Miami visit

Trent and my mom went to Miami a couple weeks ago to visit our grandma and our aunt Cora. I wish I could have went as well, it would have been so nice to see everyone. I requested (more like bullied) some cell phone pictures and here are a few they sent to me.

 Trent with our cousin Fito

 My mom and Lita

Our aunt Cora, Lita and my mom

Indoor soccer Winter 2011

 

Naomi just finished up her winter indoor session for soccer. She LOVES soccer, she loves running around the entire hour, and playing 3 on 3. She also loves her coach- Devon. He is so organized and really gets the kids working on the skills they need. He is a former college athlete and we all know WHEN YOU ARE A FORMER COLLEGE ATHLETE YOU ARE PRETTY AWESOME. In all seriousness I do think that when you have played a sport it carries over in your coaching- you are very organized, structured and stern (all my friends that coach would agree :).  I would suck as a coach for this age (as I have said before) because I am just mean... I give Naomi the "look" if her attention waivers, I cannot stand that.

This session she was in a skill development class for 6-7 year old girls. Naomi is an excellent dribbler and has awesome ball control, she keeps it tight to her and sees the whole field...but some of these girls were beasts...like literally so strong and fast, Naomi was a boy among men in this class. She didn't let it get her down and I think it will help her improve...but man, here is what I am talking about:

(the girl to her right is a beast... not only is she tall, she could probably kick the ball through a brick wall- maybe a slight exaggeration). 

Ellis 15 months

We had Ellis' 15 month check up today- he was such a delight. The second he saw Dr. Rich he climbed up me like a spider monkey. He batted away his stethoscope and screamed the whole time. I was so sweaty after the appointment I didn't even wear my coat out in the 30 degree weather. I also contemplated taking Ellis out in his diaper just to be done...but I didn't- so relax mom and dad!

Turns out he is on track to be a  big headed shorty- just like his sister. That is how we roll over here.

Weight 24lbs (45%)

Length 30 inches (20%)

Head 19 1/2 inches (97%)

Photo with Santa

This year we hit up a spot super close to our house for the Santa photo. We are always a little weary because we think she is on to the fact that the Santas do look different...but we chalk a lot of it up to MAGIC...because that is our answer to everything these days! She asks a LOT of questions about everything...all the time, so it is natural for her to ask about Christmas, Santa, elves, reindeer, etc.  Here are the photos they took:

 And this is the ONLY shot of Ellis...he was more into the stairs outside of this room, and that is where he spent his time. He wasn't having the Santa deal. Naomi's body language is also priceless...

I wonder what she is telling him here...probably how good she has been all year I am sure.

Best Dad

I know I don't tell him nearly enough, but Jeff is the most amazing dad...no matter how busy he is all day, or how many hours he has worked...he always has time to play with the kids, or read to them, or chase them around the house. The kids love his energy and how fun he is. Thank you Jeff for always being the best dad, role model, and man you can be- we love you!

A couple of Ellis' favorite things

Ellis is still our little blessing, and still keeps us on our toes...every second of every day. Seriously, we are so in love with his big head...his big ears, and his Bruce Jenner hair- feathery in the front and puffy in the back, but he rocks it so well.

But he continues to hate all things that restrict him in any way, this includes car seats, strollers, and high chairs. This is the usual reaction to being in a stroller-which makes him super easy to take places.

 That is him doing a back bend while strapped in the stroller, if he falls it is an automatic trip to the ER for stitches...I am no psychic but I am pretty sure it is inevitable.

Ah yes, this brings me to the other awesome thing he does...GAG himself-until he vomits...then he laughs because it is hysterical, for only him. We have started ignoring him because grabbing his hand and saying NO very sternly is almost like stand up comedy for him, he laughs and does it again...and again, and again. He has already gagged himself twice....IN THE CAR. Oh this blessing keeps finding new ways to surprise us. He better be the easiest damn teenager on the planet.

Thanksgiving 2011

Thanksgiving 2011 was filled with festivities, fun and family... yes I should get bonus points for the alliteration.
We kicked the week off with Naomi's Thanksgiving parade at her school, she was required to make a float for the parade out of a shoe box. The float had to be based on a holiday tradition. She chose Thanksgiving since it is a bird...hello. She placed people on the inside eating at a table, she even included Elmer in one of the corners. The kids were supposed to do the float themselves and she did the entire thing herself, except for the hot gluing. I am the only one allowed to burn my hand every single time...

 She made her float, then the next day we were off to see her good buddy's play "Pirates of the Curry Bean" these kids were awesome, her friend Faith had 3 parts- these kids had a lot of lines and dances to remember, it was amazing! Way to go Faith!

 Last week they had their parade at school- here she is showing Jeff her turkey picture

 Save a turkey eat more donuts

Parading through the school

Next up was Thanksgiving with the VanLanduyts, Naomi and Kiki were inseparable, they spent most of their time building forts in the basement.

 Ellis was spoiled by Grammie and auntie Jamie

 Ellis is going to love looking up to Andrew!

 Amazing meal prepared by Dreis

Pie time!

We returned home on Friday, Naomi and I put up our Christmas tree and other decorations...then that evening we were off the Holiday Lights parade!

 It was a perfect night out, not too cool and no rain!

 Ellis was less than interested in the parade...not a shock there, he spent most of the time looking at people and trying to escape from his stroller.

Then on Saturday we hit up my parents for a delicious meal and to see my uncle and cousin in town from Wisconsin! Naomi didn't want to leave because she was having so much fun with Blake. In the car she said "I am really going to miss Blake". 

 Pops spoils Ellis

 Sorry Kristin, got you in mid bite...

 Grandma spoils Ellis too

Family photos

Since we have NEVER had a family photo done, we decided it was time! My friend and photographer Becky was the perfect person for the job, she is sweet, kind and patient...and her patience tested with this group... (It is evident who the boss is in our household for now...ELLIS!) He was unstoppable, listened to NO ONE and was on his own agenda. They are honest and real photos and we couldn't be happier! It was a good time and a lot of laughs, sweating...and running around. I love how they capture the real deal, this is how our daily lives are right now too...laughing and chasing Ellis. Thank you Becky for helping us preserve these memories, they are so special!

(these are some of our favorites!)

 Naomi and Elmer

 And he is off...

 Naomi trying to control him....that ain't happening

 I love Jeff's expression and I LOVE Ellis' dimple

 I think I was trying to hypnotize him in this photo...or just lure him in for a photo op

 his favorite book... and I love his big ears

 Naomi decided she had to pose with one of her soccer balls...

 Daddy's girl