is not rich, just gives a little more when needles are involved!).
...Charlotte was thrilled to test our her new carseat and finally be able to face forward and see the world the way the rest of us do (she really enjoys the cup holder as well!).
...all three kids (and Missy's kids) started swimming lessons this week, and are loving it.
...Will started his summer t-ball league, with his good friend, Lilly.
The whole family went with to watch, and Katherine entertained herself by taking pictures with my cell phone. Afterwards, we started the tradition of a McDonald's ice cream cone (affectionately called "49ers" in our house because they are 49 cents)on the way home. Charlotte christened her new carseat with one of her favorite treats.
...we hit the park with some good friends.
...and enjoyed a few lazy afternoons at home (don't mind our burnt out lawn...is it ever going to rain?!).
...and finally, this morning we took our three water-loving children to the beach. I have a feeling we will be spending a lot of time there this summer.
So far, I'd say we have been having a great summer. How about you? What did you do to keep busy this week?
My goals for this next week include getting thank yous written for Charlotte's birthday, finally starting my graduate class work, and experimenting with photoshop in order to figure out how the heck to make a collage look decent. We are also going to the Brewer game on Wednesday with good friends; together we have six kids ages 6 and under. Are we nuts? I'll let you know.
Take care, enjoy your weekend!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
More to come...
Charlotte's birthday party was Saturday, and a great time was had by all. More pictures to come soon; you see, Mike bought me Photoshop for my birthday and I have been busy messing around with making collages and editing pictures...I promise to share soon! Until then, here are a few teasers from the weekend!
Saturday, June 9, 2012
TWO!!
Today Charlotte is two. TWO!! Two years ago today, she came into this world and changed it for the better.
Soon we are headed to Kate & Bill's for a big ol' party to celebrate the occasion. Food, drinks, a bounce house...what more could you ask for?!
We look forward to spending this day with our family and close friends, coming together for Charlotte. Check back for pictures of the bash tomorrow, but until then, enjoy Charlotte's 2nd year photo montage.
The song used in this video, "The Joy that is You," is written and performed by friends of ours, Neal and Leandra. Neal and Leandra dedicated this song to Charlotte during a concert we were at when she was just a few months old. Check out their website to learn more about them (and download this song, and many more!).
It is amazing how much joy one little being can bring to my life. I look forward to "The Joy that is TWO," as Charlotte shows us the true meaning of the terrible twos. She got a head start a few days ago when she stretched her crazy flexible little body around and was able to grab a dozen and a half eggs from the back of the shopping cart and whip them all over the produce section in Sam's Club. Stay tuned as my girl finds new ways to keep me on my toes!
Happy 2nd birthday, Charlotte!!
We look forward to spending this day with our family and close friends, coming together for Charlotte. Check back for pictures of the bash tomorrow, but until then, enjoy Charlotte's 2nd year photo montage.
The song used in this video, "The Joy that is You," is written and performed by friends of ours, Neal and Leandra. Neal and Leandra dedicated this song to Charlotte during a concert we were at when she was just a few months old. Check out their website to learn more about them (and download this song, and many more!).
It is amazing how much joy one little being can bring to my life. I look forward to "The Joy that is TWO," as Charlotte shows us the true meaning of the terrible twos. She got a head start a few days ago when she stretched her crazy flexible little body around and was able to grab a dozen and a half eggs from the back of the shopping cart and whip them all over the produce section in Sam's Club. Stay tuned as my girl finds new ways to keep me on my toes!
Happy 2nd birthday, Charlotte!!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Bounce House Babies (Toddlers)
Charlotte and her buddy Max are only six days apart in age. We went to Max's birthday party last weekend, and the two almost two-year-olds had a blast in the bounce house.
While the little ones were bouncing, Will enjoyed getting inked by Max's dad.
Charlotte and Max will be able to experience more bounce house fun this weekend at Charlotte's party. Preparations are in high gear around here! We have had a big week of birthdays; last weekend we celebrated Max's and my father-in-laws, Tuesday was Sophie's (the dog..yes, when you have three children you are forced to celebrate the dog's birthday, complete with cake of course!) birthday, tomorrow is my birthday, and Saturday is Charlotte's...I may have to up the mileage during my morning runs to make up for all the cake!
While the little ones were bouncing, Will enjoyed getting inked by Max's dad.
Charlotte and Max will be able to experience more bounce house fun this weekend at Charlotte's party. Preparations are in high gear around here! We have had a big week of birthdays; last weekend we celebrated Max's and my father-in-laws, Tuesday was Sophie's (the dog..yes, when you have three children you are forced to celebrate the dog's birthday, complete with cake of course!) birthday, tomorrow is my birthday, and Saturday is Charlotte's...I may have to up the mileage during my morning runs to make up for all the cake!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Oh, to be so flexible.
As you know, flexibility is definitely one Charlotte's strengths. I am thinking a yoga instructor might be a good future career.
Monday, June 4, 2012
New Wheels
This week is going to be pretty light on the blogging; busy week around here getting ready for a certain someone's second birthday! I have shopping to do, decorations and games to create, and a special birthday blog post in the works. So, until then, I'll hold you over with a picture here and there. Happy Monday!
Charlotte's Grandma and Grandpa Cornell came to visit for the weekend and brought her some groovy new wheels. She thinks it is pretty snazzy!
Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!
Charlotte's Grandma and Grandpa Cornell came to visit for the weekend and brought her some groovy new wheels. She thinks it is pretty snazzy!
Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Pomp and Circumstance
Katherine's kindergarten graduation was yesterday. She had been anticipating this day for weeks, as they had been practicing their songs and lines at school tirelessly. She had to get a special dress and talked frequently about the importance of graduation. The whole kindergarten graduation thing is kind of funny; it's not like she isn't going back to the same school next year (or the next seven years after that!), but it turned out to be a really, really fun way to reflect on how much she has grown this year.
Katherine and I have pretty similar personalities. Mike reminds me all the time that she gets her firey temper from me. Already at age six we have already had some doosey arguments about what she is going to wear to school or how she wants her hair. She is incredibly head-strong and independent. I can only imagine what she is going to be like as a teenager.
Over this past year, I have seen her become more confident in herself. She has grown socially; making lot of new friends and learning how to be a good friend. Academically, it is hard to believe she is the same kid she was back in September. My girl is now a fluent reader who takes every opportunity to learn something new. I hope her love of learning continues!
She continues to be a great big sister. Yes, we need to remind her daily to give her sister space and not to hug her too tight, however, I have a feeling that Katherine is always going to be Charlotte's biggest fan. The other day, Katherine was sitting at the table with Mike and I, and Charlotte was bent into some crazy configuration (which usually mean her feet are on the table!) in her high chair. Katherine says to Mike, "You know dad, babies with down syndrome are more flexible. I read that in a book." I quickly assured Mike that no, I had not given Katherine the crazy scary informational books on Down syndrome we had received up Charlotte's diagnosis, but instead "We'll paint the Octopus Red" had just come in the mail and Katherine was quick to want to read it. Katherine has taken some interest in Down syndrome the past few months, asking questions and wanting to learn more. They say a lot of times kids who have siblings with disabilities a lot of times end up choosing to work in fields which involve people with special needs. Katherine is a little young for me to make this prediction, but I do feel that she is going to be a great advocate.
You could see the excitement on her face as she walked into her classroom for the first part of the graduation ceremony. The kids sang songs, read a poem, and took turns telling us what they want to be when they grow up (Katherine: "a teacher"). Katherine had an amazing kindergarten teacher this year who truly cared for each of her students. Miss Hoffman also read a poem, which caused her and the rest of us moms (and maybe a few dads) to shed a few tears, as she spoke about how much the kids had grown.
After she received her reward, she ran back to show us, but instead of hugging Mike or I, went right over to Charlotte, picked her up and spun her around. She is so proud of her sister.
My rockstar almost 2-year old made it through the entire two hour ceremony (which was during nap time as well!) with ease. She clapped at appropriate times and squealed when she liked a song. Will also did well (with a bit of help from the iPhone, hah!), and wanted to know why he couldn't go to Kindergarten next year.
In the words of Katherine, "On to the next graduation....8th grade!"
Katherine and I have pretty similar personalities. Mike reminds me all the time that she gets her firey temper from me. Already at age six we have already had some doosey arguments about what she is going to wear to school or how she wants her hair. She is incredibly head-strong and independent. I can only imagine what she is going to be like as a teenager.
Over this past year, I have seen her become more confident in herself. She has grown socially; making lot of new friends and learning how to be a good friend. Academically, it is hard to believe she is the same kid she was back in September. My girl is now a fluent reader who takes every opportunity to learn something new. I hope her love of learning continues!
She continues to be a great big sister. Yes, we need to remind her daily to give her sister space and not to hug her too tight, however, I have a feeling that Katherine is always going to be Charlotte's biggest fan. The other day, Katherine was sitting at the table with Mike and I, and Charlotte was bent into some crazy configuration (which usually mean her feet are on the table!) in her high chair. Katherine says to Mike, "You know dad, babies with down syndrome are more flexible. I read that in a book." I quickly assured Mike that no, I had not given Katherine the crazy scary informational books on Down syndrome we had received up Charlotte's diagnosis, but instead "We'll paint the Octopus Red" had just come in the mail and Katherine was quick to want to read it. Katherine has taken some interest in Down syndrome the past few months, asking questions and wanting to learn more. They say a lot of times kids who have siblings with disabilities a lot of times end up choosing to work in fields which involve people with special needs. Katherine is a little young for me to make this prediction, but I do feel that she is going to be a great advocate.
You could see the excitement on her face as she walked into her classroom for the first part of the graduation ceremony. The kids sang songs, read a poem, and took turns telling us what they want to be when they grow up (Katherine: "a teacher"). Katherine had an amazing kindergarten teacher this year who truly cared for each of her students. Miss Hoffman also read a poem, which caused her and the rest of us moms (and maybe a few dads) to shed a few tears, as she spoke about how much the kids had grown.
After she received her reward, she ran back to show us, but instead of hugging Mike or I, went right over to Charlotte, picked her up and spun her around. She is so proud of her sister.
My rockstar almost 2-year old made it through the entire two hour ceremony (which was during nap time as well!) with ease. She clapped at appropriate times and squealed when she liked a song. Will also did well (with a bit of help from the iPhone, hah!), and wanted to know why he couldn't go to Kindergarten next year.
In the words of Katherine, "On to the next graduation....8th grade!"
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