Jeff & Amber's Family Spot

Where has the time gone!

2010-08-17T22:02:00.004-06:00

I know it has been almost a year since my last blog, where has the time gone? The girls have started 2nd and 4th grades, now only to be off track, part two of summer has just begun. Kate just turned 7, Ethan will be turning 4 soon, Cooper is growing up so fast, and time just seems to be going by at warp speed. These pictures aren't even the most current, I guess I have a lot of work to do!

4 Kids!

2009-08-20T10:50:00.007-06:00

I still can't believe that I have four kids. I am over 30 and have a full mini van - well since you must have space between everyone, you can't add any more or someone will be touching someone (sounds like all those dreaded family vacations with long hours in the car). I must say though, as each day brings all sorts of new adventures (potty training Ethan just on the top of the list), I am so grateful for the 4 kids I have and how much I love them and how much love they show me (well most of the time, unless I am asking them to do their homework or come inside from riding their bikes).

Just a couple weeks ago a wonderful friend took some amazing pictures of my kids and I must share. Now don't be fooled, they may look like angels, but there is a little devil inside each of them, well except Cooper, right now he could do no wrong, except spit up all over his dad in his work clothes. Thanks again Alana.

Thanks Lori

2009-07-15T10:19:00.004-06:00

Aunt Lori is in town for the summer and has a wonderful camera. While living at grandma's, she was able to capture some rare moments that few get to see. Hope all enjoy these as much as I do. Thanks Lori

I will have to show Nicole and Kate this photo daily to remind them that they do love each other and will have a sister who will always be there for them forever.

Here is our crazy gang (except for Cooper). The three are partners in crime and will keep anyone on their toes, or heels keeping up with them.

Fun Stuff

2009-07-15T10:12:00.005-06:00

Here is Kate's field trip to the zoo. Jeff took Ethan and went along. As tradition would have it, it rained all day as it did when Nicole did the same kindergarten field trip. Jeff was a trooper to go along and have fun with the kids.

Jeff won a trip to the Jazz locker room clean out. Nicole and Ethan got up early and went along to see what treasures awaited them. They had a good time and came home with some cool and interesting things.

home is where the heart is

2009-07-15T09:58:00.004-06:00

Here is our new home. We are so excited to finally be moved in. The past 6 weeks have been exciting and wild. Moving out of old home, getting settled at grandma and grandpa's house, welcoming Cooper to the world, and finding our dream home just 5 mintues away from our old home.

We are getting settled and can't wait to have friends over to visit. The girls are enjoying their own rooms and riding their bikes in the circle. We can't wait for the sod to take so that we can play in our wonderful backyard.

Jeff has been working hard with all sorts of projects, and I am just trying to find some sort of order to the madness.

I just want to send a thank you out to all those who have helped us move in. We couldn't have done it with out everyone's help. We love you all.

Cooper Timothy Sorensen

2009-07-15T09:43:00.007-06:00

Cooper was born June 5, 2009 at 7:55pm weighing 7 lbs. 1 oz. After going to dinner and looking at a couple houses, we made it to the hospital with about 2 minutes to spare. No doctor, no drugs, a couple big screams and Cooper was with us. He has been the best baby, after all having to sleep with lots of noise, tolerate being carried like a baby doll by his sisters, and enjoying the love from his big brother.

Easter

2009-04-16T22:32:00.004-06:00

While i'm posting...

I'm not sure what the Easter bunny does in the rest of the world, but at our house the Easter bunny hides each kid's Easter basket. They get increasingly difficult to find as each child ages. I can remember one year, when I was a kid, I found my Easter basket tied to the chimney shute opener and the only way to find it was to stick my head in the fireplace and look up.

My kids aren't quite old enough for the Easter bunny to do that, but it's still a good thing that the Easter bunny makes sure to tell me where he hid all the baskets so I can help the kids find them if needed.

Nicole's was the hardest this year. Her basket was hidden in the coat closet. She looked in the closet twice on her own before she came crying saying how everyone else had their basket and she couldn't find her's yet. So, with some careful "warmer... colder... ooh hot! hot! hot!" she was getting closer and closer. I grabbed the camera....

Here's another fun video. I caught Ethan red-handed getting himself out of his crib. You can see for a split second he realizes he has been caught and considers getting back in. But then he realizes no one is yelling, so he figures it's okay to proceed. Cute little guy... he was just getting his little doggie to cuddle.

In Dallas...

2009-04-16T22:24:00.005-06:00

I had 2 days of business in Dallas, so of course I found a way to Arlington to see the 8th wonder of the world - the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Here are some pictures:

Fun times

2009-03-14T17:15:00.002-06:00

Here is Kate just being Kate. She loves school and is always willing to tell you all about what she has learned. I can't believe how big she is getting.

Like father, like son. Here is Jeff and Ethan doing one of their favorite things, playing Mario Kart on the Wii. Ethan looks forward to when Jeff gets home from work and they can have some time to be buds on the couch together. Don't let Ethan's size fool you, he is really good and moving that wheel around.

Ethan is never slow at anything he does, like going up the tile stairs. Here is the black eye to prove it. Luckily no stitches, we have had a good run without needing grandpa to stitch anyones injuries for quite some time.

Just the same old stuff

2009-03-14T16:47:00.010-06:00

I feel like each day is just the same old stuff as the day before. House to clean, dinner to make, laundry to fold, etc. Someday seem like an exact repeat of the day before and the day before that.

As I finally cleared the memory from my digital camera, I thought about the silly, funny, memorable, and important things that have made some days special and not just the same old stuff.

Nicole got baptized on February 28th. It was so neat to have her make that decision. I am very proud of her and all that she does. As you can tell from the pictures she was very nervous, but did really well and enjoyed the rest of the day once the fear of the unknown was gone.

33 on 3/3

2009-03-03T15:02:00.006-07:00

Love you dad!

Happy Birthday from Nicole and Kate!

Happy Birthday Jeff! Thanks for being such a great dad. We all love you and appreciate all you do!

This Ones For You Babe!

2008-12-07T12:37:00.004-07:00

Kate is such a cute dancer. This is her performing at the Festival of Trees. Her smile is so wonderful to watch.

After many mornings listening to her cry and scream when I would comb her hair, it was time to cut Nicole's beautiful hair. She got 6 1/2 inches cut off this past week. She definetaly looks grown up with her cute new look.

Here is Ethan and his dog or gog as he will tell you. Ethan convinced me that his dog needed a bowl of Alpha Bits (including milk) just like him. Ethan made sure the bowl was postitioned just right, on the edge of the counter waiting to spill all over the dog. Everyday there is something new that makes me laugh.

Falling For Fall

2008-09-09T22:41:00.004-06:00

GO UTES!!!

It is officially fall for me. Football season is here, the kids are back in school, the days seem shorter, and the nights are cool. Fall is my favorite time of year. So here is a post will some of the favorite things about fall.

I must also mention that fall also brings me to make certain things at my house. I have made 6 batches of caramel popcorn, and have eaten probably 4 myself. I really should stop, but I just can't resist the chewy, crunchy, sweet popcorn. If any of you are interested try the following recipe.

Microwave Caramel Popcorn

16 cups popped popcorn (not microwave)

1 stick butter

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup corn syrup

1/2 teaspoon salt

Microwave on high for 1 minute - stir

again for 1 minute - stir

then again for 1 minute - stir

Then add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Stir, the mixture will foam.

Take a brown paper grocery sack and spray the inside with Pam.

Put the popcorn in and pour caramel mixture over the top. Roll closed and shake.

Place in microwave for 1 minute, shake

then 1 minute, shake

then 30 seconds, shake

and 30 seconds, shake.

Once done shaking, pour out onto cookie sheet to cool. Enjoy!

Kiddie Kandids Today!

2008-07-07T19:58:00.006-06:00

Well, Amber has done a decent job of updating the blog, but I guess it is my turn. Amber took the kids to Kiddie Kandids today, and, well, since she's not quite sure how to get the photos off the kiddie kandids website to be able to post them on our blog, it's my turn.

There are some good pictures. For example, Ethan turns 2 in a couple months and he loves balls. Here is a picture of him in what he would consider to be heaven on earth.

I can't believe that he would actually sit by all the balls without throwing all of them.

Here are a couple of pictures of all 3 kids together:

Here is our little Kate. She is getting so big. She went to the doctor's office right after these pictures to get her kindergarten check-up. She didn't realize it going in, but they gave her 4 shots today. She isn't in the best of moods right now. Maybe I should take her to Ikea to lift her spirits.

Here is Nicole. She is also growing like a weed. She will be starting 2nd grade in a month or so. 2nd grade - I can't believe it. I can almost remember when I was in 2nd grade...

Here is the most amazing picture you will ever see. I have not seen these two so close to each other with smiles on their faces in about 4 years. I guarantee if you put these two this close together that they will be fighting and one of them crying (if not both) within 10 seconds. We'll put a copy of this picture in every room in the house just to remind us that these two can co-exist without pulling each other's hair out:
In fact, Kate just came up to me and said, "Daddy, don't you like the picture of me and Nicole hugging each other?" Just as I am about to answer, Nicole chimes in "I don't! I hate it!" I bet you can guess who causes the fighting.

10 Years

2008-06-16T13:51:00.003-06:00

So here is to embarassment. Next week Jeff and I will celebrate our 10 year anniversary. I can't believe what has come about over the last 10 years. But I will say I am blessed. I have a wonderful husband and three children who are amazing (well most of the time). So here is to the next 10 years. Hope they are just as fun as the last. Love you Jeff!

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-16T13:12:00.012-06:00

So I feel really bad not posting something the wonderful man who has given me my family. Thanks Jeff for all you do. Happy Belated Father's Day Jeff!

Jeff is the best dad, he is always helping the girls and loves to be with them.

Jeff has three loves and they are Nicole, Kate and Ethan [Jeff's edit - It's actually 4 - Don't forget Amber, she's #1 - OK enough cheese....] He is truly an amazing father. The kids can't wait to have him home, especially Ethan.

He loves his kids and will do anything for them. So here is to you, the best dad. We all love you!

Pirates Cove

2008-06-01T22:05:00.020-06:00

So here is Pirates Cove. One of the most amazing places our family has ever been. Thank to the generocity of Uncle Blake, we got to enjoy this amazing house/resort/villa/etc. I am not sure how to describe it but FUN FUN FUN is a good place to start. This is the top of the slide that Jeff and Ethan are going down.

As you can see Ethan loved going down the slide with his dad. We also sent him down several times by him self in a life jacket with Jeff waiting to catch him at the end of slide. I still am not sure if he loved it, but he never cried and always wanted to go down again with his dad.

Also Ethan loved the ice cream machine. This was just after he woke up from a nap and the ice cream is what he wanted.

Holly and Dave were such good helpers. Jeff and I could not keep up with the demand of slide runs, so Holly and Dave were always ready to take a turn.

Here our little Kate is jumping into the deep diving pool. Her face just lets you know that she is always having fun, no matter what she is doing.

Once again the favorite thing to do was the slide. The girls would get up and have their swim suits on by 9 am. We would drag them out of the water at 7 pm. We were supposed to only stay one day after spending the weekend in St. George, but we just couldn't leave so soon. We stayed an extra day. The girls were so happy. Not to mention Ethan, who learned to say "pool" this past weekend, and then would repeat it every five minutes.

Here is a perfect picture of Nicole jumping into the diving pool. She had been watching Dave and Holly jump of the platforms, so this is her version. She is so crazy.

Once again Holly and Dave saved the day. They had good practice looking after the kids for when we go out of town and they will be in charge. I will pray for Holly and Dave every day!

Here is grandma and grandpa soaking up the sun and watching the girls have so much fun. We truly had the best time. And what an amazing place. I could post about 10 more pictures of just the amazing place we stayed at. Thanks Uncle Blake for the invite!

Discovery Gateway

2008-02-27T14:06:00.007-07:00

This past week the kids and I went to the Discovery Gateway museum. The kids loved it so much we got a membership so we can go as often as we'd like. Here are some of the special moments of that trip.

Use your imagination and put the sound with this face. Let's just say that Ethan is like his dad, they both aren't very fond of horseback riding.

Kate is my little construction worker. She is the most adorable 4 year old I know. I am so blessed to have three amazing, cute and wonderful kids.

Wii

2008-02-25T23:43:00.004-07:00

This is Ethan watching Jeff and Nicole play the Wii. He loves to stand right close to the TV. And in case any of you are wondering, he does the same motions everytime we play. Ethan is just obsessed with any type of ball.

* Next time I will try to make the posts a little bit more scrapbook like and not so many of them. I am still learning. Hope you all haven't given up on us. Love to all!

Oh! The Snow We Have Had

2008-02-25T23:38:00.002-07:00

Lori this is for you! I am sure that you are missing the snow, so I captured the girls outside playing in the backyard. Jeff could probably give a better report, but lets just say that this year we have had more snow that in years past.

Movie Night!

2008-02-25T23:29:00.003-07:00

So here are the kids having movie night. As you can see Ethan is surrounded by his two favorite people, Nicole and Kate. What a group!

2008-02-25T23:24:00.004-07:00

Now I know that I am not as funny as Jeff, but I will do my best to show you all some of our lastest pictures and give everyone a glimse of our crazy life.

I just love this picture of Kate. He face is just perfection. She loves life and will put a smile on your face anyday.

We are still here!

2008-02-25T23:16:00.003-07:00

Sorry for the delay in blogging. Jeff has been so busy with work, and I have not taken the opportunity to post, but enough is enough. Our kids are just so darn cute that they must be seen by all who chose to visit our blog.

This is Ethan last fall playing in the leaves. Don't you just love his big brown eyes. Such a handsome boy.

Jazz Game!

2007-10-21T13:03:00.001-06:00

As many of you know - I am a big fan of the Utah Jazz. Well, the preseason is here and since I found 4 upper bowl tickets to a preseason game on ebay for only $7.99, I figured it would be a fun family outing.

Amber and the kids picked me up from work and we hit the Wendy's AND McDonald's drive thru before heading downtown to the game. Kate refused to eat McDonald's nuggets and Ethan prefers the Wendy's ones as well - but Nicole wanted McDonalds (and Amber & I prefer McDonald's also - especially since it is Monopoly time - I love Monopoly time at McDonalds). After everyone was happy with their dinner we headed downtown. Being the tight cheap-skate that I am (and the fact that Amber and I never carry cash), it took about 15 minutes to find free parking - and not very close either.

On the walk there, three different times Kate could smell popcorn popping. Kate has a weak spot for concession stand popcorn. A week earlier, we went to the U of U football game. After getting Kate a hotdog, pretzel, candy and Sprite - she smelled the popcorn and would not rest until she had some. So we went and got a big tub of popcorn. She gleefully carried it up to our seats at the U football game where Holly & Dave, and Grandma & Grandpa awaited. She told them all that she got the biggest bucket of popcorn and they could all have as much as they wanted. What a good girl for sharing. However, about 10 minutes later, upon realizing that her popcorn bucket was only about 1/4 full, she yelled at everyone at told them that they had all eaten too much of her popcorn and revoked their sharing privledges. Oh well, it was good while it lasted.

Back to the Jazz game, Kate immediately started asking for popcorn, which we managed to hold out until the end of the 1st Quarter to get her some (we arrived with about 7 minutes left in the first quarter). Thankfully, the vending stations take credit cards and we got some popcorn.

Nicole is also a big Jazz fan. Last year during the playoffs, she watched every game with me and whenever she wore her lucky Jazz T-shirt - the Jazz always managed to win. Last year, she knew every player and their jersey number. You could quiz her. She was also smart enough to know that Matt Harpring is the worst player on the Jazz, and that we were glad that Fisher left. They gave out posters with the season's schedule on them. Which Nicole is proudly displaying in the picture below. Now all we need to do is cut out the picture of Harpring and it will be fine.

When I got home from work the next day, both Nicole and Kate had hung their posters on their bedroom walls. I was one proud papa to see them being excited about the Jazz.

Ethan also had a good time at the game. He didn't squirm too much and actually sat on my lap and watched (as long as he had some candy, food or as you see below, a sword [straw] to play with). He even cried both times we took him out of the arena to go walk around. He wanted to be in where he could see the court.

He did get upset when I made him pose for a picture with the court in the background though.

We all had a great time, I even ran to the car in the rain and sleet so my family wouldn't get wet and wouldn't have to walk the 3 miles away that I parked. (It was very cold and very wet)

Ethan Snack Searching

2007-10-21T12:35:00.000-06:00

First of all, I didn't think anyone really looked at our blog, but it is funny when you haven't posted anything for a month how many people start asking you when you are going to update. So, sorry to everyone that it has been a month.

In our kitchen we have a little corner door that functions as our pantry. For Ethan, it's kind of like a walk-in pantry. Well, the door doesn't shut all the way, so Ethan has access to it basically whenever he wants. The other day he was after a snack. You could hear all this noise coming from the pantry, and here is what it looked like when Amber found him:

You may note from the picture above what he has grabbed in his right hand. Here he is leaving victoriously from the pantry:

And here is his path of destruction that follows him almost everywhere he goes:

Ethan sure is fun to have around!

Ethan loves Oreos!

2007-09-19T20:29:00.000-06:00

Amber went out with her sisters and mom tonight, so I had the kids. Amber dropped them off at my office and then I took them over to the new Chipotle. Needless to say, that was my choice, not theirs - but they each ate a cheese Quesadilla and for $0.80 a piece - that's a lot cheaper than McD's. On our way home, we stopped at a pet store - just for fun - to let the kids look at the animals. Ethan is fascinated by birds. Kate wants a kitty or a puppy. Nicole likes the animals as long as they are locked up. When I finally dragged them away, all 3 kids were crying. Ethan was tired. Kate wanted to take a pet home, and Nicole was crying at the simple idea we might ever have a pet. I know I'm the idiot - it was a lose, lose, lose situation from the beginning. When we got home I did a little swamp cooler work (the stupid thing started leaking again and I'll be visiting Home Depot tomorrow, hopefully only once, to buy some supplies to attempt to fix it) Swamp coolers are the biggest pieces of shiz in the world. I hate my swamp cooler more than the devil himself. Anyway, Ethan didn't eat much of his quesadilla, so I started feeding him some mandarin oranges. Kate started crying because it was our last cup of mandarin oranges. So I gave her an Oreo to shut her up. Well, I had forgotten that Ethan LOVES Oreos. As soon as he saw it, he immediately wanted nothing else. Here is the video for you to enjoy...

Then, I'm not kidding - 30 seconds later, Kate has gone upstairs and put on a Cinderella costume:

Nicole put a dress on, and they started playing Trick-or-Treat by taking turns being inside the pantry and handing treats out to each other as they knocked on the pantry door.

Then I look over at Ethan and he is a mess from his Oreo.

Then he starts grunting and pooped what seems to me like a world record quantity. I've tried to train him to do this only when Mom is around, but I got stuck with it this time.

These are the joys of having kids!

Peruvian Kate

2007-09-17T19:17:00.000-06:00

Well, My mom and dad just got back from Peru. They brought back some artifacts and Kate got dressed up. I can't see her wearing these anywhere, but they're not bad for dress-up I guess. These things remind me of when I would go to little centers in Chile where you think you should buy some souveniers and you think they are real cool at the time. Then you get the things home and you're like "What the h was I thinking - these are lame."

Well, once I saw a companion at the U wearing his Chile artifact coat, and I thought "He looks ridiculous."

I'll post some more stuff later.

Kiddie Kandids

2007-09-08T10:56:00.000-06:00

Since Ethan and Kate both had Birthdays in the last couple of weeks, it was time for pictures to be taken at Kiddie Kandids. Here are the best of them...

Ethan's 1st Birthday Party!

2007-09-04T20:42:00.000-06:00

Tonight was Ethan's 1st birthday party. His birthday was August 30, but we were in St. George, so tonight was the family party. Attendees are as follows: G&G Jo, Grandma Rosemary and Grandpa Russ, Grandma Nan, Aunt Ashley & cousin Ally, Mom, Dad, Nicole, Kate, and of course - the man of the hour - Ethan.

You might remember we always make a special cake for our kids when they turn 1 and let them do whatever they want to it. Ethan destroyed his after some help from his sisters. I gave him a bath afterwards which had plenty of cake floaties...but you should have seen the floor that Amber cleaned up!

We had a blast. The girls fought (what else is new) over who got to play with Ethan's toys first, while the only toy Ethan was interested in was Grandma Jo's cane. I've attempted to post a video of him playing with it (see further down).

Here's Ethan with his special "football" cake from Linda Gerlach.

In addition to playing with the cane, you might notice that Ethan is quite the walker now. Just yesterday he started gaining confidence in being able to take more than two steps at a time, and now, he's basically got it down. This can mean only 1 thing - we'll be in the emergency room some time this week getting stitches from him falling head first into some sharp corner. Somehow, Nicole never had stitches in her forehead, but Kate has had 3 sets. The last time Primary Children's was asking lots of accusatory questions as if I did it to her. I was this close to going off on them.

Anyway, here is hopefully a video of Ethan:

Enjoy!

PS - Quote from Kate on the way home from St. George:

Kate: "Daddy - remember the meatballs at Ikea?"

Daddy (bewildered):"Yes Kate, I remember them."

Kate: "Those are good, huh?"

(I don't know what her obsession with Ikea is. We've been there once or twice and she thinks it's the greatest place on earth for some reason... Like the time I was super mad at the girls and told them if they didn't start behaving and quit fighting that all of their privledges would be taken away. I then gave some examples like no more out to dinner, no more movies at bedtime, etc., etc. - then Kate pipes up and gives one more example, "and we won't get to go to Ikea anymore Daddy?")

Here are some random pictures:

Ethan having his birthday breakfast. Since we were in St. George, he got one of his favorite items, Hostess mini powdered donuts!

This is Kate and Nicole at Ethan's Party:

Kate on her birthday:

Kate at Pre-School:

And Kate on her first day of Preschool:

Kate says the funniest things!

2007-08-31T12:30:00.000-06:00

Ok - we're in St. George so I don't have access to post a photo at the present time, but just thought I would leave some thoughts from Kate (she just turned 4)- she is hilarious.

First some background leading up to Kate's Quotes. You must know that my parents own a dog "Brittany" that is 13 years old (that's 91 in dog years) that is now deaf, toothless and must be fed a special diet of soft meaty bites and wet dog food. You all know what wet dog food looks and smells like. Well, this weekend has led to Kate's first encounter with wet dog food.

Also - most of you are aware that my daughter Nicole (Kate's sister) has some anxiety issues (she gets it from her Dad). Nicole makes herself nervous about a variety of things, which usually leads to her making herself sick and she throws-up or cries a lot. One thing she is deathly afraid of is dogs. And sometimes, she gets nervous about going to school.

That should be enough background...so here are the quotes: (also - it's funny to know that Kate just made herself lunch. She poured about half a bag of pretzels onto a plate and got out a juice box).

Also, please remember Kate's special squeaky voice...it's a cross between Minnie Mouse and a little girl...

Quote #1: Last night, Kate was closely watching Grandpa as he made Brittany her dinner. He scooped out half a can of wet dog food and then kind of smashed it up. Then Kate said, "Granpa, Does Brittany eat dog pooh?"

Quote #2: "Granma, guess what? If I go to pre-school without throwing up or crying, then I get a toy!" Mom's (Amber) response: "No Kate - that's just for Nicole."

and Quote #3: this one came in the middle of the night the other night. My alarm went off which woke me up, but just caused Kate to stir. She was in the middle of a dream and started talking in her sleep. Kate(crying) :"Nicole!...Nicole!...Daddy - Nicole just took my coloring book!..." How would it be to be so young and innocent that the worst nightmare you can have is that your older sister just took your coloring book.

I'll put more pictures up on my next post.

See you all later!

Picture Post

2007-08-24T22:28:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I think I can put a few pictures in the same post. I'm really getting good at this. Here are a bunch of pictures:

This one here is a picture of Ethan sleeping on top of me. He must have been super comfy sleeping on top of his soft pillowy Dad.

Here are our 3 kids driving their pink Cadilac Escalade. When Ethan is old enough to drive, I will be spray painting it and having it "murdered out" just like Big Black's Pinto.

Here are Colo and Kater-Tots getting ready for Kate's water birthday party for her friends. They are eating popsicles, because those popsicles are not allowed in the house.

Here's Mom (Amber) and the two girls riding a space ship to outer space at Disneyland. Kate is classic, everytime the ride went up, she would ask if they were in outer space. Just like when we took off in the airplane on our way to California, she kept asking when we were going to "Blast Off!"

Nicole is our ballerina. Here she is preparing for her recital. It's funny to know that about 30 seconds before this picture she was bawling about who knows what, but as soon as I pulled out the camera to get a picture of her being a baby, she immediately put on a big smile and show for the camera.

While Ethan and I were waiting for the girls in the princess shop, I put this "Prince" crown or whatever it is on him. He smiled for about 2 seconds before ripping the thing off his head. Kudos to Mom for capturing this picture while he still had a smile on his face.

Here is me and all the kids on the teacups. I don't know if Ethan was supposed to be on the ride or not, but I snuck him on and he loved it. Nobody even threw-up! You should note that we are, of course, riding in a pink teacup. I wonder who requested that?

Lastly, here are my 2 princesses with their favorite princess, Cinderella. This would be like me hanging out with Emmitt Smith or John Stockton. They sure had a fun time.

Nicole Elise

2007-08-24T22:22:00.000-06:00

Here is our big girl Nicole Elise. She is 6 and a half and just started 1st grade. Her teacher's name is Mrs. Bickmore, but she might as well go by Sargeant Bickmore. I call Nicole "Colo". She is a good helper around the house (when she wants to be). She loves princesses and Barbies and most of all, she loves her sister Kate and brother Ethan. The first picture is taken at Disneyland where Nicole was trying on some princess tiaras. The other picture is taken of Nicole in our front yard on her first day of 1st grade. She is wearing her favorite Hello Kitty backpack.

Kate Marie

2007-08-24T22:04:00.000-06:00

So I'm on to post #2 - I'm too dumb to mess with this too much, so I figure I'll do one post for each of my kids with a picture of each... Then, I'll just upload as many pictures as I can so Lori can see us.

This one is Kate, I call her "Kater-Tots". She is a genuine sweetheart. She just turned 4 and had a horrible birthday. She got the 24 hour flu and laid on the couch for her entire party. She did wake up long enough to barf all over the place and said, with her little high-pitched squeaky voice, "it's no fun to throw up on your birthday."

She is my favorite 4 year old in the world - and the cutest one too!

First Post Ever!

2007-08-24T21:57:00.001-06:00

Okay - I don't know what the h I am doing, but since my dear sister Lori is on a 4 year mission and keeps giving me crap that I don't have a blog - well, I am going to attempt to post some pictures for her benefit. I can't imagine any other person will ever look at this and I'm sure it is going to be ugly (except for the pictures of my kids). But here goes...

Here is a picture of child #3 Ethan Jeffery. He is a machine. He turns 1 on August 30th and he is taking 3-4 steps at a time. He loves to crawl upstairs and get into trouble