It's Windy and Cold Today

2011 Feb 204, originally uploaded by counsel14.

Ok, it's only 60, which isn't quite "cold," but it is chillier than it has been. I thought Katelee captured this sentiment well.

Easter Block Party

We live in a wonderful neighborhood, and we have been able to get to know our neighbors with some fun backyard parties.  Today was an Easter celebration, which translated into wonderful BBQ, super side items, delicious desserts, chaotic kids running everywhere, and (of course) an Easter egg hunt.  The girls had a blast and may have gone into sugar shock several times throughout the night. 

Bug of the Day

Momma Spider?

Bugs

The girls are on a kick of collecting bugs -- mainly roly poly and little black beetle bugs.  Similar to kids hauling a cat all around the house, our girls practically maul these little bugs as they pick them up and put them down and pick them up again.  They generally want to put them in a glass or container and keep them.  We have a "no bugs in the house" rule, as well as a "let them go before you come in" policy.  Today was the big one in terms of bug collection though.  In fact, I believe Olivia named him Black Eyes.  I'm not totally sure what it is . . . beetle?  roach?  water bug?  Not sure.  But, he did his time in the cage, and then he was released to the wild back yard.  Who knows, maybe he'll be caught again another day.

Saturday

The girls had a wonderful day of playing today while the parental units dashed East.  Thanks to Miss Abbey, Olivia and Katelee hooked up with some other children and had their first (of several) Easter egg hunts today.  They also managed to get transformed into butterflies.  They were a bit reluctant to wipe their slates clean before bedtime.  Meanwhile, Mark & Courtney picked up an old friend from the airport, enjoyed some good Japanese hibachi, made a quick jaunt of shopping, and cruised back to Clovis.  All in all, everyone had fun!

Kids, kids, kids . . . and a ball

It has been a while since our last post mainly because we've been quite busy.  Courtney has been playing nanny/babysitter for some kids lately.  It has been fun having all the kids, and the girls love the extra playmates.  But, it does take some extra time and attention.  We did find enough time to finally get the tether ball up and going.  Grandma Donner actually called a tire company and had them send a used tire over.  Then, we filled it with concrete and let the ball whirl.  The kids have had a ball! 

Happy Baby

2011 Mar 140, originally uploaded by counsel14.

Tennyson is in full gear of flipping and grabbing. However, she cannot flip back to her back, so she gets a little frustrated now and again.

Guess what she is saying

2011 Mar 076, originally uploaded by counsel14.

Feel free to add your own conversation here, but I'm pretty sure Courtney is teaching Katelee where the nearest shoe store is.

Grandparent Visit

The grandparents made the long trek to visit the grandkids this weekend.  They have enjoyed jumping on the trampoline, eating good Mexican food, and most of all -- getting lots of hugs and cuddles from the girls.  The weekend is way too short!

A Day in the Park

Even though we did not have a doctor's note excusing us from work and school today, we enjoyed a wonderful day off (Thank you Presidents).  We spent the morning at the park, (even Kaya) and we enjoyed a little Sonic for lunch.  It was an inviting 53 degrees, which was about right for running around the park and playing.  A good nap was had after playtime!  A good nap is just putting gas in the tank for more play later.

Sun Kissed

2011 Feb 142 edit, originally uploaded by counsel14.

Cutie

2011 Feb 154, originally uploaded by counsel14.

Sitting Up!

2011 Feb 157, originally uploaded by counsel14.

So proud of herself!

Styling

2011 Feb 054 edit, originally uploaded by counsel14.

Katelee steals momma's hat. Dad steals a shot.

New Shots

2011 Feb 063 edit, originally uploaded by counsel14.

Testing a new camera with my girls is a joy!

Recovering

Tennyson was born with a skin tag -- a small extra piece of skin right next to her ear.  Last week, we took her to the doctor to have it removed.  At first, the doctor said they couldn't do it in their office because it may have part of her ear connected.  After a two hour drive to the doctor's office, it wasn't the news we wanted to hear.  But then, after looking at the piece of skin, she decided they could remove it.  However, she informed us it would be a horrible procedure because she would have to be secured to a board, given a shot, the piece cut out, and then she would get stitches . . . and she would cry and scream.  She offered letting her get older until she could decide if she wanted it gone or not.  "But, I'll give you time to decide what you want to do."

Well, we deliberated and decided we wanted our daughter to go through the horrible procedure.  Our thought:  better now than later. 

Once we let the doctor know, she said it would be a very quick procedure.  A pediatric nurse came in and told us it would be quick and easy.  Wait!  I thought this was a horrible procedure!  No, it won't take any time at all.  She won't feel anything after the shot to numb the area. 

Mark stayed in the room while Courtney took Katelee out of the room.  Sure enough, it was all over in five minutes.  And, Tennyson is a quick forgiver -- she shot a smile to the nurse when it was all over.  She did get three stitches, which are healing.  Overall, you would never know she had visited the doctor.

Happy Birthday to Olivia!

Olivia turned 6 today!  She celebrated by having friends come over for a "Movie Party."  Her first gift, opened before her friends arrived, was "How to Train Your Dragon."  A gaggle of girls (and 1 boy) arrived in the afternoon.  They played for about an hour before settling in front of the television with pizza, hot dogs, popcorn, and candy.  After the movie, she was treated with a rendition of Happy Birthday To You, a wonderful cake, and a plethora of gifts.  I'm pretty sure we have 3 boxes of pizza left!  All in all, I think it was a success though!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLIVIA



Vacation Time -- SNOW

After several months of adjusting to Eastern New Mexico life, it was time to head West.  It just happened at the same time Grandma Donner was visiting.  Thus, we picked up Grandma and headed toward Albuquerque.  We settled into a great rental home near the Sandia Peak Mountains, complete with a hot tub and fire place!  We arrived late Thursday night, lit a fire, settled into the hot tub, and then found our beds.  Friday was a trip to the Sandia Park Tramway -- the world's longest.  At 10,378 feet up, there was quite a view!  We also enjoyed some good Mexican food at the base. 

At home, we enjoyed some good hot dogs and s'mores.

On Saturday, we played on the East side of the mountain -- SLEDDING!  The girls had never been sledding, but they caught on quickly.  All in all, the girls gave a thumbs up to snow.  They had fun sledding, making snow angels, and hiking through it.  We also enjoyed Courtney's chili, Mark's hot chocolate, and Grandma's coffee in bed.

Roadster

PC270010, originally uploaded by counsel14.

At least we have 13 more years before she hits the road!

Visitors -- Happy New Year

Grandpa and Grandma decided to make the trek to New Mexico to bid farewell to 2010 and greet 2011.  More than anything, they just wanted to play with the grandkids!  They had fun reading books, playing Don't Spill the Beans, Old Maid, and Chutes & Ladders.  The kids got to show off their favorite park, despite the 20 degree weather (it was a quick trip), as well as their dress-up clothes.  As for a New Year's celebration, we stayed up long enough to watch the New York ball drop, toast, and go to bed.  Granted, that is 10:00 p.m. New Mexico time.

Katelee listens intently (to the tv) while Grandpa reads

Olivia (and Tennyson below) sport their new Grandma-made night gowns

Admiring Reflections