An Update on Gracie...Now 16 months old

Hello again! It's been since September that I have updated this blog, but don't worry, I didn't stop taking pictures! Like you were worried about that. :) So I'm going to try to catch you all up to speed on our lives...and first up is Grace. In September she turned ONE, and is quickly trying to blend in with the big kids. She is playful and funny, and never wants to sleep. She loves pushing her baby doll's stroller all over the house, climbing anything she can, coloring whenever she finds a pen or crayon, emptying drawers and baskets that I just loaded, cuddling for a few seconds before running off to play with whatever Conner is into, feeding herself using a plate and fork, echoing words or sounds, singing songs we sing, playing in her pretend kitchen with her adorable apron, pouring us tea from her cute teapot, and dancing in circles. My favorite thing to watch her do is carry her baby dolls around everywhere. She feeds them, gives them rides on tricycles, and even picks them up before I can pick her up in her crib after a nap. She is my sunshine...and I sing that to her every day. Here are some pictures from the last few months...

Christmas Morning:





Quick illustration of our two children: Grace got into my wallet and took everything out. Conner came in and noticed that she was doing something she shouldn't do and told her "Grace, you can't do that. That's Mommy's wallet!" (He's often my rule follower.) So Grace looked up at me, took a credit card, and ran the other way laughing. She got passed Conner and tried to hide in the kitchen, but I could hear her laughing. Conner chased her down and ended up taking care of the situation for me. :) Maybe I should put the camera down and teach her the lesson...but I just had to capture it just once. :)




When we say "No, Grace." she sometimes melts into the cutest pout I've ever seen. It's so funny. It's hard not to laugh.

Here is Grace in her couple seconds of cuddling.

And off she goes!

I took Conner to a friend's birthday party and Grace tried her best to fit in with the 4 year olds.


She wasn't happy that I wouldn't let her in the jump house with all the big kids.

Here are just a couple cute shots:






I bought these shoes before she was born because I thought they would be adorable on my little girl someday. Now they fit, and I was right. :)

This is an antique rocking chair that Jake and his sisters used growing up. We thought we'd get a picture of Grace on it, but of course she wanted to sit any direction except the way it's intended. :)



That's it for now...an update on Conner is coming next. Check back in a couple days!

Speaking of Conner...

Speaking of Conner and all his changes, I thought it was a great time to have a professional picture taken of him. The pictures were taken by the amazing Tori Wible. Here are my favorite shots of Conner at three years old:

Conner Began Preschool

It's official. We have a school-aged child. Conner began preschool this past Tuesday and absolutely loved it. We couldn't ask for a better transition for him to begin his schooling experience. We are now in California closer to family, and his own Grandma is his preschool teacher! He was so cute on his first day because he was super excited as we got ready, took pictures, and walked from the car to the classroom. He was all smiles and chatty... until we got to the door. He stopped in his tracks and was silent for a while. He leaned in and looked around, but wouldn't cross into the classroom. He eventually asked me "Where's Grandma?" When she came over he went in and began to observe more...smiling. He was introduced to other kids and I showed him where some toys were. He started to play with me...and then took a toy and walked away from me. He went to another part of the classroom and began to play...and yes, I just sat there...realizing that was the moment I was waiting for. He was ready. I could leave. Of course I wasn't ready. :) I stayed and watched him get involved in their Friendship Marble Painting activity. He said "You'll come back later? OK." He was totally into it, loving preschool already. He's off to a great start.








When he saw me at the end of the day, he dropped what was in his hands and RAN my way...then stopped, turned around to go back and get what he dropped. He was so happy to share that he got to be the student to take home the "share can." He walked to the car proudly and told me about his day. I'm pretty sure where all going to enjoy this preschool adventure.

Happy 1st Birthday, Grace!

Grace turned one, today. The year has gone by very quickly, but it has been so fun to watch her blossom into such a lively, funny, sweet, smart, active little bundle of joy. She is adorable in headbands and ruffles, giggly and active around Conner, and curious in all situations. I'm excited to someday see what color her eyes will end up, and at what age we can clip a barrette in her hair. :) I'm in no hurry for her to grow up any faster, though. We adore her each day for who she is now. Happy birthday, Sweet Cheeks. (Click on the photos to see them larger. Pics by Tori Wible)

We've decided to hold off on a birthday gathering for now...but Grace sure didn't mind. She's as happy as can be these days. Today was a simple family day, doing our usual thing - packing the house for a big move. :) In the process, I found a picture of me sitting in a bowl when I was a baby, and so of course I had to test it out. Grace got a kick out of the photo shoot...and so did the neighbors. :)

Yesterday we went to the Blackley's home for dinner and Conner and Grace had a great time playing with their girls!
I took over a last minute ladybug cake so we could sing and celebrate.
Then today, her actual birthday, Jake didn't like that we weren't giving her a cake on her real birthday, so he came home with a flower ice cream cake...ah, a Daddy's girl for sure.

I'm pretty sure she'd like some finger paint for her birthday. :)
Of course... the plate didn't last long.
Happy birthday, Pretty Girl!

Katie's Triathlon - August 2

Those of you who know me, know that I am not much of a writer, and even less of a “blogger.”  However, this last weekend I was so proud of Katie and her accomplishments that I wanted to be the one to write this post.  On Sunday, Katie completed the “Tri For a Cure” at Cherry Creek State Park to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.  Katie and about 3,400 of her friends swam 750 meters (twice the distance that I swam in my triathlon), biked 11.6 miles, and ran 3.1 miles – mostly up a long hill.  Katie did AWESOME!  She beat the time she was going for by almost 30 minutes!   I was very proud of her and glad that all of her hard work and preparation had paid off. 

All prepped for the big race. We woke up at 3:45am and drove up to Aurora. Katie woke up energized and ready to race. It may be the only day of her life that she woke up a “morning person.” The bikes and transition stations had to be set up before 7am, which is when wave one began the race.

One of these things is not like the others.  Katie was ready for victory before she even started.

Its like “Where’s Waldo?” …except it is “where is the really beautiful mother of two?”

This is a stick-up!  Just kidding, just a group stretch to calm everyone’s nerves.

And they’re off…

As Conner would say, “Go Mommy, Go!”

I looked closely for Katie coming out of the water.  As other girls slowly walked up the ramp Katie came running full steam.  What a stud.

Katie was so fast on her bike that I missed her at the start but saw her finish strong.

Ok folks, does she even look tired?  WOW! 

Our friend Dave encouraged Katie to crush her competition.   These next few pictures demonstrate “the evolution of the crush.”

Eyeing the finish line.

Both kids were very proud of Mommy. Grace was sporting her “My Mom Tri’s Hard” shirt and was so happy to see her smiling face.  Conner thought Katie’s medal was sooo cool.

My wife is AMAZING.  I was so happy to be there and show how much I loved her. Great job, Babe!