Our Lil Swimmers

On Tuesday we wrapped up yet another round of swim lessons, the first for Chandler. The girls did great. Brooklynn is ready to start training for the Olympics - she dominated the other kids in class. So maybe they were mostly Chandler's age or younger, but oh well. She mastered the kicks, paddles, jumping in, and even going under a few times. Chandler was a star at most of the skills, especially going under! Here's a few pictures of the last day (fun day).
*Sorry they are fuzzy, it's like a steam room in there!

Thanksgiving Weekend

This year our Thanksgiving was a little smaller (with family out of town), but nonetheless we still found lots to be thankful for - more than just Steve's 4-day weekend. Wednesday afternoon Makenzie came up for a sleepover with the girls. We watched Toy Story 3 and ate lots of popcorn. We are so thankful to be able to spend time with our favorite niece - she's such a wonderful girl! Thursday morning dad joined us for a Thanksgiving brunch filled with food, Wii bowling, and Brooklynn's infamous pillow fights! We're thankful we were able to all get together (minus Andy), because we haven't been able to do that since September! Cousins!
Papa and his girls

Thursday afternoon we drove down to A-town for mom's dinner. Again, a small get together, but luckily the Deegans were able to join us. We're thankful mom let us bring over our hillbilly friends! We're also thankful our little angel can't walk yet - she's already into everything!

Hazel learned to do a somersault - yeah!

While the mobs of people were out shopping on Friday we decided to stay in and do some cooking and decorating. I'm thankful my girls love to cook with me - one of my favorite hobbies, so I look forward to doing this together for years!

Caught chocolate faced!

In the afternoon we put up the Christmas decorations. I haven't bought anything in a few years, since our last house was getting overran by decorations. Now that we have a larger house I can finally buy more! The girls loved it all - the lights, the stockings, and all the Santas. Brooklynn is amazed by all the outdoor lights - we've been driving through the neighborhood on a nightly basis to check them all out! I can't wait for all the Christmas activities this year! I'm thankful we finally have a "front window" to show off our Christmas tree!

Decorating the tree - only 2 broken ornaments so far.....

Friday night we had some friends over for some games and drinks - so much fun! We dragged ourselves out of bed early on Saturday to go to the science museum with the girls. We braved our first movie theater with the girls - the IMAX film "Under the Sea". Brooklynn did fantastic and even wore her 3D glasses, but I had to stand in the back while Chandler crawled around. I'm thankful my girls have an early love for science - they're definitely going to be nerds!

Sunday we went to the Broncos vs. Rams game (thanks to Jan & Forney). The forecast called for snow by halftime, so we knew we were in for a cold time. We showed up early for some intense tailgating! Unfortunately the Broncos lost - after making it close at the end. We're thankful for the opportunity to enjoy our love of sports together and getting a babysitter (thanks mom) to party like the good ole' days.

Steve modeling his Timmy jersey at the tailgate

Great seats

Bundled up before the sub-zero temps hit

What a weekend - busy but a little of everything and a lot to be thankful for!

Winter Cooking of the Gourds

With me staying home this winter I'm looking forward to some cold weather cooking. Every year I convince myself I will try new soup recipes. I feel like I finally have the time now to do the cooking I've wanted to do for years. This fall season I've been cooking and freezing lots of butternut squash and pumpkin (my 2 favorite). I thought I'd share my 2 favorite soups (so far).

Butternut Squash Soup (adapted from allrecipes.com)

6 T. chopped onion

4 T. margarine

6 c. mashed butternut squash (I cook mine ahead of time in the oven)

3 c. chicken broth

1/2 tsp. dried marjoram

pepper

cayenne pepper (depends on how spicy you want it)

1 c. fat-free half & half (the recipe calls for 2 pkg. cream cheese, but I like the healthier version)

1. Saute onions in margarine.

2. Add squash, chicken broth, spices, and squash

3. Cook for 20-30 minutes

4. Puree mix in blender in batches

5. Return to low heat and add half & half

So easy and yummy! I recommend the cayenne to give the sweet & spicy flavor!

Pumpkin Soup (from Aunt Jan)

2 T. butter

1 c. chopped onion

2 c. pumpkin (again I bake covered and mash)

1/2 c. fat-free half & half

1 tsp. thyme

1 large can diced tomatoes

4 c. chicken broth

nutmeg

chopped green onions

1. Saute onions and cook until tender.

2. Stir in thyme, tomatoes, and pumpkin.

3. Simmer for few minutes

4. Stir in broth and return to simmer (I usually cook for 30 minutes or so)

5. Puree soup in batches in blender

6. Season with nutmeg, salt, & pepper (nutmeg is KEY!)

7. Stir in half & half and return to simmer

8. Serve with green onions on top

Enjoy! There is nothing better than warm soup on a cold day!

Our Future Gymnasts

This weekend we were working on getting the kids to do somersaults. Tonight Brooklynn finally conquered it! She was so excited and made us do them with her. Doing somersaults at our age is much tougher than it used to be but sure is a good time! Also noticed Chandler on the side trying - poor girl kept trying to be like sissy. Last week we went to the local rec center for the open gym with Steph and J.D. They let the kids play around on all the gymnastics equipment. Brooklynn absolutely loved it, so we may have a gymnast on our hands.

It's a Start......

So Chandler did take a couple steps this weekend, but it looks like I didn't get the "big walk" on video, so this is the best I have. Of course as a parent you always feel this pressure to capture the first steps! I think this is the start to actually walking.

Weekend Mountain Getaway

Friday afternoon we drove up to Keystone for a weekend getaway with the Doogans and Startzels! We were expecting to be welcomed with lots of snow, but to our surprise it was only a dusting. The kids were awesome! They absolutely loved playing together and spending so much time together. They were really flexible sleeping in bedrooms with parents and sleeping through our loud, intense game nights.

Saturday morning they decided to be monkeys jumping on the bed! After breakfast we thought we'd brave the cold weather and try sledding. Luckily the ski runs weren't open and were perfect trails for us! We didn't last too long because of the cold, but the kids had a good time nonetheless. I think we spent more time bundling them up than actually sledding!

Trekking our way up the mountain

Hazel is ready to go!

Steve & Brooklynn ready to take off!

Chandler enjoyed being pulled around

Sisterly love!

(And no we did not send them down like that, but maybe next time)

With all the excitement the kids were ready to nap and the ladies ready to shop! After naps on Saturday we took a dip in the pool before dinner. The boys did all the swimming with the kids - the moms were wusses! Brooklynn & Chandler got to show off those swimming lessons skills!

Guncle love and their noodles!

Saturday night after the kiddos went to bed another intense game night ensued! We broke out the Apples to Apples (which I had never played before - great game). Then the Startzels brought the "T-Shirt Game", which is similar to Apples to Apples but even better! If you're looking for an entertaining, comical game....buy it! Then came Balderdash (after some drinks in) it became pretty hilarious with Steve topping the night off with his definition.

Sunday we were on the road fairly early to make sure we'd be home in time for the Broncos game. Hazel & Brooklynn had to get in one last hoorah before we left and had some fun in the Pack 'n Play.

What a fabulous relaxing weekend! It's always great to get away (and it helps having Joan & Doug's sweet condo) and just hang out with friends. We feel so lucky to have such great friends for us and our kiddos. Can't wait for next year's trip - hopefully more incriminating pics!

*On a side note, Chandler did take her first steps this weekend - how could she not with 3 kids constantly running circles around her? YEAH CHANDLER! I'll post the video (if it's decent) soon, so stay tuned!

More Shots....Ouch!

Today was Chandler's one year check-up. We picked up Steve from work, so he could help me with the girls. Him and Brooklynn were going to wait in the lobby for us, but Brooklynn just couldn't be without her sister. Chandler is healthy, developing wonderfully, and is getting big! She weighs 22 1/2 lb (73%) and is 30 inches long
(77%). She didn't enjoy the 6 shots, but fell asleep after we got home. Brooklynn had to get her flu shot too, and did amazing ( no crying at all)!

The only issue we've had this week is Chandler adjusting to the time change - she wants to go to bed at 7 at night and then wakes at 6:30 each morning. Hopefully we'll get her adjusted soon!