Mark's Preschool Pictures

Kind of goofy, but he's still a cutey :)

Sunday's storm brought a little flooding

First Piano Lesson

After giving Mark that first brief lesson, he went back to the piano almost every single day asking if he could practice. Lily also sat at the piano almost everyday and would teach herself (with mine or Jim's help) a song every day until she mastered it. I decided I wanted to try piano lessons for Mark. I thought he could get better instruction from someone who actually knew a little about the piano and notes and not a mom who sat on the sidelines picking it up from Lily's old class. Lily asked me if she could join in because she really wanted to give it a try and promised she would practice.

The first practice was last night and they both did very well. I'm always impressed by Lily's knowledge and memory. I know she's smart and has an elephant's memory, but she never ceases to amaze me. Lily did very well. The teacher was very impressed with her knowledge especially since it had been years since her last real lesson. It's not so much that Lily has an ear for music, but the music symbols, notes, beats, etc is where she is strong. Mark also did very well. Here are a few pictures from last night's lesson.

Wellness

The kids are finally on the mend and feeling well! It feels great to have an *almost* healthy home. I haven't updated in a week. Sorry about that!

Happy New Year Friends & Family!

What a year it has been! I know 2013 is going to be an even better year and I enjoy sharing it with you. It's the 9th and not a whole lot has gone on. Camila had a birthday. Happy Birthday, Camila! We celebrated with dinner and because of Elizabeth's cold we waited to do the skating party until last night (videos below). Lily's birthday is next week and she is going to have a low key get together with just a few friends. I can't even express how excited about that I am about that!

This post will be short, must get back to work, but here are a few videos (sorry about how dark they are) from last night's skating party.

Tired of a sick house

Mark just got over a five day illness that really kicked his butt and now it's Ella's turn. Poor little girl has a high fever and was throwing up tonight. It just started after nap time today. Here is a picture of her laying in the baby pack n play. She must really be feeling sick because she so would care about this otherwise.

Crossing my fingers we ring in the new year with two healthy babes.

Christmas is over

It's the day after Christmas. The presents are opened, the kids are spoiled and mommy and daddy are exhausted. What an awesome holiday week. The kids had so much fun with mom and dad and are already missi g them greatly. We will definitely have to get them back here soon.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Random

Here are a few random shots from Elizabeths dance class to Dad doing a gingerbread house to Christmas Eve and one on Christmas morning. It was such a great week!

Take my picture, Mommy!

This is one thing you can count on with Elizabeth....she will tell you exactly what she wants. She doesn't hide her anger or happiness. She doesn't hide when you've pissed her off or when she's embarrassed. She wears her emotions on her shoulder and you always know where you stand with her. She is usually game for a picture now and then, but she has been very persistent on finding good photo opportunities. "Put me on this horse and take a picture Mommy!" "Take a picture of me with this hat" "Stop the car and take a picture of the rainbow" are just a few I hear from Ms. Ella when these ops come to her. This is the back story of the photos below. "Put me up on this ball and take my picture" she tells me. So here you go...

Then Mark goes "It's my turn!" and Ella snaps back "No, Mark, you don't get a turn, only I can take a picture on the ball!" Ahh, sibling love at it's finest...

Thank you, Nana & Tata!

Happy Birthday, Ella!

Happy birthday to the most stubborn, spunky, spirited, carefree and brilliant little girl. Even though she pushes her limits just about every moment, our lives wouldn't be the same without her. She was born almost 6 weeks early and in the NICU for almost a week, but she is the strongest and healthiest child. I love that little girl!