Chicago Reunion 2010

We had another memorable weekend with my dear friends from PA school. Our 5th annual reunion was held in Chicago and Lake Geneva, WI. In just one year, we had 3 new additions to the group. It was fun being in one house with 8 adults and 5 kids (ages 5 mos-26mos!)... sounds crazy, but it was a blast! En route to Chicago we visited with Aunt Bec for a night and had lunch with our cousin Katey in Wheaton, IL. On our way home today, we had brunch with our cousin Britney! We are about an hour away from home, and the girls have done very well. Thank goodness for DVD players in the car!

Stephanie & Eli, the girls & I, Kate & Levi, Kristen & Audrey

Our little monkeys in matching PJs!

Here is the whole gang!

Kate's sister and her friend were generous to come over an babysit for us so the adults could break away for lunch in Lake Geneva.

John's 31st birthday is tomorrow. The girls were very sweet and made John a cake!

Happy Birthday John/Daddy! We love you!

Kate - 6 month update

Kate celebrated her half birthday with Jesus, on Christmas day. She is growing up so quickly. Unfortunately, she rang in the new year with bilateral ear infections and RSV. After 2 antibiotics and some breathing treatments, she's recovered completely.

At her check up she weighed 19lbs (90-95%) and was 26 (50%) inches long. She is sitting up on her own and attempting to drink water with a sippy cup. She has yet to roll over, and our Dr. says that she may never roll over. Her legs are strong and she likes to stand up with our help. Kate also likes to pull Emma's hair, and Emma usually replies "No pull hair Kate" in a deep stern voice!

After her infection cleared, we started giving her carrots! Yum!

Our little froggy!

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow....

We headed outside last night to enjoy the snow! We had a blast! Enjoy the video!

Christmas 2009

We had a great Christmas this year. We spent time in Cincy, Dayton, and our own home. Emma was able to wake up in her own home this year. It was darling watching her walk down the stairs and her smile when she saw the presents under the tree. We talked a lot about how it was Jesus' Birthday, and during Church she almost had a melt-down because she wanted to see the animals that were a part of the manger scene in the church foyer. Kate likes looking at the lights and is a perfect little angel.

The best presents that John and I could ever ask for!

Emma has mastered opening gifts! Santa got her a trampoline, new clothes, a soccer ball, a new signing time video, big girl undies, and a few other toys. After she would unwrap each gift, she would say "open dis Momma" - too cute!

Little sister got some practice with opening gifts too! She liked to eat the paper too!

Only Emma's personal stylist, Aunt Bec, would buy her designer shoes for Christmas!

GG feeding Kate some cereal. She's really getting the hang of it. We'll be moving on to veggies very soon!
Emma taking a ride on Great Grandpa Weatherwax's walker. She thought she was hot stuff!

Emma and James got matching Mustang power wheels! Now they have cars just like Papa Zinser! They even had t-shirts that said "Papa's Racing Team." It was a riot watching her buzz around - I can only imagine what it'll be like in 2024 when she gets her driver's license!

"No Thank You Santa"

The girls' school had their annual holiday open house tonight. We've been reading about Santa, talking about Santa, singing about Santa, so I thought that when we'd go meet Santa - Emma might do a little better this year...NOT! She was terrified, again! Oh well, we'll keep trying. On the other hand, Miss Kate enjoyed meeting Santa for the first time! Enjoy the pics!

Deck the Halls...

How cute is this?!?!

Emma loved helping decorate the Christmas tree this year, and she loves turning the tree on and off. She'll say "pretty lights Mama" as we drive by houses and she's singing "Jingle Bells." It is going to be a fun Christmas!

Cereal and Cheeeeeeese!

We were blessed to be able to spend Thanksgiving with both of our families! We drove the "Ohio Triangle" between Cbus, Dayton, and Cincy. We had lunch with the Weatherwax's and dinner with the Zinser's. I am so thankful for my precious children, my loving and supportive husband, and for my gracious family and friends. What's not to love about a holiday that surrounds itself around eating!!

With all of us stuffing our faces, we thought Kate would like some food too! Here is Kate having her first cereal. Can you imagine going from an all liquid diet to solids? Its quite an adjustment for a baby! We're still working on it...

Here are a couple of Emma's 2 year photos. Maybe if she gets her Daddy's height, she'll be a super model. Look at the poses that Emma struck! Work it little girl!