Afternoon's with Dad!

Usually, when Brandon has a day off and there is nothing to do, we pick on dad. It involves back rides, kisses, hugs and tickles. Oh, the abuse a parent takes.

Recently I asked both Loli and Ri what they thought the baby is. Ri said "baby brother" and Loli said "baby sister." Next I asked Ri what he would name the baby. He responded with a joker look and said "Water!" Then I turned to Loli and she responed quickly with "Lemonade!" Brandon thinks they've been watching too much strawberry shortcake and my Little Ponies. I'm sure neither name will make the list, but kuddos to originality. I'm sure Gwyneth Paltrow would approve.

Random news and exciting updates!

Riley and Lorelei are going to be a big brother (again) and a big sister! I kept quite through the first three months, but now I am letting the cat out of the bag. I have to admit I was excited an scared. My last pregnancy I had a low progesterone level. This time around the same thing happened leading me to think the worst. They put me on the hormone again and this time so far we have success! This little bundle has a strong heartbeat and we get to know what it will be in a month. 

Until then, I have more pictures to share of Lolie and Ri! This was the day after Christmas. We just had to get our wiggles out even in the 30 degree weather.

During this week we also went to the Children's Museum. Word to the wise never go during a Holiday break. The place was packed and Lorelei cried every time she could not see me. Luckily, we have a membership, so leaving was not a problem. Instead we ended up at one of our favorite parks. It was unusually warm that day and the kids still had a blast! Luckily no tears were shed in the change of plans. :) 

Christmas 2013

This Christmas was fun but getting to the fun was hard. This year I made two life size advent calendars, 3 pieces of artwork and 8 ornaments for various people. I squished all of this into two months while going through my first trimester of Pregnancy. (No Bueno, when your nauseous and puking.) I felt like I had overdone myself and had no energy left for my family. Everything I had planned for them fell apart. (Brandon, could attest to the many melt downs.) I eventually got past the bah humbug stage, shut off the world and focused on what really mattered. Once I did that, things were more enjoyable around here. 

(Sorry, for the lack of Christmas pictures.)

 Riley, was able to get a photo with Santa, but Lorelei would not get anywhere close to him.

 I am definitely not a food photographer, or a professional chef, but this Linsensuppe is so good. When I was little my parents would go the Rheinlander restaurant in Portland. I have fond memories of going there and recently started craving the smell of this soup. I finally found a recipe close to what it tasted like. It's been a perfect addition to our winter menu. 

 Riley with his Christmas loot.

 Lorelei with her Christmas loot.

 Christmas, day was wonderful! Brandon and I got to be kids with our kids again. The stress and worries went away. The kids enjoyed celebrating Christs birth. It was little hard for them to understand that we were having a party for him. Lorelei kept asking me who's birthday we were celebrating. It was  definitely a season of learning, not just for them, but for me too!  

November 2013

It's already a new year, and I am just now getting to catch up! These pictures were back in November before Thanksgiving. Our first official blanket of snow. 

As you can see, Colorado makes great powder to ski in, but lacks in snow ball and snow man material. Two weeks Later, we got to take a road trip to Nyssa, Oregon. We spent Thanksgiving at Aunt Nicole and Uncle Matthew's house. We got to see all of Brandon's family. Some of them we haven't seen in two years.

We packed a lot of fun into 3 days. We spent time outdoors bouncing on a trampoline and playing at the park.

 The kids made edible necklaces with Grammy and we got to eat at one of the best Pizza buffets I have had in years. (Thank you grandparents)

 Lorelei and Will decided that picking on each other was more fun than playing together. We also got to take a little side adventure to feed Horses.

 We even got kisses from cousins. (this makes me laugh because I have a picture of a cousin and I, at the same age, doing the same thing.)

Obviously, the fun was short lived, but well spent. Thank you everyone who made it enjoyable!