Great shopping technique!

We had a shopping experience with Abby that we thought was amusing. Everytime we go to Blockbuster and wait in line to check out movies, she notices the conveniently placed toys--right at the checkout area. Her favorites lately have been the Shrek babies from the Shrek the Third movie. I've been talking her out of them for the last 3 months by helping her say "Bye,Bye" to the babies. (We really don't need any more plush toys at our house:)

This last weekend Shawn happened to be with us and noticed how lovingly she was holding one of the babies. She held it up for him to see and said, "Like it, buy it?" What father could refuse such a polite request from his little girl? She was so happy when he said yes, she walked right up to the counter, threw at the cashier and yelled "Buy it!' Clearly, shopping is in her genes!

Rachel wondered if the same sweet question might apply to the new ipod she is eyeing.--Probably not. :)

Merry Christmas

Here are some Christmas morning favorites! Ian lives in cowboy boots. He only chooses tennis shoes on gym days, so these new ones were a great surprise for him. Rachel has been thinking about this PS2 game for a long time and was really excited to find it under our tree. She and Ian spend free time nearly every afternoon rocking the house with their dance moves!

Abby is modeling several favorites in this shot. She is quite a fan of Dora the Explorer, so Dora p.j.s and Dora slippers were a hit with her! She loved her new trike-thanks Grandpa and Grandma! We were lucky to get a couple of strangely warm days in early January so she got to test it outside--I am in for a lot of walking this spring! :)



We spent a relaxing Christmas at home in Indiana this year. We really loved being able to sleep in-even the kids! Our usual schedule is so hectic, and family time seems limited. It was great just being together. Here is a photo from our Christmas card. Our kids are just so happy, it was a snap getting a great shot. (NOT) This only took about 25 tries!

Abby's 2nd Birthday

Abby had a great time helping prepare the cake for her birthday celebration--and clearly enjoyed eating it too! She wasn't so sure about candles this year. When we celebrated Shawn's birthday Dec. 21, Abby cried over the candles. (We think they must remind her of fireworks.) So for her cake, we just had frosting and Dora figures to decorate the top.
She seemed as if she was going to be a little timid opening gifts. After the first one was opened, she wanted to play for about an hour before she would open any others. We were up for a long night! By the second gift, she had it figured out, and by Christmas morning, she was a pro. She was able to open gifts December 23, 24, and 25, and after her nap on Christmas Day, woke up asking, "presents?" She was grateful for the packages that arrived after the date. It helped her ease down off of her high!

Visit to Austin for Thanksgiving

We had a great trip to Austin, Texas for Thanksgiving. We missed Shawn, who was in Dubai for work. (Strange thing-they don't celebrate Thanksgiving there.) Anyway we had at least 4 beautiful weather days and enjoyed visiting my parents and taking the kids to Sea World, doing some shopping, exploring the largest underground caverns in the world, and seeing sights around Austin. If you want a glimpse, click on the link at the bottom of the page for a quick slide show.

Halloween Happenings

We had a great time carving pumpkins this year. Rachel's pumpkin was a big surprise. We pulled off the top and found that the seeds had sprouted! I guess that's the price we pay for such a warm autumn. The rain on Halloween held off until my kids had plenty of candy to last until Christmas! Abby was her favorite animal-a kitty. She calls it her "meow" costume. Ian took his role as a Jedi knight very seriously. I couldn't get him to not be Obi-wan Kenobi and just smile for even one picture. Rachel went as a Zombie Nerd. She thought of the nerd idea and we had a good time putting together her costume from finds at Goodwill. Shawn thought it ought to be just a bit scarier, so we added the zombie face.

Indiana Pumpkin Patch

What a great Autumn day in Indiana! This pumpkin patch was pretty picked over, but the cornfields in the background made for a good picture.

We are getting ready to go to Texas. We are packing our suit cases, and everything. We are looking forwad to a break from school and other busy things that make our schedule caodic.

Ian and I have been doing our winter sports/clubs. Ian is doing swimming, and starting up basketball. I am doing indoor soccer training with my friend Ashley and drama club with my school friends Kristen and Kelly.

Abby is being just as cute and smart as usual. She is learning new phrases and words. On is "I like it" Another is "Nooooo" And then she smiles.