The Family Update

Fun Family Reunion Trip in Jax Beach!

2009-02-02T17:03:00.010-05:00

We just had another fun trip to Jacksonville Beach! David and Kristen (and Jacob and Lia) came from Texas, and the whole rest of the immediate family (Tio, Aunt Debbie, Cousin Lydia, Cousin Zachary, and Cousin Mark) met them in Jacksonville. We had a wonderful time with the family, shopping, eating out, and going to Saint Augustine and to the beach. (Searching for sharks' teeth is a necessity each time we go!) It was such a treat to get to visit with so many friends from the area as we celebrated David, Sr's and Great Grandma's birthdays. Mimi and Grandpa also gave us a break and kept the grandkids while we parents got away for a bit. What a fun trip! Thank you, Mimi and Grandpa, Great Grandma and Great Grandpa for all that you did (and always do) to help make the trip so special. It worked!

Happy Thanksgiving in Jax Beach

2008-12-03T16:37:00.009-05:00

We had a wonderful time celebrating Thanksgiving this year Jacksonville Beach. Well, actually we had our big meals on Friday and Sunday rather than on Thursday, but it was still all in the honor of Thanksgiving. I like the delicious bistec de palomilla and congri better than than the ol' traditional Thanksgiving meal any day, right, mi novio? :-) (Even though your turkey and dressing were absolutely scrumptious, they still can't top your fried plantains!) It's always so special getting to see Daniel's family in Florida. (We miss you, David and Kristen!) I think it gets more and more special each time we go. Thank you so much for all the spoiling you do for us, Mimi and Grandpa, Great Grandma and Great Grandpa!

Here's a few snapshots from our trip...

Fun Pictures

2008-11-19T15:06:00.004-05:00

It feels like it's been forever since I've posted any blogs, so I'm sitting down and making myself take time to get somewhat up-to-date today while the kids are all asleep. (whew!) So without further ado, here are some fun pictures we've taken recently of the kids... (I'm posting everything today using a slideshow - it's lots faster, and the kids will be waking up soon!)

Tio and Aunt Debbie

2008-11-19T14:57:00.004-05:00

Our kids love their Tio and Aunt Debbie! They totally spoil both the kids and us when we're together. Noah and Addison had so much fun playing airplane with Tio last week. We're all so lucky!

Another Annual GTG at the Farm!

2008-11-19T14:08:00.007-05:00

We had another fun get-together this year in Lula! Alvin, Joann, Judy, and the whole family once again spared no effort in putting on a fun affair with food and activities for adults and kids alike. The horses got a really good workout, too, as they gave at least one ride around the farm to all the people there! Thank you for another important reason we so look forward to fall each year!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

2008-11-19T13:51:00.006-05:00

We had the best time going trick-or-treating this year! Everyone was dressed up either really cute or really scary, and we all ate waaaay too much candy! Noah and Addison went out with Sophia, Satchel, Adrian, Levi, Evie, and Jaclyn. Majken stayed back to hand out the candy and keep Liam. Thank you, Mormor!

Liam Chandler (at last!)

2008-11-07T16:08:00.006-05:00

Introducing Mr. Liam Chandler!! He was born Oct 20, 2008, weighed 7 lbs, 10 oz, and he was 20" long. Here are some of the first pictures taken just after he was born. I do apologize for taking so long to post; who knew things would be so busy with three?!? (lol) We're truly enjoying our new little guy. He's precious! (of course, right?!) By now, there are at least a million more pictures we've taken - hopefully I can post some of them soon, too. Enjoy!

Just Goofing Off ...

2008-10-07T22:47:00.010-04:00

Noah and Addison have always raced to the door to greet Daddy when he got home from work. Now, though, it seems that they might have an additional motive in mind... shoulder rides! We think that the understanding between them is that the first person who hugs Daddy will get the first ride. They have so much fun with laughs and squeals of delight as Daddy chugs them up and down around the house!

Addison slipped on a pair of my old shoes and walked around the house in deep concentration trying not to let one fall off.

Noah has recently decided that he could put his socks on his hands and turn them into puppets which can talk, dance, and scare people. He goes around the house waving his arms and hands up and down mumbling words and saying "Boo!" It's probably the cutest, though, when his two puppets start talking to each other. Oh the conversations they have! (that only Noah himself can understand!!)

It's Bathtime!!

2008-10-07T22:15:00.006-04:00

Elizabeth and Alexandria came over to visit last week, and we decided it was bathtime!! The tub and its toys always provide awesome entertainment, and everybody had to get clean that night before meeting. Long, long baths are the best, right??

Daddy's Birthday!

2008-10-07T21:44:00.008-04:00

Daniel had a birthday last month, and we celebrated the day with a special supper and birthday cake at home. The next day we all went out and celebrated on the town. We had a great time! (The pictures don't adequately represent the occasion, but I just had to post the ones I had.)
WE LOVE YOU, DADDY!!!

ELMO LIVE!

2008-10-07T15:26:00.008-04:00

We recently took Noah to see a live Elmo show. He LOVED it - and the cotton candy, too! We had really good seats, and he got to see all the characters up close as they walked by. He even gave Abby herself a high five! We owe another great big THANK YOU to Tio and Aunt Debbie for keeping Addison that night so we could take Noah by himself. (We thought Addison was a bit too young to enjoy all the lights and action of the night show. We've vowed to take her to her own show soon, too, though!)

Noah's eyes were too glued to the stage to ever actually turn to the camera and smile!

YUMMMMM.... cotton candy!!!

... and the inevitable sticky hands and cheeks that come with it!

Bye, bye, Elmo!! Bye, bye!

The Belated Posting of the First Day of School!

2008-10-07T15:03:00.008-04:00

Where does the time go?!? Things have been so busy lately that I had to make myself stop and take time to post some pictures. I do apologize for my apathy in getting these pictures up!

Noah and Addison both started their "preschool" (Mothers' Morning Out program) in early September. This is actually Noah's second year and Addison's first. They both go for four hours two days a week and love it! Noah was very attentive to Addison on the first day and kept giving her hugs and kisses and telling her in a soft voice that "It's okay, Addy, it okay." Sweet big brother!
(Addison's class has rules that the children cannot wear hair bows or hair clips, and all the kids must have close-toed shoes. Those restrictions certainly put a strain on the summer shoe options and on keeping Addison's hair out of her eyes! Fortunately, the teacher is a lot more easy-going than the handbook about the hair clips, and winter makes the shoe selection lots easier!)
Here are pictures of the kids the morning of their first day and of Addison's teacher this year (who was Noah's teacher last year) and Noah's best friend at school, Reagan.

Grimaces, Giggles, and Popsicles - the Great Debate!

2008-08-28T18:05:00.014-04:00

It's hard to believe in this southern heat that the kids have never indulged in too many popsicles before now! They really had fun enjoying a couple this afternoon - or at least I had fun watching them!

YUMMMMM... I CANNOT WAIT TO TASTE THIS...

OHHH... THIS HURTSSSSS!!! Mom, you didn't tell me it was going to feel like this! It's SOOOO COLD!!

But you know, it was yuuuummmmy...

Hmmmmm.... this looks interesting... let's try it!

OH MY - OUCH!!! This does NOT feel good!

But it tasted good anyway!

Well, maybe I'll have just one more bite; it wasn't too bad...

You have GOT to be kidding - I can't believe they talked me into this again!!

Hmmm... well maybe...

How do I keep falling for this??!!

Well, I ended up liking it afterall!! I ate it all gone!

Ahhh....see?? There's none left!

Mine was really yummy, too! May I please have another??

Swimming Lessons!

2008-08-28T17:54:00.004-04:00

Noah and Addison took swimming lessons for the last couple of weeks. They both had a really good time! Addison's class was parent-assisted, and Noah took individual lessons after her class. The instructor was great! Addison's class ended last week, but I think we might continue Noah's lessons a bit longer. Thanks to Teresa for the terrific referral!

BOOKS A MILLION!!

2008-08-28T17:20:00.010-04:00

Noah and Addison have recently discovered the art of looking at ALL of their books - all at once (or so it seems)!! They have lots of fun previewing and "reading" one book after the other. I was a bit shocked when I saw the huge mess for the first time (all over the room) - a bit devastated that my only-one-book-out-at-a-time training had not taken complete hold, but we eventually discovered fun ways to clean up and make different piles of all the related books. Now, I can't resist secretly peeking in on them as they dig deeper and deeper into Sesame Street and the Berenstain Bears. The entire picture looks and feels so good! It seems that the number of books on the floor continues to grow more and more each day, and I'm learning more and more to just sit back and enjoy the scene (and the mess!). Creative learning at its best!

Behind the Times - Tagged with Seven Things!

2008-08-24T14:41:00.006-04:00

I've been tagged! I'm more than a little late with this entry, but here goes...

Seven Facts -

1. I love animals. Before kids and especially marriage, I had two cats who were my roommates – the ones I happily came home to after work. However, they did not adjust well to our son. Jealously in every form (i.e., wetting the king size bed - comforter, sheets, waterproof mattress pad - three times in one week) took over. Giving them away to another family in TN was absolutely one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, and I do still miss them. I still cannot walk inside the humane society without getting teary!

2. I have had over 3000 stitches in my body (counting inside and out) - largely because of two car accidents when I was younger.

3. We were going to name our daughter "Alexandra Adair" until one of our closest friends named hers Alexandria Grace seven weeks before I was due. (We always keep baby names secret until after they’re born.) Instead, we came up with another name we love, "Addison Adair. "

4. I worked as a c++ and database software developer before I had Noah and became a full-time mom.

5. Being a mom is by far the most rewarding and hardest job I’ve ever had.

6. I feel so very lucky and thankful every day because of my wonderful husband and children.

7. I’m due with our 3rd baby (a little boy who, by the way, kicks non-stop in my tummy!) at the end of October. We’re so excited about the newest addition! (and a bit nervous, too, but I guess that comes with the territory!)

This and That!

2008-08-20T16:33:00.014-04:00

Here are a few random pictures we've recently taken of the kids...

It was sort of "rainy" outside (partially sunny, actually), and Noah thought it would be best if he wore his rain boots around the house just in case he got wet.

Another hug for the camera!

The kids LOVE it when we make cookies. The highlight of the day is not the cookies themselves, but it's when they get to sit down and enjoy eating the cookie dough off the beaters! (Even if I use a different kind of mixer which doesn't use those beaters, I still have to pretend and put the dough on the beaters so the kids can enjoy!)

Addy smiles big for the camera!

Vaughn got to come and stay with us for a night. Once again, I'm not sure who enjoyed his visit more - the kids or us?! I think he read more children's books in one night than he'd care to count! Thanks for a fun visit, Vaughn!

Sunday Lunch with Mormor and Morfar!

2008-08-20T16:19:00.004-04:00

We really enjoyed having Sunday lunch with a few of the Olssons (and families) last week. Addison and Noah just love being with them, and so do we! I luckily had my camera with me, and here's a few pictures I took. Thanks so much for all the spoiling and terrific company!

Big Boy Bed!!

2008-08-20T15:40:00.003-04:00

Noah took a giant step last week and started using his "big boy bed." (We actually just converted the crib into a toddler bed by taking off its front side.) He was so excited - giddy, in fact!! He did roll off the bed two times the first night, but he was easily soothed. He's gotten better since then about rolling off the bed, but his blanket keeps falling on the floor - so there's still some unusual calls and pleas (or demands) for help in the middle of the night. He just keeps saying over and over how much he "loves his new bed!" Another milestone!

Lydia's Shower!

2008-08-19T17:15:00.005-04:00

Jaime and Darlene hosted a fun shower for Lydia on Saturday. We all had a terrific time, and it seems like she got a lot of great gifts that she really needed. Oh the joys of starting out! :)
Congratulations, Lydia! We're so excited for you and Zachary!

The BEST DAD in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD!!

2008-08-08T15:49:00.003-04:00

I'm not sure who's luckier - the kids or me?!! We've got the best dad/husband in the "whole wide world!" (as Noah says!)

A Visit to the Safari!

2008-08-03T16:57:00.028-04:00

Our family took a fun trip to the Wild Animal Safari on Saturday. It is a 500 acre reserve with all sorts of wild animals from Africa, mostly. The guests have opportunities to pet and feed all kinds of beasts and birds. Despite the intense heat (95+), we all had a terrific time! Noah and Addison really enjoyed feeding the animals, and Noah said his favorite was the rhinoceros. It's strange; we think we may have taken one of the animals home with us. We have not stopped hearing all sorts of loud wild animal noises in our home since we left!

Check out these gums!!

A Step in the Right Direction??

2008-07-24T16:46:00.007-04:00

Two mornings ago, Addison (16 mo) decided she wanted to "sit on the potty" like her big brother. She's done this motion before, so I just laughed it off at first. Then I decided just to go ahead and take her pj's and diaper off and see what would happen. Well, it worked!! In fact, it's worked over and over again since then! Yippeeee!! She doesn't "tell" me when she has to go, she just conveniently goes each time when she sits down on the potty. Timing is everything in this delicate privileged package! If I wait too long to ask her or take her, the natural state of affairs takes over. I know the whole fun ordeal is by no means finished, but maybe it's a step in the right direction!

After she successfully went potty the first time, she absolutely refused to let me put a diaper on her. She said, "Nooo, nnoooo, nooooo!!" over and over while pushing my hands away. Realizing the great risk involved, I finally gave in and let her wear a pair of Noah's first undies (with balls on them, mind you). They had lots of fun running around and playing and hugging in their identical undies!

Elizabeth Turns 7!!

2008-07-24T16:31:00.004-04:00

We attended an exciting birthday party hosted for Elizabeth on Sunday. It was fun watching Elizabeth open her gifts, and the hamburgers and cake were delicious!
Happy 7th Birthday, Elizabeth!

July 4th in Jacksonville Beach!

2008-07-20T16:51:00.014-04:00

I've been so lazy with posting pictures lately, and perhaps even lazier taking them! I have a scant few pictures to post from our recent fun trip to visit Grandpa, Mimi, Great Grandpa, and Great Grandma in Jax Beach. It made the trip even funner because Tio, Aunt Debbie, Lydia, Mark, and Zack got to go down, too. We were so lucky to have Lydia and Zack ride with us. Great company, laughs, and babysitters! :) I think they can both now tell you more than you ever wanted to know about butterflies and bats. Repetition is key in learning, right guys?!
I'm going to post what I have, but I do apologize because the pictures I have don't adequately represent the trip as a whole. I missed so many important moments - and people!

Cupcakes Anyone?

2008-07-20T16:35:00.005-04:00

Lydia's excitement inspired us to buy a cupcake cookbook and try a couple of recipes. Daniel and I made the kittycat ones, and Lydia and I made the corn ones in FL. We didn't really know what we were doing, but we had so much fun! They were yummy, but I think Noah and Mark enjoyed eating them the most!

FUN FRIDAY NIGHTS!

2008-06-22T18:58:00.005-04:00

The kids and I have lately been meeting Daniel downtown close to his work on Friday nights to eat at some of our favorite resturants and go to a nearby park. He now works in the city close to where we used to live, so we're kind of familiar with the area and it's fun to go back! We save bread and go feed the ducks at the park, play frisbee and ball, climb and swing at the playground, and enjoy petting the dogs in the reserved dog park area. The summer hours and temps make it easy to visit the park after dinner. I'm not sure who looks forward to Fridays the most - the kids or us!!? We all have lots of fun!

Addison still LOVES to play peek-a-boo! (over and over and over!)

Noah's making some silly faces!

Addison's new queen hat!

The kids love the playground!

KICKBALL!!

Father's Day!

2008-06-22T18:45:00.004-04:00

I wanted to post some special pictures of some special, special people that we took on Father's Day. It's definitately a late posting, but better late than never, right?! :) We love you, Daddy!!

Noah had made a Father's Day tie and a colorful rock for his Dad in art class at school before it ended in May. We hid the present until Sunday morning when Noah woke up his Dad gave it to him. Daniel said that it was the sweetest gift he had ever received!

Happy Belated Birthday, Levi!!

2008-06-16T15:38:00.005-04:00

Levi had a late birthday pool party last Saturday. His birthday was last month, but coordinating everyone's busy schedules made planning an official party difficult at that time. Finally everyone was able to get together to celebrate last week, and it was lots of fun - fun in the sun (and heat), that is! The pool was a little on the warm side itself, and it felt so good to jump in. Happy (late) birthday, Levi!

Joceyln rexaled and enjoyed the day with the older kids...
Precious baby Kate slept soundly in Mama's arms at the party
Some of the smaller kids had their own pool... All of Carla's extra floats sure came in handy!

Jenna smiles for the camera!
Addison is concentrating hard on watering the pool!
... and Jaclyn's off...!

Some more close-ups of Jocelyn

Elizabeth and Will stand patiently in line for the diving board!
Can we go home now? I am so tired!!

Duane Turns 40!

2008-06-16T14:59:00.008-04:00

Michal threw a surprise 40th birthday for Duane last week. Everything was so well-laid-out and planned with the games, air rides, potluck, and bbq, but I think Duane won by surprising everyone the most probably when he got home early before the guests arrived! Michal did a wonderful job coordinating everything, and the party was lots of fun in the hot sun - especially for the kids! Happy Birthday, Duane! (I'm sorry that I did not happen to get a picture of the celebrity himself on his special day...)

Mark takes some snaps of Addison as she poses... The kids LOVED the air rides!!

They don't make them any better than Fred!!
The party was perfectly decorated to commemorate the special day!

Alexandria and Addison decide to make their own pool - with Teresa's help!

Ut oh. Am I in trouble for splashing Alexandria??

Carla and Evie smile for the camera!
Anika, Kelsey, and Jaclyn say cheese! Noah loved the cupcakes!

Just Having Fun!

2008-06-16T14:39:00.005-04:00

Here are just some goofy pictures we took recently of the kids and some others of some good friends who stayed for a while after meeting last Wednesday...

Addison says hi!!

Noah just loves to play peek-a-boo!

Anna gave Addison her first official french braid! (Addison is always SO MUCH more patient when Anna does her hair than when I do!!)

Sophia waves hello!

Adrian goes up for the shot!
Satchel is about to swing!

Memorial Day at Mimi and Grandpa's!

2008-05-31T16:29:00.007-04:00

Our family really enjoyed spending our Memorial Day holiday at Mimi and Grandpa's in Jacksonville Beach, FL. They spoiled us with lots of toys, clothes, food, games, and walks on the beach. The pictures don't do it justice, but Jacksonville has one of the nicest city playgrounds we've ever visited! It was great getting to visit with some relatives who came in from out-of-town and some other friends who came over for meals. We were really happy to get to spend some extra time with Sarah Lynn (worker) and her parents Johnny and Linda. Noah and Addison absolutely LOVE the beach, and it was a real treat to get to watch them both play in the ocean with their grandparents. Daniel and I had lots of fun searching for sharks' teeth while we were there, too! Noah was quite distraught when we had to leave, and we all understood why! We promised him another visit very soon!

Giggles!

2008-05-31T16:05:00.010-04:00

Here's a few recent pictures of Noah and Addison on the floor laughing and just having fun!

It's a...

2008-05-20T10:09:00.009-04:00

... BOY!!!

Noah and Addison are planning to have a new baby BROTHER in October! We're all really excited about our new addition!!!

Happy Birthday, Tio!

2008-04-29T17:19:00.005-04:00

We got to spend Sunday with the Torres celebrating Jorge's birthday. Lydia and Zack cooked delicious pork burritos for lunch, and Jorge was excited to get a new camera as one of his gifts. Happy Birthday, Tio! Thanks for letting us share the special day with you!

Fun at Ernie and LaDonna's!

2008-04-29T16:30:00.012-04:00

We had such a great time at the annual get-together LaDonna and Ernie hosted on their farm Saturday! We played all kinds of sports - softball, basketball, and volleyball, and ate delicious barbeque along with all the other potluck goodies. The weather scared us a bit with rain at lunch, but it ended up being a beautiful day! Thanks so much to LaDonna and Ernie for planning such a fun event!

And here's a few of the old Hagy crowd!

Addison just couldn't last any longer

And here's Logan and Lacie fast asleep in Mama's and Grandma's arms...

Lacie woke up!

Jeremy (and Vaughn) got to make the event, too!

Daddy took a break from basketball to give Noah and Addison a squeeze!

Addison's thinking hard about something for sure!

Michal and Anna

Cheryl, Amanda, Shelby, Todd, and Lacie

Noah and Amanda give the horse a hug...

Melia and Noah give each other hugs!

These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things...

2008-04-29T16:20:00.007-04:00

From baby dolls and blankies to footballs and ABC's, these are a few of our favorite things!

Addison's blanket and baby doll are instant cures for anything that's gone wrong! She never willingly puts down either one!

Noah LOVES balls and Elmo...

...and giraffes

...and singing his ABC's and 123's OVER AND OVER AND OVER!

Petting Farm at School

2008-04-29T15:59:00.004-04:00

Lots of animals came to visit Noah and his classmates at school last Thursday. There were goats, calves, ducks, bunnies, donkeys, and dogs. Noah loved it! He's continued to ask to pet the animals again each day this week! His teacher didn't really understand what he meant when he asked her on Monday until I explained. She laughed!

Noah's teacher, Ms. Laura, posed with both Noah and Addison. (She will be Addison's teacher next year!)

AND SHE'S OFF.....

2008-04-08T17:10:00.011-04:00

Addison has now joined the walking world!! She walked first on last Tuesday, and she hasn't stopped going since!! She's had a couple of falls and scrapes, but nothing has deterred her yet! She's up and off again immediately. GOOOO Addison!! (I guess I'd better take those last crawling photos now if I'm not already too late!)

HERE I GO...

WHOAAAA... Whew, that was close. Thanks, Anna!!

BYE, BYE!!

Easter Egg Hunt!!

2008-03-24T17:19:00.009-04:00

Many thanks to Teresa for hosting such a fun Easter Party for the local young ones! The kids (and Moms) had so much fun eating yummy pbj's, finding lots of eggs, and eating endless chocolate, cake, and jelly beans! (The Dads thoroughly enjoyed themselves in different way, too - at a BBQ restaurant down the street!) Fun for everyone!!

Birthdays Gone By...

2008-03-24T17:04:00.006-04:00

Lots of special people had birthdays in later February and March that need to be mentioned! A late Happy Birthday to Mark on Feb 17, Teresa, Alison, and Shelley on Feb 24, Allie on Feb 22, and Tony on March 4. Earl and Papa (Jr.) celebrated birthdays yesterday - more pictures from that one to come as soon as we can get copies! (I've got to start remembering to carry my camera to all these special affairs!)

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY, ADDISON!!

2008-03-04T10:17:00.035-05:00

Addison turned one on Feb 26! We had an exciting party for her at a nearby park. Lots of friends and family got together to celebrate her day with cake, pizza, and volleyball. We all had a really fun day! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ADDISON!!

CIRCUS!!

2008-02-19T14:00:00.026-05:00

Some friends got together and went to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus this last weekend. We had such a great time! We put our hearts at risk and ate at the healthy Varsity to start the fun evening. Eating at The Varsity is a cherished, greasy-onion-ring-and-chili-dog, one-time-a-year treat! Thanks to Michal, we even had delicious, ice-it-yourself cookies for dessert! Then off to the circus we went! The clowns, tigers, zebras, elephants, acrobats, and so many other spectators all added to the excitement! We sat in awe of the skills and talents the entire cast displayed. We were so surprised to see Evenader Holyfield at the affair! Mark was quick to point him out as he anonymously rode around the rings. Daniel confirmed it later, too, when they walked by each other. Good eye, Mark! From our little get-together to watching the circus staff and the animals, the evening was so much fun!! (and the cotton candy helped, too!)

The gang at The Varsity

Yes, these tigers are actually sitting on top of each other!

Daniel and Noah

Trevor, Jenna, Melina, and Konlan

Melia, Jenna, and Noah

Will and Mark

Evander Holyfield showed up for the affair!

Jenna

Cindy and Noah

Noah, Konlan, Melina, Jenna, Melia, Will, and Trevor

Duane, Michal, Trevor, Melia, and Konlan

Mark, Lauren, and Will

Daniel, Cindy, and Noah

Homebound!

2008-01-21T17:50:00.000-05:00

We've been homebound with Addison all week! She's been fighting a cold all winter it seems, and she has the hardest times recovering. Antibiotic after antibiotic. Nebulizer. Eye infection. Ear infection. All at the same time! It really hasn't been that bad altogether; she's getting better now - slowly but surely. After going to the doctor three times in the last two weeks, we've been keeping her captive inside to make sure a new infection isn't introduced. We've had to come up with lots of fun games for her and Noah to play! Here are a few pictures we've taken since the homebound episode began...

Daddy and his two little ones...

Noah decided to go walking in Mama's shoes!

Oh the games they play!

Happy 5th Birthday, Will!

2008-01-21T17:17:00.000-05:00

Noah and I had such a fun time at Will's 5th birthday party this weekend! Lots and lots of little pirates (and one big one - Jack Sparrow) were sparing around his house - all at the same time! The decorations and party favors were fantastic - with little pirate hats for all the "mates," sailboat steering wheels used as table center pieces, and pails with indiviualized take-home goodies for all Will's buddies - not to mention a well-dressed, delicious pirate birthday cake! Thanks to Lauren and Mark for putting on such a fun affair!

(I am sooo sad that I do not have any pictures to display!!! I forgot my camera!!! GRRRRR. But I'm hoping I get some pics forwarded to me, and I'll be sure to post them if I do.)

Happy 1st Birthday, Alexandria!!

2008-01-14T16:35:00.000-05:00

We went to a really fun clown party for Alexandria's first birthday on Saturday. Lots of friends and family, cute clown faces (thanks to talented Elizabeth!), delicious spaghetti, yummy birthday cake, and gifts and more gifts all came together for the special day. Happy Birthday, Alexandria!

A Friday Night at Tio and Debbie's

2008-01-06T21:31:00.000-05:00

Noah and Addison had so much fun last Friday night at Jorge and Debbie's! Thanks so much, you guys, for all the endless pampering - for the kids and us!

Aunt Debbie is patiently juggling both of them!

The Many Faces of Addison

What's in there, Zack?

Tio is trying to teach Noah...

and he's just about asleep...

Look up and say "cheese."

"I DON'T WANT TO SAY CHEESE!"

New Year's Party 2008

2008-01-03T22:33:00.003-05:00

We all had such a good time this year at Jaemor's! It was lots of fun having so many friends together to celebrate. Thanks to all who helped prepare for the celebration!

Noah and Jacob playing

Carla and Jenny

Mormor, Morfar, Anna, and Sophia

Fred and Bobbie

Evie Jean

Noah thinks he is so cool with shades on!

Addison's Newest Pick!

The Thains provided awesome entertainment!

And Noah provided some entertainment for the group, too!
Check out the slide show...

Christmas in Jacksonville

2007-12-27T16:11:00.000-05:00

We spent Christmas in Jacksonville Beach this year with Daniel's family. We had a really great time! Debbie, Jorge, Mark, Lydia, and Zack all went down, too. It was really special having so many of the family together! We spent lots of time eating Cuban food, playing and looking for sharks' teeth at the beach, and relaxing. The Deans and the Klepzigs even came over for pizza one night and played games. We had a really fun time playing Catch Phrase. We won each time, of course!

Noah and Grandpa had lots of fun feeding the seagulls!

The weather was way too cold and windy for Addison so Mimi had to rescue her!

Noah and Addison with Grandpa and Grandma Torres

Hmm... what's this??

Ohhh... I see!

Noah playing with Mark

Addison playing with Zack