Our Lil Swimmers

In February we started the girls back in swimming lessons.  After struggling to get them into consecutive classes, we decided to try another city's lessons, which worked out great.  Chandler is still in the "baby and parent" class, which she seems too big for.  She's usually one of the oldest and can do the skills with no problem, but we have to wait until she's 3 to move her up.  She now will fully jump in, go underwater on her own, and will cruise the wall.

Cruising the wall

Splashing daddy

Brooklynn is now in the independent "Guppy" class.  She did a great job adjusting to being on her own and listening to the teacher.  She even made some friends in class!  She learned how to do "bobs" (go underwater on her own), how to jump in (not just fall in), and float on her back.  At first she was reluctant to try everything and was upset it was an actual class, not just fun time to swim with mom or dad. 

Getting ready to jump in - the first few lessons she would have all the kids go before her but by the end she was right in there jumping along!  (Yes, we did retire that wedgie swimsuit)

We have one more session of lessons, and then we'll be ready to go out to the pool all summer! 





St. Patrick's Weekend

After receiving some authentic Irish gifts from Aunt Carrie and Uncle Josh, we were ready to celebrate Irish style.  Last weekend we planned to go to the St. Patty's Day parade in Denver for the 2nd year in a row.  We had a good time last year, and when the forecast called for temps in the 70s we knew we had to go this year as well!  We invited the whole crew of kids, so we could all enjoy the nice weather and fun parade. 

The kids crew

Afterwards the boys took off for some beers, while the girls took the kids home.  So unfair, huh?


The girls have been looking forward to celebrating Sonny's birthday this year, so we decided Sunday would be his honorary day.  We all consider him part of our family, so why not?  We dusted off the Easy Bake Oven to make him his very own cake with blue frosting and sprinkles!  After lighting some candles and singing "Happy Birthday", Brooklynn served him his treat.  Of course the girls had to have a slice as well.  Happy Birthday Old Man!

Just a small town girl....

A couple weeks ago an old friend from Bennett passed away.  As I saw the flood of posts on Facebook from the Bennett crew, my heart broke for his wife, son, and unborn son due anyday.  It also made me think a lot about memories I had of him, as well as all my Bennett peeps.  Even though I hadn't spoken to Sean since high school, I felt like I remembered him like I had seen him yesterday.

Steve and I have had many conversations about where we'd ultimately like to raise our kids, mostly considering where they'd go to school.  In a perfect world I would move to a small town to raise them.  I had an amazing experience growing up in a small town.  I loved that we could just ride our bikes to the grocery store.  We could cruise the town when we got our drivers' licenses without hitting a light.  Although it wasn't always easy having everyone know your business, the friends and memories we made were the best!  A group of us have known each other since kindergarten, and although we don't get together often enough, when we do I cherish the times.  I've known these people since we were 5 years old and now we're all starting our own families and watching our kids play together. 

Although I've made new friends along the way (some really great ones), I will always have a special bond with the Bennett crew.  No matter how much time goes by before I see them again they're always in my mind, and I hope one day our girls will find that strong bond with a group of friends.  Maybe we'll find that "perfect" place to raise kids but until then we're enjoying where we're at. 

Our Senior Trip to Mexico - last group pic of all of us!

My Claim to Fame

We all have our own claim to fame.  Growing up my grandpa swore we are related to Lucille Ball.  But now I have a closer relation to a star - my cousin Eric!  Although his band, Wallpaper, is not a household name I'm confident his music will be rocking the country soon.  We've enjoyed going to his concerts in Denver, recognizing his music on MTV, and jamming to his music hanging with friends.

I still remember conversations with Eric at our family reunions in New York at an early age about his music.  I had never seen someone so passionate about music, so confident in what he wanted to do in life.  Even though Eric went to college, he didn't seem to want to settle on a 9 to 5 desk job.  He continued to pursue music - giving lessons, producing & writing music, and performing with 2 bands.  After lots of hard work it seems to be paying off.  He recently was signed with Epic Records and even performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHCbpFgWuAA&feature=autoshare)
There is no one I know who deserves fame more than him.  He's extremely grounded and one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet!  

This has made me really think about the girls and their future.  I hope they can find a passion in life like Eric has found with music.  As a parent (and realist) it's difficult to encourage your kids to pursue a "career" in which few actually "make it", and it's easier to encourage them to go to school, find a job, get married, yadda yadda yadda.  I'm sure it was tough for my aunt to see her son struggle in the beginning, but I respect her decision to support him 100%.  If the girls decide they have a passion for dancing, acting, or whatever I will support them (even if that means putting off college, marriage, and grandbabies). 

Keep your eyes open for Wallpaper......here they come!

Big Birthday Weekend!

We've been anticipating Brooklynn's 4th birthday for quite some time....we heard about it daily from her, so we knew we had to give our princess a day of fun!  I always told myself that 4 was the age when they were "old and grown", and I'd be depressed.  Although I look at her daily and can't believe how big she's gotten, I'm just enjoying her growing up!

Since her B.F.F. Hazel has the same birthday we went to the "fun pool" with her and Brooklynn's other B.F.F. Jackson.  They had a great time swimming and then up to the monkey jungle gym!

Brooklynn and Kennedy

Aren't they so cute?

Then it was back to our house for some naps (yeah right) before the big P-A-R-T-Y with all the friends.  We kept it simple - cake, ice cream, and a pinata.  There are so many friends now we have to do it that way!

Getting ready for the cake (the wine bottle was an accessory to keep it standing.  I think I was just trying to put myself out of business with this cake.  Castles are not my specialty!)

Pinata time - first up is Hazel

Look at all those kids waiting.  I was surprised no one got clocked!  They were dangerous with that bat!

Brooklynn wasn't too bad.......Of course Chase the baseball stud was the only one who could get that pinata down!

Opening gifts

Sunday morning we had Brooklynn open her gifts from us.  I had wanted to start a tradition of always making one gift for the girls, so I set out to make a blanket for Brooklynn.  What can I say?  My sewing skills are very basic, and I don't have much time for craftiness, but it came out ok.  She was just excited to see the Cinderella fabric!

Sunday evening we had the family over for dinner and cake.  It was extra special because Aunt Charmaine, Tyler, and Damon were able to make it.   

Opening gifts with the help of Makenzie, Tyler, and Chandler

If they could see him now....princess crown and applying lip gloss.  Who says Steve really needs a boy this time around?

He finally got his princess doll!

Enjoying some new books with Cousin Damon

The birthday girl!

It was a great jam-packed weekend, but we were glad Brooklynn enjoyed it so much!  It took hours to put away all the gifts and reorganize.  Since toys have taken over our house we've started having the girls give away toys and stuffed animals as we get new ones.  It was rewarding to see Brooklynn excited to give other kids some of her toys!

She's already looking forward to next year's birthday and putting in her cake order - a Snow White cake.  Uggghhhh.........

Brooklynn Visits the Doc!

Last week was Brooklynn's 4-year check-up.  It was comforting to assure her there'd be no shots this time around.  She did an awesome job, and her doc was very impressed!  She did better this year than last year on her ASQ (Ages and Stages Questionnaire), which looks at her motor skills, social skills, intellectual development, etc. 

This was the first year they tested her eyes, which always concerns me, just because my vision is so bad!  When the nurse tested her distance she pointed at different letters and asked Brooklynn what they were.  Chandler and I were standing next to the wall with the nurse, and Chandler started blurting out the letters.  It was freaking hilarious!

Next to work on:  quitting the finger sucking.  Uggghhhhh!

Stats:
Weight - 37 lb (69th percentile)
Height - 42 in (91st percentile)
BMI - 14.8 (33%)

She's our little lean bean now!  Now onto our birthday celebrations..........

Can You Feel the Love?

When I found out I was pregnant with Chandler one of my first thoughts was "I hope they get along".  I could only imagine sisters 20 months apart as teenagers fighting over friends and boys.  Uggghhh!  Most people who knew sisters so close in age told me it was a tough 18 years, but "don't worry....they're best friends now that they're 30!"  Needless to say my expectations of them getting along are never very high, but they actually really love each other and are so sweet to each other (most of the time).

Some of my favorite things they do:
1.  They love to do fashion shows together, alternating which princess they each are
2.  When older kids try to play with Brooklynn she just ignores them, saying she just wants to play with Chandler
3.  When Chandler gets in trouble (which is a common occurence), Brooklynn always defends her, sometimes really giving it to Steve and I
4.  If Chandler doesn't eat her dinner and doesn't get a treat Brooklynn ALWAYS shares some of hers!

This week they've both been sick with colds and have enjoyed some snuggle time.  When I came downstairs the other day I found them eating breakfast like this - loving to share a chair!

And then snuggling together on the couch

Now, they're not always this sweet to each other, but with low expectations, I'm always amazed how sweet they are to each other.  Now to see how another baby changes/adds to the dynamic.  Yikes!