Rachel's 2nd Birthday & Joshua's 4th Birthday

Rachel in her 311 shirt

Wondering what we're all doing...

Seriously, what are you guys doing?

Time to eat cake!

Presents with cousins & Granny

Fire Hoses & Faces

We went on a tour of our local firehouse today with my MOMS Group. Heather, Chris & the kids came along as well. We had lots of fun learning about fire safety and when to use 911.

Here are the kids with Fireman Eddie.

Here is Joshua with Fireman Eddie.

Rachel is smiling as usual.

Ryder is....well I'm not sure what he's doing...

Such a happy girl.

The kids listening to Fireman Eddie talk....well Heather was listening.

Joshua was so excited to sit inside the Fire Engine.

Watching how they attach a hose to the engine to pump water.

Rachel trying to wink at the firemen.

Tyler got to shoot the fire hose! It really made his day.

See I was really there too.

The whole group in front of the Fire Engine. Rachel isn't too sure about Fireman Eddie, even though his mannerisms reminded us of Dad.

That was our first field trip to a fire station. We really enjoyed it and can't wait to go again in the future!

Sibling Rivalry?

We have been blessed with two children who get along for the most part. Oh sure they have their moments, but they are finally to the ages where they can play together. Here they are the other day playing in a box. Remember back in the day when we would in boxes or built forts with blankets & chairs? I love turning off the tv and letting the kids just play with their toys and their imaginations. They come up with the funniest stuff!

Learning is Fun!

My sister and I took our kids back to The Witte Museum for some fun and learning.

Here is Rachel playing in the water.

Check out the red highlights in her hair!

Joshua watching the water fall out of the top of the turbine.

Joshua spinning the wheel to close the waterway.

Tyler

Summer

Rachel & Ryder

Happy Birthday Jesus!

The kids woke up this morning around 8am and we went downstairs for our traditional birthday cake for breakfast.

We sang "Happy Birthday" to Jesus and
then Joshua blew out the candles.

Rachel really enjoys this family tradition!

My wonderful husband Brian
Rachel double-checking to make sure
it's okay to tear the wrapping paper.
She eventually got into the swing of things.
Joshua playing with his pop gun from Granny & Grandad
Rachel playing with her baby doll from Nana & Papa
Joshua excited to open his new toy - a Leapster2
Rachel's new wooden kitchen set - isn't it adorable????Merry Christmas Everyone!

Christmas Pictures 2009

Here are Christmas pictures of the kids. Don't they look so grown up?
I can't believe how fast time is going by....

My New Present

I got an early Christmas gift to myself (with help from Grandma's Christmas Money) - a new lens for my camera. It's the one MckMama recommends for getting those sought after blurry backgrounds. I've been taking lots of pictures trying to perfect my craft. These are some pictures of the kids from last week.