Fireman Nolan

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Nolan saw all the candles coming and he knew he needed to be prepared.... lol

Reagan and Nolan always have a good time when their Aunts & Uncles come over to play.

Happy Birthday, Baby!

Seems like yesterday we took this on one of our trips to Dallas! Good memories and here is to many happy more. Sweetie, Reagan, Nolan, and I love you so much!!!

Rockin' A Rebate Deal

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I like sales. I like coupons. I like rebates.

I hit the trifecta at Toys R Us today. A sale, a coupon, and a rebate allowed me to walk away with 7 Hasbro board games for the whopping total of $3.68!!

Candyland
Chutes & Ladders
Memory
Don't Spill The Beans
Don't Break The Ice
Cootie
Hi Ho Cherry-O

All on sale for $3.99 each
Original total: $29.68

-$2.00 instant coupon on Hi Ho Cherry-O
Total:$27.68

-$2.00 Hasbro mail-in rebate on EACH game
Total: $13.68

BONUS: -$10 Toys R Us gift card(valid on next purchase) because I made a $25 Hasbro game purchase
Total: $3.68

Funny part is I figured this deal out on my own and didn't even know about the bonus gift card until I got to the register. I was going to be happy paying $1.99 for each of these games! Usually I read the coupon blogs to find such deals, but didn't have time this morning.

That pretty much completes my kids BIRTHDAY shopping for next May with a few Christmas gifts for friends thrown in as well.

Ah, its the little things in life that excite me these days! LOL

snopes.com: Christmas cards for Noah Biorkman

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I found out about this little guy through a post on facebook. I researched it and verified that it is true. If you only send one holiday card this year, please make it this one and please do it right away.
-Shelley

snopes.com: Christmas cards for Noah Biorkman

Posted using ShareThis

Why Nothing Else Matters

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...so this was supposed to be published on Sunday, Nov 1. Our anniversary. Let's just say there was a little operator error......

Bill and I are not the most conventional people, so when it came time to plan our wedding we knew exactly what WE wanted. No borrowing pages from anyone else’s book.

Since music is a strong part of our lives, we picked selections that reflected our life together. In the “early days” of our relationship, The Goo Goo Dolls were “our” band. They were one of the first concerts we went to together, the first song Bill sang at Karaoke for me (at the lesbian bar none the less!) so it was a no-brainer to pick “Slide” by the Goo Goo Dolls.

“And I'll do anything you ever dreamed to be complete

Little pieces of the nothing that fall

May, put your arms around me

What you feel is what you are

And what you are is beautiful

May, do you wanna get married

Or run away”

My walk down the aisle song was very important to me as well. I am a Metallica fan (file that under something you didn’t know about me!) Bill didn’t really appreciate them until he and I hooked up. I know a lot of hardcore Metallica fans don’t like the slower stuff or the orchestra stuff, but I do. That is what I appreciate most about their musical abilities and creativity. Thinking outside the metal box. Who would think to pair heavy metal with a woodwinds section?!

A few months before the wedding I heard some harp versions of songs. Metallica’s Nothing Else Matters was one. I immediately knew that was what I was walking down the aisle to.

"So close, no matter how far

Couldn't be much more from the heart

Forever trusting who we are and nothing else matters

Never opened myself this way

Life is ours, we live it our way

All these words I don't just say and nothing else matters

Trust I seek and I find in you

Every day for us something new

Open mind for a different view and nothing else matters"

Six years later and those words are such a strong reminder. Life wears you down, little things get in the way, time & patience are short. But, really this is it.

“Forever trusting who we are and nothing else matters”

Happy Anniversary Sweetie. I love you.

We Are Making A Big Nest

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Our neighbor, the guy who has every power tool imaginable, lent Bill his leaf blower. It looked like something out of Ghostbusters! It was nearly dark when we started and pitch black when we ended. The photos were taken in complete darkness. I'm pretty happy with them, but a fill flash would be better.

The kids had a blast "helping" Daddy with the leaves.

They made nests.

They jumped.

Daddy dragged them around the yard.

They stood in the whirlwind of leaves.

I went to bed with their belly laughs ringing in my head.

My mom reminded me of the one year I "helped" my Daddy rake leaves and procedded to jump into the pile and come out covered in dog poop (we never had dog!) Good times.

Bawk, Bawk, Bawk

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Mama chick finds her long lost baby chick at the car cruise's trunk or treat.

Repeat

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We hit up the park again. Aunt Deb joined us. Nolan drove her to the zoo.

It was just too beautiful not to get out and enjoy it. I'd like to put days like these on permanent repeat. Perfect temp, leaves at peak color, and the kids having fun.

The Farmer & The Chick

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We had a great time at Boo At The Zoo on Friday night and will get a post up soon, but just had to show off my little chick and the "John Deere tractor drivin' farmer" (yes, that is what he called himself all night. The firemen-at least I didn't say something totally stupid this time- running the hayride got a real kick out of him.)

bawk, bawk, bawk

Eastlake's Finest

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We stopped by our local fire dept. today so the kids could say hello to my mom's neighbor who works there. Really, we went to climb all over the trucks, but hey, it was because of her that we got to do that.

When we pulled in all the hoses were unrolled and filled. It was the yearly pressure check. Our timing couldn't have been better. What is more fun than 2 2-year olds and a bunch of hoses?! Of course, it also gave me an opportunity to say something totally stupid, like "Wow those are some big hoses you've got there." Yeah, I don't get out much anymore. Kind of lost my ability to socialize and tend to say whatever pops into my head. Kind of like a 2 year old.

I found the visit very informative because I got my burning question answered. Last month I kept seeing other local firetrucks using this big tube thing in the front yard of the fire station. It is a tester of some sort and our city is the only one that has it. Each truck is required to be checked once a year.

I also got the scoop on the fire that happened at an apartment building just down the street from the firehouse last week. We had been driving home and when we got to the intersection, Nolan saw all the flashing lights so we went to check it out. We had missed all the action, but I did see a news story on it. The fireman that was showing us around today happened to be interviewed for it and I mentioned that I saw him on TV.

I also mentioned that we saw them practicing with the jaws of life on a couple of cars this week in the empty lot on our exploring route.

After I mentioned the last two things, I said, "yeah, we kind of stalk out the firetrucks. You know, for the kids." Again with the stupid comments.

At this point he said goodbye and closed the doors.

No really, they were all super nice to us. They let the kids climb in ambulances and firetrucks. They gave them hats and badges. They even let them drag the hoses around and play with them.

Full days photos here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=39296&id=1418118548&l=aaf3c45e84. There's some artsy ones and scenic shots of the Chagrin River as well, so if you enjoy those, take a peek.

A big THANK YOU to firefighters everywhere. Thanks for being there when we need you!

Indian Summer '09

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In storytime this week, the kids were given shiny scarves to throw in the air and act like they were falling leaves. Nolan decided to be the class clown and put his scarf on his head and yell, "I'm wearing a kabuska!" (In case you are not familar with babushka). Everyone; fellow moms & grandma's, librarian, even other little 2 year olds busted up. That's my boy.

Pre-story time playing


Reagan's fave spot

It was a gorgeous day, so instead of usual stop at Chik-A-Yeah after storytime, we headed to the park. I got to go take a few pictures while Grammy and the kids played. Of course, I took a million more pictures of the kids. I just can't resist their Campbell Soup faces.

The Three Amigos

Photos: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=39178&id=1418118548&l=b814940198

Yes, It Was

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The kids haven't asked to go on their exploring route in a long time, but after playing outside this morning, they asked to go in the car so they could look at "the mailboxes". This is part of their route where almost everyone on the street has a fun mailbox. Our favorite, the 4ft. tall walrus, always gets a rousing rendition of, you guessed it, "I Am The Walrus".

As we crossed the one-lane bridge over the river to get to the mailboxes street, Reagan looked out her window at all the geese and ducks in the river and said, "It's a beautiful day for the ducks to come out for a swim".

Yes, Reagan P. It was the perfect day.

Probably the last we'll see around here for a long time. So glad she made me stop and enjoy it even more.

Let The Haunting Begin.....

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Halloween is the kids favorite holiday. Well, really it is Mommy's favorite, so theirs by default. We've got lots on the calendar for the next two boo-tiful weeks.

1st set of costumes. A really scary, fire-breathing dragon.

Baby Kitler showing Mom her paw.

Saturday night we headed to the Farmpark for the annual Haunted Hayride. Last year it was rainy, and Nolan was under the weather so it was just not that great of a time. This year was the exact opposite. It was chilly, but the rain stopped earlier in the day and the kids (and grownups) had a great time.

Reagan proclaimed that she was not afraid, but she also said I needed to hold her tight on the hayride.

Nolan stopped to talk to some scarecrows along the haunted path, but our little kitty cat only had one thing in mind.

The pony rides!




Nolan's favorite thing of the night. A John Deere. He even gave me the model #, but I can't remember it.

Full photos: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=38739&id=1418118548&l=64020ffb19

Pumpkin Patch

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It was a quick visit to the pumpkin patch as it started to sleet about 10 minutes after we got there. Still got some good shots and the twinadoes managed to touch each and every pumpkin in the patch!

Must have been an inside joke.

"It's very heavy. I'm very strong!"

"Lift, lift, lifting!" This is a line in one of his construction books, so I laughed out loud when he said it.

Kiss The Star Game

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If you know my Uncle Bob, you know he and the Dallas Cowboys go hand-in-hand. He's loved them since he was a kid (they had football then?), and he never stopped. Family vacations were planned around games and visits to Texas Stadium. When he moved there in the early '90's he got a job with the Cowboys and the love affair continued.

All things Cowboys are held in his high regard.

He was over the other day, wearing (of course), a Cowboys shirt. He picked Nolan up and Nolan was counting the "o's" in Cowboys. UB told him to kiss the star, so Nolan did. UB threw him into the air.

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

Now, as soon as he sees UB, he yells, "Kiss the star!"

I had on a Cowboys shirt today and he wanted me to play the game. All day.

Monitor Musings

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Reagan and Nolan (well, mainly Reagan) have a lot to say once they are put down for naps (sometimes bedtime, but mainly nap time).

For example, as I type this, Reagan is yelling (to a snoring Nolan) that they are "going to Australia!!!" She must be reading one of her books their Aunty Susan (who lives in Aus got them). She takes numerous books to bed so who knows what she has in there!

Other times she likes to talk about places they have already been, mainly Kalahari Waterpark. It is my habit to always ask them questions about something we have just done. What was their favorite part? Do they want to do it again? etc. So, again to a sleeping brother, she yells, "Did you like Kalahari, Nolan?" "What was your favorite part?" After about 6 times of this, he groggily answered, "the bucket is my favorite" and went right back to snoring. Reagan replied, "Me too!"

The other day, he turned the tables on her. He woke up first and started talking to her. She was not having any of that. She yelled, "I'm sleeping, Nolan. Don't talk to me!"

There is also lots of singing going on up there. Right now, it is mainly Duran Duran. Yes, I have created two Duranie babies. The other day they were singing, "Please, please tell me now....." Their other favorites include "the wolf one (AKA Hungry Like The Wolf)" "Planet Earth" "Save A Prayer" and "Sunrise". They even have dance moves for Sunrise.

Some other cute things they are saying these days...

On rainy days, they like to walk outside with their "cumbrellas" and "soak up in the rain."

With all the Halloween "decorates" out in the stores, Nolan declared that he "doesn't want to look at spooky."

Reagan is always very sympathetic and run over to give you a hug and big "awwww" if you mention something is wrong. She is always very encouraging if you say you can't do something she says, "I think you can Mommy, I think you can!"

Conversation from the bathtub: Reagan, "How are you today, Nolan" Nolan: "Ummm...Pretty much good."

Nolan enthusiastically says "Thank you very so much" or he "certainly does need X" and things that are pretty are "absolutely gorgeous!"

Everyday their vocabulary grows, most times Bill and I are just Mom & Dad, not Mommy & Daddy, and they are just so fun to talk to.

They've had some fun with Uncle Bob & Aunt Chrissy this week (more on the "kiss the star game later) and last night during their bedtime routine (lights out with glow in the dark stars for Twinkle, Twinkle, then the "Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep" prayer, and a special prayer for people they think need special prayers--The list always includes Papa, Grammy, Grandpa P, & Baby Jaime. Others are added as necessary) Nolan added Uncle Bob & Aunt Chrissy to his list. I have to say it brought tears to my eyes (and UB's too when I told him). The boy can just ooze sweetness and love at times.

Ok, enough Mommy-sap for now.

Bad Blogger

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Guess I won't be winning any blogger awards if I space my posts by almost 2 weeks, huh?

What can I say, time truely flies when you spend your day with 2 (almost) 2 1/2 year olds. They are busy from the moment their eyes pop open, until they get tucked in their new Lighting McQueen blankets at night. Yes, we are in the midst of the Cars obsession at our house. Fine with me, I love it!

Last week I had some "me" time. First off was dinner with Carrie at a cute little Italian joint that just opened. Then I was selling some of the kids things at a nearly new sale, so I had set-up on Friday, the sale on Saturday, early dinner (at said cute Italian joint again) & Abby Normal with Kathy, and then Browns tailgate & game on Sunday. Honestly, I missed the little buggers by Sunday afternoon. It could have just been that I could forsee the disappointment I was going to face as a Browns fan, but all I wanted to do was go home for a cuddle. Sigh. I guess that makes me a Mommy. Or "Mom" as I have become in the last week. WTF? They are not even 30 months old and I am already just Mom.

I've got lots more scrapes of paper with cute -isms I want to record. I just need to find the time to do it.

Until then, here are a couple of photos from our trip to the local nature center today.

Back off man, he's a scientist.....

Reagan likes to stop and smell the flowers. Every.Flower.

Scheming.

This Place Is Like The Crazy Waterpark Show

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Once in a while, as Reagan and Nolan are getting ready for bed they catch a few minutes of the show "Wipeout". Reagan dubbed it the "Crazy Waterpark" show.

When we walked into Kalahari, the world's largest indoor waterpark, (something I didn't know until we watched the commercial on the hotel TV 5,000 times), Reagan yelled, "It's like the crazy waterpark show in here!" From that moment, their little legs took off and they didn't stop for 26 hours. Well, they did sleep, but I bet they were sliding, riding the waves, and floating down the lazy river in their sleep. I know I was.

I was totally impressed with Kalahari from a service standpoint and the fun factor. The fact that they have an adult swim-up bar helps too! There is something for everyone and all the employees went out of their way to help. (Yes, I know it is their job, but unlike another waterpark just down the street, people actually smiled and talked to you when you didn't expect it.) The gentlemen that helped us with our bags even gave us a tip on how to get in the waterpark without having to go through the arcade. Something I should have tipped him $100 for because that is probably what he saved us in cash and sanity!

Reagan warmed up right away and was slippin' and slidin' over and over. Nolan took about an hour to adjust and then he discovered the fun too.

Bill even rode some, including the slide that is like a toilet bowl. He said it was 8 seconds of terror in the dark and then swirling around about 4 times before being dumped (maybe that is not a good work to use when I compare the ride to a toilet bowl) into 6 ft of water. Very disorienting, but an adrenaline rush. Good thing he didn't do it while he was all "hopped" up on the Ju-Ju IPA the night before.

I opted for the more serene rides. The lazy river would be a good place to spend an afternoon and I enjoyed the wave pool, it even tasted like salt water. I could close my eyes and pretend I was 12 years old and vacationing at New Smyrna Beach, FL.

The babes have never slept outside their crib, unless they are in bed with us (when they are sick, teething, etc). We decided we'd forgo renting the pack 'n plays and put a mattress on the floor in their room. Oh yes, I said "their" room. I scored an awesome deal of $99 for a $350 suite. Going back to one room is going to be tough. Anyway, Nolan was out within a minute of being tucked in and Reagan was about 90 seconds behind him. They haven't slept together in 2 years, since we separated them at 5 months. It was just like old times.

Notice that Nolan has his paci loaded and ready to go on his finger!

Reminded me of this......4 weeks old.

Kalahari pics: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=36792&id=1418118548&l=845debb446

The Air Show

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Hey, better late than never.

(Not sure which "kid" had the most fun!)

We were lucky to be guest of a beer distributor at the airshow. For Angie and I, it was a place out of the sun to feed our kids and let them enjoy the planes. For Ed and Bill it was probably the 3rd happiest day of their lives. (They'd better say the birth of their children and their wedding days are #1 & #2.) Surrounded by FREE beer, malt beverages, powerade, food, and front row seats to the airshow is not an awful way to spend the day!

Unfortunately, Nolan's fever returned just as we were finishing lunch and he got into my lap and curled up and tried to go to sleep. He has never do that, so I knew we were not long for the airshow. Reagan was out dancing around Bill as he took pictures of a demo (no idea what it was and I've still not given Bill the password to the blog after he made some comments I didn't enjoy, so we will never know which plane it was. Hey, my blog I can do what I want.) and having a grand time until the plane turned on it's burner (or whatever makes the loud noises) and scared her almost out of her skin! It was time for us to go. After that both she and Nolan put their hands on their ears and that is where they stayed until we got in the car.

I did get some fun pictures, so here you go: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=35751&id=1418118548&l=6ef8eae390

The Zoo

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It was such a pretty day, so we headed to the zoo (and we had free tickets to use for the Bommerang train before the end of the month and I can't let anything free go to waste.)

It would have been a perfect day, had it not been for the darn yellow jackets. They are most annoying this time of year. One even made it's way into the van as I was loaded up the stroller. I didn't realize it until I heard Nolan saying "Shoo fly, don't bother me!"

A flamingo who thinks he's a peacock.

Giving Grammy some love on the tram.

So tired.....it's hard work being a koala.

Gratuitous shot of my boys long eyelashes.

Reagan is not afraid of sharks anymore.


More pics: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=35676&id=1418118548&l=92fc4d2b9dv

Pitt Day 2 Incline & Fatheads

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In all the years I've been traveling to Uniontown, PA & the Pittsburgh area in general, I've always wanted to ride one of the inclines, but never got around to it. I love that having kids is allowing me to experience things I've always wanted to do, but also getting to see it through the eyes of two year olds.

We all really enjoyed the Duquesne incline and the views. Well, not the view of Three Rivers Stadium, come on, our family bleeds orange and brown.

We made the requisite stop at Fatheads Saloon for lunch after the incline. Even though they built a Fatheads on the far west side of C-town, we get to the one it Pittsburgh just as much. Bill loves all the beers they have and their food, enough for several meals, is very good.

Wearing the shirt, drinking the beer :)

Can you smell the garlic?

Pushing in those garlic fries!


The epitome of our girl.

After lunch we stopped at Ikea, which turned into a cluster f&*^ due to miscommunication about changing diapers and Reagan and I walked through the whole store 2 times to look for Nolan & Daddy. Ended up being our cheapest Ikea trip ever since we spent all our time looking for each other and not at stuff!

You'd think after all that, the kids would have passed right out. Nolan did, but not Chatty Cathy. She talked our ear off from the Ikea parking lot to the Sonic Parking lot in Streetsboro. The ice cream finally gave her a reason to stop talking! It was actually cool because we didn't take the turnpike home, but instead took back roads. There was a lot of farm type stuff for Reagan to enjoy and we enjoyed her running commentary.

More pics: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=34631&id=1418118548&l=16f435f5ba

We Interrupt This Blog.....

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For Roseola.

High fever for 3 days followed by a rash. Two calls to the doctors office, yet they never wanted to see Nolan and then they decide we should go to the E.R. after taking 2 hours to return the call. Glad it wasn't a real emergency. All the while we NEVER spoke with our doctor, just whoever happened to get the note. None too pleased with the service and will be looking for a new ped's office. Sad because we really like our ped herself, I just can't take the cattle call that is the Cleveland Clinic anymore.

The E.R. staff looked at us like we had lobsters crawling out of our ears when we told them A.) Our "doctors office" never wanted to see Nolan and B.)That they told us to go to the E.R. for the symptoms he exhibited.

As soon as the rash appeared, I googled the symptoms and within 30 seconds could see that he most likely had Roseola.

While I would never take my child's illness lightly, the symptoms he showed did not warrant an E.R. visit. Of course we took him, probably exposing us to even more germs, for basically nothing.

There is no treatment for Roseola. It just runs its course and will probably have it's way with Reagan in a few days.

So it's lots of indoor play for us for a few days......

Love to build.....

and use the Mega Blocks for "bathtubs"

Nolan's tell-tale sign he is sick....dark marks under his eyes. Just like his Daddy gets.

The Storybook Forest Adventure

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We woke the kids up a little earlier than usual, changed their diapers, and loaded them into the car in their PJ's. Figuring a rest stop after breakfast and snacks would be a good time to get dressed and stretch their legs. It was a good plan. We had a "hillbilly" picnic for breakfast (i.e. eating off of frisbees while in the car) and then the kids played with their bags of car toys and some new things bought especially for the trip.


"Are we there yet?"

The drive was a tough one as it POURED for a good solid hour. It was white-knuckle driving and I was glad to be the passenger. We hoped that would be our only run-in with bad weather for the day, but that was not to be the case.

We were amused with Idlewild's old-fashion charm as we headed straight for Storybook Forest. I visited Storybook Forest as a child, so it was a full-circle kind of moment for me. Nolan enjoyed himself, going in every little house and checking things out. Reagan was more tentative and observed more from the outside. Just as the path through Storybook Forest came to an end, the rain began.

Hard to believe I stood in front of the Storybook Forest storybook 30 years ago. Ah, where has the time gone?!


"All aboard!"

We actually didn't mind the rain since it chased most of the yellow jackets away. The kids could still ride most of the rides and there were no lines. Who cares that we were soaked? My only concern was my camera, but I managed to keep it pretty dry and still get some good shots.

The trolley into Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.

The kids were asleep before we got back to the freeway to head to our hotel in Pittsburgh.

After getting settled in at the hotel, we walked over to Primanti Bros. for some dinner. The kids were still tired and so were Mom & Dad, so it was a quick bite and then back to the room to rest up for the next days adventure.

More pics here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=34427&id=1418118548&l=090b3fa23f

Stayed tuned for Day 2 of the Pittsburgh Adventure.

Happy Labor Day!

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It's have been a busy couple of days, but what else is new, right?!

We rented a Bobcat with our neighbor to move dirt on Thursday and Bill really didn't stop moving it until Saturday morning. Can you say jelly arms? It is almost done and grass seed will soon be planting, but there will be no keeping Nolan out of "his" woods. The kids got to watch a tree come down in the neighbors backyard. Coming up soon will be the cement truck for the garage floor. Nolan will be in his glory!

Saturday we smoked copious amounts of meats and had the framily over for dinner. We ended the evening with a toast to our dearly departed friend, Bryan Duke. What made it more special was that we toasted with Bry's own Super Tuscan. It is a superb vino and I just wish he could be with us to taste the goodness he created. Bryan left us on labor day weekend last year, so he has been on our minds a lot.

Nolan has had a bit of a fever on and off since Saturday evening. His little body is fighting something, but it was gone on Sunday morning so we met up with Ed, Angie, Nate, and Chase at the airshow. The kids enjoyed themselves and so did we. Ed had loge tickets from a supplier so it was free admission, food, and beverage. We even got free parking because some nice people in the car next to us passed us an extra parking pass while in line! Bonus. Total expenditure for the day: $0!!!!! I would have bought the kids a souvenir, but Nolan's fever came back just as we were heading to the loge for lunch so we left shortly after and never went back to the airshow. Next year.

(No, she is not slamming a beer, as it appears. That is Powerade.)

I'm not really sure which kid had the most fun ;)


Today we are staying home and letting everyone recharge and rest (and probably watching Cars three times.)

Pictures soon. I have had no time since a sick little boy needs lots of extra cuddles. I still have to work on Storybook Forest/Pittsburgh too!!!! Someday I'll get an hour or two to myself!

Hope you have a relaxing day!!!!

'struction Heaven

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Our neighbor is building a new garage, so there has been much excitement in our 'hood. Nolan was SO excited to have "struction" equipment in his very own backyard.

The kids even ate dinner one night while watching the "baby excavator" dig the footers.

Dreamin' about driving a front-end loader.

We needed some fill for all the woods that Bill cleared this summer, so it was a perfect place to dump all the dirt they dug for the garage.

"I am King of the mountain."


Reagan climbing all the big hills.

The whole neighborhood came over to play!

Since there was about 35 yds (no, I didn't miss a hypen and mean 3-5, it really was about 35) of dirt to be moved, Bill and the neighbor rented a Bobcat and got it spread around today. Bill still did a TON of shoveling and there is still more to do. He worked his a$$ off today and deserves a weekend off, unfortunately, he has to DJ a wedding tomorrow before he can relax al little.

Playmates

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Most of the time......

We're In A Magazine!

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If you are local, pick up a copy of the Sept issue of Today's Family and check out the cuties on pg. 5.

Here is a hint:

One cute story.... My mom took the kids through a car wash the other day. Nolan was not that thrilled about it and was whimpering a little. My mom reached back to rub his leg and comfort him. Reagan put her hand out to grab his and said, "It's OK Nolan. Don't be afraid to it." Today I was talking on the phone about the incident and he was getting worked up with me just talking about it, saying he didn't want to go, etc. Reagan walked over and started rubbing his back and telling him it was OK.

So, for as many times as she sits on him and holds him down in the trampoline she is sweet to him too :)

Stay tuned....we are going to have big adventures this weekend!

Splish Splash

I am usually in the pool with the kids, so it was rare occasion that I was actually outside to take pictures.

My cousin's daughter, Taylor, came over and the kids LOVED playing with her. Wish we would have discovered this sooner as she would have been a great "Mother's Helper" this summer. As is the story of my life, she starts school next week :(

I know it is not the best pic, but love how Nolan is just floating along in the back.

The Eagle Faire

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It's more like the Medieval Faire, but Reagan being Reagan decided to call it the Eagle Faire (and laugh about it every time.)

It was H-O-T, but we still managed to have fun. The kids rode a few man-powered rides, we watched some sword fights, heard a story from a dragon, attempted to ride a camel (they decided they didn't want to once they were up on the platform), and Nolan rode a pony. Both Bill and I ran into old friends so that alone is worth the admission price.

Bill and I have enjoyed this faire for years, even going in garb for the last 6 or 7. This year was the kids 3rd faire. It is just unbelievable to me how much they have grown. They have a book about how the sun, water, & love makes flowers (and kids) grow. I think I'm going to keep them in the dark, withold drinks, and not cuddle them for a while so they slow down!!! I miss my babies being babies.

A little walk-back in time....
2007


2008


2009


more pics: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=31841&id=1418118548&l=2d821159fd

I'm thinking of entering the faire's photo contest. Let me know which one you like. I won the contest a few years ago so I thought I'd give it another shot.

What's Gonna Work?

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TEAMWORK! (in the immortal words of the Wonder Pets)

Cramming As Much In As We Can

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My sinuses are working in overdrive these days and I lost my napkin that I kept all the witty things the kids said in the past week, so this will from my (pitifully short) memory.


Recap: Since we last left the twinadoes in Amish Country, they attended a Moms of Multiples Picnic, touched all sorts of trucks and service vehicles at a really cool touch-a-truck event, ate dinner at Iron Chef Michael Symon's newest place--Bar Symon, and visited the Botanical Gardens for the first time.

Botanical Garden-Children's Garden

In the Glasshouse.

Double trouble x 2.

We also had movie night this week. We walked to the library and borrowed "Cars" and then that evening we spread out our blankets and pillows, popped some popcorn, and watched a "big feature." They did pretty well, although I'm not in a rush to take them to the cinema. They are learning about different Porsches (wonder who is teaching them that?) so we talked about "Sally Porsche" in the movie and that she is a 911 Coupe. Nolan got it down right away, but Miss Hambone (thanks for that nickname, Diane) decided that it is an "11 of 9 Poop." Said with a mischievous giggle, of course.

A little aside about the Touch-A-Truck event. They arranged for the life flight helicopter to land and then allowed the kids to tour it. We were pretty close to the landing area and I was shocked at how forceful the winds from the blades were. Guess I shouldn't have been, but it is something you just don't think about. We were covered with sand and rocks. The kids were scared and buried their heads in our shoulders until it was over. I have a new appreciation for any soldier that has to stand in the desert and get pelted with rocks and sand while in the combat zone. I hope to never experience the landing of another life flight. As Bill said, if we did, it probably wouldn't be for such a fun reason either.

So much to look at. No time for Mommy's camera.

Hope you have a wonderful week!

Like Mother. Like Children.

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October 16, 2002 (outside Panini's celebrating my last day of work at Cast Nylons Ltd.)

August 14, 2009 Botanical Gardens. Celebrating life.

"We're In The Country!"

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Now that veggies are starting to peak where I live, it is time for me to get busy canning and freezing. Today's hunt was for good sweet corn to freeze.

Knowing my mom will always enjoy a trip to Amish Country, we headed to Middlefield and Mesopotamia.

I got my corn.

The kids got to play with animals

ride in a buggy

and enjoy ice creamed served next to a caboose.

All in all it was a very nice day, despite the fact that no one napped. They did hit the hay an hour earlier so we'll see how that works out!

Full pics: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=30470&id=1418118548&l=cc858c0380