Lately

We've been super busy lately. It's all good stuff--I can't complain! But it's been difficult to sit down and write any blog posts at the end of the day when, truthfully, I'd rather be climbing into bed. So here's a small, quick sampling of what we've been up to.

We got a new bike for Jack, and brought a bike from my in-laws' house for Kate to ride, too. It's still a little big for her, but she sure tries hard.



My MOPS group recently had a special meeting where we all dressed up in our old prom dresses, or whatever dress-up outfit we could find (or fit into!). I wore the bridesmaid gown from my friend Jaime's wedding. It was fun to actually wear it again. I would have worn the maid of honor dress from my sister's wedding, but I've lost some weight lately, and so the top was a little big. Here I am with Kate:

LOVE this picture... my two goofy monkeys at the neighborhood playground.


Jack is playing soccer again! His new team is the Ninjas. They've won their first two games in spite of the extreme cold at his first game... it was definitely not good weather to be outside! He says he made three goals that day (I only counted two, but I'll take his word for it). Brian is the team referee.


We just joined Sam's Club, and it's our new favorite place when it comes to shopping in bulk and saving money! Here's a picture of the girls enjoying the dual up-front seating in one of their carts.

"Mustang-ing"

Today, March 22nd, was my Aunt Joanne's birthday. She passed away in December of 2009, and to celebrate her life and her spirit, every year on this date we dance, along with many others, to her favorite song, "Mustang Sally." This first picture is from 2010: just two years ago past, yet a lifetime ago, it seems. Kate was Maggie's age (nine months), and it was just before we left California.

The next few pictures are from today. I put Maggie in the same outfit Kate wore two years ago. Unfortunately, she was not havin' it. Little crankypants.



See the carrots on her shirt?

Once the music started, the big kids really got into it.

Nine months... and the first sink bath

Well, Maggie really did enjoy her first bath in the kitchen sink more than this picture shows, but this was just too cute of a shot to pass up. She is NINE months now, which means she's now been outside of the womb as long as she was in (always an important milestone!). And she is ALL over the place. She just learned how to climb up the stairs, which means we're gating and blocking everything now. She loves to raid the fruit basket, pick up an orange (or apple, or pear... definitely not picky) and take a bite with those huge chompers. Oh, and graham crackers are her new favorite thing. She's definitely more wary of strangers now, but will give anyone a big smile as long as she's in the front carrier, snuggled up close against me. She still adores her "lovey" and her blankets and uses them to easily nod off, whether in her crib or carseat. And still, when she wakes up in her crib, she entertains herself for a good half hour--or more--with her crib surroundings. I often come in and find her wrestling her teddy bear, whose poor ears are soaked from Maggie's wet kisses.