Evans Events

Snow! At least for a few hours...

2012-01-15T13:20:00.000-08:00

We woke up to a dusting of snow today!

It always looks so pretty when it is still untouched by people or cars.
We made two different little snowmen.

This was Emma's first snow experience as last January I think it snowed but she was too little to go out in it.Abby got this "Just Add Snow" snowman kit from Dan's mom. We tried to use it but our snowman just wasn't big enough.

I could only get one "coal" eye to go in. The snow turned icy hard really fast. We are heading to Mt. Hood next weekend so we will bring the snowman kit with us there and I bet we can make a nice big snowman!

Abby was able to make a snow angel though!

So pretty and angelic. :) I guess we should have had her press her head down a little harder.

Trying to get a nice picture with Emma. She was done and ready to head in. :)

We put our tree out on the back porch and it looked so beautiful with snow on it!

January Fun!

2012-01-15T10:56:00.000-08:00

We drove up to Maple Valley, Covington and North Bend, Washington for Dan's extended family Christmas. This year it was a Christmas themed murder mystery progressive dinner. We had a blast!

Abby had a little tea party at one of the houses.
At the last house, Dan's cousin LaDene's house, we had our gift exchange. The kids each have another kid that they buy for and the adults bring a guy or girl gift and do the kind of gift exchange where you can steal from each other. Dan and I both got our gifts stolen! We ended up with fun stuff anyway though.

Abby got a My Little Pony toy.

Emma got a singing bunny toy. :)

Tucker and Abby got along pretty well. He will be 4 January 21st so they are about 4 months apart. Tytan will be one January 30th so he and Emma are almost exactly a month apart. These are LaDene's grandchildren.

Dan with his cousin Jana and her husband Santa Chris. :)

This is one of Dan's other cousins, Larry, he got the gift we brought and he was also the murderer in the murder mystery game we played. He was a bad elf!

Emma had a lot of friends. This is Hayden holding her and he was the gingerbread man that was murdered but joined us as a ghost. :)

Shannon helped Emma have her snack and milk cup.

Abby also enjoyed playing with Elsie and Hunter. Elsie is in kindergarten and Hunter is in 3rd grade.

You can't really tell that they are drawing with stencils here. :)

Dan trying out the massage chair! I don't think he wanted to go home!

Abby ready for Emma Lou's birthday party!

Ricky and Nicole have a bun in the oven so soon we will be going to their little one's birthday parties! :)

Vickie and Allie were able to stop by for a bit. Vickie watches the girls sometimes and Allie helps out too when she is home from college.

We are blessed to have close friends and family to help celebrate birthdays and holidays! Marsha was able to come as well as my Uncle Tom and of course Grandma (Dan's mom).

Happy Birthday to you Emma Lou!

The cupcake...

She likes it!

Almost gone!

Mackenzie and Abby with their blowers/noisemakers.

It was funny because while we were opeing gifts Emma went back over and ate more of her crumbs from her cupcake. :)

Emma received lots of books, toys and clothes. Thank you all so much!

Reading wtih Grammy.

It was fun to have Arden and Mackenzie there to join the fun!

Bye Bye Arden. It was fun to see you!

Cuddle time with Uncle Dave.

Play time with Uncle Joel and the balloon!

My best friend Becca sent a package in the mail for Emma's birthday. It was a little overwhelming at her party so I saved it for later that night. It was a card and an adorable purple dress. Thanks Bec!!

Emma loves her new walker/stroller from Grammy. It is perfect timing because she is almost walking so she can push it around by herself.

Emma had a sippy cup of watered down juice (which she won't drink by the way) and an almost empty cup of milk and a new cup of milk. It just looked funny to see 3 sippy cups on her tray!

Silly girl...

Abby and her babies. She spends hours playing with them. The hard thing is that she brings it all out of her room and then later she has to put it all away. She does it though even though it is a big job.

Emma loves looking out the window. Abby loved doing this as well (and still loves doing it :) ).

Counting oranges...

Abby and I often make the 95% fat free microwave popcorn and we discovered that Emma loves it too! When she runs out she bangs her tray for more! I do the more please signs with her but she doesn't quite know how to do them yet (or isn't willing to try yet).

Abby got breakfast food play dough for Christmas and we finally broke it out! It was pretty fun I must admit. Sorry for the partially dressed pic but I make her strip down when she paints or does play dough.

December Continued...

2012-01-15T10:13:00.000-08:00

Since Abby was sick on Christmas and still not feeling well the day after, we still had our presents for each other to open. Emma got in to opening her gifts as long as her big sister didn't get to them first!
It was fun to have our own little Christmas as a family of 4!

Daddy gets a present! Emma helps me unwrap my gifts.

We went to Red Robin for Emma's birthday (we actually went on the day after as I ended up getting sick after Abby).

Emma likes her Birthday Sundae! When we got home we sang and did a little cake.

I think she liked all the attention.

She wanted to touch the candle flame!

Grammy was over to help celebrate!

Emma loves books! She "reads" them!

Happy 12th month day Emma Lou!

We thought it would be fun to do the ZooLights again since it had been a few years since we went. We had a great time!

Hangin with the BIG bears!

We are in an eagle's nest if you can't tell. :)

Such pretty lights! Abby was getting tired...

We saved the train for last. It was super fun!

Emma was trying to hang out the window as the train started going!

A giant sucker kept Abby content on the ride around the zoo.

Princess paper dolls! What more could a little girl want!

Grandma brought the girls' gifts from Uncle Kelly, Aunt Amy and Arden. Matching coats and shirts!! Opening her Birthday cards that came in the mail from Grammy...

and Auntie Lynn (in England). Santa got Abby a princess dress that was too small and kind of scratchy so we went to Toys R Us and traded it for a different one. Silly Santa!

December Pictures

2011-12-27T15:06:00.001-08:00

Emma and I enjoy watching Abby at swimming lessons.

Abby loves her friends Jack and Cole who are in her group.
Blowing bubbles under water!

Because Emma's birthday is right around Christmas, I want to do a half birthday on May 20th (my Dad's bday). When she is older this will be the birthday where she has a big party with all her friends. Because of this I want to celebrate Abby's half birthday also. Her half birthday is December 1st.

We do a simple cake and she gets one gift. This is a Mickey song book.

She really likes it. Dan and I get to sing all the songs!

Sister fun!

So this is our first year with two little girls to take pictures of. I thought it would be easy as Emma is such a happy girl. Unfortunately it didn't turn out to be that easy. I thought these pictures were kind of humorous (after I finally got a good one). Pay attention to Abby's expressions in the pictures.

We tried several different times in several different positions. I finally got some really good ones. :)

My happy monkey girl!!

Cuddle with Daddy time!

Emma started to cry every night in the bath tub until I finally let her hold on to the side of the tub. She is on her knees and I think that it makes her feel secure. I can dump water on her head now and everything and she doesn't care as long as she is holding on to the side.

She loves it when Abby splashes.

Emma Lou Lou is pulling herself up on everything and she will walk behind stuff that rolls (stroller and her little bike thing) and hold your hands and walk.

We dedicated Emma at church. This is just a time when we ask God to help us be good parents and we make a commitment to teach her about God and how much he loves her. She will get the chance to accept God into her heart when she is old enough to understand what it means.

Abby loves to play with play dough. I don't do it often but Christmas break was a good time to get it out. Grammy is really good about doing play dough with her so she does get to do it a lot with her.

My blue eyed baby!! I can't believe she is almost 1!

Abby was totally into Santa this year. She tried to get Emma to not be scared but it was no use. One look at Santa and Emma burst into tears. She has somewhat of a diversion to facial hair anyway so when you throw in the red suit and jolly laugh there was no way she was going to be happy anywhere near Santa!

We went to the Santa at the Riverfront Carousel so after we saw Santa we got to take some rides and play at the park.

I love this picture of Emma and Dan.

Baking cookies for Santa...

A birthday cake for Jesus...

Happy Birthday Jesus!!

Abby on Christmas morning coming out to see if Santa had eaten her cookies and milk and brought her the dollhouses she asked for. It was so weird because my mom bought a big dollhouse with all the accessories at the baby sale they have in town twice a year and she bought Emma a small Fisher Price dollhouse. Abby had no idea that they would be getting these for Christmas. So when out of the blue she said she was going to ask Santa for a dollhouse and one for Emma it was like how did she know?!? So we made the dollhouses appear Christmas morning from Santa. It was kind of hard work making sure everything was in place and I had to remember to eat the milk and cookies and everything. :)

Emma liked her dollhouse too.

This is Abby passed out on the couch in the early afternoon in between Dan's family being at our house and us heading out to my mom's house. She was running a 102 degree temperature. Poor baby!

At Grammy's house but still not too perky.

Uncle Dave helping Emma Lou Lou open a gift.

Grammy got Emma a little dolly.

Abby got a baby buggy from Grammy.

Where's Daddy?!?

Peek-a-boo!

Emma Lou really came out of her shell and warmed up completely to Uncle Tom. She even played with his beard!!

November Pictures

2011-12-27T12:05:00.000-08:00

It was fun to get to meet Dan's cousin's son Jasper! He is a little over a month older than Emma. Abby really enjoyed sitting by him while we had dinner.
Emma Lou Lou is officially a crawler now!

So I could totally let Emma take the blame for this but it was really me who spilled the Cheerios. They fell off the couch landing upside down and I helplessly watched them pour out! I figured we could just vacuum them up so I decided to let Emma play in them. :) Abby was pretty freaked out at first that I was so calm about it and that I was actually going to let Emma play in them! Eventually she was able to relax and play a little as well.

She was eating them off the ground!

It's like our own living room sandbox!

This totally cracked me up!

By the time I grabbed my camera their hair peaks kept falling over! I finally got a shot before they toppled.

It is fun to have kids around at holidays because they liven things up a bit! This was at Thanksgiving. Uncle Tom started it and Dan and Dave had to take their turns too. Abby totally loved it!

Hi Grammy! Hi Sissy!

Daddy's turn next!

Emma and Uncle Dave having some fun.

Uncle Dave had a different approach...

It was pretty cool!

Here's another version... :)

Emma and Abby had a little concert.

Emma has her entire binky in her mouth!!

Giving Daddy some love!

Right after Thanksgiving we went and picked out our tree!

Emma exploring the feel of the tree. We have a picture of Abby doing the same thing when she was about this age.

Dan cutting it down! Tim--ber!

Uncle Dave and Abby had fun balancing on tree stumps.

Emma is warming up to Uncle Dave's facial hair.

I have a picture of Abby like this from last year. Last year she had her umbrella because we picked our tree in the rain even though the sun did eventually come out

Thanks Uncle Dave for putting our trees on your trailer! It is our tradition to let Abby, and now Emma too, drive Uncle Dave's truck after we unload our tree at our house!

Lisa and Jeff were here for Thanksgiving so we were able to hang out one evening at Paddington's Pizza. Life is so busy it is nice to just relax and hang out with friends.

The kids had fun at their own table.

I have a picture of Abby unloading the dishwasher as well. :) It must just be a kid thing.

Emma Lou Lou is 11 months old!!

Say cheese!!

October Pictures

2011-11-05T23:45:00.001-07:00

Emma is 10 months old!

Matching monkey pajamas!
Testing out the beds in Macy's.

Gilbert House

Is is raining?

Sisters! It is fun to see them interact more now that Emma is a little older. Abby knows how to make her laugh! Abby can also consol her and take care of her. She sings Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star when Emma is upset. Such a good big sissy!

Setniker's Pumpkin Patch! I went to elementary school with Trisha Setniker. It is nice because their pumpkin patch is right outside of West Salem.

The big slide!

again...

and again...

Emma was eating the pumpkin stem!

Thanks for a great day Grammy!

The little slide for Emma Lou Lou!

Abby's handy work.

Happy Birthday Grammy! October 5th

Abby says that Emma is a sheep when she wears these pajamas. :) Emma drinks her formula from a sippy cup now.

Sauvie Island Pumpkin Patch with Grandma, Uncle Kelly, Aunt Amy and cousin Arden!

Last year I did this barrel ride 8 months pregnant!

Happy Halloween from the newest Oregon Duck cheerleaders!!

Dan and I went to the Oregon v. Washington game as an early Christmas present! We won of course. :)

Trick-or-treating with Mackenzie and her family.

September Pictures

2011-11-05T23:39:00.001-07:00

Emma Lou is 9 months old! The red marks between her eyes and on her cheek are courtesy of her big sissy who is in time out while this picture is being taken. :(

Daddy went to a swimming conference. Can you tell? :)
Abby can always find something to do!

We love you Grandpa Gordon.
Happy, toothy grin!

Fair & Other Misc. Pics

2011-09-04T15:58:00.000-07:00

Grandma came over to help with the girls while Dan and I got some things done. It was hot so they went in the little kiddy pool and sprinkler.

Becca came down for a weekend and it was great to see her. We were able to just relax and go out to dinner. Thanks for coming Beeker!

I wanted to see how much Emma weighed so I put her in the dishpan on the scale. I did this with Abby too. She weighs 20lbs!

Bath time Buddies...

Emma Lou is 8 months old! 8.29.11

Baby chicks at the Fair!

Say "cows"!

Mama pig and piglets.

Driving a digger!

Ice Cream cone!

Barrel Rides! Abby and I did this at the pumpkin patch when I was like 7 months pregnant! This time she rode by herself. Each barrel had a license plate and one was Abigail!

Turtle Time.

Riding the swings and driving a car!

CA Trip August 2011 Part 1 Wildlife Safari Winston, OR

2011-09-04T13:04:00.000-07:00

We met up with our good friends Jeanne and Dave and Katie on our way down to Wildlife Safari. Katie was in town for a few days and we hadn't seen her in a long time.
The girls enjoyed the chance to get out of their seats and play for a while.

They had not met Emma yet!

The first thing we did at Wildlife Safari was feed the giraffes!

The two we fed were Nate and Kapano.

Dan thought their black tongues were really cool! They are black so they don't get sunburned.

We fed them lettuce and bananas.

It was pretty cool getting that close to the giraffes.

Box turtle...

Next Dan and Abby got to ride on a camel.

Emma got to meet the camel too!

Monkeys...

We thought this was cool! Uganda Railway!

Leopard...

Tiger...

Foxby... (fox + Abby)

Emma's animal family...

Alligator...

Longhorn cattle...

Rhino...

Buffalo...

The girls got to be out of their seats on our little car trip through the safari so it was really nice.

Bears...

Hippo...

This ostrich was totally freaky! We rolled up our windows or I think he would have poked his little head right in!

Dan finished his 12 page paper the second day of our trip! Yay!!!! Nice job babe!!!

We were able to stay at our timeshares on the trip which was nice since we had 2 or 3 bedrooms.

Also on the second day of our trip we made it into California!

CA Trip August 2011 Part 2 San Francisco

2011-09-04T12:49:00.001-07:00

We got to see two of my cousins on my Dad's side in San Leandro. My cousin Elizabeth above and my cousin Christy below with Diane.

We rode on the BART from San Leandro to downtown San Francisco

with my Aunt Mary and Uncle Gary.

Watching the sea lions on Pier 39.

Going on a boat ride under the Golden Gate Bridge! Dan and Emma stayed down below where it was nice and warm and unwindy.

Abby was a bit grumpy but she was able to enjoy herself a bit.

Waiting for the cable car!

Hold on everyone!

Emma and Abby liked Aunty Mary's big jet bath tub!

The girls enjoyed their time with Gary and Mary!

See you soon, we hope!

CA Trip August 2011 Part 3 Porterville

2011-09-04T12:39:00.000-07:00

We visited my cousin Scott and family in Porterville. Scott is one of my Uncle Tom's two sons.
Scott's little boy Wyatt turned 2 on September 1st.

We had fun and stayed cool by going swimming!

Wyatt was playing peek-a-boo with my Mom.

Scott got this gator for Wyatt. Abby loved it!

Scott's wife Marie was doing Head and Shoulders Knees and Toes with the kids. Marie's sister and husband came over for dinner with their two kids.

Marie, Scott and Wyatt

It was great to see Scott! It had been about 7 or 8 years we decided since we had seen each other.

Be nice to Scotty Emma!

CA Trip August 2011 Part 4 Disneyland!

2011-09-04T12:21:00.001-07:00

Time to go to Disneyland!
Almost there!

We don't want to forget where we parked!

Riding the tram into the park.

The main thing Abby wanted to do was see Mickey Mouse and the other Mickey Mouse Club characters. We were so excited to see all the characters out right when we got there!!If you can't tell, Abby is very excited!

She hugged him and said "I see you on TV!".

Minnie came out and we all ran after her to her "spot" where you line up to meet her. On the way over she stopped to say hi to Emma Lou!

Again, Abby could hardly contain her excitement!

So happy!

Emma liked the characters too!

Abby had the characters sign her autograph book. Grammy also bought the girls' their Mickey Mouse ears.

Chip and Dale!

Goofy was really tall!

Emma was cozy with Daddy.

A picture with the Magic Kingdom!

We ate lunch at Toontown and Abby was playing on the steps when all of a sudden Goofy came bursting through the doors and totally freaked her (and me) out!

My mom had been telling Abby about the It's a Small World ride so it was fun to finally get to go on it.

The Tea Cups!

The Dumbo ride!!

Emma got a little ride too!

The Autopia cars were fun too. Especially when your husband keeps bumping you from behind! It was weird because the steering wheel was on the right.

Star Wars: The Adventure Continues 3-D simulator.

Ready for the parade!

Dan and I got fastpasses for Space Mountain and we were able to get right on!

Pirates of the Carribean was fun.

Abby survived Splash Mountain! She is suppose to be giving a thumbs up right here. I think she was starting to get tired. She got wet but she did say she wanted to go again. :)

After Splash Mountain we opted for something calm and found the Winnie the Pooh ride!

We left about 10pm or so. It was a great day!

CA Trip August 2011 Part 5 San Clemente Beach

2011-09-04T12:15:00.001-07:00

We spent an afternoon on the San Clemente Beach. The water was nice and warm.
Emma got her first touch of ocean!

It was late in the afternoon but not cold.

Abby and Grammy...

Emma and Grammy...

Emma liked relaxing and checking everything out.

We stayed until the sun went down.

Emma liked playing in the sand. Dan didn't like it that I let Emma put it in her mouth. I didn't let her eat too much.

CA Trip August 2011 Part 6 Homeward Bound

2011-09-04T12:00:00.001-07:00

In San Clemente we only had a shower so Emma got her own little bathtub!
Abby loved her Mickey Mouse balloon from Grammy!

We enjoyed swimming at our timeshare in Solvang.

It was a little chilly though as we didn't get into the pool until about 7:00pm.

Grammy took Emma back to get warmed up.

Solvang is like a "little Denmark" with Swedish shops and restaurants.

Mickey found a cozy spot in the van on the way home.

Emma did a great job in the car for so long!

Home sweet home! Emma is very stubborn and will not hold her bottle unless absolutely necessary.

Grandma came over and we told her of all of our adventures.

Camping at Beachside State Park, Waldport, Oregon

2011-09-04T11:17:00.001-07:00

We try to camp at least one time during the summer. We go to Beachside which is where I went camping as a child. You can walk out onto the beach right from the campground.
Poor Emma didn't really get her naps so she fell asleep on the go. This is actually before we even left for our walk on the beach!

We were blessed with a beautiful sunny day!

Emma woke up to enjoy some of the fun.

There were a ton of little pools of water and we saw a lot of jelly fish.

Abby and I went out and jumped some waves!

All snug and cozy.

Abby liked the little pools of water because they were nice and warm!

Emma got to play a little too.

Abby and I had a great time out in the water!

Emma was asleep again by the time we got back to camp!

Yummy watermelon!

Emma got a little excited after eating her pureed peas lunch that she spit up on Daddy! I thought it was pretty funny even though he wasn't too happy about it.

My Mom, Auntie Lynn and her friend Katharyn came for dinner while we were camping. They live in England and the last time they came to the states was the day I was born! It was fun to have them here.

Smore's Evans' style: add peanut butter!

I brought one of those Jiffy-pop popcorn things for the camp stove. It was really good popcorn!

We slept okay the first night and better the second night. We had Emma in the bassinet on Dan's side of the air mattress and Abby in her sleeping bag on my side of the air mattress. Cozy but nice. :)

Emma sucks on her lips. Sometimes it is her top lip and sometimes her bottom lip! Silly girl!

Dan is an expert fire builder! Nice job babe!

Misc Summer Pics

2011-08-29T22:53:00.000-07:00

I have taken a picture of Abby and Dan's hands and feet every Father's Day and then I did Emma and Dan after Emma was born. This Father's Day I decided I needed all three of their hands and feet. I thought it turned out pretty cool. Emma did spit up a little but I can crop it out when I scrapbook it.

Emma wakes up happy every morning. Sometimes she talks in there for 15 minutes or so before she starts to fuss.
Abby was relaxing on our bed with her purse, flippers, doggy and baby doll. :) Silly girl!

It is suppose to be a Jenny Jump up but when you have an older sister it is a swing! Emma was totally laughing so I guess she didn't mind. Hopefully it won't break! If I don't pay attention Abby will get her swinging really high!

Emma Lou is 6 months! 6.29.11

Emma is a very happy little girl!

She loves to suck on her toes!

Abby wanted to show me that she could still suck on her toes as well!

Mahlaya came over to hang out with us and earn some money for camp.

Fourth of July!

Sparklers...

First Fourth as a Family of Four!

Emma actually slept through the fireworks!

I walked into the room and Emma was totally reading this book! I think it is upside down but she could still be reading the pictures. :)

Abby enjoying her new sleeping bag from Grammy! It will be perfect for going camping!

Playing with her Dora car...

Hanging out while mommy works on the computer.

Hanging out together...

Abby dancing to the music.

It is so nice that Emma can sit up in the tub now. She loves playing in the water. :)

Emma's first ride on the carousel!! She really liked it even though you can't really tell from the pictures.

Eating makes everybody happy! Abby doesn't usually wear a bib just so you know. I do have her take off her shirt or wear a bib when she eats watermelon or spaghetti or something.

Abby is starting to do more with Emma. Most of the time Emma is okay with it. In this picture she put headbands on herself and Emma.

Cute Emma Lou Lou!

Abby has enjoyed doing some water color painting. She makes some pretty beautiful stuff! This is not one of the best examples just so you know.

My mom's cousin Lynn came to visit from England. She brought the girls beautiful dolls. Thank you Auntie Lynn!

Look who's 7 months!!! 7.29.11

Abby doesn't like to be left out of the monthly picture taking.

Using a sippy cup! She mostly just plays with it.Miss Smiley! Emma is usually frowning unless you get her to smile or laugh.

For our 5th Anniversary Dan and I went to the Joel Palmer House for dinner. They have a multi-course meal that is really fancy and delicious. Their main thing is wild mushrooms. As most of you know Dan loves mushrooms but I am not a big fan. I have to say their mushrooms were quite tasty! Thank you Vicki for the Groupon and Mom for the anniversary money. We enjoyed the fine cuisine and time together. Love you babe!Abby wears her underwear sometimes instead of a pullup but she consistently puts them on with one of the leg holes around her waist! Then she is like "they don't feel comfortable". Silly girl!We were trimming bushes in our yard this summer and Dan got stung twice. Then a few weeks later he was mowing and noticed this huge wasp nest! We had our ant guy come and he sprayed white powder in it and then by the next day we could cut it down. We tied it up in a black garbage bag for a week and then Dan took it to the science teacher at West. I have seen a wasp nest before but never one this big!Emma is quite a character. I think sometimes she is studying everything and so it looks like she is frowning but she really is a happy baby.

Daddy feeding her breakfast.

Emma got her first tooth on the bottom right! She has several more waiting to break through.

Because of all those teeth coming in she has been chewing on everything!

Summer Swimming Lessons

2011-08-29T22:30:00.000-07:00

Abby was able to move to Level 2 this summer! She finally decided that she wanted to stick her head under water! Yay!! :)
It is fun that Dan is teaching lessons at the same time because then he can play with Abby at free time.

She loves this mat!

Up she goes!

Rocket arms with teacher Suzy...

Head under water and blowing bubbles!

She had fun with her friend Ryder as they were both new to putting their heads under water. :)

Getting a ride on Daddy...

Emma Lou had fun too!

Tummy float with teacher Emma...

Goggle Girl!

Abby loved the slide! She did go down by herself too.

Uncle Dave came to watch one day. Grammy and Grandma were there quite a bit too.

It is so funny because Emma will either cry when she sees my brother or be totally fine. This day she was just fine and even played with his gotee. She does this with my Uncle Tom as well.

Abby also really liked getting around the pool in this little inner tube.

I let Emma get a little wet too...

I really enjoy summer lessons even though it is a lot of work. We ended up going almost 5 weeks! Abby seems to make a lot of growth when we go every day for five days in a row.

Father's Day

2011-06-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

Dan had his first Father's Day as a Daddy of 2!
He loves his girls!

Abby showing him the card we made.

A Shutterfly photo book with pictures of Daddy and Abby and Emma!

Tickets to a movie...

The midnight showing of Harry Potter!

Smile!

Family of Four! More stress and things to do but also more to love!

Abby's 3rd Birthday! June 1st

2011-06-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

We went to Red Robin on Abby's birthday for dinner.
She likes it when they sing to her.

Daddy and Emma Lou Lou.

After dinner Daddy went to a meeting at West and we went to Grammy's house. Uncle Dave was there too.

Uncle Dave got Abby a dress up ballerina outfit.

Grammy got Abby a camera. It is funny because my mom and I talked about her getting Abby a camera for her birthday months ago and just recently Abby has been wanting to take pictures with my camera so it was an absolutely perfect gift!

Emma Lou Lou has a new seat to play in at Grammy's house.

Happy Birthday to Abby!

Uncle Dave and Abby!

THREE! :)

We had Abby's birthday party on Saturday, June 4th, at Grammy's house so we could have a bouncy house. Unfortunatley many of Abby's friends could not make it but she had a great time with the friends that could come.

Grammy and Emma Lou Lou.

It was a beautiful day. Emma got a nap in before all the action started.

Josie and Lainy and their cousin Lilly came early since the girls had a dance recital later that day. Thank you Alison for fitting Abby's party into a busy day. It meant a lot to us!

We sang to Abby and had our first round of cupcakes!

As Alison and the girls were getting ready to leave Abby's other friend Norah and her family arrived.

Uncle Dave dropped by for a bit too. He had a lot of computer work to do that weekend.

Round 2 of cupcakes!

A while later Abby's friend Mackenzie arrived with her family. It was just in time to do the pinata!

My friend Nicole was able to come and she helped capture some action shots of the pinata breaking. :)

Abby liked the hippety hop that we got her. She shared it with Norah and Mack as well.

Grandma and Emma Lou Lou!

Soon Norah had to go and then we had dinner with family and friends.

It was actually Mackenzie's sister Brooklyn's birthday on June 4th. Thanks for sharing your big day Brooklyn!

After a BBQ dinner it was round 4 of cupcakes!

Since the theme was Mickey Mouse Clubhouse I got these ears for Abby and wrote "I'm 3!" on them. She didn't want to wear them but she let Emma try them on.

Well, it was a long, hot, exhausting day. I was kind of down since not very many friends could really come but it all worked out. Thank you Alison, Michelle and Cheryl for making Abby's birthday one she won't soon forget!

June Pics

2011-06-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

A little photo shoot with the big 3 year old!

We have a picture like this of Abby when she was a baby too. :)

Abby was showing Emma her new birthday bubble gun.

Birthday outfit from Norah!

We have to buckle Emma in or this happens. :)

We ask Abby to go get us a clean bib for Emma several times a day. She discovered that the velcro sticks to her pull-up so she will bring it out to us like this. Silly girl!

Emma graduated to the big bathtub now. She likes it most of the time.

My mom brought the girls to my school for my end of the year Luau party for all of their reading. My kindergarten girls loved the "baby".

Abby sat with my kindergarteners on the carpet and at the tables.

Emma was very content in her stroller.

Emma's first time swimming in the outdoor pool!

Abby went to a pool party for her friend Taylor who turned 3 on June 8th.

Emma is pretty happy unless she is really tired or hungry.

Trying out her Jenny Jump up for the first time. Mostly hanging, not a lot of jumping.

Emma is doing really well at sitting up.

Abby likes to feed Emma which is really helpful.

Mariner/Yankee Game May 29th

2011-06-25T10:15:00.000-07:00

We started a tradition of going to a Mariner/Yankee game each year. My mom really loves watching the Mariners and Dan is a big Yankee fan. The first year we got tickets for my mom's birthday and then she couldn't go because she was recovering from her ruptured appendix surgery. The last two years she has been able to go so that has been great. Uncle Dave goes with us too! I make shirts that say Yankees fan for Daddy on the front and Mariners fan for Grammy on the back.

Abby was being a little silly.

My mom is a big fan of Ichiro.

She knows all the players by name and keeps up with injurys and records and everything. :)

For Mother's Day we gave her a gift certificate for the Mariner store and this is what she picked out!

Dad's Birthday May 20th

2011-05-28T15:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Grandpa Gordon! We love and miss you Dad.

May Miscellaneous

2011-05-28T14:56:00.000-07:00

Abby was fascinated with my breast pump and so she decided she needed to "pump" too with Emma's bottle caps.
Then it got even better when she decided to "pump and jump". :)

Emma Lou Lou can roll over now!

Sometimes she will roll and roll and roll and end up a few feet away from where she was.

Emma sleeps with her hands behind her head. It is pretty cute.

5 months old!

She almost rolled right off the chair!

Sister bonding...

Hey mom! :)

Emma has been constipated so we got to feed her some prunes for her first food. :)

I thought she looked like a super hero here. :)

She wiggles her way right out of this thing now. She is rolling over so we have to strap her into everything and keep an eye on her when she is on the floor too!

More prunes!

Talking with Daddy...

And more prunes! We try to give them to her every other night. I guess I have this well documented now. :) She just looks so cute all messy like that!

Double trouble! We also give Emma 3-4 ounces of white grape juice a day to help her go poo.

I love you big sissy!

We finally had a few days of sunny somewhat warm weather and Abby enjoyed getting to go out on the back deck. Of course everyone and everything had to go out with her. :) She was reading to everyone.

Seaside Beach Trip

2011-05-28T14:41:00.001-07:00

We have been able to make better use of our timeshare points and go on some weekend trips. This time we headed off for Seaside, Oregon. It is nice because the town is right along the beach. There are also some swings which of course Abby loves.

Emma loved the swings too! She was totally smiling and eventually she fell asleep.

The weather wasn't sunny but very mild and hardly any wind.

Heading out for some ocean water with Daddy.

Unfortunately our time on the beach was cut short when Abby fell all the way in to the ocean. :( It wasn't quite warm enough to go in the water. Next time we will remember to bring some extra clothes down to the beach with us.

The morning we left was rainy but we had to get a picture with the Seaside sign.

Dan with Lewis and Clark.

Abby liked the tunnel we went through. :)

Love you Dad!

Mother's Day

2011-05-28T12:38:00.001-07:00

My first Mother's Day as a mother of 2!

Grandma and Emma at the McNary Estates restaurant for brunch.
Cousin Arden

Uncle Joel works at the restaurant and suggested we try their Mother's Day Brunch. It was delicious!

Abby took this picture of Aunt Amy. Sorry Aunt Amy!

Abby took this one too. She has really wanted to take pictures lately. She is going to love the camera that Grammy is getting her for her birthday!

The Boys and their Mommy. :)

Hi cousin Arden!

I think Emma Lou Lou is ready to eat too!

Abby put her enormous pancake right on the table!

Trying to suck on Uncle Kelly's finger.

Daddy wanted the girls to try out the saddle. :)

Picture of Uncle Joel's hand, courtesy of Abby. :)

I thought this one by Abby was kind of cool.

Later we headed to my brother's house for BBQ salmon. Abby got to give the dogs some treats.

Emma with Grammy and Uncle Dave.

The poker tables make good changing tables. :)

Showing Grammy her card.

Grammy got a gift certificate for the Mariner store. We started a tradition a few years ago of going to a Mariner game when they were playing the Yankees. My mom likes the Mariners and Dan likes the Yankees.

Just hangin out!

We got to play a little speed scrabble. Yay!! I miss playing games.

Abby took these pictures too. Not too bad. :)

We love you Mom!!

Awesome 3000

2011-05-28T12:23:00.000-07:00

Abby loves to run so I thought it would be fun if she did the Awesome 3000.
Since they run with a parent it was pretty crowded!

She was distracted by a worm on the track.:)Dave Johnson was an Olympic Bronze Medalist in the decathlon.Run, Run as fast as you can!

All done. Nice job baby and Daddy!

They got their medal and a free book from Scholastic. Scholastic is the sponsor for the preschool runs.

April Pictures

2011-05-27T21:07:00.001-07:00

We got out for a walk with Cheryl, Mackenzie and Brooklyn inbetween the April showers.
Cheryl is just a few blocks from Myers School so we played on the playground there.

Mackenzie's other friend Maddy was there too.

Buddies...

I decided it was time to break out the exersaucer. I think she likes it!

Abby does too!

Grammy got Abby these flip flops for Easter and she wears them 24/7. She even tried to wear them to bed but they didn't fit under the covers very well. :) She has gotten a bit better about having them on the right feet and between the right toes.

Sisters!

Most of you know who she learned this from. :)

April 29th-- Emma is 4 months already!!

She can't believe it either!

Uncle Jim's 80th Birthday

2011-05-27T20:22:00.000-07:00

Dan's Uncle Jim turned 80 on May 5th so we had a fun party. Emma got to hang out with lots of family. This is Grandma and Jolena, Dan's cousin LaDene's daughter (LaDene's mom is Pat, Gay's sister). Jolena has a daughter Elsie, who just turned 5.
Emma and Papa Jim!

Happy Birthday!

Reading with Gramma Pat and Uncle Lari. Pat is Dan's mom's sister, and Lari is one of Pat's 5 children.

This is Dan and Abby with Lari's son CJ and his wife (Gina I think).

Emma with Chris (he is married to Jana, one of Pat's daughters and Dan's cousins). Emma liked him so much she spit up on him. Sorry Chris!

So happy together!! Uncle/Papa Jim and Aunt/Gramma Pat

Emma and LaDene :)

All the ladies!! In the back row: Emma, LaDene, Gay, Jolena, Debbie (Lari's husband), Pat, Christina (Jana and Chris's daughter) and front row: Abby, me and Gina (I think that is how it is spelled)

Emma with Grandma and Gramma Pat.

AG Fest

2011-05-27T20:03:00.001-07:00

A giant egg!
The jelly belly mascot. Abby wanted to make sure he gave Emma five too!

Playing in the "wheat"box. :)

Abby milking a cow with Daddy. She also got to make the wooden name tag she has around her neck. I used to get a name tag like this when I went to Canyonview day camp when I was little.

Little girl, big conbine.

Daddy and Abby got to be pulled by the horses. Abby was totally loving it if you can't tell. :)

Easter April 2011

2011-05-27T19:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!!
Easter card from Grammy.

Bowling set!

Daddy and Emma-- Emma's first Easter!

Mommy and Abby

Easter baskets at Grammy's house!

Decorating Uncle Dave! :)

Easter baskets with Grandma.

Emma Lou Lou trying to eat her ducky.

Abby and Grandma

Grandma's Birthday April 23rd

2011-05-27T16:53:00.000-07:00

Abby enjoyed playing with cousin Arden.
Still not sure why some of these end up sideways. :( I thought these were cute of the girls. The big wet spot on Emma is spit up.

Grandma with 3 of her 4 granddaughters.

Helping Grandma open her card and scrapbook.

Feeding Arden her puffs.

Gay and 2 of her 3 sons. The mother of 3 sons now has 4 granddaughters. :)

Cousin Arden, Aunt Amy and Uncle Kelly.

Happy Birthday to you!

Our family-- Emma was all tuckered out.

Abby and Grandma stretching out their legs.

Napping with Daddy.

April Newport Beach Trip

2011-05-20T16:43:00.000-07:00

We decided to stop by the Tillamook Cheese Factory because we hadn't taken Emma there yet. I like watching them package the cheese and then of course the samples and ice cream are yummy too!

Abby liked driving the "baby loaf" van.

Moooo!

Abby liked getting her own samples. The last time we went I was in my first trimester with Emma so I didn't really eat samples or ice cream. I definitely made up for it this time! They had some real yummy cheese samples to try.

We stayed in one of the timeshares we can use at Schooner Landing. It was a bit late 80s early 90s in decor but comfortable. :)

Emma liked going in the jet tub with Abby. :) She was very relaxed.

They had a little playground overlooking the ocean. This was Emma Lou Lou's first time in a swing I think.

Swinging with Daddy! Abby loves swinging.

Ships ahoy!

Daddy swimming with his girls. :)

Mommy too. :)

Collecting some sand for the sand box at Grammy's house!

Bath Time for Emma Lou Lou

2011-04-10T13:40:00.001-07:00

Emma loves her bath time each night. There is nothing like cuddling a sweet smelling baby as they drift off to sleep. She is a spitter upper so it is almost a necessity.

I was giving her zubers on her belly and she was totally laughing. Grammy said that she was doing this the other day as well. We caught some on video. I need to figure out how to post videos.

April Pictures

2011-04-10T13:28:00.001-07:00

Abby had a coloring book and crayons for each of her stuffed animals and Doggy. She thinks these binoculars are a camera.

Emma likes to play with her toys now. :)

Abby still likes to hold Emma. Now it is fun because Emma interacts with her.

My beautiful blue eyed baby girl...

What's up mom?

Taking a little snooze.

Abby loves to cut up our junk mail with her scissors. She cuts things into like a thousand pieces!

I walked by and she had all the hangers lined up against the wall. Something about nice neat rows I think...don't know where she gets it.

Sorry these are sideways. Abby loves to "play" with Emma. I figure as long as Emma isn't crying she must consider it playing too...

Swimming Lessons

2011-04-10T13:22:00.001-07:00

This is Abby's teacher trying to convince her to blow some bubbles. She will do it at home in the bath tub but she won't do it at swimming lessons. She calls it "swim team". :) Getting dunked!

Emma enjoyed watching everything. She and I will do parent tot soon.

I thought this was a cool picture. :)

She likes to dry her own hair.

Spring Break Trip to Washington

2011-03-29T22:06:00.001-07:00

We stayed in Port Townsend Washington for 3 nights at the beginning of Spring Break. After a few hours in the car we needed a little stretch break and we found this little park right off the freeway. Emma liked sitting in Abby's big girl seat for a few minutes. :)

The next day we set off for the Seattle ferry. Dan got scolded by the ferry guy for letting Abby be in the front seat with him as we pulled onto the ferry.

It rained the day we drove up but it was sunny and beautiful both days we were adventuring in Seattle and then it rained the day we headed home. Thank you Lord!

Our first time on a ferry and in Seattle together as a family.

We enjoyed the ferry rides a lot.

We spent one afternoon in Pike Place Market and had a little snack at an Irish place.

We headed back to Port Townsend as the sun was setting.

Our second day in Seattle we did the Space Needle and Children's musuem. We got in to the museum for free with our Gilbert House membership.

Abby got to operate a digger! Or I should say try to, it was hard for even me to figure out!! There were like 4 controls that each did two things!

The water table...

Making some music...

Leopard Gecko...

I think Emma Lou Lou had fun too. :)

Butterfly house...

Abby was totally scared of this dinosaur!

Spraying the water guns with Daddy.

Hot dog lunch in the top of the Space Needle!

There's our ferry boat!

Trying on a BK crown on our way back to Oregon.

I think it is too big Daddy!

Home sweet home!

Go Ducks!!

Both girls were completely zonked out!

March Pictures

2011-03-29T22:05:00.001-07:00

I found Abby under Dan's desk with the whole box of tissus pulled out! I was angry at first but then saw the humor in it enough to take this picture. I told her she needed to flatten out all the tissues so we could put them back in the box. She kept saying she was tired and I said "Keep folding!". :) She decided her nose needed a little wipe while she was busy folding. Abby loves to be read to, especially by Daddy. I noticed that she had her dolls and Doggy all lined up and I thought it was cute. Emma Lou Lou has found her hands!

Abby is the ultimate multi-tasker! :) If you can't tell she is sitting on her potty.

I am noticing that Emma has her binky in most of these pictures. She always has to have something in her mouth. Lately it has been her fingers as well.

Sleeping beauty.

St. Patty's Day cards from Grammy!

Abby opens Emma's for her.

Emma wanted to read it herself.

Abby opening her own card.

A litle water color painting...

Nice job baby!

Dan and I got to go on a date night and as we were driving around to do some errands before heading out we saw this beautiful rainbow. Later we headed out to Spirit Mountain Casino and Dan ended up leaving with $111 after starting with $60 at the Black Jack table. Hit me! Our visit was his late birthday present. Nice job Dan!!

Sisters! Emma loves her Bumbo seat and GiGi the giraffe.

Abby found my glasses in the nightstand drawer. Pretty girl!

Our friend gave us this scooter!!

Emma is 3 months!!

I love you sissy!

February & March Pictures

2011-03-06T12:20:00.001-08:00

Watching the snow flurries come down.
Daddy and Emma.

Smiles...

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Sleeping on Grammy.

Comfy and relaxing...

Coloring with Uncle Dave!

Making cookies with Grammy!

Snowman cookies!

Hanging out on the play mat.

Emma is 2 months old!!

Cutie Pie!!

Emma is really good at holding her head up so we got out the Bumbo seat.

Dan's Birthday!! February 28th

2011-03-06T12:11:00.001-08:00

We had our families over for Dan's Birthday.
Happy Birthday to you!

It was a group effort blowing out the candles. :)

Uncle Dave enjoyed some Emma time.

Abby with her Grammy and her Grandma.

Crossing her legs like Uncle Joel! :)

Smile!

Sisters...

Snow!!

2011-03-06T12:07:00.001-08:00

We got a dusting of snow!

Grammy was excited to go in the snow!

Abby and Grammy made a snowman!

This is as close as Emma got to the snow. :)

Depoe Bay

2011-03-06T11:56:00.001-08:00

After swim season is over we try to get away to the beach as a family. We stayed at our timeshare in Depoe Bay. It was great to relax and be together.
It was a beautiful day and there were a ton of people out on the beach. Emma slept through her first visit to the beach. :)

Lots of fun adventures!

We took Emma swimming for the first time! We just got her feet and belly wet. No bobs yet. :)

Daddy and his girls.

Mommy gets a turn in the water. :)

All dry and cozy in her new dolphin bathrobe.

Friend and Family Baby Shower

2011-02-16T01:01:00.000-08:00

My friend Becca (below, with our good family friend Harriet) came down from Washington to host a friend and family baby shower for Emma. She did an awesome job complete with delicious bread and muffins and fun games. Pam (above, who I student taught with at Auburn back in 99-00) was able to come and also our good family friend Harriet.

Marsha, Gay and Erin also were there.

My friend Anna was able to come too! My mom was there too of course!

Baby Memory! When you got a match you got a candy bar that went with the baby word. For example, triplets=3 Musketeers, hospital bill=100 Grand, and C-section=fast break. Very fun!

Trying on her new hat!

Becca got the girls some fun dresses and outfits.

Emma and Marsha

Anna helped Emma get comfy. :)

Thank you for coming down Bec!!

Amber and Andy and Family

2011-02-16T00:50:00.000-08:00

My friends Andy and Amber stopped by for a bit. They live in Washington and they have Ashlynn, Drew, and twins, Braden and Tanner. It was cute to see the twins with Abby's strollers.

Dan was at the District Swim Meet.

Valentine's Day!

2011-02-16T00:14:00.000-08:00

Emma's first mail! A Valentine's Day card from Grammy!
Big sister Abby helps her open it.

Abby's card from Grammy!

On Sunday before Valentine's Day we got to have lunch with Noah and Mahlaya and Dave and Grammy. My mom used to make my Dad and my brother and me these heart cookies for Valentine's Day.

Abby decorated a few cookies on her own... I think she mainly just ate the frosting! :)

Uncle Dave with his nieces!

Grammy's grandkids!

Watching a video clip on Uncle Dave's iphone.

After lunch we went bowling!

Emma slept through the whole thing. :)

Abby and Mahlaya

Uncle Dave took his turn helping Abby bowl.

Abby made sure her hands were dry.

Yay! Happy Bowling!

Valentine's Day card from Grandma!

Stickers!