Toddler Bed

 
Audrey made "the big move" last night...into a toddler bed in her big sister's room! (Thanks again to my awesome friend Sara for letting us use it). She was so excited to get to sleep in the same room with Natalie. (Natalie has her own bed, she just wanted to snuggle in Audrey's for the picture). It makes Audrey seem so grown up! But it will be good for Audrey to have some time to get used to the new sleeping arrangements before baby #3 arrives in May. Yes, in case the rumor mill hasn't made it your way, we have another on the way. We will know Jan 3rd what it is, so you have till then to cast your vote on the new poll I added!

Christmas Pictures

Ah, yes. With the holidays here, that means it's time to attempt to wrangler the little ones in for "that one perfect picture" which will convey to all friends and family the love, warmth and happiness we feel in our home. No pressure. Well, for anyone who has attempted this awesome feat, you know well that there are like 30- something other "outtake pictures" that others rarely see (which are really a better indicator of the family wellbeing- ha ha). While you will have to wait to receive your holiday greeting with the "perfect picture", I'm rather fond of some of the outtakes. 1- Notice Audrey's red eyes and nose, due to the recently ended battle to get Audrey in the dress. She wasn't going to smile if her life depended on it. Nat's such a good sport! 2- "I'll make this even tougher mom, I will refuse to even look at you!" 3- So Audrey finally decides, after tremendous effort to bribe and entertain her, that she will smile. Only one problem...you tell a 2 year old to smile and you get this face. Back to the drawing board. 4- Mom finally figured out the trick to get real smiles, I love this one! I think this picture is the real definition of "joy", don't you. Happy Holidays! I need a nap. 
 
 
 

Tetris 3

I couldn't resist... here's another one

Human Tetris

I found this video on Mitt Romney's son's blog. Every friday they post their favorite youtube videos. A good tradition that I may copy.

Happy Thanksgiving

 

Audrey Dance Machine

Halloween 2007

 

 

 

 

Family Trip to the Apple Farm

 
 
 
 
Dad and Audrey felt a little left out from our trip to the apple farm, so we went to another one this weekend. The highlight this time...the pony rides!! Natalie was soooo excited. Audrey was excited about the ponies too, but absolutely refused to sit on one. They had some animals to pet and feed too. The pigs were the cutest.

Apple Farm Fieldtrip

 
 
 
Natalie had her first fieldtrip, to the apple farm. I went along as a chaperone, along with just about every other kid's parent (can you tell we are all a little overexcited about our little ones :) Natalie's favorite part of the trip- riding the school bus. They also got to take a wagon ride out into the orchard and each pick one apple off an apple tree, to eat on the way home. We got a tour of the cooler and watched the machine that washes the apples. It was a beautiful day to be out in an apple orchard.

Notes on Family Genes

Thank you for all those "patient" "helpful" comments about how the video wasn't working (sarcasm added). Our computer is REALLY slow and doesn't always want to cooperate, so be patient. We decided to try YouTube. So here it is. As I said in my last post, we can thank genetics from dad and Uncle Tristan for this...we certainly don't TEACH her this stuff!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq3QtKcRXFY

Family Genes

Here is the Video

"Poo Poo"

Omi and Papa were just asking what words Audrey can say now. I know, the video is dark, but I think it's too hilarious how Audrey tries her best to ride the horse, somewhat side saddle, but finally decides it just isn't working out and tells dad why. That's one useful word in her vocab!

Ride the Rock

 

It was back on our bikes today for a 40 mile ride just north of Janesville called "Ride the Rock". I (Nicky)must confess that I have done very little riding since June, so the ride went well, but now, 7 hours later-hmmmmm. I love Advil.

So now that I (Nicky) finally figured out how to blog, I'm a little blog happy. I know a few who'll appreciate that :)

Soccer Practice

 
 
 
 
We signed Natalie up for soccer this fall with her friend Audrey. It's a great program that actually tries to teach little ones how to play soccer, instead of just running around at games... as much as one can teach 3 & 4 yr olds how to play soccer, that is. Natalie loves it, and I think she looks darn cute in those tiny little shin guards. Here's a few shot from practice (that kick makes her look like she's got skills. Guys love girls with skills :) Her first game is this Saturday. (Thanks Auntie Terri and Uncle Tristan for the cool ball!)

Future Rider?

 
Too cute not to post!

First Day of Preschool!!

 

 

 

Yes, my little Natalie started Preschool today- CRAZY!!! She goes to this cute school called Hand in Hand Learning Center Mon, Wed, & Fri mornings. As you can see in the picture, it's a house that was converted into a school. I love their little chalkboard in the front with messages to the parents. When I was taking a picture of her this morning, she had to get a picture of her cool new Dora backpack she picked out. She's very proud of it.

New Post

Just some more pics to keep the Blogophiles happy

Before and After

We just finished our landscaping in the front and thought it would be interesting to compare it to when we first bought the house

 

 

Mercy Employee Picnic

 
 
 
 

We'll Miss You Grandpa

Richard Hodson Shepherd
1923-2007

Pies and Baloons

Monroe Hot Air Baloon Festival

 
 



 

Janesville Pie Ride