Halloween 2011

.
Halloween was a Disney Halloween around our house! No shocker there I guess. Abby was Rosetta (from the Tinkerbell Movies), I was Tink (ahem), Andy was Lightning, and Trav was Mater. It was like we have kids that are 2 and 5 or something... ;)




The Contreras Clan joined us again, and their kids (the Pumpkin Brothers and Rapunzel) were cute as can be - as always!




Also joining us this year was the Ratliff Ladybugs:




After some yummy dinner and more photos, we hit the streets.




Apparently, we weren't the only ones in the neighborhood that went with Disney Themed matching outfits!

We started at the neighbor's house. Doug made the mistake of coming home RIGHT as we were coming up his walk. I think he felt a little bombarded by our crew of EIGHT kids on his door step. He couldn't get the door unlocked fast enough.




The Big Kids had a great time, and Andy and Kayla were adorable! They were genuinely shocked and pleasantly surprised that people were giving them candy! And we were letting them eat it!!!




After they got back to the house, they were still in awe of their mass haul. They shared so cute and nicely. It was really sweet watching them try and figure this all out.

Andy was so cute. I took all his candy and put it in a Target plastic bag and gave it to him to hold. Later in the evening, this is what I found. Apparently, he really wanted his candy in his Lightning bucket.

Pumpkin Prep!!!

.
This fall marked our 4th Family Trip to the Bauman's Pumpkin Patch - I just had to look that up! I'm feeling old, and senile. My mind is starting to melt. But, that is another post/rant...

Our family looks forward to it ever year. Abby LOVES the time with cousins, and I LOVE the time with Cider Slushies and Guilt Free Donuts. It is after all, calorie free if it is a tradition. It is! Look it up. Anywho... Off to Baumans we went. For the complete commercial on how excellent of a patch it is, see last year's blog! ;-)

The weather was AWESOME we all had a great time with Family:




and Friends:




After some fun, and food, we headed to the patch for Pumpkins and Pictures!




This was both Brookelyn and Colton's first trip - they did GREAT!
Lilly and Andy were a little distracted (what do they think they are, two!?!?). Thank goodness for our seasoned Grinning Girls - Cy, Belle, Abby, and E!




Sidenote: Wow is this family growing. I might have to start charging for my photography coordination! :)

A few more parting shots - what a fun day!




Later in the week, I went out for a MNO and Trav and Trev were put in charge of pumpkins and kids. I think they handled it great.




The finished projects:

Papa Turns 60!!!

.
Papa turned 60 on the 14th of October!!! The kids were VERY excited to celebrate and even managed for Papa to buy THEM dessert for HIS Birthday. Only grandkids... Only grandkids.

Happy Birthday Dad - Love you! ~Dani

Presidents' Day Weekend

.
Presidents' Day Weekend. Really, I probably should have come up with a better, more fun title for this post. I mean, really... we don't celebrate Presidents' Day like it is this big exciting holiday. We just look forward to the long weekend! So, a fun three day weekend title was in order, but I was at a lack of creativity! In fact, I have been skipping this post, and working on others, because I couldn't come up with a snappy title. But, since I'm very "A Type" and like to keep my posts in date order. I had to get to it - eventually - because it was creating a log jam. Okay, so now that you all think I'm crazier than you used to. Let's get on with it.



Presidents Day Weekend was a three day weekend for Travis - woot! Gotta love that. It was also a busy day followed by two lazy days to recover. Plus, Plus.



On Saturday we had swim class, the Intel Winter Celebration, and The Globetrotters! We decided that it was just too crazy busy of a day, so we let Grammy and Papa have some 2 on 1 time with Andy and we just took Abby. It was nice to spend that time with her. I can't believe how much she is growing up. What a "kid" she is becoming! Times like this, when I can just focus on her, are so great - because it is happening so fast. Sometimes it is nice to stop and just enjoy the moment - and not carry a diaper bag!!! :)



Intel rented out the Memorial Coliseum for this event. They had Ice Skating (line was CRAZY long, so we didn't get to try), Various Bounce Houses and Games, Face Painting, Radio Disney was there, etc.



Our first stop was the Radio Disney area. They were doing some games and dances, etc. They asked for kids to come up and join them dancing a line dance type thing. Abby was the ONLY kid that would do it. And, even after she saw she was the only one, she stayed up there and still did it. I was SO proud of her. And, she was so cute. I wish I had had my video camera there. These pictures don't do it justice. But, I took them anyways...







Next we went downstairs and did the games, bounce houses, and face painting. And, yes... I did get braces - again. Only for 6 months. It is fine. I'm okay with it and so far no one has laughed at me - too loud!

After the Winter Event we went to Burgerville for an ice cream treat and then walked over to the Rose Garden for the Globe Trotters - fun. Abby seemed to like it and think it was pretty funny. I didn't really take any pictures there either - but we were there!



Sunday we just hung out and recovered from the long day before. Retrieved Andy from the 'rents and just "vegged". It was nice. Especially since we had another ENTIRE day the next day.



On Monday Abby and Daddy made "Princess Cupcakes". Aunt Megan and family had come down the weekend before and brought Abby this Princess Cupcake making kit. So, she was DYING to use it. I went to have a Girls Lunch out w/Cousin Sarah and Trav got to stay home and make Princess Cupcakes... hee, hee... :)




Thanks Auntie Megan. We would send you one, but they are all gone! :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

.
Valentine's Day was fun this year. Abby was WAY into it! At school, they had a "Valentine Making Station" set up the weeks prior to Valentine's. Everyday she would make Valentines for her friends and other cards, from her friends, would come home in her backpack. It was really cute how much they all wanted to "share the love" with each other. So simple. So cute. So kid.

Our day started off with all four of us attending Abby's Valentine's Day Party at school. Andy is SO ready to spend his days at PS. Next year, it is going to be a rude awakening when he still isn't old enough to go himself! :) Abby always enjoys having ALL of us there. It was a fun day filled w/Crafts, Treats, and LOVE....



Later that evening, after we ate leftovers - yes, I was serious. We stayed in and ate left overs! We did exchange some gifts though. Now, between Travis and Abby, the "gift giving" around here has gotten out of control on Valentine's Day! My goodness...

I got this little Elmo Book and a Pink Puppy for Andy. Trav got Abby a "Littlest Pet Shop" set. We gave them that at Breakfast. I thought "there, that is good. I will get something from Travis this evening and everyone is happy". Oh no... Trav and Abby are 1. shop-a-holics, and 2. take this gift giving stuff VERY seriously.

I got Flowers AND a nice scrapbooking gift from Trav. Andy got me a nice scrapbooking gift as well. Abby got me jewelry. Andy got me flowers. Travis got Abby flowers. I was like "is this ever going to end!?!?!?" But, I have to say... it was very sweet how much thought and detail Abby put into everybody's gifts. She knew EXACTLY what she wanted to get me and Trav tells the story great of standing in the jewelry store FOREVER while Abby found IT (and also making sure IT was w/in the budget - apparently her first pick was $800.00!)

But, my favorite part of the entire Holiday was Abby's gift to Andy. She was in Freddie's w/Trav (on her jewelry hunt) when they walked past the Pillow Pets. They had a Red Puppy Valentine's one. Abby was CONVINCED that Andy needed that for Valentine's Day and there was no detering her. Now, that is Trav's version. Knowing how the TWO of them like to shop, I'm not sure I entirely buy the story. But, nonetheless, Abby got Andy ANOTHER Pillow Pet. Something we are NOT short of around here... But, like I said... It was SO thoughtful and sweet that she wanted to get him that. It was all she could talk about up until she did - in whispered chat of course. Wouldn't want Andy to hear!

Here he is opening it:

I will admit it - she was right. He did love it! Oh man, and check out those Baby Blues - heart melting!

Classic "bow on the baby" picture:

Me and two of my Valentines:

Then, we broke for Ice Cream Cake - heart shaped of course!

Bowling Birthday - 35 Years Young!

.
So, I turn 35 this year. I decided I needed a little party - I never do that. The summer is FULL of BBQs and Parties for the other three members of my family. But, I never get one. February is boring I guess? That and I don't have a Wife/Mommy to plan one for me I suppose...



This year I decided to get together my best Mommy-friends and have a Mommy's Night Out - on a Saturday Night - woohoo!

Started off with pedicures, then dinner at this quiet little pizza place I LOVE to go to, and then we hit the lanes! We had so much fun!!!










These ladies are truly a blessing in my life and I am thankful for them everyday. Without them I would not be the person, or Mommy, that I am. The love, support, and day-to-day chats are what keep me sane - and my children alive! ;)

Thank you gals - I love you!

Bye, Bye Christmas. Hello Toys!

Okay, just ONE more Christmas themed post - I promise!

Abby got a Gift Card from her Uncle Trevor - for Target!!!! So, I took her a few days after Christmas and she picked out a new Snow White Action Figure type doll (shocker) and a Littlest Pet Shop House. She was in heaven...

She got home and immediately went to the table to check out her loot - and add all the LPS Animals that Grammy and Papa got her for Christmas to it. After all, they had to check out the new digs!

Anyway... Andy is in a real "monkey see, monkey do" Big Boy mode right now. What Abby is doing - he must do as well. So, he had to get up at the table to play w/his toys as well. Which is funny because the reason Abby sits up there is so Andy doesn't get her little pieces!

So, enjoy this cute "Sibling" moment - I did.

Christmas with Maddy and Crys

Crys and Maddy came up to visit us this week. The kids got to play, and the mommies got to visit! It was SO nice to see her and Maddy. It had been too long and it always feels so nice, and easy, and comfortable to sit and chat w/my dear old friend. How I miss you most of the time!



So, Abby is officially a head taller than Maddy now. I swear she is only 4 1/2 folks. Really, I promise!





Maddy got Abby a "Fairy Dress up Trunk" and Andy the Toy Story version of the same. He wasn't much impressed with it - today. But, a few months from now I have a feeling he will be happy to know there is something besides tiaras and heals for him to dress up in!

And, on a side note, he looked SO cute in the little hat and vest - too stinking cute! But, I have to say he looks pretty cute in heals and tiaras. But, I do try and limit those pictures. I want him to love me in 10 years.

Abby got Maddy a Cinderella Magnetic Paper Doll set. Both girls seemed happy with their loot...

Abby and Maddy playing w/the Fairy Costumes:

I think this was our official LAST day of Christmas this year - wow. I think we stretched that out over like five days - not bad I say... not bad. :)

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to All!

Our morning started off with Mommy TRYING to get a good photo of the kids. I won't tell you how long it took, how many people cried, and how many "words" Daddy said. But, we got a few good ones... :)




Then, we all piled in the car and headed down to see the family...

By the time we got there Andy needed a new family to put up with him (he HATES the car now) and Mommy needed a stiff drink. Luckily, both were accommodated!

After a breakfast of Mimosas and Eggs Benedict, we checked out what was under the tree for Andy...

and for Abby...

Papa and Andy playing w/his new train, Grammy and Abby modeling her OSU Pjs that Grammy made, and Grammy showing off the platter that Abby picked out special for her...

Trav and I you ask? Okay, let's face it. No one ever really asks about us anymore. But, I will tell you anyways! I got a new CRICKET - WooHoo!!!! I'm so excited to own one.

Trav got a new Kindle and a headache. A headache you ask? Yes, a headache... :)

It only took him like and hour to put it together... Don't worry though, he had a Mimosa and a few hecklers to keep him in good spirits!

Here is probably my favorite photo from the day. Andy taking his afternoon nap. Complete w/his new Pillow Pet, his new Baby, and Puppy. That is exactly how I found him - so cute!

Hope Christmas was a blessed and happy time for you all!

Love, the Browns!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Christmas Eve in our house is when EVERYTHING happens! Family Time, Santa Comes, Cookies are Made, Snacks are eaten, and Church is had. It is a good, long, relaxing day!

Our little family of four started out the day w/homemade (sort of) Cinnamon Rolls for us and special waffles for Andy. I think they both were a hit. Andy ate 3/4 of a Belgian waffle plus 1 1/2 bananas! Abby ate TWO cinnamon rolls! Apparently, they didn't get enough dinner the night before? Either that or they were gearing up for the fun, fun day.

That a.m. we watched Christmas Cartoons, made rolls and goodies for the next day, and Cookies for Santa. After all, if we made good ones, he would come! And he did!!!





SANTA CAME during quiet/nap time this year. It was SO exciting! First thing Abby asked me when she got up was if he ate his cookies. Yes, yes he did. Never fear. I have never known Santa to turn down a good cookie!

Then, it was off to the Living Room to see what he brought:

Abby was GREAT fun to watch this year. She was thoroughly impressed w/everything she got. She was excited, and thankful, and so cute to watch - the smile on her face was heart melting... It didn't matter if it was underwear or a new castle, she was excited to receive it...

Um, and she dressed herself that day!


Santa was really smart and didn't wrap Andy's toys this year. He was just given his Santa Bag full of goodies and told to go to town. This was a good thing or we would have been there most of the evening, because he mostly wanted to watch Abby and play. But, he eventually got around to checking things out.




My Favorite Moments of watching Andy:

• Opening his baby doll that Abby got him. He was so excited he could barely wait for Trav to get it open and Abby was so proud that he was so excited.
• When he got into his stocking. He was so "kid like" digging into it. It was great!

After all the Santa excitement and some yummy dinner, we got all prettied up and headed off to Church. We got there at about 8:30pm so we could listen to the music (beautiful) and check out the Nativity (so precious). The kids were great during Mass, but I think they always are!

Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

Christmas Eve Eve started out w/a little climbing on Andy's part. He got stuck in this position and then started to cry. Not feeling too sorry for him (I have been pulling him off of chairs all week), I grabbed the camera and took a picture before saving him. But, never fear, he had his back to me and didn't see me taking the picture first, so no emotional damage done.



Later that afternoon, the Bex Family came over to drop off the kids Christmas Gifts and we had a little impromptu Christmas Party. We had a pupu dinner, the kids played, and we chatted. We all just relaxed for a moment before the REAL craziness of Christmas began!

Here is our attempt at a group shot. Pretty good considering Brynn and Andy are NOT at that age where sitting still is an option!

Abby and Laci opening their gifts to each other. They are such little sweeties...

Andy confused by the paper bag. "What am I supposed to do w/this!?!?! - Help!!!".

I helped him open it and he got a new ducky bath toy - his favorite toy for the bath! Good work Brynn! She even helped him play with it for awhile... She would put the duck at the top of the chair arm and push it down. He would catch it and hand it back - repeat. Great fun!

Merry Christmas Eve Eve to the Bex Family and All!

Merry Christmas Eve Eve Eve!

Here are a few photos from our "Christmas with The Guinns" - a little Christmas Party we do every year. This year, we added the Wallace Family as well because we love them too! And, the Kids, Dads, and Moms all play nice together - it is a great mix of people!

It was a fun evening of yummy food, good drink, and good friends! Unfortunately, Kati wasn't feeling well, so we missed her. But, I told her I would post lots of photos for her to see!

We (well I) told the kids they had to clean up the toy room and pose for a Christmas Picture before they could open their gifts. Trav and Greg thought I was a total Grinch, but I don't think the kids cared - they were just so excited to get to the gifts I think they would have eaten broccoli and taken baths if it would have gotten them the gifts sooner.




Here are a few pictures after all the excitement. Kati (and Rob) got Abby this "southern belle" type hoop skirt - she was so excited!

Rob took over the "reading to Andy" duties, Greg got his first Gag Gift from us, and I got two Knomes (one from Kati and one from Janet earlier in the day). It was a great day!

Oh, and Abby is back to wearing her glasses indoors. She did take like two days off in there somewhere... :)

Zoo Lights

Zoo Lights - Woohoo!

This year was the first year that we went this late in the season. Life just got busy and I didn't get it scheduled. So, I was very thankful and grateful that Cousin Sarah took the bull by the horns and coordinated this one. I pride myself (and love actually) being a planner. But, somewhere... this holiday season got away from me. It was the latest I ever got my Christmas Cards out. It was the latest I ever finished my shopping and wrapping. It was a FAST season this year! So thank you Sarah - because I appreciated you putting this together!

Everyone met right at 5pm and headed to the train. Line. Long line. But, it actually went pretty fast and we got to take some good pictures while waiting - glass 1/2 full people - glass 1/2 full!




No pictures of the Train Ride. 1. I got the middle seat, so not the best angle to take photos, 2. it hasn't changed much since the last time I took pictures, and 3. Trevor was VERY distracting. I was busy pretending I didn't know him...

After the train ride we walked the grounds a little and got come Hot Cocoa.

But! I have to say - I got this picture of the kids by the Gingerbread House. NO ONE had the faith I would get this photo - each and everyone of them gave me THAT look. But, I got it dang it! It might not be perfect, but they are all looking, sitting still, and not crying. I consider it a win!

And then I followed it up w/ANOTHER group shot (above right) on the way out. Yeah, I rock like that... :)

I love this ultra romance picture (above right) of Dave and Sarah in front of NO lights... :)

Top Right is Bella playing w/the otter - too cute!

A stop at the top to take some posed pictures....

Then we headed off for a late dinner and family time - good day. It was ton of fun. Glad everyone made the trek up here to do it!