Adam and Caleb

We shopped at the downtown farmer's market this Saturday where Adam chose this tiger design at the Kids Corner.  The painter gave him color options so he picked a blue and green tiger....I think it's very Avatar.



Caleb woke up screaming at 4am Wed. morning with a suspected and confirmed ear infection.  The doctor's words, when looking in his ear, were "OH YEAH!  Watch for that one to rupture.  It looks like a water balloon."  And the next night, it did.  He felt a lot better once the pressure was off.  Now he's on the antibiotics and ear drops.  We'll revisit this in 2 weeks with the doctor and discuss tubes.  This is 3 infections in 3 months. 
This is one day after the pop and he's helping me cook.  He decided the green onions tasted great and chowed down on a couple.   So cute. 

Happy Birthday Gigi

We celebrated Chris' Mom's birthday last week as well.  Chris went all out and did charbroiled oysters, shrimp, and crabs.  We ate well!!  Happy Birthday Gigi!

Sorry for the super bleached picture

Our Dog and Allergic Reactions

Three times last week, our dog,  Layla, got hives all over her body and then her face and neck swelled up like a pumpkin.  This has happened before so it wasn't surprising.  She's got no imune system and whenever something gets her like a wasp or fireants (like we think this time)  she explodes. 

Bike Riding

Chris took off early MLK Day, a beautiful day, and we packed up all our bikes to go ride the Tamany Trace about an hour away.  It's a Rails To Trails project that is perfect for Adam on his new bike and us hauling a baby in a trailer.  You'll see why in the pictures. Adam rode a total of 4.5 miles on his own bike!!  We didn't know how long he would make it, but he had a blast.  Caleb was chilled out in the trailer until we let him out and he took off down the trail on foot.  He got pretty far.  We topped the afternoon off by playing on the "Best Park for me ever",  as Adam said.  We also ate over the Tchufuncta River at Friends Restaurant.  Fun, Fun, Fun.  

Notice Caleb took off with only one shoe on.

Adam Rocks Out

Adam has been jamming in the car and tell us to, "Turn the music up!"  This is him dancing to "Come Sail Away".  Crack up!!   Sorry it is sideways...

Congratulations Brian!!

Brian, my brother, competed in the Redding Marathon today and WON!  Not just finished, but got to cross the finish line first.  Who does that???   Congratulations Brian!  We're so proud!!  I know you worked hard, but I didn't know you would win!  Next is Boston right???  Here's some links to check it out if you're interested...

Oregonian Wins Redding Marathon

Ideal Weather, Big Field for Redding Marathon
this is the one that has good pictures.  Brian is the one in the red shirt, black shorts, and beard. 

Redding Marathon Draws Fresh Faces

Results of the Redding Marathon

Redding Marathon Website and Pictures

Here he is doing stuff he likes to do up there in Oregon...I question him.  

Cross Country Skiing in the wilderness. 

We Finally Kayak

The sun and our schedules finally cooperated to give us a day to use our new kayaks.  Questions that needed answering:   Are there any holes?  Will they sink?  How do we get in the water without getting wet?  How will they maneuver?  Will the boys stay in the kayaks?  Will I be able to paddle with Caleb in front of me?  How do we get the kayaks, all the stuff, and the boys down to the water's edge?  (extra hands helped with this one)   Will we see any fish through the viewing window on Chris' kayak?   and other stuff.  All these questions were answered and worked out.  The boys loved it and Caleb almost fell asleep from the motion.  Adam was a little wiggly, but just due to excitement.  We were minimally wet after the whole experience and the boats performed exceptionally.  These are going to be fun!!

Our new rig

We successfully got in without getting wet!!

Caleb is along for a ride

Adam and Chris

Just some of the family that came out to see the adventure!!

 Mommy and TWO boys!!



Post Christmas in Tennessee

The day after Christmas we packed up and drove the 10+ hours to Tennessee.  Chris' sister and her husband just had their baby girl in November and we wanted to meet her and spend a little time as a family.  Chris' parents also made the trip and that made 11 for a week!!  We had a blast in the snow that lasted a few days and getting around Knoxville a little.  But, the best part was seeing baby Lydia!  Welcome to the world!

Chris works on getting Caleb dressed for snow...challenge

 I have a hard enough time with balance! 

Notice my random warm stuff and rubber boots...wardrobe not used to this cold stuff!!

These saucers were awesome!

Making snow ice cream

Chris, Adam and the guys went to a Tenn basketball game

Baby Lydia and Uncle Chris

Christmas 2010

 This was a portion of our Christmas Eve Dinner...yes more food pictures.  We like to document our dishes that actually work out well.  Not all do, but we don't post those.  This fabulous dinner was Pork Roast with Potato Mushroom Gratin and Broccolini with Browned Pecan Butter.  Yummm!!  

Adam makes Santa's cookies...check out the big one with the mountain of sprinkles.

 Christmas morning was magical.   We were up at a little before 7 and spent the morning ripping through presents and then tried to make Kolaches...they turned out like biscuits.  We ate them anyway. We played with all our new loot!  Chris and the boys surprised me with a Kindle!!!!   I've wanted one forever and I love it!   Then we started packing...see next post.

Big Boy Bike for Adam

So Happy!!

Cold and rainy Christmas morning but we rode that bike anyway!!

It's on Daddy!!

yes that is toilet paper beside me... I had a cold.

Pre Christmas

Christmas Eve Eve we had my family down to exchange presents.  We had a great time just being together, eating delicious food, and watching the kids open up stuff.  Adam got "REAL BASEBALL STUFF" so he can be on a team this year.  Caleb got a new toy chest to help organize all his toys.  Fun stuff! 

Monkey Ginger Bread...huge success!