Keeping up with the English Family

Christmas Day

2012-02-02T15:53:00.000-05:00

I told the kids they couldn't go downstairs until Daddy was up and ready, so they waiting on the stairs for about 10 minutes until Daddy was ready to go down.

Wow! Santa was good to everyone this year!

This was Kate's big gift this year...a new kitchen!

Angry birds was a big theme this year. Band-aids...

Stickers and tattoos...

Kate checks out her kitchen.

Kate decided that this box was as good a place as any to play with her new doll medical kit :-)

Angry birds beanbag toss game...

Kate thought the pot holder that came with her kitchen should go under her chin like a bib.

Celebrating at Grammy and Grandpa's house in the afternoon.

Spencer was dying to get at the presents under the tree.

Helping Grandpa open presents.

Check out my new slips!

Ooh, a new phone!

Christmas Eve

2012-02-02T15:23:00.005-05:00

We celebrated Christmas with Julie and Mom (and the family) on Christmas Eve.

Meeting Santa

2012-02-02T15:18:00.002-05:00

We went to the Columbia Mall to see "Sensitive Santa." The local autism society arranged for its members to go to the mall on a Saturday morning before it was open and meet Santa. We were given a number and told that we didn't have to wait in line, just stick around the general area. The escalator was turned off, and no music was playing for those kids with sensory issues. It was a great experience, and we'll be doing it again next year!

Daddy and Kate were coloring while waiting.

Spencer preferred to wait right by the non-moving escalator. He really wanted to ride it but we couldn't.

Pretty girl all dolled up for Santa!

I can't believe that neither kid was afraid of the big guy this year. Spencer acted like he was old friends with Santa, and Kate went along with whatever Spencer did.

It was Spencer's first year to really tell Santa what he wanted, and he had these items on his list: Thomas (the tank engine) and Chuggington (another train set).

Kate played on the escalator with Daddy while Mommy and Spencer waited for our official picture to print.

Here is the official picture!

Fall 2011

2012-01-22T16:37:00.001-05:00

It was a beautiful day in the Fall, and the kids wanted to "help" rake the leaves.

Showing support for Mommy and Daddy doing all the hard work by watching and eating a snack.

Spencer also shows support by reading his magazine and drinking his juice.

Autism Walk

2011-11-11T14:10:00.001-05:00

It was a cold day, but at least it wasn't windy and the sun was out.

Kate is fueling up on donuts before the big walk.

Showing off our custom "Spencer's Stars" shirts that I had made.

This guy was so nice to the kids. They had a bunch of people dressed up from Star Wars, and this guy came right over to us and let the kids play with his light saber.

Anticipating the walk and watching the runners start.

Spencer did a great job getting his face painted. He looked at the board with all the designs, and said to the lady, "I want a train." And a train he got :-)

Sadie went all out and got the entire fishbowl with sea horse, star fish, and more :-)

The kids loved the bounce house. Kate wouldn't go in until I took her in, but then she loved it.

The slide was a big hit!

Trick or Treat!

2011-11-11T14:07:00.001-05:00

Getting ready to go out and beg for candy!

Our beautiful garden gnome

Our gorgeous pretty princess

And our fast driver, Lightning McQueen

Thank you Ms. Theresa!

Kate's turn to get candy from Ms. Theresa

Trick or Treat!

The Werners were all dressed up, and came out to trick or treat with us.

Hey, this is my tree! Get lost, other gnome!

We always end the night by trick or treating with Grandma at home.

Halloween Parades at School

2011-11-11T13:58:00.001-05:00

We went to Spencer's school for his parade and mini party.

Spencer was one of the few kids who listened to the teachers and sat on the rug while the kids were finishing putting their costumes on.

Some of Spencer's Pre-K class in their costumes. I love Mario and Princess Peaches!

Walking out to the parade route...

Waiting to be called for the parade...

Daddy is rocking the parade route, talking to kids, giving high fives.

Spencer is checking out Elmo.

Spencer got to frost and decorate a cookie with lots of candy corn and sprinkles.

After we finished at Spencer's school, it was time to go to Kate's daycare for her parade and little party.

Kate's class is peeking out of the door, waiting for their turn.

There she is...our little garden gnome!

Aww, the kids are playing :-)

Kate's group picture for her class.

A nice family shot where we are all almost looking at the camera.

Eating pumpkin muffins at Kate's party.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-11-11T13:45:00.001-05:00

We went to Larriland Farm to pick our pumpkins this year. It was an unseasonably warm day, and the kids had a great time.

The kids are searching for The Great Pumpkin!

Having fun riding in the wheelbarrow while we search for pumpkins.

Trying them out by sitting on them :-)

Family picture where the kids are obviously looking at something else.

Matt has a full load with 2 kids and 2 pumpkins (probably about 85 pounds!).

Spencer loved this big tractor.

Witches Brew!

Atypical Saturday Morning

2011-10-10T14:01:00.001-04:00

I wish all Saturday mornings were like this...

Typical Siblings

2011-10-10T13:58:00.000-04:00

Kate decided to sit on Spencer's back while he played with his Thomas racetrack.

And then Spencer decided to buck her off.

This picture makes me laugh every time :-)

[FYI...Kate was not hurt during this incident.]

Day Out with Thomas, Strasburg, PA 09/17/2011

2011-10-10T13:56:00.001-04:00

[Disclaimer: the pictures are out of order but this new format of the website is driving me crazy so I'm not fixing them.]

Nice family photo taken by the "official" photographer of Day Out with Thomas.

Kate isn't sure what to think about the train.

Spencer and Mommy are waiting to wave to Thomas.

Hi Thomas! Peep peep!

Kate is almost as excited as Spencer I think to see Thomas.

This is Spencer's "say cheese" face.

Oh my gosh! I'm riding on Thomas!

Spencer gave our tickets to the conductor.

Self portrait that Matt took outside the train window.

Chugga chugga choo choo!

Despite the cold and rain, we had a great time!

Playing Together 09/2011

2011-10-10T13:46:00.001-04:00

The kids are actually playing nicely together.

Kate pulled her classic move and came to sit on my lap.

If there is a lap to be had, Kate will back right up and sit down.

Ukranian Festival 09/2011

2011-10-10T13:43:00.001-04:00

A rare family shot.

As soon as we got to the Festival, Spencer was all about the shark. So Matt bought 12 tickets, and Spencer would hand the guy a ticket and just keep going back until all the tickets were gone.

Kate and Zoe hung out while Spencer was going down the slide.

Phew, sure was hot!

Kate tries to cool off with some delicious lemonade.

1st day of school (pre-school and pre-k) 09/2011

2011-10-10T13:37:00.004-04:00

Spencer still wasn't feeling 100% so he was having a hard time on his first day of school.

(Note the red eyes and nose.)

Grandma made him laugh though so that was a good start.

Waiting for Ms. Marie and bus #298.

Grandpa is always good for a laugh.

2011-10-10T13:34:00.000-04:00

Poor Spencer was sick when we went to Southern Maryland with Uncle Andrew, Aunt Ulana, Izzie and Zoe. We tried to watch the air show from the restaurant but couldn't see much.

Spencer thought the jelly fish were cool.

Spencer did love the bridge to Solomon's Island and is still talking about going back and

driving over the bridge.

Kate took a rest on Aunt Ulana's lap. So comfy!

Spencer took a rest on Uncle Andrew's couch and actually fell asleep.

Kate got her second wind when we got home and was trying out Spencer's new backpack.

Oh no! The baby isn't buckled in and is falling out, the car keys are on the ground!

What a mess, Kate!

Miscellaneous August 2011

2011-10-10T13:24:00.001-04:00

This girl loves balloons from Red Robin and Harris Teeter.

I think she stole this one from her brother.

Kate decided to help herself to some crackers in the pantry. Yummy!

Kate loves to push her doll around the house (when she herself isn't taking a turn in her doll stroller).

She is very safety conscious though...you have to make sure the doll is buckled in!

Kate loves to play with Elmo's Restaurant which is on loan from Sadie.

Notice that the rice goes in the fridge, and everything else is in the oven.

Poor Spencer wasn't feeling well when Mommy snapped this picture.

Notice that he is playing with his car ramp while wearing his Cars jammies.

Hurricane Irene 08/26/2011

2011-10-10T13:14:00.000-04:00

Spencer and Matt survey the damage to the 4 trees in our backyard.

Spencer and Sadie did a great job helping Matt pick up some of the debris in the front yard using Spencer's handy front loader.

Howard County Fair August 2011

2011-08-17T13:04:00.009-04:00

Spencer liked the soft, fluffy bunnies.

Holy cow, what are these things? The kids weren't too sure about the chickens and the roosters because they were so loud.

Fluffy chickens are silly!

I attest that no eyes were poked out this year by little hands.

Phew, it sure is hot!

I have a big tractor!

This feels weird on my feet but I kind of like it!

This funnel is so cool!

Kate really liked the mama pig and her little piggies.

Rainy Day in August 2011

2011-08-17T13:01:00.005-04:00

Daddy let the kids play on the deck on a sunny but rainy day. Kate loved it and didn't care one bit that she was getting wet.

Spencer, on the other hand, wasn't too sure (even though he loves taking showers).

What should we do on a rainy day??? Why, we should play Scrabble!

Hmm, is this a word?

Misc. July 2011

2011-08-17T12:56:00.007-04:00

Kate and Spencer love to play on Spencer's bed. They usually jump and wrestle until...

Spencer ends up pinning Kate down on her belly. Surprisingly, she usually ends up laughing after he tackles her.

Jump Jump Jump!

Aunt Julie was brave enough to make cupcakes with the kids one day. I think more eggs ended up on the floor than in the bowl!

Aww, Kate likes to feed her doll. A little for the dolly...

...and some for me! Phew, playing makes me thirsty!

Pool Party - July 2011

2011-08-17T12:53:00.006-04:00

We went to a pool party at an indoor pool hosted by the Howard County Autism Society. We had a great time! Spencer and Kate both wore life jackets for the first time.

Fun in the Sun - July 2011

2011-08-17T12:50:00.005-04:00

Hose water is so refreshing!

Time for roof ball!

Sadie plays along on her kazoo.

Aww, I love the crinkly nose!

Spencer's 4th Birthday

2011-08-17T12:39:00.009-04:00

Spencer drew a picture of the birthday boy. I think it was wishful thinking with him counting up to 5 (he really wants to be 5 this year!).

I don't know what is wrong with this picture or the font... Kate is waiting for the festivities to begin.

Spencer plays a quick game of Zingo with Mommy before the party.

Happy Birthday Spencer! This cake might look very similar to last year's cake...he wanted the same design!

Sadie liked helping Spencer open his presents.

Ooh, what is this...more Thomas stuff?

Sadie got a present from Pat and Phil for her birthday.

More presents!

Daycare Picnic - June 2011

2011-07-10T12:30:00.008-04:00

One of Kate's teachers, Ms. Jenn, is helping her dig a hole to plant the flowers that we brought to the school.

Mommy helps too. Actually, Mommy ended up doing it all since Kate wasn't really interested.

She did like to water the flowers though after they were planted.

Spencer LOVED the picnic at Kate's school because it was held on the playground. He only stopped playing long enough to have one drink of water and to eat a popsicle.

Kate is anxiously waiting for the butterflies that her class "grew" to be released.

Ms. Bonnie releases the butterflies!!!

All the pictures of Spencer were blurry...I guess he was just moving too fast!

Here is my rake, Daddy! Yay!

Fun in the Sun Day

2011-07-03T14:43:00.010-04:00

The preschool classes at Spencer's school had a "Fun in the Sun" day that I was able to attend. The kids from station to station to play with different things. This was the water balloon station.

Spencer watered the flowers (aka weeds and dirt).

Making mud.

This is Spencer's fierce soccer playing face.

Kicking the ball with his friend.

Painting station

Spencer wrote his name on the school. Don't tell the teacher!

This little car/slide was so cool!

Curacao - Day 5

2011-07-03T14:39:00.005-04:00

Last day in Curacao... We saw this huge shipped docked right near our hotel. I'm standing by the fresh water pool.

Curacao - Day 4

2011-07-03T14:34:00.007-04:00

A cool church that we liked.

Ahh, the beach. Surprisingly, it was very rocky in the water.

Just got back from chasing some fish.

Chilling by the water.

Recovering by the pool after a long day at the beach. :-)

Curacao - Happy Anniversary!

2011-07-03T14:31:00.003-04:00

Curacao - Day 3

2011-07-03T14:23:00.010-04:00

We took a jeep tour of part of the island including a blow hole and a couple caves.

We had a great time bouncing around.

Make a wish!

Can you believe I was in a cave ... with BATS???

Thar she blows!

Cool cave

Curacao - Day 2

2011-07-02T13:25:00.013-04:00

We went to the Seaquarium in Curacao. This flamingo had just nipped me in the arm so Matt had to go check it out.

Swimming with the fishes.

Matt got to feed the turtle. (I can't for the life of me get this picture to rotate.)

Out on the town.

I had to try a drink with Blue Curacao in it while we were there.

Curacao - Day 1

2011-07-02T13:19:00.008-04:00

This was the view from our balcony. Ahhh, relaxing...

Matt poses with a cannon outside the Rif Fort.

I was so tired and sick that this is the best smile I could muster. Our flight left at 6 AM that morning so I didn't get a lot of sleep.

But this sure helped me get through the evening. Notice the test tube of rum next to the pineapple!

This huge ship came right by the bar we were at.

Roller Skating - Take 2

2011-07-02T13:09:00.004-04:00

We took Spencer and Sadie roller skating when the Autism Society had a special party. They loved it!

Classic Spencer move ... trying to save himself from falling.

Kate and Sadie tried to play hide and seek at the restaurant after skating.

Easter 2011

2011-05-07T12:58:00.012-04:00

Spencer looks like a cool dude in his new sunglasses that the Easter Bunny brought him.

What a sweet princess!

Spencer finds his first egg on his first egg hunt!

Look what I found Mommy!

Sadie is doing quite well and is in search of more eggs...

Look Mommy, my basket is almost full!

Kate still have the first (and only) egg that she found.

After egg hunt crafts on the deck.

Spencer is trying to figure out how the bubble guy works that Grandma Lorrie got for Kate.

Train Show April 2011

2011-05-07T12:43:00.010-04:00

We took the kids to a model train show in Timonium on a rainy Saturday in April. Spencer (and Daddy too) of course loved it!

Spencer is posing with Thomas and Friends. "Take it home?"

Tough choices...which one to get?

I loved that he had this smile on his face ALL.DAY.LONG!

Even Kate was able to get into the action once we found the kids play area.

Roller Skating - Take 1

2011-05-07T12:36:00.007-04:00

Spencer was invited to a roller skating party for one of his friends from school. This is his first time on skates!

Mommy was getting tired, trying to hold Spencer up, so we took a break for a minute.

Goofing around...

Mommy didn't have skates on so we couldn't go out in the rink. It was okay though because Spencer wasn't very stable unless we were on carpet anyway.

Spencer finally stopped long enough to have a piece of cake (or 2!) with the birthday boy, Nolan.

Spencer LOVED roller skating!!!

Miscellaneous Spring 2011

2011-05-07T11:57:00.004-04:00

Spencer is doing activities in his Pre-School workbook. He loves to learn!

Kate is rearranging the cabinets and drawers. Who knew how much fun ziploc bags were???

Uncle Matt takes a snack break with Sadie on the deck.

Kate's 1st Birthday Party

2011-02-28T14:22:00.013-05:00

After her morning nap, Kate was happy and ready to receive her birthday guests.

Grandma Lorrie had a great idea to keep Spencer and Sadie entertained until the party started - coloring books and bubbles!

The giant cupcake had a little gravity problem with the icing. It sure tasted great though!

Wow, how do you cut that thing?

Kate actually liked to play with her cupcake first...

Before tasting it. Yum!

The Payan - Call cousins really enjoyed their cupcakes!

Spencer had one cupcake (or maybe it was two or three?).

Sadie just digs right in to her chocolate cupcake!

Kate is showing off her mad walking skills.

It was a beautiful day so we spent a lot of the party on the deck.

Kate is playing with one of her new presents.

And quietly playing with her other presents.

Snow January 2011

2011-02-18T13:40:00.011-05:00

I think we got about 8" of snow with this storm in January. This is a look down our street the day after.

What a change a year makes! Spencer hated the snow last year, but this year he loves it!

Daddy and Spencer sledding (which Spencer also loved!).

Crash!

Kate decided to stay indoors and play instead of venturing in the snow.

The next day Aunt Julie came over to sled with Spencer. Crash! That hill is seriously fast!

Sadie took it easy in her sled at the bottom of the hill. Smart girl!

The playground was lots of fun in the snow.

Sharing hot cocoa :-)

January 2011

2011-02-18T13:31:00.009-05:00

Mommy made Spencer a nutritious breakfast of eggs and toast, but he chose to eat cheesy poofs and blueberries instead.

Kate liked eating eggs for the first time.

Just chilling with Daddy :-)

Spencer found this hat in our box of Christmas stuff. And even though it is meant for a much smaller head, he insists on wearing it. Where's Waldo???

I love seeing them play together!

Kate loves her new train that Grandma Lorrie got her for Christmas.

Spencer is the ultimate multi-tasker...eating breakfast and playing with sticker shapes at the same time. (Don't worry...that is Daddy's Coke, not Spencer's!)

Spencer gingerly licks his chocolate frosted cupcake that he picked out for Aunt Cindy's birthday.

Christmas Eve / Christmas Day 2010

2011-02-12T15:51:00.010-05:00

While Spencer and Sadie made the gingerbread train on Christmas Eve, Kate hung out in her high chair.

The finished product.

Yay! It's Christmas morning! Kate wanted to sit on Spencer's lap (with some help from Mommy).

Ooh, is that another Thomas present???

Kate doesn't really care what is in the box, just that she can hold her Weeble in one hand and try to eat the paper.

Spencer loves taking pictures with his new camera!

Kate is modeling her new hat that Cousin Donna sent.

December 2010

2011-02-08T20:09:00.017-05:00

Kate is a great pianist and takes requests too!

Spencer loved helping Mommy decorate the Christmas tree. After he picked up each ornament, he would ask, "Where does this one go?"

Very proud of his work!

Kate checks out a hedgehog on the tree.

Thanks for my stocking, Aunt Julie!!

Spencer is wondering why Kate is chewing on his Santa hat...

Spencer tried out his new "big boy" booster seat even before it was put in the car.

Thomas hat. Check. Fruit roll up. Check. Okay, we're ready to roll, Mommy!

Kate looks comfy in her new big girl car seat. Spencer was nice enough to lend it to Kate now that he is too big for it. What a nice big brother!

We took the kids (along with Aunt Julie and Sadie) for a quick walk to see the neighbor's Christmas lights / yard.

Christmas lights!

Kate really enjoyed looking at the lights on the tree and trying to taste all the ornaments.

Sadie came over to help decorate Christmas cookies.

Spencer prefers to decorate by tasting them :-)

Kate and Spencer love playing with the house that Uncle Joe and Aunt Jody sent for Christmas. Notice Spencer's very nice Christmas light hat that he made at school.

November 2010

2010-12-14T20:37:00.010-05:00

We had a post-Halloween playgroup with Spencer's original playgroup and all the siblings. We started with 6 babies 3 1/2 years ago and have grown to 12 kids (with one on the way)!

Can you believe that she is always happy when she wakes up? Her eyes are closed because she has likes to anticipate the flash :-)

Happy Thanksgiving! Gobble gobble gobble!

Cowgirl Sadie Leigh came by for a visit and played with Kate in her playpen.

Kate is making the rounds by walking around the edge of her playpen.

Spencer drew a train on his Magnadoodle. It is much better than having Mommy and Daddy draw train after train after train...

Kate is on the move! Nothing stops her!

Happy Thanksgiving! Playing in Spencer's room before bed.

Spencer has been torn lately between wanting to have his picture taken or sitting on Mommy's lap while she takes one so that he can see the digital screen. Best of both worlds here I guess :-)

October 2010

2010-11-07T14:38:00.019-05:00

Kate likes to use the army crawl method to get to her toys, especially her guitar. She is very musical!

Sadie and Spencer love to do crafts on the weekend...painting, sticker shapes, coloring.

Then they take a snack break on the deck.

Or a dinner break. Table for two?

We went to a local petting farm one weekend. Spencer wasn't too sure about the animals this time.

It sure was hot!

Spencer rests on a giant mushroom.

And then a rest with Mommy in a whale's mouth.

This was the view from our hay ride.

Most of a family picture.

Sadie spent the night and took over Kate's baby jail for the night in lieu of a crib. The kids hung out there the next morning on her "bed."

Mommy finally got to put Spencer on the school bus one morning. This is where he waits...

Oh, here comes the bus!

And his fabulous driver, Ms. Jamie.

Kate took Spencer for a ride around the house.

But she prefers to drive solo.

Cutest picture of the cousins holding hands down the slide.

Froggie says Ribbett!

Go Horsey Go!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-07T14:24:00.015-05:00

We started Halloween weekend off by visiting Spencer at school for the parade and trick-or-treating through the office and kindergarten classes. Spencer is posing with his friend Nolan, the knight.

Trick or treat! Say Thank You!

Spencer's class

Daddy supervises snack time.

Spencer went out to the "pumpkin patch" and picked a pumpkin to decorate with his friend Aria.

Buzz Lightyear...To Infinity and Beyond!

Decorating his pumpkin with Ms. Barbara.

Aunt Julie and Sadie joined us for trick-or-treating on Halloween night.

Buzz Lightyear and our little Ladybug

Don't forget Minnie Mouse!

Checking out his loot

M's will do the trick!

September 2010

2010-09-26T07:39:00.011-04:00

After many tries, we finally got a picture of all three kids sitting on the bench. Please ignore Kate's snowman bib. I realize it is still summer but it was the first bib I grabbed :-)

Spencer is sporting Aunt Julie's sunglasses. He is one cool dude!

Uncle Toby and Aunt Miryam visited from Seattle, and Kate got to meet Miryam for the first time. I thought we took a picture of Toby too but we must have missed it this trip.

Kate loves her various exersaucers and jumperoos. Here she is attacking an unsuspecting dinosaur in a shopping cart.

Spencer loves playing trains...

...and so does Daddy! Somehow the trains just keep growing.

Who's that girl??? It's Kate!

Mommy bought Spencer a Diego scooter at a consignment sale, and he loved it! It was the best $4 ever spent! (Not to mention the story that goes behind it...Aunt Julie practically stole it from another Mom who was looking at it. Hey, not our fault she let go of it!)

Sadie gives it a try and likes it too. Go Diego Go!

Misc. August 2010

2010-09-05T16:02:00.002-04:00

Spencer and Daddy were having a good time filling up Spencer's front loader with water.

...and then dumping it!

Sunday #27 08/29/10

2010-09-05T15:59:00.003-04:00

Sadie and Spencer played outside with the water table all day. Spencer was apparently missing from the pictures though.

Sunday #26 08/22/10

2010-09-05T15:58:00.001-04:00

For some reason, we didn't take a pictures this week. Hmmm, guess we were busy.

Sunday #25 08/15/10

2010-09-05T15:56:00.001-04:00

Spencer and Kate like to get ready for night-night on Mommy's bed.

Sunday #24 08/08/10

2010-09-05T15:52:00.002-04:00

Spencer and Sadie had a great time playing with the sand box at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Messy messy!

Kate isn't ready for sand yet so she chilled with Grandpa.

Sunday #23 08/01/10

2010-09-05T15:50:00.002-04:00

Kate is enjoying a very hot day at the airport playground.

Spencer doesn't seem to mind the heat. Airplanes!!!

Misc. July 2010

2010-07-26T15:39:00.005-04:00

I took the kids over to Aunt Beth and Steven's house one afternoon to go swimming. Spencer wasn't sure that he wanted to go in and actually stayed in this position for a long time. Mommy finally just picked him up and handed him to cousin Steven in the pool who finally got him to come in.

And as soon as he was in the pool, he had a great time!

Spencer has recently discovered covers and now loves to cuddle under them whenever possible. He wanted to watch Elmo one morning in Mommy and Daddy's bed and had to be under the covers.

Kate is showing off her mad rolling skills here. In one day she learned how to roll from her back to her tummy and then back again. She is unstoppable now. Look out!

And then she crashed in Mommy and Daddy's bed from all the rolling with Spencer's blanket tucked under her chin. Developing is hard work!

Sunday #22 07/25/10

2010-07-26T15:33:00.005-04:00

Spencer spent part of his Sunday either screaming for an ice cream cone or actually enjoying one. What you can't see is that he is not wearing any pants, his new fashion style :-)

Kate thought that it was getting sunny in the kitchen in her exersaucer so she had to wear her hat. Safety first, Kate always says.

We took the kids along with Aunt Julie and Sadie to the Autism Society's summer pool party at a local pool. Kate went "swimming" for the first time as cousin Sadie watches.

Spencer LOVED the water although he wasn't too sure about the giant mushroom thing that had water raining down.

Cute family shot with Aunt Julie behind the lens.

Sunday #21 07/18/10

2010-07-26T14:59:00.002-04:00

Spencer decided it was time to start using the potty, so he did! This is his first pair of big boy underpants. He has lots of different characters but frequently requests Thomas.

Baby Kate, the diaper goes on your bottom not your head! Silly Baby!

Sunday #20 07/11/10

2010-07-26T14:56:00.004-04:00

Spencer licks the batter from the cake that Aunt Julie made for Mommy's birthday. It was his first taste of batter, and you can tell he liked it!

Kate likes to hang out in one of her two exersaucers. I think this one is 2nd choice, but she is usually in this one more often than the other one. Choices...choices...

Sunday #19 07/04/10

2010-07-07T12:18:00.010-04:00

[Disclaimer: I cheated and am also posting pictures from 07/03/10.]

Julie has a lapful of kids!

Kate is such a firecracker that she needs shades!

Sadie is sporting her shades (she let Kate borrow them).

Kate with her cousin Steven.

Aww, Mama and baby Kate.

Uncle Matt and Sadie Leigh. Nice hat, Sadie!

It looks like Spencer wants to hug Sadie, but he was probably plotting against her and getting ready to push her as usual.

Sadie (and then Spencer) tried to feed Kate from a doll bottle. You can see that Kate likes it and is happy to play.

Poor Spencer

2010-07-06T16:52:00.006-04:00

Spencer happened upon a yellow jacket nest without knowing it, and they were not happy about it. He got stung about a half dozen times at least on his face (eyes, cheeks, lips). Matt was near him when it happened so he grabbed Spencer and threw him into my arms because I was on the other side of the swarm before we ran in the house. Spence got it the worst with Matt getting a couple stings on his arms. I was lucky and only got one sting on my arm, and Julie got one on her finger when she tried to get a yellow jacket off of Matt's shirt.

It was very scary! Spencer's face started swelling immediately so we rushed him to urgent care since we didn't know if he was allergic or not. The doctor saw us as soon as we got there because he wanted to check Spencer's airway to make sure his throat wasn't swelling. Everything looked good so he said to just try a cold compress (Spence was having no part in that) and Benedryl to stop the itching and swelling.

I know how much my one sting hurt, and I couldn't imagine the pain that Spencer endured on his face. He is such a trooper! He cried a lot when it happened and for a while after. He wanted to cuddle with Mommy and actually waited by the door the whole time I was at the grocery store getting the Benedryl.

The 3 pictures above were taken probably about an hour after it happened. His lip and right eye were the most swollen, but he also had one on his finger that was giving him trouble.

This was taken the next morning. His right eye was almost swollen shut. I don't think he even noticed that something was wrong with it. The only thing he did when he first woke up was to try to lift his eyelid. After that, he acted fine.

This was later in the day. Still swollen.

First Rice Cereal

2010-07-06T16:50:00.003-04:00

Kate has a first taste of rice cereal. She doesn't love it but doesn't spit it all out. Hopefully she will start liking it more because we need her to sleep better at night!

Misc. June 2010

2010-07-06T16:44:00.005-04:00

Spencer took a nap in the chair one day. It doesn't look comfortable, but he doesn't seem to mind.

Playing with his water table and bubble train. His favorite things to do on the deck.

Flirty Kate

Pretty in Purple

Surprised Kate (Trogdor the Burninator!)

Sunday #18 06/27/10

2010-06-30T15:37:00.004-04:00

Spencer at 3 years years old...
LIKES:

Letters, numbers, reading
His baby sister, Kate
Chasing kitty cat around the house while yelling "MEOW!"
TALKING!
Apple juice, milk, water, cake
Going to the store in Mommy's car
Bubbles, water, and other outside toys
His cousin, Sadie, finally!
Going to school

DISLIKES:

When Baby Kate cries
Coming in from playing outside
Napping
Getting his hair cut
Meat, macaroni & cheese

Kate at 4 months old...

Rolled over front to back (just once so far)
Loves to chew on her hands or dress
Is a very messy eater, and you can't look at her when she is eating or she will smile
Loves to smile and laugh
Is a very happy baby
Does not like to sleep through the night
Puts up with her big brother burping her, trying to turn her over, etc.
Desperately wants to roll over from her back to her front but can't figure it out yet. Instead she somehow scoots around without ever rolling.

Cousins

2010-06-30T15:28:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday Sadie!

2010-06-30T15:22:00.007-04:00

Sadie's pretty Dora cake.

Make a wish!

Dora Dora the Explorer!

Sporting her new Dora backpack.

Testing...1...2...3...

Yay! More Dora!

Imagine

2010-06-29T11:49:00.001-04:00

Spencer likes to play with the mobile in Kate's crib.

Sunday #18 06/27/10

2010-06-29T11:45:00.003-04:00

Spencer's latest escapade is to climb into Kate's crib and play with her mobile, which plays John Lennon's "Imagine." Luckily he doesn't usually do it when Kate is in the crib too.

Kate looks so pretty with her brown and pink against the handmade blanket.

Spencer had a take a turn on the blanket too. Usually wherever Kate is, Spencer is.

Happy Birthday Spencer!

2010-06-29T11:32:00.014-04:00

The theme this year had to be Thomas the Tank Engine :-) Spencer LOVED his cake and kept calling it his "Happy Cake" (a shortened version of Happy Birthday Cake). So cute!

Eating chips and dip with cousin Steven.

Everyone was having a good time and trying to stay cool on a very hot, hot, hot day.

Zoe and Izzie are practicing their computer skills.

Spencer liked opening presents this year.

Kate was cozy on one of the mom's laps and fell promptly asleep. This mom has 6 boys (yep, I said 6 boys) so she was more than happy to have a girl fix.

Happy Birthday to you, my dear Spencer!

Finally you get to eat your Happy Cake! Note to self for next year: only white frosting. No green or blue please. It stains everything!

Stained hands, arms, face, shirt...

Cool doodle water thing from Grandma Lorrie.

Neat farm animal block puzzle from his school friend Jayden.

Uncanny

2010-06-29T11:29:00.003-04:00

This picture was taken of Kate in June 2010 at almost 4 months old.

This picture was taken of Spencer in October 2007 at almost 4 months old.

Uncanny resemblance!

Sunday #17 06/20/10

2010-06-29T11:18:00.005-04:00

Happy Father's Day!

Spencer was tooling around the house on the tricycle that Sadie got for her birthday.

Last Day of School

2010-06-29T11:08:00.006-04:00

I had to get a picture of Spencer's school.

Spencer with his teacher, Ms. Bonnie. She was such a great teacher to Spencer, and a great support to Mommy!

Wearing his backpack.

Despite the funny look, Spencer was actually enjoying his chicken nugget meal at Chick-Fil-A. I am hoping to start a new tradition of doing something special on the last day of school.

One of his teachers gave him a paint set that he had to use immediately. He made a Father's day painting for Daddy!

Strumming his guitar, looking like a rock star already :-)

Early Birthday Present

2010-06-29T11:06:00.003-04:00

Grandma Lorrie bought new bedding for Spencer's birthday. He loves it! "Blue stars!"

Everything is reversible so this is just one combination. Now we just have to hang the curtains.

End of School

2010-06-16T15:00:00.005-04:00

Spencer's teacher, Miss Bonnie, invited the parents to come to school during his last week to play with the kids. Spencer is sporting his visor with his name on it.

In the fire truck. Wooo Wooo!

Fishing with Mommy while friend Katie looks on and Miss Gayle helps.

Katie is holding Spencer's visor for him while escaping the heat.

In the school bus. Beep Beep!

Sleepy Kate

2010-06-16T14:56:00.005-04:00

Kate falls asleep anywhere. On her changing table after getting a diaper change...

in her swing...
and even in her Bumbo.

Siblings

2010-06-16T14:52:00.006-04:00

Spencer loves his sister, and Kate loves her brother. Just look at the fun they have!

Misc. June 2010

2010-06-16T14:48:00.007-04:00

Kate watches as Spencer plays on his laptop.

Eating an ice cream cone (his new favorite words) while wearing his Halloween pants. Yep, he is a fashion icon!

Spencer watches carefully as his train of animals crosses over the bridge. He says "Neigh Neigh Neigh" and "Baa Baa Baa" as each animal crosses through. Cute!

Aww, happy Kate!

Sunday #16 06/13/10

2010-06-16T14:44:00.005-04:00

We were getting ready to go to another birthday party for one of Spencer's playgroup friends. His friend William turned 3, and William's triplet brothers turned 1. Can you imagine triplet boys???

"Girl Power!" or maybe Kate was just stretching.

Sunday #15 06/06/10

2010-06-16T14:37:00.004-04:00

Spencer and I attended a birthday party for Luca, one of his playgroup friends. He went in a bounce house / ball pit for the first time, and he loved it!

Aww, Kate loves her daddy! At least that's what her shirt says.

Spencer at School

2010-06-03T10:30:00.002-04:00

Every morning they sing a song to welcome each child to school. Spencer loves this part of his day and often sings the song at home too (inserting each of his classmates names).

Misc. May 2010

2010-06-03T10:23:00.005-04:00

Spencer wasn't feeling well and fell asleep on the floor in the living room, right next to Kate sleeping in the glider. This is very unusual for him!

Uncle Toby came to visit and got to meet Kate for the first time. She slept through the visit, as did Spencer (see picture above).

Spencer's teacher invited all the moms to school for Mother's Day, and I was honored to be able to attend. The kids didn't know we were coming and once they saw us, they were so excited!

Spencer didn't really want to play during recess because I was there. Actually, none of the kids wanted to play because of the moms. They were too excited!

We had a picnic on the lawn with lots of yummy treats like cheese sticks, fruit and juice.

Sunday #14 05/30/10

2010-06-03T10:22:00.002-04:00

Daddy couldn't get much done on the computer with both kids on his lap. All he needed was Kitty to join him.

Sunday #13 05/23/10

2010-06-03T10:16:00.007-04:00

No pictures of the kids this weekend because Mommy and Daddy went to Michigan alone for Mommy's 20th high school reunion.

Mommy lived in this house in Lapeer during junior high and high school. It used to be white, but red looks much better.
646 N. Madison Street

Mommy lived in this house when she first moved to Lapeer. It looks like the house isn't in that great of condition, and the fence is not pretty. We had a nice split rail fence that looked so much better.
2349 Farnsworth Road

Mommy is pretending she knows what she is doing on this locomotive. She doesn't.

Daddy is always hoping for a train, but it was Sunday and not much going on.

Sunday #12 05/16/10

2010-06-03T10:13:00.001-04:00

Kate is modeling her gifts from Grandma and Grandpa Nottingham - a new sun hat, monogrammed blanket and toy. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa! I have used all of them already!

Sunday #11 05/09/10

2010-06-03T10:10:00.003-04:00

Spencer loves to see what Kate is doing and gets as close to her as possible, even if he is eating a snack (cream cheese on crackers at this time).

Spencer gets very concerned when Baby Kate cries. See the look of worry on his face? Poor guy is so sensitive when it comes to his sister.

Sunday #10 05/02/10

2010-06-03T10:05:00.005-04:00

We went to a birthday party for Ryan, the brother of one of Spencer's playgroup friends. Spencer definitely enjoyed his monkey cupcake and almost couldn't wait for the Happy Birthday song to be over before lunging across the table to get his cupcake.

Kate had to get all dressed up for the party. It was a little warm though to be wearing a quilted dress.

We take every chance we can get to get a family picture. Especially while Kate isn't mobile yet.

Sunday #9 04/25/10

2010-05-02T19:44:00.005-04:00

This was a special Sunday...Mama and Daddy took Spencer to Baltimore to see (and ride on) Thomas the Tank Engine!!! (Kate spent the afternoon with Grandma and Grandpa.)

Hi Thomas!!!

Lunch break. It was a little windy and chilly, but the rain held off thankfully.

Daddy and Spencer on the train. Thomas is pulling out of the station now!!!

Kate is so cool she needs to wear sunglasses...

...or she can go for the more studious look if she wants.

Happy Family

2010-05-02T19:37:00.003-04:00

Mama was comforting Kate on her bed when Spencer wanted to climb up on her lap too to watch TV. Good think Kate doesn't mind that her big brother was leaning on her!

Daddy had both a sleeping baby and kitty on his lap, but Chessie got scared when Mama started to take the picture.

Sunday #8 04/18/10

2010-05-02T19:34:00.003-04:00

Spencer decided to eat the jelly off his toast first with a spoon before eating the toast. The boy sure knows what he likes, and it has to be done his way!

This picture is self-explanatory...CUTE!

Sunday #7 04/11/10

2010-05-02T19:30:00.004-04:00

A little late, but Kate's shirt says "Welcome to the World." Welcome, Baby Kate (6 weeks late)!

What a happy boy!!!

Sunday #6 04/04/10

2010-04-05T16:06:00.003-04:00

Baby Kate's first Easter, and her first dress. She isn't too sure about it yet.

Spencer and Sadie loved hanging out in cousin Steven's tent. Spencer just kept saying, "Pillow" for the air bed.

Sunday #5 03/28/10

2010-04-05T15:59:00.005-04:00

Kate's hospital stay :-( She is wearing a little hospital gown and has a blanket that was made and donated by a local woman.

Kate in her vapor tent at the hospital. It really helped her breathe well.

Spencer at the tot lot a few days before. (I had to cheat since I wasn't home on Sunday to take a picture of him.)

Sunday #4 03/21/10

2010-04-05T15:58:00.004-04:00

Unfortunately, there aren't any pictures from this day. Mama was too sick to take any.

Sunday #3 03/14/10

2010-03-15T10:24:00.002-04:00

Spencer is looking at all his books on Mama and Daddy's bed. It kept him occupied for quite a while!

Kate wrapped up after her first real bath (in the kitchen sink no less).

Sunday #2 03/07/10

2010-03-15T10:21:00.003-04:00

Spencer got in the storage cube where his DVD's are kept. He was having fun playing in there.

Kate with Aunt Julie, taking a much deserved nap.

Sunday #1 02/28/10

2010-03-15T10:19:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday, Katherine Anna! We are so happy you are here, even if you were impatient to wait one more week.

{Disclaimer: there are no pictures of Spence because I was in the hospital, and he was at Grandma and Grandpa's, recovering from the stomach flu.}

Sundays with Spencer and Kate

2010-03-15T10:17:00.002-04:00

I hope to start posting weekly pictures taken each Sunday of Spencer and Kate so we can see how much they grow from week to week. I wish I had done this when Spence was a baby, but better late than never. I will be starting with Kate's birthday, which was Sunday February 28th.

Plane Spotting

2010-03-10T09:20:00.004-05:00

We had a very nice Spring day so we took Spencer to the airport park to play. He still loves it there!

Kate has her first trip to the playground. She liked it and slept through it.

Ooh, did you see that airplane???

Miscellaneous Spencer and Kate

2010-03-10T09:14:00.009-05:00

Sadie meets her cousin Kate for the first time. She's in love I think.

Spencer put himself in the box :-) His DVDs are in here, and he likes to get right in there.

Beaming Aunt Julie

Mama and daughter
Aww, unhappy Kate. This is rare because she is generally a happy baby who doesn't cry.

Daddy relaxes with Kate.

Spencer checks out the baby swing.

The Meeting of the Siblings

2010-03-10T09:11:00.003-05:00

Spencer is not a big fan of Kate's, despite how close he is sitting to her. The only reason he is that close is because he missed his Mama and wanted to snuggle with her.

Spencer is still not feeling well so he is relaxing on the couch.

Going Home

2010-03-10T09:04:00.006-05:00

Dressed in my first outfit and ready to go home. The outfit is too big because I'm so petite, and the hat is too small. But my pepe (pacifier) is just right!

Loaded in and ready to go. Come on, Nurse! We're ready :-)

Daddy is loaded up so we only have to make one trip to the car. This resulted in Mama having to carry flowers and the car seat on her lap, the nurse carried flowers, Mama's purse and pushed her in the wheelchair, and Daddy took the rest. Phew, we did it!

Grandma Pat finally gets to meet Kate.

Chilling at home on my Boppy.

This bassinet is a little big for me!

Baby Kate - Day 4

2010-03-10T09:01:00.003-05:00

Baby Kate - Day 3

2010-03-09T12:05:00.005-05:00

Baby Kate - Day 2

2010-03-09T11:57:00.009-05:00