New Pics

Below are some new pictures from our latest photo shoot with Auntie Missy.  We will let the pictures do the talking... enjoy!

Spring?

The title of this post is perfect considering what is going outside our window this moment... 

First of all, our appologies for the delay in new posts.  We had some sicknesses move through the house and also had some technical issues with the blog.  But we are back!


A couple weeks ago, we got hit with yet another Spring Blizzard.  Unlike those in the middle of the winter, these have been followed by sunny skies and temps in the high 30's to even lower 50's.  Pretty crazy stuff...

 Sylvia has become a master of the snow angel

 Violet was checking out the construction of the snowman

 More snow angels...

 Why not some chalk time after a blizzard?

Well, at some point this spring we hope to enjoy the 70's and play out in the yard, but until that day happens, we will make the most of what we have!

Snow Angel Lessons and Christmas Part ??

Still catching up on posts from the last month of so.  About three weeks ago, one of Jamie's co-workers from Manila was visiting.  Grace has never seen snow before, so Sylvia did her best to teach how to make snow angels.  I think they did a great job.

And after two weeks ago, we can finally close the books on Christmas 2012!  Ben and Bonnie were in town and were able to stop by before heading home to Hayward.  We enjoyed some great conversation and a small bite to eat.  Next was present time!

Violet with her new "Super Violet" shirt

Smiling Sylvia - she got a bunch of art supplies so she was happy

Big sister "helping out"

Ben showing off his stuffed shirt.  Sylvia and Violet stuffed him up with all of the tissue paper and wrapping paper!

We all had a great time and are looking forward to spending time with Ben and Bonnie soon.  Hopefully we will make it up to Hayward soon.

Hot Lava

A long overdue post...

Each week Sylvia has a new "unit" at school.  Last week it was Dr. Seuss, the week prior it was US Mail.  When I arrived home tonight, I was told that this week is all about Hawaii.

Today they must have learned about the volcanoes in Hawaii, as Sylvia drew a picture of our family being consumed by hot lava!

From left to right:  Dad, Sylvia, Violet, Mom

When asked why Violet was sad, Sylvia responded that she had an "ow-we".  I guess if my feet where in hot lava, I would have an ow-we as well!

 

Quick Update

It has been too long since the last update, but mostly due to our crazy schedules... Adam has been curling a bunch and Jamie has been studying for her certification test.  Basically that leaves very little time to catch up on the blog.

Tonight, dad had a work happy hour and afterwards it turned into "beat up daddy" night.  It started as some simple airplane rides, but turned into "jump on daddy as hard as you can".

While the girls only weigh ~22# and 38# respectively, it still hurts when they jump on your head!

Other quick updates include Violet is in a "YES" phase... she says yes for everything.  I am guessing that will shortly change into a "NO" phase!

Sylvia is loving the latest round of snow as we have been outside working on our "castle".  She has also taking a new obsession with water colors - so her artistic talents have been in full effect lately.

 Mom and dad are both fine and hope to update the blog a bit more frequently!

Christmas Part 3

As the first weekend in January rolls around, we know it it time for one thing - Adam and Jim's Birthdays!  Well, that is what it used to mean... now we also celebrate Brodd Christmas that weekend as well.  To be honest, it works out OK as it splits up the Christmas time with the families, cuts down on travel, and maybe more importantly, allows for a couple more weeks for the ice the thicken up!

This year we wanted to try something new.  Sylvia has been asking about getting a pair of ice skates "when she turns 5".  She has been set on five as the magic age for skates.  We figured she is close enough, so we stopped at Play It Again Sports and picked up a nice (cheap) pair of skates.  While initially she wasn't so keen on the idea, when Dad and Grandpa finally let her do it ALONE, she was great!  She won't be trying out for the hockey team anytime soon, but for her first real time on skates, she did a great job!

 The Ice Rink (aka the Lake)

 Big Girl on Skates

After skating, 4-wheeler rides on the lake, etc, we headed inside for presents.  Like usual, there were way too many presents, but we somehow managed to all had a great time.

 Violet was getting a bit stressed out, so Auntie hooked her up with a swig of beer!  (only joking for those that don't know us too well!)

 Violet with her new gardening kit to help Mom and Grandma in the garden

 Kevin with some sort of horse creature?!?!?!?

After presents, it is homemade ice cream time.  Everyone gets a turn on the crank.  Some of us just work a bit harder than others... However, we all enjoy the great taste of fresh, homemade ice cream

 While some were cranking, others were sliding down the railing!

  When Violet was done sliding, she even got a turn on the crank, with the assistance of Grandpa, of course!

So that ends another year of Christmas celebrations.  Looking forward to a couple quiet weekends around the house to catch up on the neglected work there.  Happy new year everyone!

Violet's 18 Month Update - a month late!

When you have your first kid you make sure everything goes perfectly - including scheduling the check-ups at the Doctor.  When you have more that one kid, things get done when they get done.  That sure was the case for Violet's 18 month wellness check.

After, unfortunately, a couple trips to urgent care over the past three months for a pesky ear infection that won't go away, we were finally at the clinic for some "normal" reasons.  Well, as it turns out, the ear infection is still there... this likely explains why she hasn't really returned to her normal sleeping self at night.  Another round of antibiotics and a follow-up in three weeks will hopefully finally zap this thing. 

Besides the ear infection, the Dr. feels that Violet is perfectly "normal" for her age, corrected age and birth age, she is right where she should be for a 18, oops, 19 month old!

Now for the stats:

Height - 31 1/4" (25th percentile)

Weight - 22# 13oz (25th percentile)

Head - 19" (85th percentile!)

  

The other thing we did quite a bit with Sylvia growing up was taking pictures of her dirty face after a yummy dinner. 

Not sure how much she really likes here picture take however...

Keep growing little one!