Party #2

Here are the pictures taken from Philip's birthday party on Sunday, where the Germans were able to be with us. Philip was all warmed up from Fridays party and so he knew just what to do.

Happy 2nd Birthday Philip

Happy Birthday (yesterday) Philip, my cuddly mama's boy!

Party #1

Last night, we celebrated Philip's second birthday with the Van Gilder clan. Though he did not know why we were all singing to him and watching him open gifts, he seemed to really get into the whole night and appeared to have a great time.




Tomorrow we will celebrate with the German family.

The Big Fantastic

When daddy got off of work on Wednesday, we headed off to do the Puyallup Fair, with Aunt Jen. The boys had a great time seeing all the animals, and people. Philip had a short nap that day, and so was happy mostly to watch Levin try everything. That is, until it came time to visit Uncle John at the Hot tub tent. Both boys love giving high fives to uncle John, due to his great reaction each time.

We also, visited the fire station where Levin tried on a coat and pretended to spray water. He actually surprised us by how much he wanted to do, since he tends to shy away from trying new things.

We did not do any rides, but as we were trying to sneak past the kiddy land area, Levin turned and noticed the pink and purple merry-go-round. His comment was, "Hey look, it's for girls", and that was it. I know in a few years he will love everything about the fair, but for now we will stick with the simple areas.

Welcome Fall!

Today marks the beginning of my favorite season all year, fall. Besides having birthdays, and an anniversary to celebrate, there are so many more things that I love about fall. Fall brings, cool crisp mornings, pumpkin spice lattes, beautiful colors, and pumpkin pancakes, just to name a few.

So, since I had my niece and nephew over for a bit this morning, I decided to ring in the new season by decorating fall cutout cookies together with them. Going into it, I thought I may be a little crazy for attempting what seemed to be the impossible, but it all went really well. Just picture four young children, the youngest three being 1, 2 and 3, with candy in their reach.

Actually, the children were the most calm, while decorating the cookies. Don't ask how the rest of the morning went!

Tee Hee

I read this little cartoon in my Baby Center email update yesterday, and found it too true. Those of you who have been pregnant in the past may be able to appreciate this too.



I did officially enter into my second trimester this week, which is very exciting. I feel so much better now, almost as if I have my life back. Of course, who am I kidding? This stage will be over all too soon as I continue to expand, but I will try and enjoy the time while it lasts.

According to baby center, our baby has now reached the lemon stage, meaning he/she is about the size of a lemon. So, why am I even starting to show at all if the baby only weighs just over an ounce and is a few inches long?

Black Car, Silver Car...Old Car, New Car

This past week we made a big step as a family, in upgrading from our compact sedan to a mini van. This has been especially hard for me, since yes, I have been very fond of my little Black Jetta. I only dreamed about owning one, since the sixth grade, so who can blame me, right?

Sadly though, a our Jetta would now allow for a third car seat to fit in the back, which we will need to add this coming March. We have actually been watching prices etc. on vans for a good six months, since we really have outgrown our car with only two kids. And, the kids are literally outgrowing the car too. I cannot name the numerous times that Levin has lost a shoe in the car due to it getting wedged between his car seat and the front seat. Needless to say he is ecstatic about the new wheels and all the space it affords.

We will eventually be selling my Jetta off to my brother, but in the mean time, we get to hold on to it, which means I get to still drive it when opportunity allows. I spent this past Saturday giving it a makeover, and my, I am not sure it has looked this clean since I bought it 5 1/2 years ago.

Lest, I sound unexcited about the new car, I actually am. Just give me a little time to get used to it and all that it has to offer for out family. But, please, don't ask me to parallel park just yet.

Spick n' Span

Well, Kjerste has challenged me once again, and I have agreed, to follow through. This time she encouraged each of her readers to join her in cleaning their kitchen sink, Fly Lady style. Here it is.

Before

During

After

So, what do you think?

Jump on board, if you have not already, and join the fun. Oh ya, and I should mention that if you follow the instructions given on Kjerste's blog, your name will be entered in the drawing to win a $10 gift card to Target. Who does not love them a little Target?

Get busy, because the drawing closes at midnight tonight.

Chug Chug Choo Choo

Saturday, we took the boys down to Tacoma Rail's Annual Open House. The boys enjoyed the model trains and walking through a real engine, but most of all they enjoyed the free train ride that marked the end of our visit. Levin could hardly contain himself as we waited to board, and once on, was full of questions about the train. Next time we will bring Papa Chip along, so he can answer all of Levin's inquiries.