Audrey's first attempt

 
This was Audrey's first attempt at a smile for the picture below. They both had their mouths full of Doritos

The Girls

Some updated pictures of Audrey and Natalie
 
 

The Load

Just under one month to go. We are due the 19th of May. Nicky looks a beautiful as ever and is handeling "the load" quite well. We are excited to welcome baby girl number three. This is Lindsay one of her Laurels.

 

Spring has Sprung

 

 

 

Easter visit from PAPA

 

Papa came to visit this weekend. We had a great time with him visiting the Jelly Belly Factory in Milwaukee, coloring Easter eggs and doing a few home improvement projects. We loved having him here, but wish he could have stayed longer.

Just some more photos

 
 
 

Make a Funny Face

 

Sledding

 

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!