Family Vacation 2009

A few weeks ago we took a short family vacation to St. Louis. We had a wonderful time, were able to see & do lots of fun things. The kids did a great job and had a lot of fun, despite the lack of sleep they got. Here are a few of our favorite photos from the trip. Enjoy!

The kids posing in front of a water fountain at the entrance of the St. Louis Zoo.

The kids and I on the carousel at the zoo... we ended up riding about 3 or 4 times waiting for the pouring rain to stop.

One of the sea lions we saw at the sea lion show (at the zoo). Probably one of the favorite things we saw at the zoo (besides the zoo train).

Just a glimpse of the beauty at the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

We took time to pose for a family photo at the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

The climbing beanstalk at The Magic House: St. Louis Children's Museum. This was probably the highlight of the trip for Noelle. She had a blast at the museum and really loved climbing the beanstalk several times.

Rodney & the kids pose for a photo at The Magic House.

The kids had an amazing time traipsing through this little stream in the outdoor area at The Magic House. What fun!

It's Too Bright!

This morning when Noelle came downstairs for breakfast she said "It's too bright, I need my sunglasses." So, I gave her sunglasses to her and she happily continued to eat her cereal and wore them the entire time! She's definitely beginning to have her own opinion and preferences and she is beginning to enjoy accessorizing and choosing what to wear and when to wear it!  

Yesterday: A Typical Day, to the Extreme

Yesterday was what I'm calling a typical day to the extreme... there was nothing special about the day, no out of the ordinary activities, but the typical seemed extreme, magnified and shall a say a bit more adventurous!

The day started out like many days, Noelle decided she wanted to sit on the potty so while she was "sitting" I went and pulled out her and Parker's clothes for the day, soon enough I heard them laughing and giggling which really is a normal occurance that I'm so thankful for. So, as I'm picking out clothes I'm smiling to myself reveling in the wonderful-ness of my children and as I return to the bathroom I see them both splashing... in the toilet!!! Now, for Parker this is not out of character as this has become one of his favorite pass times along with digging through the trash and unplugging things from the electrical outlets.

After washing hands and getting dressed we headed out for a breakfast playdate with friends and ran a few errands. Upon returning home and eating some lunch the "extreme day" continued with a (precious) 3 year old asserting her independence complete with yelling, screaming, crying and throwing things. Normally nap time can be a bit of a challenge but yesterday was to the extreme.

Then came Parker's extreme poop... I'll spare the details for those of you who with weak stomach's but, I'll hit the highlights for the curious... I could have definitely used an extra set of hands, I was very adamant about keeping all hands from all mouths at all times due to the migration of waste and was thankful for the empty wipes container that I was able to use to contain the soiled goods. Needless to say the disinfectant spray was essential to clean up and Parker went straight to the tub and I nearly joined him.

As if this wasn't enough adventure for one day we ended the day with a few bumps, bangs and bruises... Parker fell off the bed and down the stairs within about an hour and I (Cheri) stubbed my pinkie toe and have apparently sprained it. Now these are extreme because well, Parker is 1 and still a bit unstable so a daily "bonkers" or two is common, however off the bed and down the stairs are extreme... and well, for me, I have been known to be a bit clumsy from time to time tripping over toys or chairs and the like, but this is the first time that I've sprained a toe (and I hope the last) but, at least it's not broken!

So, today is a new day and I'm choosing to be thankful for many reasons, one of them being that yesterday is history! ;)

Parkers Birthday Party!

Parker had a GREAT first birthday party! Thank you to everyone who was able to make it and for the lovely gifts! Parker (and Noelle) have already gotten a lot enjoyment from them! 

This is Parker's birthday cake, made for him by his Aunt Kim (Cheri's Sister-in-law)! She also made an adorable little Dalmatian cake just for Parker (see below). Thanks again Kim for all your hard work! It looked awesome and it tasted delicious too!

We had a fire truck theme for the party and were so blessed to have 4 of Olathe's finest firemen to join us! They let all the kids check out the fire truck and even sit in it! Above is Parker on the fire truck and below is a photo of him with the firemen... the one holding Parker is his Uncle Jon (Rodney's brother).

Here's Parker with his own little cake... he was unfortunately not so excited about it because only moments before this photo was taken, he decided to take the fire truck theme to another level by putting out the fire on his birthday candle! OUCH! Sorry Buddy!

After some snuggling and calming from Mommy, we decided to give it another try and he did take a few bites of the YUMMY cake! It was a long day full of excitement and fun, but all good things must come to an end, so the the party came to a close with a much needed nap for this sweet little birthday boy. 

Later that day, after being rejuvenated by naps, we caught big sister pushing the birthday boy on one of his new birthday toys. What an awesome sister! Good times & great memories!

Parker's 1st Birthday!

Yesterday was Parker's First Birthday! We started the day by getting one year photos done. He did a great job and the pictures turned out wonderful! We had McDonald's for lunch and then celebrated that evening with cake and ice cream! 

He was not quite sure what to think of the cake at first...

but after getting a taste, he started to get into it a bit more...

after a while, he was on sugar overload...

and was completely satisfied. He's thinking being one is pretty cool!  

Then came time for Mom & Dad to clean up the mess!!! 

First Birthday party is tomorrow... more fun and more mess is on the way! It's so fun to be ONE!

Can You Believe I'm Turning One!?!

Ok, so the expression on my face in this photo actually represents more of how my Mommy feels about me turning one. Bittersweet she says... bitter because of what she's saying goodbye to, my first year and the many firsts that went along with it. Having to let go of such precious things, I guess I'm becoming more independent and she's not sure she's ready for that. She says it seems like I was just born yesterday and she hasn't been able to cherish each moment as she would've liked to. But, it's also sweet she says because she gets to say hello to what's ahead... my second year and many more firsts to come as well. New discoveries, new adventures. Sweet because that's what I am a sweet boy who loves to snuggle, loves to smile, yet is completely 100% ALL BOY! 

Thanksgiving Weekend Fun

Our weekend after Thanksgiving was a fun-filled, relaxing time of picking out and cutting down a Christmas tree, putting up the Christmas decorations and of course a lot of playing!

Our family tradition since we've been married is to go to a tree farm the day after Thanksgiving to get a real tree. This is the 3rd year we've gone to Cedar Valley Farms and cut down our own! 

The kids enjoyed playing with the lights as Rodney was putting them on the tree.
Here's Parker having a good ol' time playing with the jingle bells! 
Our first snow of the season was on Sunday after Thanksgiving... on Monday we celebrated the first day of December by going out and playing in what was left. It was Noelle's first experience playing in the snow... I'm not sure she knew quite what to think... she stood next to it for a long time just "tickling" it as she called it, wanted to take her mittens off even though it was quite chilly. 

After a little time and some coaxing from Mommy she finally decided to take a risk and walk through it! Then she wanted me to wipe off her boots! :)