Lovely Liz, Graceful Kate, & Beautiful Em

I love it when I get to photograph my sisters....

Back in the day when my dad got a Sony Mavica (a digital camera that used a floppy disk for memory!) I used to play with it, photograph Kate and Liz and edit with the in camera settings. It was the beginning of my love for digital photography and to this day they are still 3 of my favorite subjects!

Now...sometime in May, I plan to get my hands on Kaje and my brand new NIECE! =D

Happy Birthday Evelyn Elizabeth!

We had a teeny little party with just us, Noni, Papa, Auntie Katie, and Auntie Liz. It was sweet, and she got a new pair of rain boots, some dress up high heels, complete with feathers, and a new ballerina outfit. She wore it to bed!

Our big girl is still working on potty training, she loves baby dolls, shoes (especially boots), her pacifier (I can't figure out how to take it away..I tried the cut it method and you would have thought I was cutting off her arm..) She cried for an hour tonight because she couldn't find the right one...she's in love with it and I'm at a loss..

Anyway...she is happy, and smart, and has her own opinions, especially when it comes to being bossed around by her brother.

She loves "macka-no-knees" (macaroni), and any fruit. She loves her baby sister, "Baby Addy" and being outside.

Currently she likes to put her coat on and "go at costco."

I can't believe how much she talks now and I think her sentences are adorable. I love to listen to her and Ben talk to each other..

Anyway...she's a joyful child, she makes me laugh, and she's got a stubborn streak. My second baby I ever had and I wouldn't trade her for anything!

Happy Birthday Evelyn, we love you!

My, My, My....

What a good looking bunch of siblings, wouldn't you agree? (candy ciggs, fyi)

Let's see...in a stream of conscious (meaning I type whatever comes to mind....)

My whole family was here for Christmas...crowded house, happy heart. We had so much fun, complete with a little bit of drama..always a good time. Sadly we forgot to kitchen dance..But we did make the awesome sweatshirts pictured above as well as some fantastic gingerbread (read: graham cracker) creations, which were later devoured by cat and raccoon.

It was a Merry Christmas indeed.

Addyson's first Christmas..and at 9 months and 10 days old (Christmas day) she took her first step (and three more)!

I love living here, but I sure do miss my family. Although, if I lived closer to Emily, I fear we'd both be broke and have matching wardrobes. (I wouldn't mind that much...)

All three kids are sick with colds right now...we visited the doctor today and are now on the road to recovery. I found out today that our doctor was MIA for so long because she was in a bike accident in which she broke her neck, but has fully recovered and feels lucky to be alive. I'm happy she is, she's great and always remembers the details of our lives.

Anyway...we had a really nice Christmas, got some new stuff, enjoyed each others company, did some crafts, played some games, cried a little, laughed a lot, and it was good. I'm grateful to have had this time all together and look forward to doing it again sooner than later.

Evelyn will be 2 in just a few days. It's hard to believe because I feel like she's been 2 for a year..She's so grown up sometimes and very,very independent. We're still working on potty training, she has a mind of her own and she calls the shots. Some days, she will use the potty like a pro and other days she's having 5 accidents in a row. Today was a good day and she was dry through the doctor's visit and the grocery store. Even through a car ride nap on the way home.

I'm tired...so I think I'll call it a night and hopefully do better at updating my blog, because I do enjoy documenting our lives..so nice to re-read the things of every day life that we often seem to forget too soon...

I haven't been a very good blogger in recent days...I feel like we've been going non stop for weeks! We always seem to be busy doing something.

Here's what's going on with us:

Benjamin (3.5 years) is our rule follower. He can be pretty bossy sometimes over his little sisters, kind of like a mini Daddy. ;) He currently enjoys coloring and playing with play dough..and loves his trains, cars, and being outside.

Evelyn (2 years) is our rule breaker. She loves to get her hands in everything, her favorite right now is soap. She is always "awshy hans (washing hands). " She is mini Mommy to her sister, Addyson and loves to play with her bitty baby and the kitchen set. But when she isn't doing those things, you can bet she's at the train table or pushing a dump truck with Ben!

Addyson (9 months) is our baby :), she is learning to stand without holding onto anything and is currently cruising around furniture and walking with push toys. She loves to watch her siblings play and always tries to play with them. She's a happy baby and a joy to have around.

Richard is currently enjoying some down time at work after his deployment. He stays busy with various creative projects around the house and enjoys spending time out doors and as a family.

I am busy being a mommy, and feel blessed to be able to stay home with my kids. I am currently building my photography business and attempting to take up crochet.

We are so happy to be together this Christmas and are thrilled that some of our family is visiting our house this year, we're kind of over the whole traveling with small children thing!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Yes..it's after 2AM...No, I don't know why I am awake..

All is well in our house...Christmas decorations are up outside...counting down the days til Christmas..nothing new to report, just checking in!