The Cat is Finally Here!

When we started looking at houses we decided it was imperative to find something with at least 4 bedrooms, because we really wanted a playroom for the girls. We felt like our old house had been taken over by toys everywhere, so we wanted a fun, well-organized room for the chaos. Well we finally got around to the task of making it fun! So dad wanted to buy the stuff and help me paint and put together the furniture. Here's the fun just beginning..... (We even managed to put together the shelf by ourselves - pretty good for 2 non-handy people) We decided on "Cat and the Hat" theme, because the girls love Dr. Seuss (doesn't everybody?). Here's the cat I drew on the wall - yes I really did draw it. Ok maybe with the help of a projector.
Brooklynn loves her cat, but told daddy he needed to draw a cat with the tail. She's very concerned that he's missing his tail. Uh oh!

With a little organization - we're not quite finished with it, but you get the idea!

We're still working on some more shelving and wall art, so I'll post pics as we get more. At least it's a start, and it's so rewarding to see the girls enjoy the room!

Jam-Packed Weekend

Last weekend it seemed as if we were running from here to there with no down-time. We kicked off the weekend with a nice dinner at Craig & Lori's and let the kids have some playtime. Saturday morning we woke up and headed to the Apex center and their sweet indoor pool to meet up with the Startzels and Deegans. The kids had a good time in the water and got brave after the mommies exited. What's up with that?

Jackson and Brooklynn putting their "booties" in the fountain

Even Chandler joined in
Chest bumps!

After naps we stopped by Katie & Adam's engagement party - lots of yummy food. We couldn't stay long, because we had tickets to the CSU - BYU basketball game. CSU has had a good season, so when the #9 Cougars came to town we couldn't resist seeing a sold-out intense game. Unfortunately the Rams lost, but they put up a good fight!

We had a great dinner at the Rustic Oven (half off pizzas for happy hour). It was just nice to be back "home" and see the old Fort. Now that we live so much closer, we're vowing to make it up there more often. The best part was sitting in our old stomping ground with our baby and watching her sing the fight song - "Fight...fight...fight....Go Rams!" There's something special about experiencing that atmosphere with your babies and hopefully we'll be going to more of those!

Sunday afternoon we had dinner at Grandma & Grandpa's for Grandma's birthday. Of course it's always nice celebrating birthdays with family and watching the girls enjoy their time with grandparents. Here's the ladies trying on all the hats - pretty funny!

More Yee-Haw

Last Tuesday night we took Brooklynn to the rodeo to see some cowboys! Luckily our wonderful friends Craig & Lori were willing to watch Chandler while we got some much needed Brooklynn time! She was so excited to see it all, and it didn't disappoint. Her attire for the evening was her favorite "Cinderella" dress and winter hat. She stuck out like a sore thumb with all the FFA kids around us. Just made me laugh! This bull they couldn't get after the steer wrestling, and it was funny! Brooklynn liked the entertaining clown.Another year....another stock show! Next year will be even better, because Chandler will enjoy the fun!

Yee-Haw!

It's that time of year again - horses, boots, hats, and of course Brooklynn's favorite - the cowboys. It's always a great time when the Stock Show is in town, and you can see Denver's true heritage. Nothing says the Wild West better than herding a bunch of livestock through the downtown skyscrapers. So our 2nd annual parade started with meeting at mom's work to walk to the parade. We were able to talk the Hepp ladies into joining us on a beautiful day! Somehow the weather always cooperates for the parade in early January!

The girls had a great time and Brooklynn was ecstatic that she got to touch a real "cowgirl". Up next: the rodeo!

All the ladies

Herding the longhorn cattle
Look at those tractors!

Our Future Olympian

A couple weeks ago Brooklynn started her first gymnastics class. We thought it'd be good to get her into a structured class where she had to "listen to the teacher" as she says. Well she's no Nadia Comenaci (or even close) but it's a start. It seems that we keep trying to improve her coordination, but no luck. I'll just keep telling myself that these other kids have been doing this for years, and she's just a little behind because of that.

At least she looks good in her new leotard!Walking the balance beam

Carrie & Josh's Visit

We were all so sad to see Carrie and Josh leave but had a great time visiting with them over the holidays. Brooklynn waked up asking for Carrie for the next week or so. No matter how far away they are the girls always cling to them right away like no time has passed at all!

After Josh left we took Carrie to the Children's Museum for a day of fun. Here's our scientist yet again! Catching the giant bubbles

Playing "Ring Around the Rosie" with Aunt Carrie

Happy New Year

On New Year's eve morning we had all of Steve's family over to celebrate grandpa's birthday. We started some impromptu Pictionary on the new easel, which turned into a competitive cut-throat game of boys vs. girls. The boys were hoping to redeem themselves after a poor showing at Taboo earlier in the week. No luck for them!

This New Year's eve we decided to do a no-kids game night with good friends. We started out the night with some Apples to Apples and cheese fondue, followed by Catch Phrase and many others. Then we broke out the Pictionary to play on the easel with the chocolate fondue. And of course later the Guitar Hero was revived from it's position in the basement. What a fun night!

I haven't had any New Year's resolutions in quite some years, but for some reason I decided this year I needed some. Don't know why - maybe a little motivated by Carrie's goal list on her blog. Here it is:

1. Run a 10K race (no walking)

2. Continue to workout at the gym at least 3 times per week

3. Take a class to learn something new - sewing, cake decorating, or photography

4. Scrapbook at least monthly! I'm so behind on the girls' scrapbooks

5. Buy myself at least 1 article of clothing a month (I know this sounds strange, but I've gotten really bad about spoiling myself)

6. Go on a date night with my sweet hubby at least once a month

7. Read more books! (at least 10 this year - 1 done....9 to go)

8. Pursue a business opportunity (don't know what i want to do, but this is the time to try it, right?) We'll be worldwide, right Carrie?

9. Find a mommies group nearby to connect with more moms.

10. Hike a 14er with Steve!

I know none of these pertain to my girlies, but of course I plan to treasure our time together as a family and do lots of fun stuff with them!

Christmas #4

The last Christmas celebration was on the 26th. I think Brooklynn was really enjoying waking up everyday to new presents! Dad, Andy, and Makenzie came over in the afternoon for some football and snacks before the gift opening began.

Once the girls woke up it was time to get to business. Here's Brooklynn in her new dress-up shoes from Andy and Makenzie. She's still working on the walking part, and she even likes to sleep with them at night! Here's her new dress-up dress from Papa - a Minnie Mouse costume. This thing only comes off for baths and naptime sometimes. Of course there are times she wants to be "Princess Ona" (Fiona from Shrek), so we have to wear the purple dress for that. I can't believe what a girly-girl she has become!
Here's Chandler climbing on the new "Barbie Jumbo Jet"

And here she is playing with the new Barbie pool

After gifts it was time to eat! I was excited to host another big dinner, and we decided prime rib would be the main dish this year. After being in the oven for much longer than expected, we had to microwave our prime rib. For some reason we've been having oven issues lately. Great timing! Nothing says nice meal like microwaved prime rib! My latest baking adventure was a white chocolate peppermint cheesecake. We had one at Steve's Christmas party, and it was to die for, so I had to try it myself. Here's the finished dessert:

Some family fun with the easel

Whew! All the preparation and it's over! A little depressing when it's done, but not as bad as I thought. Now I get to look forward to next year and having two little ones who understand Christmas and enjoy the season!

Christmas #3

After naps on Christmas we drove to A-town to have dinner at mom's. As we were heading out the door Steve slipped and fell down the stairs, knocking his head on the last one, and giving himself a mild concussion. A little scary for us, but it didn't slow us down. Mom made a yummy pork loin with lots of fixins'. Then we opened gifts at a world record speed, but the girls enjoyed opening even more gifts.

Chandler & Braelynn seeing who could knock out the glass first

The girls actually playing together (sort of)
Chandler has become quite a daddy's girl since Steve's been home so much lately. Here's the proud daddy with his baby!

Then the girls decided to throw down Grandma - nothing funnier than seeing two little ones beat her down!

Someone's exhausted....