Kaitlyn in Ohio

Well, Kaitlyn is on her way back here after spending almost a week in Ohio - by herself - with my folks. She did great and sounds like she had a great time. She got to go to a UD (University of Dayton) Girls Basketball game (MOM!! This place is BIG!! And it's LOUD!! And there's CHEERLEADERS!! And a BAND!!). A trip to Boonshoft (Kids museum) resulted in Dad staying upstairs and Mom down while she climbed and slid her way back and forth between them. And she got a kick out of the planetarium show. She could almost reach the stars! A trip to the US Air Force Museum was a hit - she loved getting to climb up in the planes and explore around.

She also enjoyed going with Mom and Dad to eat with friends. Mom was bragging one night and asked Kaitlyn to write her name on the back of the place mat. Kaitlyn just scribbled. Mom asks, "What is that?" and her reply... "My name... in SPANISH!" Now, where did that come from??

Zach has missed her, and gets so excited when we talk to her on the phone, and especially when we Skype with her. I can't wait to see his reaction when she walks in the door.

I've enjoyed the nice quiet week with Zach, getting some great one-on-one time with him. And now I can't wait to see my Girl! YAY!!

Twirl Girl

Okay, so not long ago, Rick and I actually got to go out on a date. When we got home, I did my customary checking on the sleeping children. Kaitlyn kinda half woke up when I covered her up, so I asked her if she needed to go potty. She responded, "I... I... I need... I need... (BIG SIGH)... I need to twirl!" and fell immediately back to sleep.

I'm suprised my laughter didn't wake her back up!

Christmas Picture

Here are the kids (and Dolly) in front of THEIR tree. They've picked out these ornaments and decorated it themselves. And do it again daily as they take things off to admire and play with, then put them back on.

Shaggy, Smelly, Sheep!

The kids did their musical this weekend. Friday night they sang at the Mall, and Sunday morning at church. They did a really great job! What a difference a year makes... Kaitlyn stood still through the whole thing, and sang out every word. I took a movie, but it's too big to upload.

She almost looks shy in this picture.

She's to the left of the director in the front row.

It was a really cute musical and all the kids did so well.

1st snow

We had our first snow a couple days ago, about 2 inches with great big fluffy flakes. I thought it'd be fun to take the kids out to play in it. I was wrong. Kaitlyn loved it, but Zach started crying as soon as I put his coat on him. He cried the whole time we were out in it. Oh well, maybe it will be better next time.

Looking out at the snowfall...

It's beautiful out there! Let's go play!

I don't like this one bit!!

Beautiful Fall Day

Today was a perfect Fall day. It was our first opportunity to tackle the huge amount of leaves that have fallen already, so Rick went out after breakfast and made a nice big pile, then we brought the kids out and proceeded to demolish the pile over the next couple hours. It was SO much fun!!

Kaitlyn LOVES playing football with her Daddy. Good tackle, Boogey!


Run, Boogey, Run!

Kaitlyn toss. She LOVED that game!

Kaitlyn and Zach had a great time throwing leaves on each other.

Kaitlyn loved being tossed into the leaves...




And Zach loved it when the leaves rained down on him.

Any my personal favorite... We've been telling Kaitlyn to be careful about picking on Zach, because one day he'll start picking back. Well, today we witnessed the first return. They were stitting side by side in the leaves while we took pics, then out of the blue he reached over, pulled back on her shoulder and she went down. I captured her shocked look and his proud moment. And so it begins...

Zach's 2nd Birthday, Part II

Today was Zach's big birthday party. He couldn't have been more excited. Of course, all it took was Daddy walking in with a dozen balloons...

Then came friends, food, and the all-important, song and cake...

Once again, he's got the candle thing down perfect!

Oh, and did I mention he napped for 4 (yes, FOUR) hours after the party? And we woke him at that. He had SUCH a great time!

We are so thankful for the friends that could join us for this special day. I can hardly believe my baby is 2 already!! Zachary means "God Remembered" and I am so grateful that God remembered our prayers and gave us a son. He's a delight!