Snow Storm

2010 In Review

2011-01-11T11:43:00.011-07:00

Since it's been almost a year since I updated this blog, we have several things to cover. This is the day we left Vancouver, March 31st. A little sad, a little happy...1,000 miles to go.

We came back after we'd rented out our house again. We can move back this coming March. So, we lived with my parents for about a month until Blizzard found a job and we found an apartment.

It was spring in Vancouver, but winter still at home. Gunter & Zoe are fortunate that Uncle Chris teaches at the kids ski school at The Canyons ski resort. They got their first ski lesson in April.

Zoe on the magic carpet. They still talk about this phenomenon.

Overall, Gunter loved skiing, and Zoe wasn't quite sure. We'll give them another try this season.

Spring finally came.

Then we moved into our apartment. Gunter was very excited to help us put together some Ikea shelves.

This is the day we "ran" (walked) the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. We do this every year. Blizzard's mom and grandma had breast cancer, and his mom was very involved with our local organization. She passed away in 2007 from breast cancer that spread into her internal organs. It's very special for us that this walk/run will be part of our kids' earliest memories. This was Gunter posing for a photo in front of his favorite letter.

We went to Wheeler Farm a few times. I think Gunter's ready for tractor racing.

Gunter discovered his new love: Transformers. He doesn't even care much about garbage trucks anymore. I never thought less garbage trucks in my life would elicit a feeling of melancholy. I loved the garbage truck years, but he's growing up and moving on.

Gunter & Blizzard got to go on their first Fathers & Sons outing, Gunter's first camp out. In was May, and they woke up to 3" of snow. Gunter loved it. They got to eat pancakes and everything.

We visited the fire station.

Zoe discovered jewelry. She picked these lovely earrings out while on a date with Daddy, then wore them to church. She has a very strong sense of style, and while we never want to laugh at her, some of her outfits are rather hilarious (you'll see a few later on).

We did some hiking, too. Notice Zoe's tiara headband, there's always an opportunity to fancy up any old outfit.

Zoe and Gunter turned 4. We had their birthday party in the backyard. We had a princess / garbage truck theme. A princess party is pretty easy. Garbage trucks? Not so much. We had to supplement party favors with Gunter's 2nd love, Hot Wheels.

I made their birthday cakes. It took me a week and was very stressful. Thanks to my friend Laura for her guidance (and baking) (and planning) (and execution). The kids loved their cakes.

Grandpa Ernie visited in the summer. He's 93. Here's 4 generations.

4th of July. We took the kids up over the valley to watch fireworks. They don't like loud sounds, so we thought it would be a little quiter up a ways. They had their hands over their ears for about an hour before the fireworks even started.

Zoe started ballet. She loves to dance, but even more, she loves the ballet accoutrements--the shoes, the leotards, the hair-in-a-bun.

We went with my family for our annual Newport Beach trip. The kids have learned to love this trip, and it's so much fun. Blizzard found 2 old beach cruisers and fixed them up for us to take (the red one still needs tires in this picture).

Blizzard and my brother took the kids to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.

And then we went to Disneyland. We went there when Gunter & Zoe were 4 months old with Blizzard's family. They liked this visit much more.

Zoe was so excited to meet some princesses.

Gunter found a great store, Ridemakerz, in Downtown Disney where you can build your own car. He wants to be a race car driver / skateboarder when he grows up.

Disneyland was so much fun. But, if you plan to go, make sure you've got at least 2 days. 1 day was a lot for 4-year-olds.

Gunter & Zoe started preschool. 4 afternoons a week. It's so great! This was their first day.

A milestone was passed when we sold our stroller. I never thought we'd get to that point, but it's gone!

Gunter played on his first soccer team in the fall. He was very excited, but had much more fun wrestling his teammates on the sidelines.

I believe Zoe has dressed up as a princess every day for at least the last 9 months.

This is one of Zoe's outfits, and she was very proud of it. I don't mind what she wears to school as long as it's weather appropriate.

They dressed up as Strawberry Shortcake and Bumblebee (Transformer) for Halloween. And the pursuit of candy has begun...

We went to Thanksgiving at my parents.

Another Zoe outfit. This was a little too "streetwalker" for my taste, so it didn't go to school. Zoe and her cousin Remlee love to dress-up.

We played in the snow.

Blizzard and I finally joined a gym. Gunter was excited to dress up like Daddy and go to the gym, too.

Zoe and I got tickets to go see The Nutcracker in December. She was very excited because a) she got to go to the ballet, and b) because she got to dress up really fancy. She wore this outfit for about 2 weeks after she got it. She'd put it on and just admire herself in the mirror, which is really cute now, but will it still be in 10 years? Hmm...(stop thinking and just check out these shoes!)

We found out that Gunter & Zoe love a good dance party, particularly Gunter. He loves to sing along with Queen's We Will Rock You and The Jackson 5's ABC. And we've found out he responds the most to 80's metal. He loves it. It was with horror and pride that I saw him light up when Van Halen came on at Paradise Bakery. "Mom, what is this ROCK song?" Now, when we have dance parties, and I don't play a song that rocks enough, he says, "Mom, I want to rock," and then I know it's time to change the song. Our dance parties provide lots of exercise as well as snickering by mom & dad. Zoe likes the dance parties too, but she likes to dance to pretty princess songs (and we've found out Frank Sinatra fits the bill).

For the 1st time since Blizzard and I were kids, we were excited for Christmas again. Before kids, Christmas was very nice. But Christmas is FUN again!

We had a little tree in our little apartment this year. The tree got re-decorated by the kids everyday for about a week after we put it up.

This was Christmas Eve. The next morning we were met with about 4 times the presents. Santa was very good to us.

See you soon! (maybe???)

Rock. You got to rock on.

2010-03-15T17:21:00.004-06:00

Gunter loves music. Zoe loves to dance. This gives them plenty of opportunities to play together, and it gives me so much to laugh about. It really works for all of us. Gunter has this piano that moonlights as a "relectric" guitar. They wanted to play and dance on stage, so this is what happened (see above photo). I was in the other room, and I heard Gunter say to Zoe in a very bossy tone, "you got to rock, Zoe. You got to rock on." Oh, and she did.

Gunter working for the Olympics has given me so many opportunities I never would have had otherwise. Like, sitting on the front row of the closing ceremonies. Who gets to do that? That's Team USA by the way.

Lindsay Vonn got interviewed right next to us. Blizzard was very excited about that.

The Spectacle. I can appreciate that Canada wanted to laugh at themselves a bit, and for us, it worked. But I think a lot of Canadians were rolling their eyes at propogating the canadian stereotypes. I did get a picture of William Shatner (certain of my family and friends will very much appreciate this), but he was so small in the photo, he just looked like a tiny, glowing dot.

Bragging?

2010-02-17T23:57:00.004-07:00

I have to brag a little. Yesterday, we went to see the cauldron with Blizzard's family. It looks quite impressive here along the water. But doesn't it seem like we're far away?

Oh yeah, it's because we are far away. Nothing says "class" quite like a chain-link fence. Really, Vancouver? Is that really the best you could do?

I am, exactly at this moment, watching the men's halfpipe gold medal round. So, I thought I'd just step outside to take a picture from my balcony. I know this is kind of a ridiculous photo, but the very highest light you see is Cyprus, the venue where this is taking place. That's it, the halfpipe! Right now! It's true, there is no snow whatsoever up there. During the day, you can see there's a strip of white, and I'm not sure how they've held onto it. They actually had to refund a few thousand standing room tickets because the ground is just too muddy. Sad.

Well, I must get myself to bed. We're waking up early so I can take the kids to stay with their cousins in Seattle, while I come back up and spend 3 days with Blizzard and the celebrities in Whistler. Kiss, kiss!

New Photos

2010-02-15T18:37:00.003-07:00

Zoe reminds me here of Abigail Breslin in Little Miss Sunshine.

I don't think I could call myself a good mother if my kids didn't have a try at hockey while we live in Canada.

I love this photo. They both needed a "rest" on our way home from the park.

Grandma will be shocked (shocked!) at this photo. Zoe is pretty good about trying, and liking, new things. While her brother continues his all-hotdog diet.

As for the rest of us, Blizzard has been feverishly getting Whistler ready for all the downhill skiing events. He stayed home Sunday, it was a good day. He had been up at Whistler for 2 weeks straight.

Shrooms

2009-11-16T21:26:00.003-07:00

We went for a walk, and found these lovelies:

Not being a friend to the mushroom, I had a little bit of gag reflex. And yet, I couldn't turn away...

Where's the gnome? Where's the unicorn? Where am I? I swear they were real because when I touched them with my well-shoed foot, they moved and had the heft of what I imagine a large, disgusting mushroom would have. Nor have these cell phone photos been doctored to enhance their red color--I can barely upload photos to this blog! What are they? Anyone?

Halloween 2009

2009-11-03T23:07:00.005-07:00

Alright, you'd think they'd make moving photos around more user friendly. But! Here are some photos out of order.

We have a little produce shop down the street that has little shopping carts for kids. Gunter & Zoe just love them.

Gunter got a haircut today, and he looks so handsome.

Gunter was in no mood for Halloween this year. Grandma sent him a great Superman costume, which he refused to wear. We spent Halloween with our friends in Bellingham, Washington, and they have a race car driver suit that he finally, after much coaxing, agreed to wear. He was so excited to get candy. We had an action packed weekend, and he was so tired after trick or treating, but still stuck it out for the taste of sugar.

Our friends have a son who we'll call "Duke". Duke is 5. Our kids get along with him and his sister so well, and we always have fun playing with them. Well, Duke and Zoe like to dance together. We went to a Halloween party Friday night, and Zoe found him and made sure they got to dance together on the dance floor. Seeing them dance was so funny, because the dance floor was like a bar room brawl, and it was like in a movie where all the chaos is in slow-motion with no sound but soothing classical music, and the lovers are all alone in the cacophony.

A girl who knew Duke's parents came running up to them and said that Duke and "that girl" just kissed. We laughed and laughed, it still makes me laugh!

Later, on the way to the car, I was asking Zoe if she had fun at the party. She said yes. Then I asked if she gave Duke a little kiss, she said yes, then said, "and again and again and again." She's only 3, but I don't want people calling her "that girl" in reference to kissing boys!

A slipper detail. I am reminded daily that these are slippers, not shoes.

The ensemble. She's worn it at least 3 times a day for about a week and a half now, and I'm not exaggerating.

Not A Fancy But A Friendly Place

2009-10-16T22:35:00.008-06:00

Oh, Mexicali. You really are a nice restaurant. Your food is humble, but it fills the belly. Don't look at those restaurants on magazine covers and wonder how you can compare (they're photoshopped anyway).

This restaurant cracks me up every time I see it. It just seems to have low self-esteem. "Please, come in weary traveller. You must be tired. We don't have much, but we will offer you what we can." I love that the sentence structure on the signs doesn't sound remotely mexican in any way. Mexicali isn't a very good restaurant, and it wasn't even very friendly, but it does provide me with a little chuckle every time I pass it.

The Aquarium

2009-09-18T19:52:00.003-06:00

We woke up this morning with a full day ahead of us, if by "full day" you mean, what will we do for the next 12 hours? Well, this is always kind of a depressing thought at the dawn of a new day. And then I remembered my membership to the aquarium. We went once, at the zenith of the August tourist season, and it was so crowded, we didn't even see everything before Zoe and Gunter began to unravel.

The thing I like about the Vancouver Aquarium is that it's a real aquarium. There's no History of the Trout, there's a baby beluga whale! And sharks, and piranha! My cell phone photo may not tell the whole story, so let me describe. The beluga whales are white, and this is the baby riding above her mother. Isn't that great? A fabulous way to spend the morning. And now that the rainy days will begin soon, we'll be doing it a lot.

A Whole Crop of New Photos

2009-09-11T21:41:00.013-06:00

Since many of you have asked for Photos of Vancouver, here are many. I realize that only 2 of our dear readers are grandparents of the following adorable children, but I hope the rest of you will enjoy.

From what I've gathered, every summer Canada invites different countries to show off their fireworks. So, in July for a few weeks, about twice a week, there was a big fireworks show over the bay. We went to China night. We gave the kids a really late nap and kept 'em up until 11 pm. We loaded up some snacks and headed down to the beach (a comfy 10 minute drive).

One of Vancouver's stellar sunsets.

I had to include this photo of Gunter. He still is obsessed with all things garbage. We went to Ikea to get some stuff, which included this recycle bin. He was so excited. He had to carry it through the store, then hold it in the car. I love that he fell asleep with it in his hands, and only woke up when it was removed from his lap.

We also went to Tofino. Tofino is honestly one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. So, there's Vancouver the city, and then Vancouver Island, just west of the mainland, about a 2 hour ferry ride. It's a 5 or 6 hour trip all together from the city of Vancouver. We came for my big 40th birthday. Tofino is a bit out of the way, but people actually come to not only kayak, hike and relax, but also to surf. Yup, I said surf. Blizzard gave it a go, even though my feet ached just from walking in the water--very cold. It was a sunny day, with a high of about 61. He had a full-body wetsuit get-up, with hood, gloves and booties. If you want to go somewhere new, I fully suggest it.

Zoe on the ferry, looking cute, or I should say, cool. She corrected me.

This is a photoshop composite of several photos. I know it's really fisheyed, but it was the view from our hotel room.

That's our little cottage in the background.

A better view from our room.

I know I have a drink obsession up here, and this is the last I'll speak of it. We went to A&W, you know the root beer place we used to have (it must be a Canadian co., because they're everywhere). This was actually printed on the cup. I was so amused, I took a picture. Hey, I'm American, I like my ice.

Cutting the birthday cake outside our room. It took about 10 minutes to blow out the one candle because of little mouths' constant blowing once the candle was lit. One candle is the new 40 candles.

We discovered that Gunter loves photography. He took this picture of his daddy, and it's a great shot!

Someday, when Zoe is a pro surfer, Sports Illustrated will pay us for this shot.

Last week, my parents came up to visit. It was great to see them. Among other things, we took them to Whistler.

This is just the drive to get there.

Gary & Judy with Zoe at the top of one of the mountains. There were a few cute shots, so I included them all.

There is the Peak to Peak tram that takes you from one peak...to the other peak. It's new and it's cool.

Is this real? Just a snapshot from the tram.

Another Gunter photo, another great shot!

I had to include this great nap shot.

Preschool started this last Wednesday. They have school on Monday and Wednesdays from 1-3:30--why, that's 5 hours a week! What will I do with my time? They wanted the parents to stay for the whole class time that first day, but Gunter reminded me that from now on, I'll have to drop them off and then leave. I guess they get the idea.

I have to mention Gunter's bowling shirt. He's developed this bowling obsession lately, and I was so excited to find him this shirt. He wore it for a day and a night and a day.

See you next time!

One down...

2009-08-25T10:54:00.005-06:00

This sweet little thing hasn't worn a diaper for about 2 weeks now. Whew! I'm so proud of her. It's been kind of a long road, but I haven't been very diligent about it. I figured there are no 12 year olds wearing diapers, so eventually it would work out. Now, if Gunter would just show a mild interest, I could stop the bloodletting of money at Costco for yet another box of diapers.

Oh...Canada...

2009-08-23T00:31:00.001-06:00

This convenience store does not have fountain drinks. Discuss.

New Chez Nous

2009-07-13T22:48:00.006-06:00

at Stanley Park

Gunter loves his birthday bike. Zoe loves air on her tummy.

On our way to the park. We've been watching the Tour de France, and Gunter is really into it.

Our fresh fruit & veggie store, just down the street.

Exiting our apartment building. We cross here to walk this beautiful street to a great park.

View from our "balcony". There is water! Just behind that electrical pole...

Hello from beautiful Vancouver! I've included some photos of our neighborhood so you can see a little of what we got.

It's been a crazy month. So here's the story: Last November Blizzard lost his job. So, part of looking for a job included Blizzard wanting to interview with the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. It just wasn't time to move, though, and he found a job at home. Then, in May, his boss told everyone that they would probably have to start cutting hours. So Blizzard contacted the Olympics again to see if they had any jobs left, and a few weeks later they called and out of the blue offered him a job. We realized we better take it because new architecture jobs are virtually non-existent right now. Within a week we found a family who needed a place to live while their house is being built. Within the next week we moved out of our house and in with my parents. A few days after moving we threw a birthday party together for Zoe and Gunter, and 2 days after that, Blizzard came up to Vancouver to start working while the rest of us waited for our passports to show up. 2 weeks later Blizzard flew back, we loaded up the car, and started for Vancouver. It took about a week before we were actually sleeping in our apartment because of time we spent moving our stuff in while the kids stayed with their cousins in Seattle. It took a week after we moved in to get cable and internet.

Whew, and here we are. Trying to make life as boring and scheduled as we can. The kids have been a little cranky, but things are smoothing out and they're settling in. They actually slept until 7:45 Sunday morning and also this morning, and I'm serious, that's the latest they have EVER slept in. Ah. We have a great park just 2 blocks away, and we went to the beach last week and it took us 10 minutes to get there. There's so much to see here, and it just couldn't be more gorgeous.

Life Moves On

2009-03-13T22:41:00.003-06:00

I had a miscarriage last Monday night. We spent 6 hours in the ER. This pregnancy was difficult from the beginning. Not that I felt sick or anything, in fact, this was the 1st pregnancy where I didn't feel sick at all. We (well, Matt) was done having kids, and having another baby was not part of our plan. I wasn't ready to say I was done, but I certainly wasn't ready for more. So, when my suspicions were confirmed that I was indeed pregnant, I can't say I was thrilled or excited, and then I also felt guilty and ungrateful. What we went through to get pregnant with Gunter and Zoe! But I feel the same way about the miscarriage--relief and guilt.

I realized through this pregnancy that I have somehow felt like I've been sleeping through the last 2 1/2 years (though certainly not literally!), and now feel like a cloud has been lifted and I can see again! I'm starting to see a path I'd like to follow, and I feel a new-found appreciation and love for Blizzard and Gunter and Zoe. It's time for me to engage in life again, time to start taking better care of myself, and time for me to start getting rid of all of our old baby stuff (and there's a lot of it!)--car seats, clothing, toys. I've gained clarity and know it's time to move on and I'm excited for the future.

Hi!

2009-01-22T20:07:00.013-07:00

I've scoured our photos for the latest and greatest. Here they are in no particular order.

A fun day sledding!

Post-Christmas tea party. I realize Zoe is only wearing her diaper (this is normal nowadays), but please notice her fancy Christmas shoes!

Gunter LOVES all things garbage -- the trucks, the cans, even the garbage itself, in that it constitutes a need for the stated trucks and cans. Santa was ecstatic to find a real garbage truck, because he knew Gunter would go nuts for it! He did, by the way. I've got video of him opening it up, and I'm going to try to get that on here.

One of Zoe's Christmas princess dresses.

I love that Gunter's eyes are closed.

Blizzard went to Costa Rica to surf camp for a week in December. This is the view from his room. It snowed here about 8" while he was gone.

The day he left for Costa Rica.

We went to stay with Blizzard's brother and family in Seattle for Thanksgiving. Gunter got to try his hand at Guitar Hero. What a physique! Awesome diaper, dude!

Then, we went to our friends in Bellingham (North of Seattle). While we were there, their son had his 5th birthday. This is Zoe at the party.

Back in Seattle, Blizzard and his brother actually playing Guitar Hero.

Zoe and her cousin got to wear some Thanksgiving garb that shows what they're thankful for. I love how crabby and bored they look.

Me 'n' Gunter on the ferry to Bainbridge Island.

On the "big boat." It was a big hit!

On our way to Seattle, we got to stop at Grandpa Ernie's new house in Oregon. This is Gunter and Zoe with their great-grandpa. Will's eating (and slobbering) chocolate, not blood.

In the fall before it started snowing.

Gunter's first piece (ever!) of candybar on Halloween. He'd had a fever ranging from 101-103 degrees for a few days, and didn't feel, or look, so good. This photo cannot possible tell or show the depth of love he's developed for candy! I knew I couldn't keep them from it forever.

Zoe was a puppy, and Gunter was...Superman! Where's his costume you ask? He wouldn't wear it that night. Now, he wants to wear it day and night (and often times he does for about a week straight).

The kids at the Thanksgiving Point fall festival.

Zoe getting her hair cut.

I couldn't get the Christmas video to load, so I'll have to have my IT guy (re: Blizzard) help me tomorrow.

Gunter's Cool Glasses

2008-10-02T17:59:00.004-06:00

Grandma got Gunter these super cool sunglasses last spring, and he's only now realizing how amazing they are. Can't you see the smug satisfaction on his face knowing how good he looks in them?

We went to the Children's Museum today with Laura & Mirjam. They both inspired me to try to blog more than once a quarter.

Tonight is the VP presidential debate, and for the first time in my life, I am 1) going to watch the whole thing and 2) I'm so excited! Like watching a car wreck, I can't wait to see what happens!

See you soon!

New Photos

2008-09-19T13:36:00.005-06:00

We've had a good summer, and here are some photos to prove it. Enjoy!

We went to Newport Beach, CA, and Blizzard went surfing a few times in the morning.

Gunter watching the sunset off Newport Pier.

Zoe playing on the beach playground.

We took every Friday morning this summer to play with the cousins. Here, we made a big mess, were extremely loud and had a lot of fun (much to the dismay of other diners!) at Paradise Bakery.

Zoe adores her big cousin.

We went to Wheeler Farm. Zoe held her nose practically the whole time and complained, "Tink! Tink!" Zoe isn't a big fan of farm smells, or , really, any bad smell anywhere. She's definitely a city girl.

Daddy & Zoe cuddling before bed.

Blizzard took the kids on a bike ride, it made a HUGE impression, especially on Gunter.

He insisted on wearing his bike helmet during dinner afterwards.

Zoe makes fists so tight and clenches her jaw so tight she shakes. She thinks this sooo funny. But, we do, too.

I made bread. This is a new thing for me. I was so proud of myself, and Blizzard said that, yeah, he was impressed I'd done what millions of others have been doing since the beginning of time. But I was still impressed with myself.

More Birthday Pix (and other stuff)

2008-07-02T14:13:00.014-06:00

OK, I've found a really big flaw in this blog site! Let me complain a little, which will describe why the photos on today's post are all skiwampus and sort of out of order. When I upload photos, I haven't been able to find a good way to move the photos around once they've posted. So, today's photos are a bit all over the place. So, until I can get an answer to my complaint, here they are:

Zoe didn't want to wear her party hat with the cute dog ears because the stretchy string bothered her too much. I guess I can't blame her, but it would have been so cute. . .(AND I don't know why this type is blue and underlined!)

Here's Blizzard with the same hat! He hates it too!

We pulled out the kids pool and they have a blast almost every day.

We went to Thanksgiving Point to the kids garden. If you haven't taken your kids there, my kids love it -- and yours might, too! I love this picture. Zoe looks like she's running away from a stalker.

She is wearing shorts.

Here's Zoe and Blizzard at one of our favorite pizza joints, Rusted Sun Pizza. Our other favorite is Este Pizza. If in Salt Lake, you can't go wrong with either.

Grandma and Gunter at The Cheesecake Factory the night of Gunter & Zoe's birthdays.

Grandpa and Zoe at the same place.

This is what Zoe looks like when she can't swing.

. . .and when she can!

Gunter got a basketball and hoop for his birthday -- and from here on out, it will be called a "baketball [did you notice the lack of the "s"?] HOOT! Because that's how he says it, and it's so much more fun to say like that. Give it a try!

Zoe coming at daddy.

Mommy and Gunter.

This is what birthday cake looks like on Gunter. He even got it on the back of his neck and shoulders. Did you notice the glob up his nose?

However, Zoe kept relatively clean. She really doesn't like getting dirty. Gunter doesn't really have that.

Gunter's first slam dunk. He did this for about 6 hours straight. I could hardly put his clothes on him or get him to eat. Do we have an athlete on our hands? Probably more like a super fan, just like his grandma Pat (not in these pictures).

They got booster seats, and have loved sitting at the big table to eat.

That's it for today. I'll try to see what I can do to get this formatted better in the future. But, let's not hold our breath until that happens.

Birthday Party and So Many Other Things (Part I)

2008-06-25T12:55:00.009-06:00

So, Gunter and Zoe turned 2 on June 19. Yes, yes, a major feat for them, but also for us, mom & dad! Whew!

Zoe got a swing for her birthday.

Gunter displaying his saxoflute prowess

They are becoming so independent and talking so much, it's just great. For those of you with infant twins, life gets so much easier the older they get. A guy in Home Depot with twins told me it gets easier everyday, and it's true.

They had a puppy party. Here's one of their friends wearing a hat. Can you see the droopy ears?

Here's Gunter and Zoe's cousins looking from the doghouse:

More to come about our recent activities tomorrow, I'm too tired to finish tonight. Adios.

We're Back

2008-05-06T19:58:00.009-06:00

So, it's been, what, a month? Well, we were sick for a while, and then I don't know what happened. So, here's a little recap, and some photos.

We went to the zoo.

We went to the zoo with some of our friends, and didn't get any good photos of Zoe. But they saw lots of animals, including the penguins. About a week later we saw a show on PBS about penguins, and Gunter points at the screen and says, "pengins." Well, I'll forgive him the "u" there. He must say 5 new words a day, it's really amazing to see your kids become little people.

Gunter and Zoe made a mess.

Yes, that's Comet on the floor, along with oh, Lime Away, dish soap, furniture polish and various kitchen utinsels. I was gone all morning a few Saturdays ago. Blizzard wanted to get the lawn mowed. So, I left, and he mowed the lawn, and didn't check on the kids for about 45 minutes. We're lucky they just made a mess and didn't eat anything. They also dumped about 2 inches of dirt from the orange tree we have in the entry onto the floor. Blizzard said he couldn't get mad at them because he wasn't there. Then, he cleaned everything up so when I got home I didn't know a thing - smart guy.

We went to Thanksgiving Point with Grandma

I had never been to the garden at Thanksgiving Point, so we had to go see the tulips with grandma. It's a beautiful place and Gunter and Zoe had a great time poking flowers, soaking themselves in the little fountains, and looking at the waterfalls. Gunter couldn't stop saying "water. fall." But, of course he didn't say it as much as he says "gate. broke.", just ask grandpa about that one.

Well, I may see you tomorrow or in a month, one never knows!

Shoes

2008-03-31T22:23:00.004-06:00

We woke up to 2 inches of fluffy snow this morning. So why is Gunter wearing these sandals? Because he made this face (see below) and whined when I tried to put his boots on and let him walk around the back yard. It was actually afternoon when they wanted to go outside (or so I thought), so most of the snow had melted.

So, Gunter went out in his sandals. Luckily, they really only wanted to go outside and whine, (inside is just so boring. . .). So, we were only out long enough for Gunter to get his socks wet.

You'll notice that Zoe is crying, that's because that's what she did all afternoon. Ah, domestic bliss.

She really needed to wear that sticker of Jimminy (sp?) Cricket on her cheek, too.

Easter

2008-03-29T14:42:00.004-06:00

Here it is -- EASTER! So many photos, just sit down and enjoy.

Here's all the grandkids with their easter loot.

This is Zoe's impersonation of Sally, Charly Brown's sister.

We walked to church Easter morning, and Zoe insisted on holding Gunter's hand the whole way. Luckily, he let her most of the time.

I like how Gunter looks like a smooth, southern lawyer.

Photos I Need to Post So I Can Move On

2008-03-20T14:59:00.016-06:00

I want to start putting new photos in here, and most of you reading this are family, so you will enjoy these few photos from this last year.

We went hiking last summer. While we insisted Zoe wear the hat, she insisted on wearing the glasses and I don't know where she got the pencil, but she took some good notes (we've been working on that).

Gunter's first word was car. This is the moment he realized what this toy does. The steering wheel turns, the door opens, the horn squeaks -- what rapture! We were at an Autumn festival, so eventually he had to get out, it wasn't pretty.

These photos are so 2 shoe sizes ago.

Love Zoe's little looks.

I don't know why this duplicate photo showed up, and I don't know how to delete it, so enjoy again!

1st Snow Day

2008-02-29T13:52:00.007-07:00

These are photos of Gunter & Zoe's first real snow day. I realize that today is the last day of February, and the snow is now all melting, but these are great photos. We moved further east into the foothills, and get a lot more snow than at our last house. G & Z were a little freaked out by all the weird, cold, white stuff that was about as deep as they were tall. G would take a step and just stand there and look around. Z is a little more adventurous, and at least walked around a little. But neither were very happy about actually sitting in the snow. We had so much snow this year, that taking a step for them was like me walking in snow as deep as my waist. I think we'll have to wait until next winter so they can actually play outside and like it.

Things I Thought I'd Never Say

2008-02-27T08:29:00.013-07:00

Well, here we go. I've joined the new millenium, and am out there for the world to see. Me and my husband, Blizzard, have 20 month old (that's older than a year and half, but not quite 2) twins, Gunter and Zoe.

Zoe and Gunter at the beach last summer.

I stay home with the kids and find myself saying things all the time that I never thought I'd say. Like yesterday. Zoe was going to bed, and she was wearing her leopard print hat with little ears and her favorite shoes, the pink Crocs over her jammies (a very good look, considering the shoes don't fit very well anymore). She freaked out when I tried to remove them. So I said, "OK, OK, you can wear your kitty hat and pink shoes to bed." I hope I don't have to say that to her when she's 17. Anyway, the hat ended up underneath her, but the shoes were still on in the morning. She loves shoes. Gunter loves cars. He likes to hit her, she comes crying to us. Gunter holds food in his mouth and an hour later spits it out. Hopefully this blog will give grandma and grandpa something to tell their friends. Because, really, isn't that what it's all about?