greetings from the last frontier

On the table in... February

2012-02-02T13:15:00.012-09:00

wednesday, february 1st

thank you, S Family, for inviting us to join you for dinner tonight! the food was fabulous, and the company was even better!! :)

thursday, february 2nd

new recipe: bacon meatballs and pasta

this was a quick and easy recipe... i even had all the ingredients on hand!

friday, february 3rd

we've been invited to the B's for dinner :)

dinner and dessert=delish... company=divine!

saturday, february 4th

frozen pizza

all these great new recipes i have, but i also have an exhausted husband who is unable to appreciate any good home cooking right now

sunday, february 5th

we were invited to the C's to watch the Super Bowl

there was an unbelievable smorgasbord of delicious food... well done, C's and V's!

monday, february 6th

new recipe: mushroom pot pie

in the oven now... smells soooo gooood

tuesday, february 7th

new recipe: chicken in a pot with garlic

in the oven now... smells soooo gooood

yes, i said the same thing yesterday, but it's true again!

wednesday february 8th

new recipe: orecchiette with sausage and broccoli rabe

very easy, quick, and yummy! i made it with broccoli and balsamic vinegar... when i make it again, i will cook the broccoli a minute or two longer.

thursday, february 9th

new recipe: bacon ranch mac 'n cheese

i used regular mushroom soup and three slices of bacon

we didn't detect and "ranch" flavor, but it was warm and yummy!

friday, february 10th

pizza and a family movie night

saturday, february 11th

sushi and leftovers (not leftover sushi!) ;)

sunday, february 12th

leftovers: a yummy spinach salad with feta, dried cherries, and roasted chicken

monday, february 13th

leftovers

M+M Daily Faves: February 2012

2012-02-02T13:14:00.011-09:00

Wednesday, February 1st

MN: making jewelry at Daisies and going to C and L's house for dinner

MR: celebrating A's birthday at school and going to C and L's house for dinner

Thursday, February 2nd

MN: lunch

MR: Old McDonald's

Friday, February 3rd

MN+MR: going to the B's for dinner

Saturday, February 4th

MN+MR: A's bday party and Daddy coming home!

Happy Birthday, A! Thanks for inviting us to share in your special day!!

Welcome home, Bill... We missed you!!!

Sunday, February 5th

MN+MR: going to the C's house

Monday, February 6th

MN: art class

MR: having Blackbeary in class

Tuesday, February 7th

MN: playing Blink with Mommy

MR: having E over for a playdate

Wednesday, February 8th

MN+MR: having Daddy and Mommy come for 100th Day Gallery Walk

Thursday, February 9th

MN: recess

MR: riding in Mr. S's car

Friday, February 10th

MN+MR: family movie night

Saturday, February 11th

MN+MR: going to Imagination Station

Sunday, February 12th

MN: M's birthday party

MR: watching Space Buddies

Monday, February 13th

MN+MR: watching Peter Pan Returns

me: watching the girls "secretly" make their valentines for each other :)

It's a New Year... 2012!

2012-01-04T12:50:00.006-09:00

Yes, i am part of that group of people who spends the last month of the old year thinking about how i can improve myself in the new year...

Yes, i always include health related concerns (must lose weight! must exercise more!),

but this year i'm doing things differently by making myself public!

I scrolled through my old posts to discover that i have drafts of similar post for both January 2010 and January 2011, but failed to both finish and publish them.

This will be a work in progress, so i hope you (my 12 loyal followers!) will stick with me! :)

RESOLUTIONS FOR THE YEAR 2012

1. Try one new recipe a week

a friend suggested that i create a new website or blog, but in terms on resolution number 2 (it's coming up next!), i decided to add my menu as a regular post to this blog

2. Finish what i've started

i am very enthusiastic about trying new things (knitting, crocheting, quilting), but i find my life gets in the way of my leisure time (aforementioned craft hobbies, reading, relaxing, etc.). i have more unfinished projects (including this blog to which i owe a year of updates) than i know what to do with, but it's time to do something about that. when i asked my dear husband what he wanted for Christmas, he asked if i could finish the quilt that i started for him in 2004... ugh! in all fairness, i did finish the top in time for his birthday 2004, but i'm not good at binding and having twins in 2005 and moving 5 times since then has gotten in the way of me learning how to do it properly! well, there are two beautiful quilt shops in Juneau and it is time that i learn how to do a proper binding [after i finish the laundry, the dishes, take my ice skating class, go snow shoeing with a friend, finish the baby blankets i started while pregnant with my dear daughters... you get the picture! ;) ]. in all seriousness, that quilt is going to be my first project that i am going to finish (after i take a hat knitting class tomorrow night... i just can't help myself!)

3. i have another, but in interest of #2, i'm going to publish what i have so far and return later... remember... work in progress :)

On the table in... January

2012-01-04T12:48:00.022-09:00

sunday, january 1st

dinner at the V's: pulled pork, double fried fries, and birthday cake

despite me coming home with strep throat, it was a great night! ;)

january 2nd

too sick to cook

poor neglected family ate leftovers

january 3rd

chicken, biscuit n' gravy casserole

a cold weather fav in our house

i couldn't find a link, but i took the recipe from the Rachel Ray magazine

january 4th

jambasta

another Rachel Ray recipe

it's good the first night, but the leftovers taste even better

http://www.rachaelraymag.com/Recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-search/rachael-ray-30-minute-meals/jambasta

january 5th

pork and veggie burritos

another Rachel Ray creation

it came from her "A Month of Weeknight Meals" article in the September 2011 issue of her magazine

delicious with guacamole and sour cream as garnish!

january 6th

cheesy baked shells and broccoli

a quick and healthy dinner... love broccoli in my dinners

january 7th

pizza and tv with my girls :)

sunday, january 8th

first new recipe of the new year... pierogies!

Wow... What an adventure that was! I made potato stuffed pierogies with brown butter... Yum!! I had fun with the pierogies, but am looking forward to trying a different recipe... A friend just sent me her mom's pierogi recipe today, so i think i will try that one next time. I liked the filling on it's own (i'm going to serve them Tuesday as leftover mashed potatoes), but didn't love the dough. I also didn't love the amount of filling suggested... Hence all the leftover filling... I think that i prefer smaller pierogies. I'm not sure if it was me or the recipe... More recipes and more practice will tell. :)

january 9th

leftovers

january 10th

new recipe: turkey and bean chili

delicious topped with sour cream

january 11th

take out from Seong's

Bill had to work late, so he ended up bringing home sushi!

january 12th

new recipe: oven "fried" chicken and fresh green beans sauteed with bacon and onion

leftover mashed potatoes - oops! forgot to serve these!!

the chicken was good, but no where near "fried"

i loved the green beans... the recipe says they take 50 minutes... i would say 30 (including 10 minutes prep time and 20 minutes cooke time)

january 13th

BLT Creamy Mac 'n Cheese

january 14th

we have been invited to dinner at the C's for gourmet style ham sandwiches :)

sunday, january 15th

Pork & Black Eyed Pea Chili

it is ridiculously cold here... yes, i live in Alaska, but it's a temperate rainforest, not the frozen tundra... brrr! not much better on a cold day than chili and cornbread... warmed us right up!!

january 16th

Southwestern Lasagna Torte

oh my... this was better than i remembered! only thing missing: margaritas!!

january 17th

new recipe: bacon stuffed roasted chicken with cauliflower

so easy, so delicious! i roasted 2 chickens, so there is lots of wonderfully flavorful meat for sandwiches and another recipe!!

january 18th

leftovers

january 19th

mozzarella stuffed meatballs and pasta

january 20th

dinner at the Buoy Deck

january 21st

we've been invited to dinner at the B's :)

dinner and dessert was, in a word, yum!

sunday, january 22nd

new recipe: baked penne with spinach and sundried tomatoes and oreo cheesecake cupcakes

easy and nutritious... the recipe is for 4 casseroles, so i halved it... feeding 4 adults, i still have leftovers!

january 23rd

new recipe: i think this counts... we bought some noodles at Costco... threw together some of the leftover chicken, random vegetables, a little stir fry sauce, and voila... a yummy dinner magically appears ;)

january 24th

jambalaya

using my fav mix and leftover pork

january 25th

lobster bisque and artisan sourdough bread from Wild Oven

this is going to be interesting... Bill is going away for 10 days... am i going to eat better for my blog, or actually admit to how terribly i eat when he's away? ;)

january 26th

breakfast for dinner!

an easy standby and new recipe!!

new recipe: "waffles of insane greatness"

the waffles were good, but no better than Bisquick... trying another recipe this weekend!

january 27th

pizza with friends

january 28th

leftovers

january 29th

breakfast, for breakfast

leftovers for dinner

new waffle recipe: alton-brown/basic-waffle-recipe

M&M did not care for these waffles... I thought they were okay... Friday's recipe was better.

The batter was strangely lumpy (was i afraid to over mix? was it adding the melted butter?); and although the waffles were crisp once they emerged from the waffles maker, they quickly turned soggy. I wish i hadn't, but i made a double recipe. Maybe freezing and toasting these waffles will make them better... At least they will be crispy on the outside!

january 30th

tortellini soup

i subbed a leek and a shallot for the onion... looking forward to tasting the new twist!

january 31st

made this: baked penne (see jan 22nd)

the recipe comes from an article on a recipe swap... the ingredients make enough for 4 casseroles... i made a double... time to use up the rest!

ate this: leftovers!

My goal for the month/year: 1 new recipe each week

New recipes tried in January: 10

Goal achieved: yes and no... Technically, i skipped the first week. As i ended up in the er with strep throat, i am going to cut myself some slack! I am excited that i have added 8 new recipes to my growing menu collection (i won't be saving the waffles recipes and will continue to search for a new one!)

When i announced my goal on facebook earlier in the month, i had several friends send recipe suggestions... I am going to try them in the coming month! Thank you for dining with us, keep the recipes coming! ;)

M+M Daily Faves: January 2012

2012-01-03T18:26:00.027-09:00

Sunday, January 1st

MN: watching Rudolph's Shiny New Year and going to the V's for dinner

MR: going to the V's for dinner

We had big plans to ski today, but got a late start and decided that the girls needed a day at home to play! They stayed in their pjs and played, watched a show, and played some more. If it hadn't been for a last minute dinner invite, i doubt M&M would have shed their pj's at all!! Thanks to the V Family for inviting us over to celebrate the New Year and A's birthday... Happy Birthday, A, it was so much fun to celebrate with you again this year!!!

Monday, January 2nd

MN: ice skating

MR: coming home from skating and seeing my mommy

Late yesterday afternoon my throat started to feel scratchy... Being cold season i didn't think much of it until i woke up in the middle of the night sweating... Ugh! As i don't have a doctor yet (and i don't think any doctors in town were open anyway), it was off to the ER for us. After one and half hours (not too bad of a wait, and it let me catch up on my words with friends games), i walked out with a strep throat diagnosis and a prescription. This is my third bout of strep throat in 13 months... Not sure what's going on with that, but it brings my to revealing a New Year's Resolution: Taking Care of Myself (this includes: making time for hobbies [quilting, knitting, cross stitch, reading], getting outside [walking Kodiak, taking hikes, trying cross country skiing and snow shoeing, making use of our season pass at Eaglecrest], eating right [eating like i make my kiddos eat: fruit and or veggies at every meal], getting more sleep [as i like to wake up early, i should go to bed early!], and finally [well, that's not an exclusive list, but i'm currently out of ideas!] finding a health practitioner that i like and feel comfortable with [not easy when you move as often as i have lately]). Of course, i'm going to wait until i feel better to tackle this! ;)

As i was asleep on the couch, Bill took the girls to the Open Skate yesterday afternoon... They all skated for more and one and half hours and came home with kisses for me and pink cheeks!!

Tuesday, January 3rd

MN: seeing my teacher and all my school friends

MR: playing upstairs

In a strange calendar play, today (not yesterday) was back to school for my girlies. It was a strangely quiet day for me (i spent most of it on the couch), but they sure livened up the place with their arrival home this afternoon. Being around those two makes me want to feel better!

Wednesday, January 4th

MN: sledding at gym time

MR: Daisies

It started out as a snowy morning, so lucky MN got to have gym class outside in the snow! The forecast does not look promising for MR's gym class tomorrow, but she's taking it in stride.

Today was the first Daisy meeting of the new year. On the agenda: cookie sales! Both girls have set ridiculous goals of selling 2012 boxes each (the prize for selling 2012 boxes is an ipad, and of course they want to raise money for the mommy/daughter sleepover in May), but mom is starting with a goal of 12 to earn the patch. Any body want to buy some cookies? ;)

Thursday, January 5th

MN: watching my movie in class

MR: music lessons

Today, a documentary film maker visited MN's class. He took some video of the class, and then let them watch it. MN was pretty excited to see herself on the big screen! What a ham!!

Today was the first music lesson of 2012. The girls have been taking guitar and piano (MR) lessons since fall 2010. They had great teachers in Germany, but i really love the approach their new teacher (yes, we found one person to teach both piano and guitar!) has taken with them (learning cords and notes, learning to understand music and read it, not just play it). We don't get too many songs (yet), but the house is filled with music! :)

Friday, January 6th

MN+MR: Daddy!

Daddy had to work late, but arrived home just in time to say prayers and tuck the girls in.

Saturday, January 7th

MN: Derby Car building and birthday party

MR: N's birthday party

Today was a very busy day... It started with our first session of Race Rats (a 2 hour a Saturday, 10 week ski program) and boy was the weather awesome (so, not awesome! it was so windy two of the four chair lift were closed!!), then we drove to a Derby Car workshop (the Boy Scouts have invited to Girl Scouts to participate in the Pinewood Derby), then we ran errands, finally arriving home to unload the car, and then had the pleasure of private swim session at the local pool to celebrate a friend's birthday! Skiing was awesome and awful all at the same time, errands aren't always fun, but the Derby Car building was so much fun and N's birthday party was a fantastically relaxing end to an overcrowded day. Happy Birthday, N! Thanks so much for inviting us to celebrate with you!!

Sunday, January 8th

MN: going to the play place

MR: selling GS cookies

Our first trip to the gym this year means play time with friends!

We celebrated the GS Cookie Kick Off on Friday and started selling cookies today after church... MR had a blast... She is quite the little sales woman!

Monday, January 9th

MN+MR: selling GS Cookies!

Tuesday, January 10th

MN+MR: selling cookies to the Admiral

Wednesday, January 11th

MN+MR: Daddy coming home

Bill had to work late (again) today (it's happened a lot lately)... I tried to cheer the girls up with breakfast for dinner (crispy bacon and pancakes with chocolate chips and whipped cream), but nothing put as big a smile on their faces as Daddy did when he walked in the door.

Thursday, January 12th

MN: going on our field trip

MR: having Daddy come in for sharing time

Today was MN's field trip to the Capital Building and the Charter School. We took the bus to the Capital, admired students' artwork from around the state that is displayed in the building (including self portraits done by MN's class!), enjoyed a tour of a few of the offices and chambers, and received a state pin from the Office of the Governor. We then walked a few blocks from the Capital to the Charter School to have lunch with our Cross Town Buddies, sing a few songs, and play some games. A busy, wet, fun filled day!

MR's class has a schedule for sharing and today was MR's day... She wanted to share Daddy! I wasn't able to attend (as i was on the field trip with MN's class), but i did catch the end and both seemed to have a great time!! MR is following a great sharing tradition... When Bill was in school, he shared his baby sister and his cousins!!! ;)

Friday, January 13th

MN: climbing the cargo net in gym and D's art lesson and A coming over

MR: A coming over to play and being with my family

A last minuted playdate on a Friday afternoon... A nice way to start the long weekend!

Saturday, January 14th

MN+MR: skiing and going to the C's for dinner

It was freezing on the mountain today, but the girls made it through their whole lesson today! We had a yummy lunch and a few post lunch runs... We then enjoyed a fun evening with friends. Thanks, C family, for hosting a fun night!!

Sunday, January 15th

MN+MR: going to the play place

Despite the cold, we headed off to church bright and early and then hit the gym. Bill and i got to watch sea lions frolicking in the channel while we worked out, and M+M got to play with friends... It was a great day to stay inside and enjoy the view!

Monday, January 16th

MN: coming home from skiing

MR: getting home

Not sure what we were thinking, but we went skiing today! It was reported to be -2 at the base and -7 (not including wind chill) at the top. We did 2 runs, then ducked inside to warm up with hot chocolate. We headed back out and took 2 more runs, including our first to the top of the mountain with the girls! Crazy, cold fun!!

Tuesday, January 17th

MN: meeting Blackberry and skating

MR: ice skating

Wednesday, January 18th

MN+MR: Daisies!

Thursday, January 19th

MN: Daddy's wind dance

MR: making P's birthday card

Friday, January 20th

MN+MR: going to the Buoy Deck and Fro-Yo!

Saturday, January 21st

MN+MR: going to the B's for dinner and a movie

Thanks, B Family, for a delicious dinner and awesome evening!

Sunday, January 22nd

MN+MR: having the F's over to play

Today we invited friends over to watch the Giants game. (We're Patriot and Steeler fans at heart, but were rooting for the Giants for Grandpa!) While the adults enjoyed a nail biter, the kiddos played, and played, and played, and played some more. Thanks, F Family, for helping us root on the Giants this afternoon!

Monday, January 23rd

MN: playdate with M

MR: tickle fight

Tuesday, January 24th

MN+MR: skating with all our friends and having L+C over for hot chocolate

Wednesday, January 25th

MN: practicing to cross country ski in pe

MR: spending the afternoon with Daddy

Thursday, January 26th

MN: waffles for dinner

MR: mommy

Friday, January 27th

MN+MR: dinner with the B's

Tonight, we had to check in for the Pinewood Derby tomorrow... We met our friends out for pizza beforehand... It was a new pizza place for me... M&M ate more than usual, J picked a delicious pizza, the kids had fun, i got to enjoy some adult conversation, and our Derby cars made weight the first time... A great night all around!

Saturday, January 28th

MN+MR: Pinewood Derby

We raced from the mountain to arrive both late and early for the Pinewood Derby (we were early for the originally scheduled time, late for the revised time!), but we made it!! Thanks to our fearless Daisy Leader L for holding the race for us!!! The cars the girls made were awesome... There was a shoe and an owl... So creative... It gave M&M lots of ideas for next year!!!! Congrats to J and H who took 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place! (yes, 2 kiddos took first through third... not sure how that happened; but, boy, were their cars fast!)

Sunday, January 29th

MN+MR: getting our toe nails painted!

Monday, January 30th

MN: art class

MR: having mommy in my class today

Tuesday, January 31st

MN: painting

MR: being with mommy

M+M Daily Favs: December 2011

2011-12-03T19:38:00.004-09:00

Thursday, December 1st

Friday, December 2nd

MN+MR: playdate

Saturday, December 3rd

MN+MR: playdate

Sunday, December 4th

MN+MR: watching the ice skating show

Monday, December 5th

MN+MR: playdate

Tuesday, December 6th

MN+MR: going to the Governor's House

Wednesday, December 7th

MN: staring to make my dinosaur picture for C

MR: watching the Kelso's choice video making friends with the girls who pushed me in the bathroom

Thursday, December 8th

Friday, December 9th

MN+MR: Buoy Deck dinner and FroYo!

Saturday, December 10th

MN: going to the V's for dinner

MR: skating lesson

Sunday, December 11th

MN+MR: seeing Santa, going to The Nutcracker, and getting our tree

Wednesday, December 14th

MN+MR: our Daisy Pinning Party

Thursday, December 15th

MN+MR: playdate with E

M+M Daily Favs: November 2011

2011-11-02T20:41:00.013-08:00

Tuesday, November 1st

MN: having Mommy volunteer in class

MR: Daddy coming home from work

Wednesday, November 2nd

MN: pe class

MR: recess

Thursday, November 3rd

MN: breakfast for dinner, marathon club, surprising Daddy

MR: surprising Daddy

We like to stop by Bill's office at least once a week to say hi. Today, we were actually quiet enough to surprise him! ;)

Friday, November 4th

MN+MR: SNOW!

Finally! I've been avidly watching the snow make it's way down the mountain and today we finally woke up to white, fluffy snow!! It was beautiful and the girls had a blast playing in it almost all afternoon.

Saturday. November 5th

MN+MR: playing with H, J, and N

Today we invited some friends over to play. M&M had a great time sharing all their toys and exploring the beach. Bill and i had a great time with our full house and even got to enjoy some great dinner company. Thanks E and kiddos for hanging with us today!

Sunday, November 6th

MN: going to the play place

MR: having my ski pass picture taken

Monday, November 7th

MN: science journals and center time

MR: coming home because i didn't feel good at school

Tuesday, November 8th

Wednesday, November 9th

MN+MR: Buoy Deck

We have made a habit of heading to the Buoy Deck for dinner on Fridays... In honor of Veteran's Day, the BD will be closed on Friday... Bill left today for a trip... So, dinner out on Wednesday it was!

Thursday, November 10th

MN+MR: Rio

In addition to dinner at the Buoy Deck on Friday, we usually visit Tasty Treat for some "fro yo". Since the girls are off from school tomorrow, we had dessert before dinner after music lessons. When we got home, i decided it was movie time! We first watched Rio on the plane from Germany to New Jersey in July and it is one of the girls' favs. A fun way to start the weekend!

Friday, November 11th

MN: taking our walk

MR: cuddling during story time

Saturday, November 12th

MN+MR: skating lesson

The girls have been waiting approximately 3 years to take skating lessons (when we first met our friend A and she had just started taking lessons), and today was the day... Their first official lesson! The rink offered/offers parent and tot skates and informal lessons, but these were our first official lessons with the Juneau Skating Club. Both girls said their teachers were fun and nice (they were each in a small group of 3), an are so excited about skating that they want to go again tomorrow. Thank goodness we live close by!

Sunday, November 13th

MN: reading

MR: cuddling for storytime

Monday, November 14th

MN+MR: SNOW DAY!

Tuesday, November 15th

MN: writing to my crosstown buddy

MR: going to the Book Fair

Wednesday, November 16th

MN: "today was a perfect day"

MR: I'm not sure... I liked to much of it

Who knew running myself ragged was the best way to make my girlies happy! ;) Today was very busy for me today (two 2 hour sessions of volunteering at school, middle of the day appointment, shopping for pellets and ice melt and fruit, making sure the dog got walked enough... the list could go on, but i'm too tired!) The girls went to school, had another wonderful day of learning, got to hang at the book fair and get a goodie (yesterday they got books, today a treat: erasers!), went to Daisies, had an awesome scavenger hunt, hung out with friends and ran wild at Bullwinkles for dinner... Whatever their favorite thing was, they went to bed missing Daddy, but really happy! Hooray for happy, tired kiddos!!

Thursday, November 17th

Friday, November 18th

MN+MR: playing at the B's

Saturday, November 19th

MN+MR: birthday parties and Daddy

Sunday, November 20th

MN+MR: L's bday party

Monday, November 21st

MN+MR: going on the hike

Tuesday, November 22nd

MN+MR: conferences

Wednesday, November 23rd

MN+MR: haircuts and celebrating Daddy!

Thursday, November 24th

MN+MR: celebrating Thanksgiving with our friends

Friday, November 25th

MN+MR: sledding and having snacks and playing with the B's

Saturday, November 26th

MN+MR: going to Public Market and getting ice cream

Sunday, November 27th

MN+MR sledding with C

Monday, November 28th

MN: art class... painting still life

MR: coming home from school and being with mommy

M+M Daily Favs: September 2011

2011-10-26T20:25:00.007-08:00

Friday, September 2nd

MN+MR: our playdate and dinner at the Buoy Deck

Saturday, September 3rd

MN: eating at Old McDonald's

MR: going to Home Depot

Sunday, September 4th

MN+MR: playing at A+A's house

Monday, September 5th

MN: making new food and pretending to roast marshmallows

MR: playing

Tuesday, September 6th

MN: coming home

MR: picking up Daddy

Wednesday, September 7th

MN+MR: getting ice cream

Thursday, September 8th

MN: journal writing

MR: finishing my book

Friday, September 9th

MN+MR: getting frozen yogurt after dinner

Saturday, September 10th

MN: getting a new toy and going to the school playground

MR: the whole day! (playing on the beach, going to swimming lessons, going to Imagination Station, having lunch at Silverbow and having a cookie for dessert, taking Daddy to the airport, going to Costco, going to the playground, and playing again on the beach)

Sunday, September 11th

MN+MR: hiking Mt. Roberts with our Daisy troop and the Girl Scouts

Monday, September 12th

MN: seeing Baby A pictures on mommy's phone

MR: coming home

Tuesday, September 13th

MN: getting Bearrie

MR: being the special person of the day at school

Wednesday, September 14th

MN: playing with the magna tiles after school

going to Old McDonald's

Thursday, September 15th

MN: playing with the B's

MR: getting a new toy and playing with the B's at the playground

Friday, September 16th

MN+MR: FIELD TRIP

Saturday, September 17th

MN: swimming lessons and playing with O

MR: Daddy coming home and playing with O

M+M Daily Favs: August 2011

2011-08-11T09:05:00.019-08:00

Monday, August 1st

MN+MR: the pool!

M+M have become pretty good little swimmers (for those with no formal training) since arriving back in the states... when Bill booked hotels, he looked for: places that took dogs and served breakfast... a lot of our hotels have had pools too and M+M have had a blast... this pool (at the Super 8 in Fort Nelson British Columbia) had a super fast water slide that the girls loved... Bill and i liked it because all that time on the slide and in the water made M+M sleep like rocks... i only wish Kodiak could have used it too! ;)

Tuesday, August 2nd

MN+MR: seeing all the animals

we were told that we would see lots of wildlife during our drive on the Alaska Highway... today was the day... bison, bears, moose... amazing (and a little scary when the bear approached our car!)

Wednesday, August 3rd

MN+MR: getting a cookie

today we arrived in Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon. after wandering around town, we happened across a great bakery with delicious cookies for dessert! thanks, baked!

Thursday, August 4th

MN+MR: getting back to Alaska!

we have been in Canada since last Wednesday... M+M were ridiculously excited to cross the border into the United States and dance wildly in from of the "Welcome to Alaska" sign... we're almost home...

Friday, August 5th

MN+MR: getting to Juneau!

we made it! :)

Saturday, August 6th

MN+MR: being all done with houses

well, we are far from being done looking at houses, but today was a marathon day... M+M were troopers, but let us know that house hunting is not their favorite way to spend the day.

Sunday, August 7th

MN+MR: going to Eagle Beach

sun in Juneau? head to the beach! we didn't see too many eagles today, but we loved walking on the beach, splashing in the puddles, collecting shells, and playing fetch with Kodiak.

Monday, August 8th

MN: getting my dolly

MR: playing with my dolly

today, MN woke up sick. Bill and i quickly rearranged our plans. its always a pain to change things up at the last minute, but the upside was that Bill was able to bring the girls dolls back with him. we flew from Germany to NJ with the dolls in our luggage, but were not able to fit them in the car for the cross country drive. we shipped them to Juneau and they arrived before we did. M+M played (MR) and cuddled (MN) with their dolls all afternoon. being separated from their toys has certainly made the girls appreciate them more! yeah!!

Tuesday, August 9th

MN+MR: going to Daddy's work

as much as we loved living in Germany, the girls missed visiting Bill's office. he worked in a secure space (no personal cell phones and other measures) and shared a small office with 3 others, so it was not the best place for 2 excited 5/6 year olds. this morning i went to the dentist, and the girls quietly played in Bill's office... we are very lucky to have a set up like that!

Wednesday, August 10th

MN+MR: going to the library

believe it or not, my Juneau library card was still active! before we left, i made sure the account was in order (no late fees, no books unreturned)... today i updated our address (sadly to our post office box because we still haven't found a place to live) and phone number, and the girls and i picked out a large number of books to bring "home" with us. loved, loved, loved the libraries here... so happy to be back!!

Thursday, August 11th

MN+MR: going to Daddy's work

today i tried to register the girls for school... kind of hard when you live in a hotel and don't plan on being there much longer, but at the same time have no idea where we are going to live. at least the girls had fun!

Friday, August 12th

MN+MR: dinner at the Buoy Deck

We had dinner with a couple friends from Bill's office on Friday night... We always have fun with J, A, and M and tonight we got to meet Baby A (daughter of A and M, who was born while we were in Germany). M&M were enthralled with this sweet baby girl... I got to hold her for a long time and even helped her take a little nap!

Saturday, August 13th

MN+MR: seeing A&A!

The V family were the first ones to welcome us to Juneau when we arrived in 2008... They also drove us to the airport when we left in 2010... M&M and A&A spent a lot of time playing together over the course of the almost 2 years we lived here, and were sorely missed when we moved to Germany. The V's had family visiting the week we arrived, so this was our first chance to get the kiddos together... They were nice enough to ask us to be their guests on the tram on this gorgeous Saturday! We rode up, hiked around, climbed trees, took pictures, chatted, saw Lady Baltimore, and rode back down... Thanks so much, V Family! We missed you lots and are so excited to have another year with you!!

Sunday, August 14th

MN+MR: having the tour at church

When we moved to Juneau in 2008, we visited several churches before settling in at Holy Trinity. At the time we began attending, services were being held in the church hall of another parish as Holy Trinity had been lost in a fire some time before our arrival. In December 2009, the church opened again for services. The building was a long way from being finished, and a lot has been done in the year we've been gone... Our friend B was kind enough to show us all the changes that have been made and fill us in on what still needs to be done. Thanks B... It's so great to see you, D, and all of our church friends again!

Monday, August 15th

MN+MR: going to Daddy's work

We decided to pick Bill up from work this evening, but of course he wasn't ready when we arrived... This allowed me to rummage through the boxes being stored there and the girls to play with their Polly Pockets for a little while... Good time! ;)

Tuesday, August 16th

MN+MR: staying in our jammies for a long time

This morning, MR woke up with a slight fever. My remedy... lots of jammie and tv time... What else can i do in a hotel room?!

Wednesday, August 17th

MN+MR: going to the new pool

During our time in Germany, the city of Juneau completed the Dimond Park Aquatic Center... It's an awesome new pool with slides, a splash area... All the best fun things for kiddos... Finally (after 10 days of being in Juneau), the girls got there! They were in heaven and slept like rocks!!

Thursday, August 18th

MN+MR: starting music lessons

Last fall, MN started guitar lessons and MR started piano lessons They finished their lessons in Germany in June, and have been excited to get back to them. I hope that they will be as excited about practicing! ;)

Friday, August 19th

MN+MR: dinner at the Buoy Deck

looks like this might be our new Friday night event... at least until skating lesson start

Saturday, August 20th

MN+MR: moving to the new apartment

we moved out of the airport hotel today into a vacation rental apartment... it' nice to have some room to spread out and the girls love the shelves in the closet (they unpacked all of their things!)

Sunday, August 21st

MN+MR: playing on the beach

we are lucky to be staying in an apartment on the water... at low tide, a rocky beach is exposed. during a break in the rain, the girls and i took Kodiak outside for a walk and explored... we found lots of dead salmon (so cool and so yucky!) and a stream... we had fun testing the limits of our boots crossing the stream!

Monday, August 22nd

MN+MR: having dinner with all of our friends

Tuesday, August 23rd

MN: school

me: What about school? MN: Recess! me: i'm so glad that you liked recess, i know you were worried about going out to play in the rain. What did you like best about classroom time?MN: Math... No, morning meeting... No, math... Morning meeting and math!

MR: school, the whole day of it!

Today was M&M's first day of first grade. This is their fifth school in four years (three preschools in two years, kindergarten in Germany, and now first grade in Juneau). I am so proud of how they handled being new again! Both girls were nervous, but settled into their rooms with their teachers and came home excited and full of things to tell me about their day. I think another great school year is underway!!

Wednesday, August 24th

MN: meeting M

MR: coming home

Today MN was super excited when i picked her up because she had made a friend!

I love that MR was so excited to come home, but i want her to love school as much as she did last year... When pressed, she decided that counseling (a 30 minute class activity once a week, today focusing on listening) was her favorite part of the school day (after recess!)

Thursday, August 25th

MN: watching the salmon

MR: meeting my new friend C

I ask the girls this question each night before bed... Most of the time i record their answers right away, but sometimes i don't... Most of the times i remember what they told me, sometimes i don't...

It's Friday afternoon right now... I forgot what they told me last night, so i asked again...

This was not MN's original answer... Her original answer was about something from school, but i have to say i'm glad this is what she remembers! The rain took a break yesterday, so we spent about an hour on the beach watching the salmon. It's nearing the end of spawning season, but there are still several salmon working to lay those eggs... We watched 6 yesterday... Two were definitely near the end of their lives and the girls were very worried about the mommy and baby salmon... "Who will help the babies swim if the mommy is in heaven?" So hard to explain spawning!

I'm soo happy that MR is finally talking about a friend from class! She was very worried the first couple days... There is a boy in her class who was calling names and threatening to push children... She was nervous about having to stand up for herself. I think having a friend will help! Buddy system!!

Friday, August 26th

MN: getting frozen yogurt

MR: going to the Buoy Deck and getting frozen yogurt

For the last three Fridays, we have enjoyed a fun dinner at the Buoy Deck with friends and then gone out for frozen yogurt... It's become a fun tradition that we all enjoy and look forward to. Happy Weekend! :)

Saturday, August 27th

MN: having the fire

MR: going to the party

Our little vacation apartment has a fireplace... After a week of begging, we finally gave in a started a small fire... We've missed having a fireplace!

Today was the Welcome Social for the JCGFMA... We had a great time seeing old friends and making new ones... Here's to a another great time in Juneau!

Sunday, August 28th

MN: going swimming

MR: going to the party

On the first day of school, MR was invited to a birthday party... It was the first time she had been invited to a party without her sister. Both sisters were a little upset about this (MN more so... What if Sissie gets a goody bag?!), but we worked it out... The party was held at the new swimming pool, so both girlies got to swim (thanks goodness Bill was home to help out!) When it was time for the party part, MR saved a cookie for her sister! As you can read, a good time was had by all!!

Monday, August 29th

MN+MR: going skating!

Today was our first day back on skates after more than a year... It was slow going, but the girls are determined!

Tuesday, August 30th

MN: getting your new phone

MR: going to the phone store

One week ago today, the girls were standing in a stream watching the salmon. One second i was taking a picture of them, the next thing i knew i was searching for my phone in the cold, swirling water. My new phone arrived in the mail today (thanks, A, for taking delivery!), and then we had to spend an hour waiting for our turn to get a new sim card, etc. A long unexpected afternoon, but so worth it! My next purchase? A phone case with a strap!

Wednesday, August 31st

MN: cuddling with you

MR: going to the dentist

What a way to finish up the month... Clean teeth and a happy heart! :)

M+M Daily Favs: June 2011

2011-06-13T06:15:00.007-08:00

Wednesday, June 1st

MN+MR: playing at school after school

Thursday, June 2nd

MN+MR: eating Burger King in the car on the way to Hamburg

Friday, June 3rd

MN+MR: pool

Saturday, June 4th

MN+MR: going out to dinner with all our friends

Sunday, June 5th

MN+MR: Miniature Wonderland

Monday, June 6th

MN+MR: German class

Tuesday, June 7th

MN+MR: Diva Day at German class

Wednesday, June 8th

MN+MR: having the D's over for dinner

Thursday, June 9th

MN+MR: playdate with A

Friday, June 10th

MN+MR: Moving Up Ceremony and Party

Saturday, June 11th

MN: Block Party and I's Party
MR: I's Party

Sunday, June 12th

MN+MR: playing outside with our friends

Monday, June 13th

MN: having mommy in class and recess
MR: watching the slideshow

Tuesday, June 14th
MN: making my zoo diorama
MR: losing my tooth

M+M Daily Favs: May 2011

2011-05-03T11:40:00.002-08:00

Sunday, May 1st

MN+MR: another amazing day with Cousin C

Monday, May 2nd

MN+MR: Aunt L and Sister D coming back

Tuesday, May 3rd

MN: playing with J

MR: playing with J and being with my family

Sunday, May 15th

MN+MR: going to fest!

Monday, May 16th

MN: recess

MR: show & tell at German class

Tuesday, May 17th

MN+MR: coming home and being with you

M+M Daily Favs: April 2011

2011-04-03T08:09:00.013-08:00

Friday, April 1st

MN: having a pretzel and riding in the car

MR: going to the doctor, because I got to have my chin looked at

Today was doctor day... Physicals for the move back to Alaska and blood work to check their iron stores. After the appointments, a big pretzel for the car ride back to school. Poor MR's chin is technicolor... It's still swollen, but she's handling it pretty well... I think her name is going to be "Bruiser" for some time to come! ;)

Saturday, April 2nd

MN+MR: celebrating A's birthday and playing with B and L

Busy Saturday... Bill had to unexpectedly run into work... Then it was off to a birthday party (Happy Birthday, A!) that Martha had to miss part of for her guitar lesson... Then we met friends at their house... Out to dinner... Post dinner playground visit... And free Starbucks to top off the evening! Thanks, J Family for a super fun party... And thanks, D Family for a terrific dinner and relaxing evening!!

Sunday, April 3rd

MN+MR: the zoo

After church, Bill brought the girls to the zoo (i stayed home to clean, but managed to catch an hour of sun with the neighbors and a book!). M+M and Daddy wandered through Rosenstein Park, visited the giraffes, the greenhouses, the aquarium, and the butterfly house. Ice cream sandwich were purchased and a good time was had by all. :)

Monday, April 4th

MN: recess

MR: pe

Not sure why recess was such a hit today, but MR loved pe because she talked herself out of class! I think her chin is sore. She told the pe teacher that she shouldn't play the game incase the ball hit her in the chin. She is way too young to be making pe excuses!

Tuesday, April 5th

i was out to dinner with friends... Bill is off on a work trip... must catch up with him and ask!

Wednesday, April 6th

MN: playing dinosaur at recess

MR: the kissing hand

Today was another beautiful spring day! What does that mean for my girls? No tights! M&M love dresses and skirts and tights; but when the wether warms up, i try to convince them to go without the tights. This afternoon during MR's piano lesson, i noticed scratches all over MN's legs. When i asked her what happened, she told me she was crawling on the ground during recess playing dinosaur. "Good thing I didn't wear tights or they would be all tored up," she tells me. I would have traded the tights for scratch free legs, kiddo!

Yesterday, i left MR at school in tears. I'm not sure what exactly set it off, but but 8am she was ready to drop out of elementary school to study at home, with me, all the time. (MN's idea!) We are so lucky that she loves her teacher, and that her teacher knows exactly how to handle her. She was happy as a clam when i picked her up at 2:20 (on the dot!). This morning, she wanted something to remember me by. I had nothing but the keys to get back into the apartment in my pocket, so i gave her had a big smooch and put it on her cheek. This was not an original idea, we have the book the kissing hand, but it seemed to do the trick today. Tonight i have been asked to print out a picture of the family that she can put in her pocket. Now, i just have to make sure that i have something clean for he to wear that has a pocket!

Thursday, April 7th

MN+MR: cookout

Although i am not a hug fan of my apartment (too small!) i do adore my neighbors. All but 1 of the families (there are 9 apartments in the building) were very welcoming when we arrived last summer, and several of the families have become good friends. Last night was one of the nights that i was perfectly happy to have my small apartment if it means i get to have fun with all these great folks.

Yesterday was the last day of school before spring break. Like the mean mommy that i am, i had the girls come home after MN's gymnastic class and clean their bedrooms. After that, we had an early dinner and then went out for smore's... Two of the neighbors had their grills going... The kiddos wisely chose the hot coal grill to roast their marshmallows. M&M had a great time with the M girls and with J from upstairs... There were smore's, markers, crayons, paper, coloring book, chalks, and bubbles. I let them stay out way past their bedtime, but it was so worth it! I'm looking forward to a lot more fun nights like that as spring goes on!!

Friday, April 8th

MN: the bubble bath, except when I got the bubbles in my mouth

MR: picking Daddy up from the airport

Bill had a short work trip this week... As the girls were out of school, we all got to pick him up. The girls get ridiculously excited about going to the airport and love to describe, in great detail, how they will greet Daddy. When we lived in Juneau, we usually parked and met him inside... Here we meet him outside. They always want me to park, but this is a whole lot easier... Especially since i'm usually running late... Sorry, Bill! We're so glad to have you home!!

Bill made lots of bubbles for the tub tonight... The girls had a blast making hats and beards for themselves... It was all fun and games until somebody swallowed some bubbles! ;)

Saturday, April 9th

MN+MR: playing with A and M

We were lucky enough to be invited back to a friends' house for dinner tonight... They served an amazing meal (that was kicked of by incredible guacamole and margaritas!) We enjoyed time outside with the kiddos and the dogs, and probably overstayed our welcome with wonderful dinner conversation... Thanks, M Family... We had a blast!!

Sunday, April 10th

MN+MR: arriving at our hotel

Tonight we are staying at The Blue Beetroot in Poland. This inn/hotel came highly recommended by friends and neighbors, and we are thrilled to be here! The girls love that they each have their own beds and that there is a large spa style bath tub. They spent all their time tonight unpacking and arranging al their toys around the room. Kodiak is stretched out at our feet, and i am trying very hard not to spill perogi on my keyboard as i type (so yummy!) Come to Europe so i can can bring you back here with me! ;)

Monday, April 11th

MN+MR: taking the donkey ride

I'll admit, that wasn't their first answer. First they said, "Arriving at our apartment!" After i questioned that with a: "That was really your favorite?", both girls looked at each other and shouted, "Donkey ride! Donkey ride!!"

Knowing the girls would have to be very patient while we shopped for pottery, we signed them up for a morning donkey ride. They had so much fun greeting all the animals inside and outside the barn while we waited to start. They were beside themselves with excitement at actually getting to ride and animal! Barbara (one of the owners of The Blue Beetroot) and an assistant did a great job with the girls and with the animals. It was a little adventure they won't soon forget!

Tuesday, April 12th

MN: The Dragon's Lair

MR: saying a prayer in the little church

We had so much fun exploring Krakow today! Thank you to A's mom for lending us a couple of great kid's books about the legends of Poland (especially the dragon legend... it made the visit to the lair so much more fun!) Krakow has amazing churches, St. Adalbert's was MR's favorite. When we visited, there was a group praying the rosary... I think she really enjoyed hearing the prayers in Polish!

Wednesday, April 13th

MN+MR: the salt mine

I wanted to visit a salt mine during our trip to Austria last November, but we weren't able to. I really talked up this excursion, so expectations were running pretty high... We were all very impressed! The history was fascinating, the art work was amazing, and everyone enjoyed the walking/skipping/dancing through the passages!

Thursday, April 15th

MN: dinner... "It was the best dinner I ever had!"

MR: getting to the hotel

We left Krakow this morning to begin the long trek back to Stuttgart. We took a detour to visit Auschwitz and Birkenau (more about that later). The girls were great in the car, but didn't really understand what we saw today (nor did we explain to them exactly what they were seeing... they still can't watch Scooby Doo without hiding their eyes, we didn't think they were ready to hear about the gas chambers at Birkenau... this visit was an investment in their future study of world history). When we arrived back at The Blue Beetroot, they were so happy to see the barn where their donkey friends Ruddi and Kooba (sp?) were bedding down for the night, and behaved so well at dinner without any toys to keep them busy until the food arrived. MN is our pickier eater, so her exclamation was pretty exciting!

Friday, April 15th

MN+MR: going to the glass studio

I thought that we were going to a place where glass balls and vases were made... Were we in for an awesome surprise! Glassstudio Borowski makes art!! We had fun walking around the shop, exploring the garden, and watching the artists at work... Amazing!!

the man in the blue shirt is blowing the glass that will become the body for a hippo

beautiful glass balls

Saturday, April 16th

MN: biergarten and cuckoo clock

MR: getting our clock and going to the biergarten

Sunday, April 17th

MN+MR: playing outside

Monday, April 18th

MN: recess

MR: coming home with mommy

Back to school means back to fun and friends! MN came home with lots of new scratches on her legs today from playing her favorite games at recess (pretending to be animals!)!

MR was happy to go to school, but happier to get back home. She loves her teacher and school, but often says that she misses us too much while she is away. I miss you too, Sweet Girl!

Tuesday, April 19th

MN+MR: Daisies

Today at their Daisy meeting, the girls made mini scrapbooks. They picked out pictures to bring with them... It was fun to see which pictures they picked! The project came out really well... Great job, A and A!

Wednesday, April 20th

MN: recess

MR: DEAR Time

We've been having amazing weather, and the girls have been soaking it up! I think there have been multiple recesses!! ;)

Today (or maybe yesterday), MR's class started DEAR Time. She was super excited and brought her Spanish-English dictionary from home to school to read. Not quite sure why she picked that one... I think she sees it as a serious book (it's a mini travel dictionary for adults), and DEAR Time is serious reading time! I love that she is becoming such a reader!!

Thursday, April 21st

MN+MR: playing with A and M

Friday, April 22nd

MN+MR: having Easter at school

Saturday, April 23rd

MN+MR: being with J

Sunday, April 24th

MN+MR: EASTER!

Monday and Tuesday, April 25th and 26th

MN+MR: the S family!

Wednesday, April 27th

MN+MR: Aunt L and Sister D arriving!

Thursday, April 28th

MN+MR: the S Family, Aunt L and Sister D being here, Cousin C arriving

Friday, April 29th

MN+MR: pajama party!

Saturday, April 30th

MN+MR: our amazing adventures with Cousin C

M+M Daily Favs: February 2011

2011-02-02T11:30:00.024-09:00

Wednesday, February 2nd

MN: school, except for the beginning part when i fell on my chin

MR: specials (pe)

Poor MN! She was wriggling out of her jacket this morning and before i knew it, she was on the floor!! She whacked her chin hard enough to cut it, but no major blood or damage. Thanks to Mrs. W (the school nurse) for the band aid and smile!

Thursday, February 3rd

MN: gymnastics class

MR: playing with M

MN is in gymnastic class with her friend A, so while the "big sisters" are in class, MR plays with M. She has such a great time playing with her Little Sister Friend! :)

Friday, February 4th

MN+MR: playdate and dinner at the M's

Thanks, M Family, for a fun night! Your home is amazing!! (They live in an old castle!)

Saturday, February 5th

MN+MR: selling cookies

A rite of passage... the selling of Girl Scout cookies! M&M are in the first year of Daisies. They had a blast asking the patron of the Patch Commissary to but cookies (what little we had left... this was the second weekend of selling, and they went fast!)

Sunday, February 6th

MN+MR: playing with J, going to the playground, riding bikes

Although J lives upstairs, we don't get to play with him often enough! He and MN are in class together, but our off school time schedules never seems to match up quite right. This morning we played outside on bikes and did chalks for almost 2 hours!

Monday, February 7th

MN+MR: going to the zoo

Today was a day off school, so we went to the dentist and the zoo to check out our favorite animals!

anthurium in the greenhouse

M&M admiring the flowers in the greenhouse

watching the goldfish

in the butterfly garden

MN watching her beloved giraffe

Tuesday, February 8th

MN: playing with JF

MR: being at home with my family

Okay... So tonight i freaked out a little bit... Did you read last Wednesday's fav from MN? Well, she has this strange lump under her chin that i did not see or feel until tonight. As Bill is away, i ran upstairs to my neighbor to have her take a look. Her assessment was check with the school nurse or doctor. I agree, but i really wanted her to tell me that her son had the same thing and he was fine... That's all i want... Someone who has had the same exact experiences to tell me that it all works out ok!

Wednesday, February 9th

MN+MR: being with my mom and sissie

Well, a quick trip to the nurse, turned into a trip to the doctor. It turns out MN has a little hematoma under her chin... It feels like she has a tiny pebble in there! It should go away on it's own; but, if it doesn't, it will need to be extracted... ugh!

Thursday, February 10th

MN: recess

MR: playing at home

Friday, February 11th

MN+MR: the whole day, especially picking up Daddy at the airport

Saturday, February 12th

MN+MR: playing with J

Sunday, February 13th

MN+MR: making valentines

Monday, February 14th

MN+MR: VALENTINE'S DAY!

reading their valentines

Tuesday, February 15th

MN+MR: Daisies

Wednesday, February 16th

MN: watching the drama club

MR: the whole school day

Thursday, February 17th

MN: recess

MR: eating at Burger King

Yup, i caved to the fast food beast tonight! ;)

Friday, February 18th

MN+MR: Daddy coming to pick us up at school

Since Bill has been away in Africa for most of the past 2 weeks, this was a special treat! :)

Saturday, February 19th

MN+MR: the caves

The cave was cool enough on its own, but when their friend J showed up with her family, the adventure became even more exciting!

in the cave

riding the train with J

Sunday, February 20th, 2011

MN+MR: skiing

heading off into the fog with Gasper for their second ski lesson

(the first disastrous lesson was 2 years ago!) :)

Monday, February 21st

MN+MR: coming home

Tuesday, February 22nd

MN+MR: recess

Wednesday, February 23rd

MN+MR: Hundredth Day Celebration

Thursday, February 24th

MN: recess

MR: center time

Friday, February 25th

MN: recess and Daddy

MR: Daddy

Bill has been traveling on and off for 3 weeks, so having Daddy pick the girls up at school today was a special treat! :)

Saturday, February 26th

MN+MR: Girl Scouts

Today was Girl Scout World Thinking Day. As Daisies, M+M and other members of their troop got to "visit" 5 countries and learn about what life is like for girls in those countries. They had a great time dancing, trying new foods, and sewing!

Sunday, February 27th

MN:playing invisible on the playground

MR going to church

Monday, February 28th

MN+MR: school

M+M Daily Favs: January 28th-31st, 2011

2011-01-29T11:38:00.004-09:00

Friday

MN+MR=lighting the candle at Notre Dame Cathedral

Saturday

MN=Mannequin Pis

MR=the churches

Sunday

MN=the chocolate museum, the frite museum, and the church too!

MR=the church, the frite museum, and i guess the chocolate museum too

M+M Daily Favs: January 24th-27th, 2011

2011-01-29T10:41:00.004-09:00

a short school week :)

Monday

MN=pe

MR=the whole school day

Tuesday

MN+MR=the giant poppers at German Class

Wednesday

MN=finishing my Flat Stanley journal

MR=rocket ship ride to bed

MN's Flat Stanley journal was a week long project. We did a good job writing in it every day, but i didn't print out the pictures until today. Both girls were excited to see it come together.

Flat Stanley at MN's guitar lesson

Thursday

MN=sharing my Flat Stanley journal, show+tell, doing the reading

MR=doing the reading

Today was a busy day! MN presented her Flat Stanley journal at school and shared her dinosaur at show + tell. After school was gymnastics class for MN (and the library for MR and me). After running home, we ate a quick dinner before heading back to school for Kindergarten Make & Take Night. M+M were asked to do a reading to kick off the second part of the night... They practiced very hard and did a great job. Bill and i were very proud! :)

M+M Daily Favs: January 23rd, 2011

2011-01-29T10:39:00.001-09:00

MN+MR=C's party

M+M had a blast today bowling and celebrating their friend C's birthday. Thanks so much, C, for inviting us to share in the fun!

M+M Daily Favs: January 22nd, 2011

2011-01-29T10:33:00.003-09:00

MN+MR=Porsche Museum and having the Fs over for dinner

This morning, Bill took the girls to the Porsche Museum. They had a blast running around and checking out all the cars!

Tonight, we had our neighbors over for dinner. We enjoyed a long, lazy meal... We drank, we talked, we laughed... We laughed especially hard at the kiddos dressed up at pirates!

exploring the Porsche in America exhibit

M+M Daily Favs: January 21st, 2011

2011-01-21T09:45:00.001-09:00

MN: school... "nothing psacific", just the whole thing

MR: going out to dinner

M+M Daily Favs: January 20th, 2011

2011-01-20T09:43:00.002-09:00

MN: starting Flat Stanley at school

MR: feeding the fish

Big doings at school today! MN brought home Flat Stanley's travel journal for a week with our family. She was so excited that she pulled it out of her backpack all by herself to get started working on today's entry (Flat Stanley and MN at gymnastics!) MR was thrilled to be starting jobs in her class... Her first job is feeding the fish. If all goes well (no overfeeding the fish!), i see a small tank in our future. :)

M+M Daily Favs: January 19th, 2011

2011-01-19T09:17:00.001-09:00

MN: music class

MR: lining up for lunch because we earned our star

M+M Daily Favs: January 18th, 2011

2011-01-18T10:40:00.003-09:00

MN+MR: Daisy Meeting

MN and MR are in a Daisy troop. The troop meets twice a month to do projects to earn petals towards their daisy and learn about scouting. Each week, a different family teaches a petal lesson. Today, was one of our petal days... We taught: Be A Sister to Every Girl Scout. I had a great time spending time with M&M and meeting and working with more of their friends. I'm looking forward to mailing off our penpal letters to NJ and receiving some letters in return. :)

m+M Daily Favs: January 17th, 2011

2011-01-18T10:35:00.003-09:00

MN+MR: Ritter Sport Museum and Store

Today we drove about an hour south of our home to visit the Ritter Sport Museum and Store. It's a small museum, but truth be told, the main draw for us was the store! ;) We've been enjoying Ritter chocolate since we moved to Germany and had a great time reading about chocolate making and the history of the company. We each picked a few bars and had fun trying them out on the drive home.

M+M Daily Favs: January 16th, 2011

2011-01-18T10:31:00.002-09:00

MN+MR: having our friends over for dinner

Tonight we had friends over for dinner and had a great time... The girls played, the dogs played, the adults ate, drank, and chatted... Thanks for coming, M Family... We're looking forward to getting together again soon!

M+M Daily Favs: January 15th, 2011

2011-01-15T10:32:00.005-09:00

MN: going to the bike store and getting my new bike

MR: my new bike and going to Ikea

When we moved to Germany last summer, we promised the girls that we would get them new bikes. I'm not sure where the time went, but we never followed through on our promise. We thought about getting bikes for Christmas, but there was ice and snow and thought it wouldn't be much fun to give them a bike that they couldn't ride. Little did we know that less than a month after Christmas that there would be no snow, no ice, and temps in the 50's. We were supposed to go to Budapest this weekend, but had to postpone our trip... So we thought we would buy bikes for the girls instead! The girls had a great time trying out the all the different bikes (finally deciding on the pink Princess Lillifee bike) and playing on the climbing structure in the store. While we waited for the bikes to be assembled and tuned, we wandered around the mall, had lunch, walked around Ikea, and had ice cream. We arrived home just in time to ride try out the new ride and visit with the neighbors. So glad the forecast looks good... Want to work on getting rid of those training wheels asap! ;)

hanging around the bike store

making wishes at the fountain at the mall

learning to ride

M+M Daily Favs: January 14th, 2011

2011-01-14T12:20:00.002-09:00

MN: going out to dinner

MR: the whole thing

Today was a winner! :)

After i has strep in December, MN started complaining of a sore throat. She was having trouble swallowing and not eating very much. We took her to the doctor, but he couldn't find anything wrong. Every meal has become a battle to get to chew and swallow in a reasonable amount of time. Tonight, for the first time in a long time, we were able to go to a restaurant, order food off the menu, and everyone ate it! The girls loved the dinosaur nuggets at their fav Juneau restaurant, but hadn't found anything here that they liked... Looks like schnitzel is a hit!

MR has had a tough time getting back into the swing of things since Winter Break ended (getting up at 6:30 am is super tough!) Wednesday, she said she was black (which means she didn't want to do anything)... Yesterday, she was blue... Today she was planning to be brown (which means she's tired)... Despite this, she was happy and excited for German class when i picked her up at school today and had a great time out at dinner. I hope this good mood shows up again on Tuesday morning!

M+M Daily Favs: January 13th, 2011

2011-01-13T09:24:00.002-09:00

MN: store center

MR: enrichment

Thanks goodness it is almost Friday! We had been planning to go to Budapest, but had to postpone our trip... I'm now looking forward to a relaxing weekend at home. We will most likely end up doing at least one day trip, and, if the weather improves, we might even try a trip to the zoo! :)

M+M Daily Favs: January 12th, 2011

2011-01-12T09:45:00.001-09:00

MN: school- Bake Sale

MR: school- calendar time

M+M Daily Favs: January 11th, 2011

2011-01-11T09:26:00.000-09:00

MN: building the Lincoln Log House

MR: centers

M+M Daily Favs: January 10th, 2011

2011-01-11T09:14:00.003-09:00

MN: working with Mommy on the Dream Cloud at school

MR: learning new words in Spanish class

Today i volunteered in MN's class. I try to get into each classroom at least once a month. I have a great time working with MN and MR, their teachers, and their friends! Today, MN's teacher read a story about MLK Jr. and wanted each child to come up with a dream for the world's people. Most of the kiddos wrote that they wanted people to get along and not fight with each other. One student wants the people of the world to take care of all the unicorns and penguins. ;)

M+M Daily Favs: January 7th-9th, 2011

2011-01-09T09:48:00.002-09:00

Friday, January 7th

dinner at the H's house and playing with K

Saturday, January 8th

having L and B over to play

Sunday, January 9th

staying home all day and playing

We capped off a busy back to school week with a fun weekend... We were invited to join friends for dinner on Friday and then hosted friends for dinner on Saturday... We all enjoyed yummy, relaxing dinners, and the girls had a blast playing with their friends! We did not stay home all day today (we actually left the house to go to church), but the rest of the time was spent relaxing and playing. Not a bad way to spend a day! :)

M+M Daily Favs: January 6th, 2011

2011-01-06T09:37:00.001-09:00

MN: playing centers at school

MR: school, just school

I am so happy that both my girlies love school! I am especially happy today that MR picked school as her fav as she almost talked me into letting her stay home today... "Please, Mommy... I want to stay home with you and cuddle with you." Not sure how i actually said no to that!

M+M Daily Favs: January 5th, 2011

2011-01-05T09:19:00.002-09:00

MN: getting out of line to hug you

MR: school-recess

Oh my sweet, first born girl! Today, i volunteered in MR's class, but got a chance to sneak in a couple peeks at MN's class next door and steal a couple hugs and kisses too!! ;)

M+M Daily Favs: January 4th, 2011

2011-01-04T09:26:00.002-09:00

MN: school

MR: helping my teachers

I couldn't get anything more specific from MN, but she did tell this interesting story...

As the snack helpers were handing out snack, MN and a few other students were cleaning up the center they had been in. According to MN, a student said: "We're never going to finish!" In response, MN said: "Have faith in yourself. I know we can do it. That's what my mom says." The student replied, "Your mom is wrong." I'm wrong a lot, but i'm pretty sure that believing in yourself/having faith in yourself is the only way that most things get done. I just hope that i can keep my daughters listening to me (and our family and friends) instead of the naysayers.

MR wasn't thrilled about going to school today... One of her classmates had their last day yesterday, and she was sad that she wasn't going to see her friend anymore. I spoke to MR's teacher to let her know that MR was feeling a little blue, and her teacher (sweet, wonderful woman that she is!) had MR walk with the aide to the office to deliver the attendance and lunch count. This made her day!

M+M Daily Favs: January 3rd, 2011

2011-01-03T09:35:00.004-09:00

MN: school - playing in the housekeeping center

MR: piano lesson

Today was back to school after a 2 week winter break. I hated to send the girls back... I feel like i didn't get enough time with them! They both had fun seeing their friends, and i was happy that there was no homework this week... More time for me to play with my girlies!

here are MN and MR with their new backpacks on Christmas morning

here is a picture of MR from last fall practicing piano

note the "music"... she wrote it herself! ;)

M+M Daily Favs: January 2nd, 2011

2011-01-02T09:14:00.002-09:00

MN+MR: staying in our pajamas all day and playing

Since we spent yesterday in the car, we spent today in the house... Bill and i took down the tree, while the girls played with all their "toys that missed us while we were gone". Kodiak was so excited to have us home that he followed us around all day and didn't even attempt a nap until late in the afternoon... At which point i promptly woke him up for a romp in the snow!

The girls are in bed now... I can hear them reading to themselves, each other, and all their dolls and animals.

I will miss their sweet little voices tomorrow when i send them back to school. I know they need to learn and grow, but i really wish school vacation was longer!

M+M Daily Favs: January 1st, 2011

2011-01-02T09:12:00.004-09:00

MN+MR: getting back home

It was a long, rainy drive back to Stuttgart from Delft. Luckily, the girls had Tag Readers, Leapsters, and White Christmas on the iPad to keep them busy... Poor Bill just had me falling asleep in the front seat! ;)

I hope the first day of the new year treated you well!

M+M Daily Favs: December 2010

2010-12-26T04:04:00.035-09:00

first

MN+MR: instrument practice

I was so happy to hear this, because sometimes getting the girls to practice (especially MN!) is such a chore! Bill and i love hearing them play, and it's so much fun that all the notes are finally coming together in recognizable songs!!

second

MN: making a card at school
MR: school and sledding
First time sledding this season... Bring on the snow! :)
Kodiak out for a romp in the morning snow

third

oops, i forgot to write it down!

fourth

MN+MR: setting up the tree

For the first time in our married life, we purchased and set up an artificial tree. We have a tiny apartment here and thought an artificial tree would be easier now and then an extra tree in the years to come. The girls were very opposed to the idea at first, but once it was up and lit and decorated, they gave it their stamp of approval!

fifth

MN+MR: party

A couple in Bill's office hosted a Christmas party today at their home. It was great fun to get together with everyone (Bill and i really like the people he works with and their spouses, and the girls love their kiddos!) and start celebrating Christmas!

sixth

MN: hanging out with Dad

MR: practicing German with Dad

Today i woke up with a nasty case of step throat. I had a little sore throat yesterday, but just thought it was a cold and had no idea what was in store for me. Luckily, Bill was able to take care of everything... I am so lucky he was here! He got the girls to school, got me to the doctor, was let out early from work for snow and arrived home in time to pick up M&M. The upside of me being sick, was that the girls got to spend some extra time with Daddy. Bill's commute is so much longer than it was in Juneau, and the girls miss having him home for lunch. Maybe i should become terribly ill more often! ;) Thanks, Bill!! We are so lucky to have you!!!

seventh

MN: being with mama

MR: school (so i asked, what about school and she answered: recess!)

eight

MN+MR: school

ninth

MN: making paper gingerbread houses at school

MR: school

tenth

MN+MR: party

Tonight was another great party... We got together with people we don't get to see all that often and had so much fun sharing plans and hearing stories about all of our adventures here... Thanks H Family!

eleventh

MN: guitar

MR: being with my family

twelfth

MN: party and church

MR: church and party

Happy Birthday, A! Thanks for inviting us to join in your birthday fun!!

thirteenth

MN: school

MR: piano

fourteenth

MN: being with mommy

MR: the whole thing

fifteenth

MN: seeing Daddy

MR: school

Daddy had to work late this week, so it was nice to have him home for dinner tonight! :)

sixteenth

oops, i forgot to write down what they said!

seventeenth

MN+ MR: school

eighteenth

MN+MR: sledding

So far this winter season we have had four delayed opening and one early dismissal. The snow comes, then the rain comes... We sled and sadly watch the snow disappear... We had late starts both Thursday and Friday, but the snow stuck around and we were able to go sledding today!

nineteenth

MN+MR: market

We finally were able to make it downtown to Stuttgart's Christmas Market! The girls had a great time listening to the street performers and taking a ride in a Christmas ornament, Bill and i enjoyed snacking and tasting the different Gluhweins. ;)

heading into the market

Stuttgart scenery

many of the stall are elaborately decorated

M&M admiring their favorite performers of the day

running to the window of their favorite store

riding over the Schlossplatz in a Christmas ornament ;)

twentieth

MN+MR: sledding

An unexpected snowstorm blew in this morning and dumped enough snow to go sledding again! (When i walked Kodiak early this morning, there was very little snow left anywhere, and not nearly enough to go sledding.) After not getting a lot of snow last year in Juneau, we are thoroughly enjoying every flake!!

twenty first

MN+MR: going to the Christmas market

Today, Bill took the day off and we headed to the Esslingen Christmas market. Esslingen is part of the greater Stuttgart area, so we weren't far from home... However, we felt like we were in a different world in this sweet town along the Neckar River. Esslingen hosts 2 different markets... One a Christmas Market and the other a Medieval Christmas Market. Living in a small apartment and having very little space for storage, i'm not much into collecting anything right now, but we have a great time looking around at all the wares and an even better time sampling all of the awesome goodies! ;)

walking into town

around The Protestant Parish Church

inside the church

the Esslingen Museum

entering the market

the wild game stalls

awesome decorations

town hall

the medieval ferris wheel ;)

admiring the fountain

the buildings in town

performers in the Medieval Market

the market manger scene

the Neckar through town

market souvenir

twenty second

MN+MR: decorating cookies and gingerbread houses

At Christmas 2008, we put together and decorated our first gingerbread house. The girls loved it so much that we did it again the next year. Luckily for me, Costco had a nice little kit that made the whole process very simple. This year without Costco, i wasn't sure what to do. (I miss shopping at Costco so much! I miss being able to buy toilet paper, paper towels, and dishwasher tabs in large quantities!! This aspect of European shopping [buying in small amounts] is not for me!!!) I was shopping with my neighbor, who found a little kit, but i was hesitant to purchase 2 of them as i wasn't sure how good they were. I remembered a fellow teacher making "gingerbread houses" using graham cracker squares, and thought i would try that out this year. At first, the girls were not happy with this plan. The squares were too small, the houses were too small... I made one to show them how to fit the pieces together and then decorated it along side them while they were working on theirs. Once they saw all the crazy candies i bought to decorate with, they were won over! Despite their size, i don't think these came out too badly and i think a new tradition had been born!!

putting the house together

waiting for the frosting to harden

decorating gingerbread men to help pass the time

M&M's handiwork

our "gingerbread" village

twenty third

MN+MR: shopping for sissie

For the first time in their short lives, both girls asked both Bill and i to take them shopping by themselves so they could purchase a gift for their sister. We were both so excited by the girls' thoughtfulness for each other... They even knew what they wanted to get! Today, we took them shopping and they each picked out a small Playmobil toy and book for each other. I took care of the wrapping, but they each wrote out their own tags are are so excited to give their gifts to each other. I know there will be a few presents under the tree for me on Christmas morning, but i think that (my girls being so giving to each other without being prompted) is the best gift i could ever receive!

twenty fourth

MN+MR: singing Happy birthday to Jesus at church and having our friends over

Despite the crazy snow, we drove into town to attend and afternoon Christmas Eve service at a new church. It is newly renovated and lovely! The service was very nice and the girls had a blast singing in the "kids' choir" and helping hold up the Gospel for the reading. After a homemade German dinner, we enjoyed dessert with our neighbors. M&M adore their sons (most likely because they are good guys!) and had so much fun with them watching Mickey's Christmas Carol, snacking, and playing. Thanks for joining us, V Family! Merry Christmas!!

the animals singing carols

St. Catherine's Church

twenty fifth

MN+MR: CHRISTMAS

We had an awesome day celebrating Christmas, opening gifts, singing, playing, cooking, and eating... Thanks, B Family, for inviting us to join you all and more friends for Christmas dinner! Merry Christmas!!

twenty sixth

MN+MR: Mr. G's snow fort

One of our neighbors is a Boy Scout, and his father is one of the den leaders. Last winter, they went camping and built their own snow fort to sleep in. Yesterday afternoon, i watched him build and then abandon a huge pile of snow. As Bill learned later, you must first make the pile and then let it sit before hollowing out the inside. As G started to work, Bill and the girls went out to watch and "help". Thanks, G, for letting the girls join in the fun... They had a blast!

twenty seventh

MN+MR: playdate with J and G

twenty eighth

MN+MR: opening presents

Today, several packages from the states arrived that held presents for the girls to open... They were thrilled! Thanks everyone!! :)

twenty ninth

MN+MR: getting to Mr. P's house

thirtieth

MN+MR: seeing the old churches

thirty first

MN+MR: fireworks and firecrackers

Strasbourg, France - Saturday, August 7th, 2010

2010-08-09T22:57:00.005-08:00

watching the tour boat on the canal

the boat moving through the center of town

Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg

lighting a candle for the grandparents

the carousel

M+M Daily Favs 4.21.2010

2010-04-21T23:32:00.000-08:00

MN=playing

MR=being with Daddy

M+M Daily Favs 4.20.2010

2010-04-20T20:21:00.002-08:00

MN=Daddy and Sissie

MR=Daddy

Bill left for a trip last Friday and didn't return home until today... He leaves again tomorrow, comes home on Friday, but leaves again on Sunday... Busy, busy! Bath time and story time with Daddy become extra special when we haven't had it in a few days!

West Glacier Trail Adventure

2010-04-19T22:50:00.005-08:00

Today, A and i took the dogs to West Glacier Trail. We followed the trail to a branch that we think eventually leads to the glacier. We didn't have time to trek all the way there, but decided to pick our way back along the beach for something a little different. At one point, the beach came to and end and we had to make our own way up a knoll, through the brush, and down the other side. We enjoyed seeing icebergs and doing a little slip-sliding tree branch hanging! ;)

Here's what A had to say about our adventure...

M+M Daily Favs 4.19.2010

2010-04-19T22:46:00.005-08:00

MN=taking Kodiak for a walk

MR=mommy

With Bill away, the girls have more work to do with the dog (they have to come with me when i walk him!) I'm happy that the work of having a dog is becoming fun. :) We took a walk in the light rain tonight, and the girls skipped along singing songs for most of the time.

How sorry are you?

2010-04-18T13:20:00.004-08:00

MN: I'm sorrier thand a hippos that runned into the the street all bys itself.

M+M Daily Favs 4.16.2010

2010-04-16T20:46:00.017-08:00

MN = playing at the beach with our friends
MR = mommy... driving in the car with mommy

We were lucky today to be invited along to a playdate at the beach. Since the girls skipped their nap yesterday and were grumpy this morning after getting to bed late last night, i put them down for their nap. I really wanted to head straight to the beach, but i know i made the right decision... The girlies slept almost 2 hours! Since the weather was so nice, our friends were still at the beach when we arrived, and had just started a fire. The moms tended the fire, we all roasted marshmallows and enjoyed some yummy smores, the kids explored, and the moms got to chill a bit by the toasty fire...

roasting marshmallows

Daisy keeps an eye on all the kiddos

debating the location for the group picture

packing up and heading home

Auke Bay

M+M Daily Favs 4.15.2010

2010-04-16T20:46:00.015-08:00

MN+MR = going to Daddy's work

Today was skating, but the girls chose their visit to Bill's office as their favorite part of the day. After skating, i donated blood and the girls hung out in the conference room. There were snacks, dinosaurs, and good friends... What's not to love?! ;)

Since i didn't take pictures of them "at work", here are some of our skating session:

the rink was almost empty!

West and East

2010-04-14T20:58:00.006-08:00

Yesterday, A and i met to take the dogs to West Glacier Trail and today we met again to do East Glacier Trail. Yesterday i only had a hour to walk/hike because the girls were at dance class, but today we made great time and did the whole trail loop.

West Glacier Trail

pretty little waterfalls

dogs racing across the bridge

East Glacier Trail

starting out in the sun and fog

sun filters through to the trail

route of the water to the falls

today we took the "easy way", up the switchbacks, down the stairs

had to go under and...

and around the mess

Mendenhall Lake (view to the north/northwest)

M+M Daily Favs 4.14.2010

2010-04-14T20:17:00.003-08:00

MN+MR=taking Kodiak for a walk

post dinner chalk time

M+M Daily Favs 4.13.2010

2010-04-13T19:41:00.003-08:00

MN = playing with play-doh, going to the dentist, going to dance class

MR = going to Daddy's work

the play-doh show :)

thanks, C, for the great party favor of homemade strawberry banana play-doh!

M+M Daily Favs 4.12.2010

2010-04-12T19:25:00.005-08:00

MN = all of the things

MR = Wii bowling

I don't have pictures of school or Wii bowling, but here is our trip to the playground near our house late this afternoon:

playing fetch with Kodiak

clouds coming in

playing fish tag

on the swings

A last minute decision...

2010-04-12T13:27:00.007-08:00

I set the alarm for 5am this morning in hopes a taking a hike into Silverbow Basin for the third day in a row. It was a little too dark still for my liking, so i went to the gym for a workout instead. Later, i invited a friend to join me for a hike at the glacier, but she already had plans. Kodiak and i made our way there for our walk anyway. I had planned to walk him along the beach to the falls, but struck out on East Glacier Trail instead. I wasn't dressed for a hike (light khakis as opposed to the dark pants i should where when on a trail with the dog), but i had my trusty Keens on, and we hit the trail in earnest and were rewarded with these views:

Mendenhall Lake (still partially frozen!) and Glacier from the trail

still lots of snow up high

broken stairs

Kodiak checks out the trail ahead

sun through the trees

a kettle pond at the trail head

It is the fourth day in a row of gorgeous Juneau weather... I'm so glad we made the most of it this morning! Thanks, Koko, for being great company! ;)

Weekend on the trail with Kodiak

2010-04-11T20:16:00.007-08:00

In anticipation of great weekend weather, late Friday afternoon, i invited friends to hike with me Saturday morning. No one was able to join me, but i did have Koko for company! We made it to the first big bridge and enjoyed a crisp, clear hike into the basin. We had so much fun, that we got up early again today and took a shorter hike along the same trail. These are all scenes i have shared with you before, but i have to share them again...

Saturday Morning

heading up the trail, looking back towards the trailhead

Kodiak stays on the leash because he gets too close to the edge

still snowy

rain/snow line?

signs of spring

lots of snow!

looking into the basin from the bridge

wind blowing snow off the peaks

a little bridge over run-off

sun on the mountains on Douglas as viewed from the basin

Sunday Morning

love how the snow blows off the peaks

Ebner Falls

bright mountains

M+M Daily Favs 4.11.2010

2010-04-11T19:57:00.007-08:00

MN+MR = C's Party

The girls had a blast today at C's 5th birthday party! Her mom and dad planned a super fun Strawberry Shortcake themed party... There were fun games, delicious food (strawberry shortcake and strawberry shaped iced cookies - yum!), and sun!! M+M had a great time meeting some new friends, feeding ducks, and running around playing on the playground. Happy Birthday, C.. Thanks for letting join in the celebration! :)

My little ones...

2010-03-30T22:27:00.004-08:00

My dear, sweet girls turned 5...

I have 2 happy, healthy children who are funny, smart, and loving....

Here they are at 11 months:

If it is at all possible, i think they are even more beautiful today!

I must be one of the luckiest people in the world!!

M+M Daily Favs 3.25.2010

2010-03-25T20:08:00.003-08:00

MN+MR=MY WHOLE BIRFDAY!

I think the girls had a super fun day... There were phone calls from family, lunch with friends, dinner at the girls' favorite Juneau restaurant, too much cake, and fun presents. What more could a five year old ask for? ;)

M+M Dreams: 3.24.2010

2010-03-25T20:06:00.001-08:00

I was so excited to see the girls so excited this morning that i forgot to ask what they dreamed about last night. I think some of their dreams came true today!

M+M Daily Favs 3.24.2010

2010-03-24T21:44:00.002-08:00

MN=talking to Daddy at dinner

MR=playing

M+M Daily Favs 3.23.2010

2010-03-23T20:32:00.000-08:00

MN=making brownies

MR=playing

lots of spring break, rainy day fun!

M+M Dreams: 3.22.2010

2010-03-23T20:31:00.000-08:00

MN+MR=my birthday!

Now, only 2 days away! :)

M+M Daily Favs 3.22.2010

2010-03-22T21:07:00.002-08:00

MN=going to the stores and playing with Baby E

MR=Baby E

The girls are off school this week for spring break. This morning, we went to 2 stores for groceries and party supplies for their birthday party on Saturday. I'm glad MN had fun at the store, because she left in tears when i wouldn't let her take another "wedding magazine" (a jewelry catalog) from the store! This afternoon, our neighbor S came over with her Baby E. I offered to pass along some of the girls outgrown clothes, and we spent a fun couple hours chatting, watching the girls play, and looking at clothes. I was happy to see her take home a giant bag of clothes and hope that she will send me pictures of E when she wears them. It was hard to let go of the clothes... Each piece holds a lot of memories, but it's nice to share with friends!

M+M Dreams: 3.21.2010

2010-03-22T21:06:00.002-08:00

MN=I dreamed about a ladybug that reminded me of Christmas.

MR=I dreamed about my sissie.

Getting an earlier start this year...

2010-03-21T21:38:00.010-08:00

Today i took my third hike up on Perseverance Trail this year. The first 2 times i made it up the first big hill, but today i made it to Ebner Falls. Today was the prettiest day so far... The first time the wind was blowing so hard i turned back earlier than i had planned, yesterday there were clouds and fog, but today there was nothing but blue sky! Can't wait for more light in the morning so i can get out more frequently.

Last Saturday:

late winter snow!

snow snail

Yesterday/Saturday:

looking up into the basin

big puffy clouds

fog rolling in

an abandoned camp

fog filling in Basin Road

Today:

distant view of the falls

rock slides on the trail

Ebner Falls

mountains and blue sky

trees and sky

M+M Dreams: 3.21.2010

2010-03-21T21:20:00.007-08:00

MN=fire on the beach, skating, play place

MR=fire on the beach, skating, play place

Today we enjoyed more beautiful weather and lots of fun! After church, i took Kodiak for a hike, and Bill took the girls to the gym. They were the only ones in the "play place" and had a blast with Ms. B playing, painting, and playing with play doh. We all met at home for lunch and naptime (well, Bill and the girls slept... i cleaned the kitchen!) After naptime, Bill took the girls to their friend A's birthday party at the skating rink. After the party, we headed out to Auke Rec for a picnic dinner. It was only 40 degrees, but activity and the fire kept us warm. Dinner by a fire just tastes good, and roasted marshmallows for dessert made the meal more fun!

first fire: ground too wet

second fire: awesome!

a calm moment for Kodaik

a cloudy evening, but still nice

M+M Dreams: 3.20.2010

2010-03-21T21:19:00.002-08:00

The girls slept so badly last night, that Bill and i were too tired to ask them what they dreamed about last night. Today, i will be day dreaming about a better night's sleep!

Happy Spring!

2010-03-20T19:45:00.013-08:00

Rain was forecast for today, but it never fell... Instead we enjoyed a gloriously beautiful day!

Kodiak and i hiked a little ways up Perseverance Trail...

I enjoyed seeing the sun shine on the snow capped mountains and

the fog follow us up the trail...

looking at Mt Juneau from Basin Road

looking further up the trail

the rain snow line

fog coming in from the channel filling the basin

fog

After a fun couple hours at a friend's first birthday party,

we gave up on nap (too much cake and excitement!) and drove out the road to Eagle Beach...

beautiful beach

Bill takes flight ;)

me and my best friend

the tide coming in

spring footwear... Southeast style!

M+M Daily Favs 3.20.2010

2010-03-20T19:45:00.008-08:00

MN=E's party, walking on the beach, and taking a drive in the car. I love them all, they were all special!

MR=E's party and walking on the beach and driving in the car

What a fun, busy day! I got to hike with Kodiak in the morning, and then Bill hit the gym. For lunch, we were invited to celebrate E's first birthday at an awesome Dr. Seuss themed party (kudos, H+D!) It was so much fun to watch all the kiddos run around playing, and it was especially fun to see E dig into his own cake (what a splendid mess!) Despite the clouds and fog this morning, the day turned beautiful and we made a last minute decision to drive out the road. We stopped at Eagle Beach, parked, and ran around on the beach for awhile... Even though the sun was shining brightly, the wind was wicked! We haven't been out that way since the fall, i had forgotten how breathtakingly beautiful it is out there...

MN inspects the sand

MR walking across the sand

wow :)

I Win!

2010-03-20T19:38:00.003-08:00

Wednesday night at dinner, the kiddos were running around and playing games. At one point, the four of them started playing rock-paper-scissors. We kept hearing: Rock smashes scissors, I win! Paper covers rock, I win! Scissors cuts paper, I win! All of a sudden, MR shouted out: Volcano! I guess there is no topping that!! ;

M+M Daily Favs 3.17.2010

2010-03-17T21:26:00.002-08:00

MN=watching Handy Manny on the wall

MR=SCHOOL!

Today was MR's special day at school... She got to bring in snack (including a special birthday snack of rainbow cupcakes!), be the line leader, share at show & tell, pick out her very own pencil and lollipop, and wear a crown. She has been looking forward to today for quite some time and was counting down the minutes in bed this morning just waiting to get up and take on the day!

For dinner, we dined at the Buoy Deck with some of D17 Legal's finest... The girls love meeting friends there for dinner as they get to play and run around more than they can in a typical restaurant. After everyone left (we had the slow eating kiddos tonight!), Bill turned off basketball and turned Handy Manny to get MN to sit down and finish. There's nothing quite like seeing those talking tools in projection! ;)

M+M Daily Favs 3.16.2010

2010-03-17T21:25:00.007-08:00

MN+MR=giving Daddy a ride and the playground

Today was a beautiful sunny day! I had a nice walk with Kodiak in the morning, and took the girl to the playground in the afternoon. We haven't been to Project Playground (aka Castle Playground) in quite a while, and i had fun watching the girls run around and take on the slides they were scared of when we moved her almost 2 years ago.

On the way home, we surprised Bill at at the gym and gave him a ride back to his office so the girls could tell him all about their adventures... Some things just can't wait until dinner! :)

here are the girls enjoying their last moments on the playground:

M+M Dreams: 3.16.2010

2010-03-17T21:25:00.003-08:00

MN = a dinosaur watching the northern lights

MR = my momma

Playing catch up...

2010-03-17T21:24:00.002-08:00

It all started back in August...

My sis, brother-in-law, and nephew came to visit. We had such a great time! When i wanted to post some pictures, i couldn't get them up to the site, so i saved the post a promised myself i would come back to it. I did the same thing with one year anniversary pictures of the pink house in November. I did it again in January when we hiked across the lake to the glacier. It started happening more often... I would write a post, want to post pictures, but not have my phone or camera handy... I would write the post and save it without the pictures... Then i took a trip to see my sis, brother-in-law, nephew, and new baby nephew, and now i am hopelessly behind!

I am trying to catch up, but still keep everything in order. Thanks for your patience as i finally catch up with posts from August to March in no particular order!

M+M Daily Favs 3.1-15.2010

2010-03-04T15:14:00.012-09:00

MONDAY, MARCH 1st
lost my notes :(

TUESDAY, MARCH 2nd
MN+MR=going to the playground and going to Daddy's work

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3rd

MN=Momma

MR=Mommy, toy, ice pop

I arrived home today to a sick kiddo (MN temp=104+), but couldn't have been happier to see my girlies! I'm glad they felt they same way!!

THURSDAY, MARCH 4th

MN=going to the doctor and getting gum and stickers

MR=going to Daddy's work

I dropped MR off with Bill so MN and i could head to the doctor. I was not happy to hear that she has strep throat, but i am hoping that the antibiotics will kick in quickly, and she will feel some relief soon!

FRIDAY, MARCH 5th

MN=getting my ponies and my bear

MR=getting Tinkerbell and my bear

I sent MR to school today, but MN had to stick with me as she was still contagious. Since she was feeling better, we ran errands. As a special treat, i let MN pick out a little toy. She selected a mini My Little Pony. Together we picked out a Tinkerbell for MR.

Bill had to take a trip to Ketchikan today and picked up a little bear for the girls.

Who knew when they woke up this morning that they would end up with 2 new toys?!

SATURDAY, MARCH 6th

MN=Muzzy and Wii bowling

MR=Wii bowling

In our house, we treat sick kiddos with lots of tv!

SUNDAY, MARCH 7th

MN+MR=Muzzy

Yup, more tv!

MONDAY, MARCH 8th

MN=being with my Mommy

MR=Mommy

How sweet are my girls? ;)

TUESDAY, MARCH 9th

MN=skipping on our walk

MR=our snowy walk

We've been having wet snow at our house that hasn't been amounting to much. I thought if we trekked to a higher elevation, we might find enough snow to please the girls. After nap, we loaded into the car, drove up the hill to Basin Road where Mt. Roberts and Perseverance Trails start and took a walk along the road between the two. The snow got deeper as we ambled along... There was even enough for snow angels! We met some nice folks with doggies and saw a beautiful sunset in the distance.

M+M enjoying waterproof clothes and puddles:

Kodiak explores the woods...

the girls getting up from making their snow angels:

sunset:

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10th

MN=having lunch at Daddy's work, playing in the snow, and throwing snowballs at Daddy

MR=me too!

After picking the girls up at school, we dropped in on Bill at work and ate lunch in the building cafeteria. After nap, the girls helped me shovel the driveway. They also made a pile of snowballs to throw at Bill when he got home. M+M had a blast "surprising" Daddy with the snowball blitz!

mini snowman outside Bill's office:

M+M getting to work:

M+M attack:

Bill defends himself:

THURSDAY, MARCH 11th

MN=writing postcards to our friends

MR=Daddy

FRIDAY, MARCH 12th

MN=making dinner

MR=snow

We had an unexpected mini blizzard today... We got about 6 inches of snow, but the winds were howling and visibility was bad. Bill flew to Anchorage last night and wasn't able to get home today. We're loving the snow, but missing Bill!

SATURDAY, MARCH 13th

MN+MR=making rainbow cupcakes

MR wants these for her school birthday snack... Thought i'd better try it out first!

my little bakers:

layering the colors:

yum:

the finished product:

SUNDAY, MARCH 14th

MN=getting Daddy's nose

MR=rainbow cupcakes

When we bake, we must eat! ;)

MONDAY, MARCH 15th

MN=that delicious rainbow cupcake

MR=rainbow cupcake

And eat...

M+M Daily Favs 2.23.2010

2010-02-23T20:13:00.002-09:00

MN=talking to W on the computer

MR=W!

Today, we added a new love to our lives... WL was born this morning in Massachusetts! My sis is doing great, and PS loved meeting his new baby brother. Thanks to modern technology and skype, we got to see Amy, Paul, Baby W and witness PJ holding Baby for the first time!

M+M Daily Favs 2.22.2010

2010-02-22T19:33:00.002-09:00

MN=making purple cupcakes with pink frosting

MR=frosting! oh, eating delicious cupcakes, I mean!!

Last week and this week too, the girls have been studying P at school. Last Wednesday, they wore their pjs to school and had a pancake party for snack. Today, they wore pink and purple to school and are going to the police station on Wednesday. To honor P at home, we made purple cupcakes with pink frosting... Yum!

M+M Nightly Dreams 2.21.2010

2010-02-22T06:28:00.001-09:00

MN=Minnie (Minnie Mouse)

MR=Daddy, Me, Kodiak, MN, and Mommy

The "Multi Day Fog Event" / Sometimes Dreams Do Come True! ;)

2010-02-18T19:43:00.004-09:00

I check this site almost daily for Juneau weather. On Monday night, it was forecasting a "Multi Day Fog Event". I have never heard of such a thing! It stuck in my head; so when i got up this morning, i was not surprised to see fog at the window. The fog persisted most of the day, but cleared up nicely in the afternoon. Bill was set to leave for a short 2 day trip to Anchorage tonight. However, as we drove to the airport this evening, the fog became thicker once again. I checked his flight status to find that his flight had been canceled. He ran inside just to check, but emerged from the airport minutes later and drove us home. There have been time that i was sure that his flights would be canceled, but despite all the trips he took last year, he's only had one delay. Once when we lived in NJ, he got stuck in Miami while the girls and i had the stomach flu... Some guys have all the luck! I'm glad this cancellation worked out in my favor!

usually this is a view of the mountain and the channel

this morning, it's a river of fog

M+M Daily Favs 2.17.2010

2010-02-17T20:22:00.003-09:00

MN+MR=pajama day at school

M+M Daily Favs 2.16.2010

2010-02-16T21:31:00.002-09:00

MN=playing with my turtle

MR=dance class

M+M's dance teacher offers the class a chance to earn a treasure when they fill up a sticker card for doing well in class and practicing at home. Two weeks ago, the girls realized they only needed one more sticker... A treasure should have been earned last week... However, we had to leave class early due to a dentist appointment... The girls left dance class in tears. So, after looking forward to it for two weeks, the girls got to celebrate by choosing a treasure today! MN chose a small turtle, MR selected a heart bracelet. Happy days are here again! ;)

M+M Daily Favs 2.14.2010

2010-02-14T21:02:00.005-09:00

MN=watching the Olympics and making lots of new friends at church

MR=getting a rose

We're a little behind here... We finally watched the opening ceremonies of the Olympics today and the girls loved it! MN especially liked the Four Nations dances and described it in great detail before bed and begged to watch it again tomorrow.

Bill picked out a rose for each girl, and we put it by their breakfast plate this morning... MR carried hers around most of the day using it to both dance and pay school.

There was a lot of love in our day... We enjoyed cards and flowers and sweets... There were lots of hugs and kisses... I hope you enjoyed the loves in your life today too! :)

M+M Daily Favs 2.13.2010

2010-02-13T20:42:00.002-09:00

MN=sleeping in our sleeping bags

MR=getting balloons from Daddy

Bill=shopping with the girls for Valentine's Day

me=cuddling in the morning with the girlies in their sleeping bags

Last night, the girls slept on the floor of their room in their sleeping bags. This morning, we were invited to join them. I had a blast cuddling and pretending to get get some extra sleep. ;)

Bill ran out this morning for bagels and croissants for breakfast, and then again to surprise the girls with balloons. He ran the girls out after their nap to do some more shopping, and i was treated to some early Valentine flowers and candy.

We took a nice long walk this morning before the crazy wind picked up, had a super fun dinner with friends... Hard to imagine that tomorrow could be much better! Hope you are all feeling the love! :)

M+M Daily Favs 2.12.2010

2010-02-12T20:57:00.004-09:00

MN=playing in the big gym

MR=looking at all my valentines

M+M Daily Favs 2.10.2010

2010-02-10T19:31:00.003-09:00

MN=all the things

MR=going to school

me=holding hands with MN and blowing kisses to MR

M+M Daily Favs 2.9.2010

2010-02-09T19:54:00.002-09:00

MN=Wii bowling and going to the dentist

MR=going to the dentist

Since i waited to so long to bring them, i was a little worried about the girls first visit to the dentist. I shouldn't have spent a thought, they were great! They got 2 sets of xrays, a light cleaning, and had a great time playing with all the tools. The two hygienists were fantastic. The girls love their new toothbrushes and worked extra hard to brush like they were told. Keep up the good work, girlies! ;)

M+M Nightly Dreams 2.8.2010

2010-02-09T19:52:00.006-09:00

MN - I didn't dream about anything. But when i wasn't dreaming, I had a song in my head.

MR - a rainbow butterfly with a rainbow diamond in a rainbow heart flying over a rainbow

M+M Daily Favs 2.4.2010

2010-02-04T20:02:00.004-09:00

MN=playing with all my animals

MR=Wii bowling

Tonight, MR earned a Wii bowling score of 164 and was the family winner for the night! She finally got her dream of having a "badge" next to her name (Wii puts a star next to the winner's name) and went to bed a very happy girl.

M+M Daily Favs 2.3.2010

2010-02-03T19:27:00.002-09:00

MN+MR=dancing in the kitchen

In our house in NJ, we had a tiny kitchen. When we moved to CT, the kitchen in the house we rented was huge! Most nights, Bill and the girls would rock out while i did the dishes. When we moved to the lighthouse, the tradition faded as we had a small crowded kitchen once again. We spend a lot of time in the kitchen here... The girls have their little table in there for breakfast and arts and crafts. Since bringing Kodiak into the family, we've been spending more time in there to keep our rugs safe from the puppy. Tonight, Bill and the girls wanted to dance. I asked them to do it in the living room to give me room to clean up. It just felt wrong. After less than a minute, all five of us were crowded in the kitchen working and laughing and dancing. Just the way it should be! :)

A New Posting: M+M Nightly Dreams 2.1.2010

2010-02-02T07:12:00.005-09:00

Bill and i have ben asking the girls about their dreams for almost as long as we have been asking them about their favorite parts of the day. I thought it was time to start recording/sharing these little funnies too. :)

MN = giraffes

MR = boats, and light up tinkerbells, and light up butterflies, and light up snowglobes

M+M Daily Favs 1.30.2010

2010-01-30T20:05:00.001-09:00

MN+MR=J's birthday party

Today the girls donned some pirate gear for a pirate themed birthday party for their friend J. They had a blast celebrating with his family and friends. Happy Birthday, J!

Kodiak: Month Two

2010-01-29T19:47:00.009-09:00

Our 16 week old puppy runs our house! It's like having a baby again... Our lives revolve around his schedule (or at least trying to be one step ahead of him in the house breaking department!)

I was a little worried the first month we had him because he didn't seem to like to walk... He would cry after only a few minutes. He has changed a lot in the last month and now really enjoys all of our outside time. I'm so happy as one of the reasons we brought Kodiak to our family was so i could have a hiking buddy this spring!

Kodiak seems to be a pretty typical puppy... He loves to run and romp and chew. He is very different than Balduf was at his age as Kodiak is very happy to go to sleep around 6:30/7 pm and sleep for the rest of the night. We'll wake him up to take him out a couple times, but he has no interest in staying up. We hope as he gets a little older that he will hang out with us at night and let us cuddle and pet him, but who am i to complain about a quiet, sleeping puppy?!

Here are a few more pictures of the fun we are having with him:

our skinny little guy:

Bill, you are not leaving me here alone with the girls:

yes, i can sleep anywhere:

lounging with Bill on a lazy afternoon:

i already know how to sit and pose:

walking on Brotherhood Bridge Trail:

playing in the snow:

walking by the Mendenhall River:

enjoying the snow at the glacier:

Kodiak and i sharing one of our favorite walks with Bill:

a family walk in Cope Park:

another morning on Brotherhood Bridge Trail:

getting braver while checking out the Mendenhall River:

our favorite spot for fetch - Mendenhall Glacier:

M+M Daily Favs 1.28.2010

2010-01-28T19:53:00.005-09:00

MN=going to the beach

MR=skating

For us, Thursday morning is skating morning. Both girlies are doing great and neither one used the bar at all today! Poor MN fell hard twice on her backside, and there were many tears. However, it wasn't anything that a cherry Pop Tart from the snack machine and a few minutes watching the Zamboni couldn't fix!

I've been trying to get the girls to walk Kodiak with me in the afternoon after their nap, sometimes it is quite a battle. (MN would readily trade Kodiak in for a turtle. "A turtle won't bite my animals and doesn't need to be trained!") With the ice on the sidewalk this winter, it's been tough to be consistent for safety's sake. The sun broke through the clouds while the girls were sleeping and i thought instead of walk, we should take the dog for his first trip to Sandy Beach! We walked, we threw the ball and frisbee for Kodaik, we looked for and found dinosaur bones, and watched the moon rise over Mt. Roberts. Since we stayed so long, i had to scrap our dinner plans (roast pork and cauliflower), but i really enjoyed our frozen pizza! :)

the fog

2010-01-27T17:26:00.003-09:00

here are two pictures taken about 2 hours apart:

i love the fog here... love how it sits in the channel and swirls through the basins...

i wish i could get better pictures, but this is the best i can do today while sitting at a stoplight with my handy dandy phone :)

M+M Daily Favs 1.26.2010

2010-01-26T20:41:00.001-09:00

MN+MR=Wii bowling with Daddy

Tonight, MR was super excited to start the game off with a strike! Since both girls rolled a strike apiece, a good time was had by all!!

M+M Daily Favs 1.25.2010

2010-01-25T18:43:00.002-09:00

MN=the ice skating doggie show in the kitchen

MR=the ice skating dancing show in the kitchen

The girls had a blast this afternoon putting on shows for me in the kitchen while i cooked dinner. I would have taken pictures, but i was chopping veggies and rolling dough for yummy veggie stromboli. I'm sure this won't be the last performance!

M+M Daily Favs 1.24.2010

2010-01-24T19:33:00.003-09:00

MN+MR=playing Wii bowling

I'm not sure how we did it, but we finally got the girls to eat their dinner in about 35 minutes. We had enough time between dinner and bath to squeeze in one of their new fav games. MN scored one strike, but MR had the high score (of the two girls) of 100. Of course, MR wanted the strike and MN wanted the high score... There's always tomorrow... ;)

M+M Daily Favs 1.23.2010

2010-01-23T19:46:00.003-09:00

MN=playing with our new table

MR=going for a walk and getting a donut

We woke up this morning to a beautiful day! Instead of taking turns at the gym, we bundled up the girls and took a walk to enjoy the crisp morning.

In the afternoon, our neighbors offered us a small, low table for the girls (it used to be in their daughter's room). We put it in their bedroom and they has a blast playing ponies and doing puzzles on it. Thanks, friends! :)

my great day :)

2010-01-22T20:09:00.004-09:00

Last night while calling to tell me that he would be home late, Bill surprised me by telling me that he was taking today off from work! Since it was the girls first day back to school in a week (no school Monday for MLK Day, home sick on Wednesday), i had lots of errands to run... However, we made time for some fun too!!

After dropping the girls off at school, we headed to the glacier for Kodiak's morning walk. It was a beautiful, clear morning, and we enjoyed a nice walk to the falls. Ever since i started hiking last spring, i've wanted Bill to join me for a walk. Although the glacier isn't new to him, the path we took was, and i'm glad we finally got to walk it together:

Next, Bill joined me in grocery shopping at Walmart and Fred Meyer. We picked the girls up from school, and went home for lunch. Bill had to run into work while the girls were napping, but while they were asleep, i got a little bit done on a project i'm working on. After their nap, Bill took Kodiak and the girls to Cope Park. I unloaded the dishwasher without being harassed by the dog (!), ran to the store for the one ingredient that i forgot this morning, and picked up my family at the park on my way home:

We enjoyed a great dinner by the fire (chili and chili-cheese muffins for Bill and i, waffles for the girls), and then went for a drive to see the stars.

It's not yet 8:30 pm... The girls and the dog are asleep... I have my computer, my project, and my best friend... A great end to a great day!

M+M Daily Favs 1.22.2010

2010-01-22T19:59:00.002-09:00

MN+MR=taking a drive and looking at the stars

To take full advantage of this beautiful day, we took a drive after dinner to check out the stars. We had a great time listening to They Might Be Giants newest hits, and especially enjoyed listening to the girls sing along! Since both girlies have cough and colds, we are now looking forward to/hoping for a good night's sleep for everyone!!

M+M Daily Favs 1.21.2010

2010-01-21T19:21:00.004-09:00

MN+MR=skating

MR taking a break to watch Bill and MN

A dream is a wish your heart makes...

2010-01-20T09:22:00.003-09:00

Bill and i try to always ask the girls what they dream about... Sometimes elaborate stories emerge, sometimes, the answers are simple...

A week or two ago, i asked MR what she dreamed about during her nap. She simply replied: "Butterflies and fairies," and skipped away to play.

One or two nights ago, MN was tossing and turning in her sleep. I went in to check on her. She looked troubled, so i tried to wake her to ask her what she was dreaming about. Without opening her eyes, she rolled towards me and said: "Princesses." With that, she smiled, rolled back towards the wall, and sighed.

M+M Daily Favs 1.19.2010

2010-01-19T21:46:00.004-09:00

MN=going on our pretend trip to Hawai'i and picking out my pretend new puppy

MR=going on our pretend trip

Last night, MR was running a fever. I had planned to take the girls to the field house to run around, but decided to keep them home so MR could rest. MR slept late, but MN was up early and raring to go! By the time breakfast was finished, MN had a plan for the day. This plan included packing every bag the girls could find with books, toys, and play money for their pretend trip. All of these bags ended up on the couch. A huge mess was made, but a good time was had by all (i even got to reorganize some of the toys!)

M+M Daily Favs 1.18.2010

2010-01-18T20:13:00.000-09:00

MN+MR=Daddy