About Avery & Sterling

As I said in the previous post, Avery had to make an "About Me" Poster for school. Here she is with her poster.



Then Sterling had to make one, too! He is soooo proud of his poster!

Time Out

I've been taking a break from the computer for the past couple of weeks. I've been spending my time reading the Twilight series. I'm halfway through Eclipse and can't wait to read the final book. I feel like a silly school girl caught up in these books. I've even been skipping my favorite TV shows--my DVR is getting full! I also saw the movie, Twilight. But, I must say, I enjoy the books more.

Juan had minor knee surgery on last Friday and is off the next 2 weeks. He found out his ACL is still in good shape. Thank goodness! It's nice to have him home. I'm trying to get to the eye doctor, get my hair done, and take care of a few things while I have a babysitter!

Avery had the day off from school today because of flooding. Everything was fine in our area, but we sure got lots of rain. We spent part of the day working on her "About Me" poster for school. I'll try to post pictures of her with her poster tomorrow.

Here are a few pictures of the kids. We took them Sunday after church for Avery's poster.

Easter 2009

My little bunny, Avery, made this cute little bunny at school.

We hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. We sure did. I'm finally getting around to posting pictures today after a busy weekend, and finally finishing our taxes today.

DYEING EGGS ON SATURDAY




We started our Easter Sunday at church. We were running late. It's so hard to get 3 kids dressed, and myself. I guess I need to start getting ready 4 hours before I need to be somewhere. I had all the clothes ready the night before, but it still didn't help. And, I hardly ever get to straighten my hair anymore (my low pony is back). We had such a wonderful church service. It was so packed, we had to sit on chairs that the ushers brought in for us. I'm so glad so many got to experience the service. Ian slept through most of the service. I only had to take him out for a brief bit.

After church we headed to Columbus for a family lunch and gathering. After a delicious lunch, Avery and Sterling had a great time hunting eggs and blowing bubbles with their cousin, David. And, they really enjoyed making an "Easter bunny house" supplied by Aunt Karen and Uncle Glen. They also enjoyed the candy and icing!












MY DAD MADE A SILLY SIGN


I wanted a nice family picture, since we were all dressed up. But, that didn't happen in all the rush. Sadly, I didn't even get one of just the kids.

One funny thing Sterling said to me when I put on my shoes for church. . . "Where did you get those silly shoes, Mom?" I stopped wearing heels about mid-pregnancy. He just hasn't seen me in those in awhile.

My Crazy Day

Yesterday turned out to be a crazy day. Sterling, Ian, and I were preparing to run to the post office and Walmart. I came into the office to get the mail I had to take to the post office when all of a sudden I heard a strange noise. I thought "Oh No what has Sterling done?" But, it was actually a sound I had heard before. I asked Sterling what the noise was. He replied, "A bird." Just as I was leaving the office, I saw it. We had a bird in our house! And, the poor bird was going crazy not knowing what to do. I was doing the same. The bird kept trying to get out between the 2 windows in the dining room. He / She flew in between the shutters and was going nuts. I did not know what in the world I was going to do with a baby and a terrified bird in the house. I opened the front and back doors hoping it would fly out. No such luck. Thankfully, our good neighbor came and helped me get the bird out. I wanted to take a picture of this crazy sight; however, my camera battery was dead. I still wonder how in the world this bird got in our house especially since the doors were not open or anything like that. I hope whereever it was, another bird doesn't find it!

Finally after the bird incident, we headed to Walmart. We finished our shopping and headed to the car. Since it was a little warm, I decided to start the car to cool it off before unloading. My car would not start. So, here I was with a cart full of groceries, and Ian and Sterling. Thankfully, Juan was close by. We tried to jump the battery. It started, but something was still not right--no radio, AC, or gauges. It turned out to be a $4.39 fuse. Whew!!

By the way, the one picture above is from a local grocery store parking lot where thousands of birds love to gather. Avery and Sterling love to see "the birds." Sometimes it is unbelievable how many birds are gathered together in this one area.

Sea World / San Antonio

We finally got a late start Friday afternoon / evening and headed to San Antonio for the weekend. We stopped in Columbus and had dinner with my mom (aka Gaga). So, we didn't make it to the hotel until almost 10:00 p.m.

Avery and Sterling just love staying at a hotel. I wish I would have had the camera out when we first got to the room. They were so excited, and kept saying that this was "THE BEST HOTEL we've ever stayed in." And, "What if we lived here Mom? Wouldn't that be great?" I'm not so sure it was the greatest hotel. We've stayed at nicer ones. But, I'm so glad they enjoyed it!



Saturday morning we headed to Sea World (after breakfast and a quick trip to Target). These are some of my favorite pictures of the trip. You can see all the pictures in the slide show. One of my absolute favorites is Avery with the dophin topiary--3 of my favorite things!








It was so hot! It was a near record high of 90 degrees. We didn't even bring our swimsuits. I thought it would be too cool--boy was I wrong. It seems like every time we go to Sea World, it's very hot! We did watch 2 shows--Viva (the acrobat show) and Go Diego Go! Movie/Show. Avery really enjoyed Viva and Sterling loved the Diego show. I enjoyed the Diego show because it was air conditioned! They also road the Shamu roller coaster and played a fishing game. Unfortunately, I did not get pictures of everything. Ian was hot in his car seat/stroller, so most of the time, he wanted to be held. And, it was too hot for the Baby Bjorn. I really don't think I would have gone had I known it was going to be that hot.

After dinner and Sea World, Avery and Sterling got to make Smores at the hotel.
One night at the hotel - $149.00
Cost of Smores kit - $4.00
Seeing Avery enjoy her Smores - PRICELESS!!!







You will notice in one of the pictures, Sterling accidentally got marshmellow in Avery's hair. Sterling had just awakened from a nap, so he was not as into the Smores as Avery. I don't think he realized what was going on until after he ate the Smores.

We all headed back to the room and were asleep by 9:00 p.m. Sunday morning we packed up, had a quick breakfast at McDonald's, and headed back down I-10 to home. Ian and Mommy were happy to be home. It's not that easy to travel with a baby.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

DISCLAIMER:
Sadly, it appears from the pictures that I wasn't even on the trip. Juan does not like taking pictures, so I am always the designated photographer. And, many times I have to try to take pictures with Ian in my arms, so some of the photos aren't the best.

He's laughing not crying

I finally snapped a picture of Ian first thing in the morning. He was so happy! I just love that picture! He's so silly when he first wakes up--such a morning person.

We are on our way to San Antonio/Sea World this weekend after Avery gets out of school today. I hope he stays this happy the whole time. I hope everyone stays this happy!

Baby Gear - Then & Now

I was looking at my old baby pictures the other day. I had seen them all before, but something that stood out to me this time was the baby gear.

THEN

NOW

My mom said that was my car seat. I can't believe it! It sure doesn't look very safe to me. I know car seats haven't always been around, but I sure couldn't imagine my kids not being in a car seat. I still make Avery sit in a booster.

THEN

NOW

Another safety violation! I laughed when I saw the chains on the baby swing.

Well, one thing is for sure. I don't know how I would survive without all the baby gear we have now. (Oh, I'm sure I would be okay, but things are much easier now days!) I love my Baby Bjorn, swing, Boppy pillow, Fisher Price Glider, and strollers. Strollers are another topic (it drives Juan crazy that I have so many strollers).