Story Time

It started out as a rough morning this morning where there was a lot of crying, whining, and lack of sharing. Ryan decided to read to the kids and it really seemed to help change their mood. If only he was around all the time! The kids have been all about their Uncle Ryan. He has had to read to them, put them to bed, and get them when they wake up. It will be sad tomorrow when we have to leave!

Splashing Around

We are still at my sister's house in Pittsburgh and the weather has been beautiful. Bethany had bought a blow up pool for outside on her deck so during naptime today, Ryan, Bethany, and I decided to blow it up and fill it with water. Sounds easy, but believe it or not, there is a learning curve in all of that! After we finally figured all of that out, the kids were up from their nap and were ready to go. They all had a blast splashing in the water. Makenna was a little unsure at first because the bottom was a little slippery, but she eventually got it figured out and loved it too. It was a great family day!

Princess Makenna

Cruisin'

Here is Makenna in her birthday present from Doug, Bethany, & Madison. She loves driving, shifting, and pushing all the buttons. At times she is so much like her brother and father. Mark, of course, could not be out done. He managed to jump in the hot rod and show off his ride while Makenna was in her new car.

Sliding Fun

Here are some pictures of Makenna on our slide. She scoots herself up to the edge and goes down. As you can see by the look on her face, she loves it!

Princess Makenna Turns ONE!!!

We celebrated Makenna's first Birthday yesterday with a Princess Party theme. She had a great time! My mom, Bethany, and I spent most of the day baking her 3 cakes. One castle cake, one crown cake, and a tiara smash cake for just Makenna. It was a great idea at the time, but something we will probably Never do again! However, it was worth it watching her eat it and wipe it all over. I said she looked like Santa Claus by the end of it! I can't believe she is already going to be one tomorrow!

Being Silly!

This particular day the kids were just being silly. These are the good days!

Carnival Fun

We had our MOPS (Mother's of Preschoolers) End of the Year Carnival last Thursday. They had bounce houses and games, but Mark wanted nothing to do with it. He was ALL about the band that they had there. He was standing in front of them as they played playing his air guitar and tapping his foot. Everyone got the biggest kick out of it. I think we are right on with having his birthday party as a "rock star" theme. They loved it and gave him first a tamborine and then drum sticks. Makenna had a great time dancing to the music and playing a game where you pick up rubby duckies. We will look forward to the park days this summer with our MOPS group because they had so much fun throughout this past year.

A Walk in the Park

Here are some pictures I took of Mark and Makenna at Ogden Gardens last week for Mother's Day. Mark loved being there and even saw some fish, two frogs, and a turtle! Aside from me trying to take his picture, he had a great time!

New Walk

Here is a video of the new way Makenna walks. She always has to have at least two things in her hands to carry. She then puts both arms at her side and snaps her wrists back. It just cracks me up. She always looks so determined like she's on a mission. She has gotten so good at walking too. Aside from the couple bumps and bruises she is doing really well!

Balloon Fun

Here is a video of Mark playing with the balloon he got from Madison's party. He loves it as you can tell!

Playlist

Here is a video of Mark singing yesterday. He started with "Frosty the Snowman" and then broke into "Our Song" by Taylor Swift. He has actually gotten pretty good at remembering songs that he hears only once or twice. He also still makes up songs and sings what he has to say. The other day at lunch, he started singing, "I'm eating my macaroni and cheese, yes eating my macaroni and cheese." He is quite the entertainer!

Fun with Ice

Makenna played outside on Bethany's deck for about an hour with ice cubes. My grandma loved watching her and helping her get her ice. She was a wet mess at the end of all of it, but it was well worth it.

A Genuine Reflection

Here are some pictures of Mark rocking in Matthew's old rocking chair with his Grandma J at her house. I just thought it was so precious.

Happy Mother's Day

We were in Pittsburgh for half of Mother's Day and then were able to get to see Matthew's mom later that night when we got home. It was so nice to see everyone. I especially loved being able to see my Grandma Harrison who I don't get to see but a couple times a year. I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to get a picture of all the girls in the family and the generations of women. I think it turned out better than expected. We also wanted to get one with Mark too. Overall, it was a great day.

A Picture Mom? No Thanks!

We were in Pittsburgh this past weekend for Madison's 3rd Birthday party. Bethany and I decided we would try to get the kids pictures taken at her friend Stephanie's house. They however had a different plan in mind...Run! None of them wanted to sit for the camera or wanted to have anything to do with it. It was a terrible experience and we really only got one good picture of Makenna and one of Mark and Madison. I guess for now we will enjoy what we can get!

Rock Climber

Here is a video of Mark going up the rock wall of his swingset. This was the first time he tried using the rope. He can zip right up the wall now. I just look at him and think, "He is definitely 100% All Boy!"

A Swingin' Good Time!

My parents got Mark a swing set for his 3rd birthday (In July). Matthew and his dad along with some of the neighbors helped put it together the past couple days. As soon as Mark was done with breakfast this morning he ran outside. He went straight up the rock wall and down the slide. Both of them had a great time on the swings. Mark kept asking to go "higher and higher!" We were out there all morning and had a great time. I have a feeling I know where most of our summer will be spent! (also, you can see where we are still trying to grow grass! We have called the Landscapers to come out, but they have yet to come. Hopefully be summer 2009 we can have something we can work with!)

The Mark Miniature Golf Course

Here is a video of Mark playing golf the other day. He brought the tool bench stool over because he "needed a course, mom." Duh, what was I thinking? As you can see he is still using both hands to play and is really good at hitting the ball. He and I were playing the other day and it was more like hockey than golf, which brought me back to my field hockey days. His creative imagination is still working in overdrive. Oh, he also knows exactly which way to hit it, but insists on asking everytime. Enjoy!

Makenna Rocking

Here is a video of Makenna climbing up her rocking chair. It is her favorite thing to do right now. This is the reason that you see the chairs on their side in the backround of all of the pictures I have taken recently. Apparently she is a daredevil just like her brother!

Listen Up!

Here are some pictures of Makenna on our way to church yesterday. Mark was already there with Craig and Judy so we thought we would let her try out Mark's headphones so she could listen to Diego in the car just like Mark. As you can see, she wasn't too sure!

Play Ball!

Here is a picture of Makenna in her Cubs shirt and Mark in his Steelers shirt. This was the day they were having fun throwing the ball back and forth to each other!

Playing Ball

Here is a video of Makenna walking and then her and Mark sitting down to throw the ball back and forth to each other. They are wanting to play with each other more now, but it still doesn't always go extremely well. Makenna is doing much better with her walking lately. She can even walk around the island in the kitchen without falling!