Princess of Purple, with her magical rose (it glows, from Beauty and the Beast)
Sunkissed cheeks and feather soft eye lashes on my sleeping boy- who will be 2 in less than 3 weeks!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
sunkissed
Today was good. I made Clayton get up with the kids so I could sleep in (only fair, he got to sleep in yesterday and had a nap) till a wonderful 8:30am. It was pretty interrupted because my sweet children insist on coming in every few seconds to try to get me up, or want ME to do something that their dad is perfectly capable of doing. None the less, it was a wonderful time. After breakfast and a quick decision to hurry out the door we headed out for the day. I had the idea of taking the kids to the zoo this past week, but when we got there and saw the school buses, a full parking lot and a woman directing traffic I drove in and right back out of the parking lot to the park near by. The new Tiger exhibit opened last week, but I didn't think a weekday at opening would be busy. The sun was shining and we had plans to be in Norfolk for the afternoon so we headed there early and did the zoo. Great new exhibit, and we got out of there just as the crowds were pouring in. Clay's friday night co-ed softball team had set up a scrimmage game against a co-workers co-ed team. I was in charge of watching a coworkers sweet 7 month old daughter. Besides the sun being out, there was dirt to play in and a baby to hold so we had fun. The kids used their sand toys in the baseball dirt- and got more than covered from head to toe. The wind was deceptive, it made you not realize how warm the sun was. I am out of practice and didn't have us slathered in sunscreen. After we got home I realized how much we needed it- Elliot and I are a bit burned, Gabby and Clayton seemed to escape it some how. I ran to the store to pick up the new essentials: 50+ baby sunscreen and ice cream (buy one get one free, mint chocolate chip and a new favorite red velvet cake) while Clay washed the dirt off the kids. SUNday, we love you!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Sakura
Just a quick photo update, since Elliot is waking up from a nap as I type this. 
These two are morning rockstars! First day of Spring we got new sunglasses, and they are an everyday all day accessory.
One evening we went to the beach, it was a bit chilly once we got there but these two didn't want to leave, literally we had to carry E off the beach crying!
Cherry blossom festival was on Saturday, not anything too exciting except for pretty sakura.
see the blue sky, well there was a storm warning so the festival shut down an hour early (we were already in the car trying to leave) and two hours later after we got home (yes we moved 4 car lengths in an hour, and NO, it isn't a big festival!) the clouds were black and opened- for 5 minutes.
Off to enjoy the sunshine, and run the whines out of these cranky kids!
These two are morning rockstars! First day of Spring we got new sunglasses, and they are an everyday all day accessory.
One evening we went to the beach, it was a bit chilly once we got there but these two didn't want to leave, literally we had to carry E off the beach crying!
Cherry blossom festival was on Saturday, not anything too exciting except for pretty sakura.
see the blue sky, well there was a storm warning so the festival shut down an hour early (we were already in the car trying to leave) and two hours later after we got home (yes we moved 4 car lengths in an hour, and NO, it isn't a big festival!) the clouds were black and opened- for 5 minutes.
Off to enjoy the sunshine, and run the whines out of these cranky kids!
Monday, March 21, 2011
sing sweet
This is too funny not to share. If you notice the camera shaking, it was due to my laughter. Gabby and I went and saw The Little Mermaid play yesterday, and she wants to be in plays even more now after watching it. Her dream role is Cinderella, and she specifically asked if she could learn "Sing Sweet Nightengale" but those are the only words she knows as of now- and this song takes place in the movie when Cinderella is sitting on the floor cleaning it..... My carpets could use a little Cinderella, she's working on it! Love this girl, and her outift she designed!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
and it starts!
We are un-officially started in beach mode. For the second time in a week we had nice enough weather to make the beach an afternoon hangout. Friday was pretty wonderful, I watched a friends little girl while she did some "just bought a house" stuff. The kids played great, dress up, bubbles, babies, park, running and lots of eating. The timing was off just a bit so Elliot didn't get a nap- but he didn't seem to mind. Just after the little girl was picked up, Clay got home from work and we made a dash out of the house in our sandals and summer clothes. Elliot quickly remembered about that nap he needed, and was sound asleep when we got to the Oceanfront. The playground on the beach was pretty packed, everyone else decided it was the perfect place to be when it is 83* on a Friday afternoon in March. The kids didn't play on the toys- instead we spent our time walking in the sand, and Gabby splashed and frolicked in the chilly water! this picture is out of order, but I can't seem to move it.
This was Elliot the other night, as Clay said "he has a little bit of Grandpa Baba in him, jumping without hesitation...." Back in my dad's army days he was a member of the 101st Airborne, jumping out of planes! The camo pants and hat also are reminiscent of pictures I have seen from that time.
At first she needed a hand to hold while playing in the surf. These two are quite a pair.
This boy wasn't too sure about the water, he stuck pretty close to my spot in the warm sand.
Can you see the look on his face? Last year he was all about the water, but he is not quite as fearless with this being only our 2nd beach visit of the season. I have not doubts he will soon be all about the water again.
Is there anything sweeter? When you are 4 years old it is okay to hang at the beach in undies and a tank top because your pants got all wet- so your dad carries them around.
1st ladybug we have found this year. right next to one of Gabby's freckles- or "cutie marks".... aka a beauty mark. She has a cutie mark right almost on her lip too, similar to Auntie T, Auntie Randi and her best cowgirl cousin Audrie (partner in crime). If you know the blood relationships between these people it is pretty amazing they all have it in common.
Elliot was not the best walker on the walk... he kept stopping to roll around in the sand- and then would do this hilarious laugh to himself.
It was a gorgeous afternoon, followed by sub sandwiches for dinner and the whole family to bed early! So glad we got sunkissed yesterday, today it is cool and dark clouds are threatening to open up! Happy Weekend To All
This was Elliot the other night, as Clay said "he has a little bit of Grandpa Baba in him, jumping without hesitation...." Back in my dad's army days he was a member of the 101st Airborne, jumping out of planes! The camo pants and hat also are reminiscent of pictures I have seen from that time. 
At first she needed a hand to hold while playing in the surf. These two are quite a pair.
This boy wasn't too sure about the water, he stuck pretty close to my spot in the warm sand.
Can you see the look on his face? Last year he was all about the water, but he is not quite as fearless with this being only our 2nd beach visit of the season. I have not doubts he will soon be all about the water again.
Is there anything sweeter? When you are 4 years old it is okay to hang at the beach in undies and a tank top because your pants got all wet- so your dad carries them around.
1st ladybug we have found this year. right next to one of Gabby's freckles- or "cutie marks".... aka a beauty mark. She has a cutie mark right almost on her lip too, similar to Auntie T, Auntie Randi and her best cowgirl cousin Audrie (partner in crime). If you know the blood relationships between these people it is pretty amazing they all have it in common. 
Elliot was not the best walker on the walk... he kept stopping to roll around in the sand- and then would do this hilarious laugh to himself.
It was a gorgeous afternoon, followed by sub sandwiches for dinner and the whole family to bed early! So glad we got sunkissed yesterday, today it is cool and dark clouds are threatening to open up! Happy Weekend To All
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
SUNday
One of the newest outfits Gabby "designed." New ladybug boots I ordered and got an awesome deal on. Elliot's took 4 days longer to get here and he NEEDED them because he had none. Our original frog boots from Japan, that got worn out by both kids finally had to be retired. Elliot now has monkey boots, and goofy frog ones to grow into. At $6 a pair I couldn't pass them up, boots are a stable in our wardrobe- even when it isn't raining!
Sunday was one of those days that ended up being exactly what we all needed, it was good for our souls. We are all semi battling a bout with a bug. Achey body, NO energy, and a flip flopping tummy. I took an impromptu nap on the couch Saturday, and Clay got a good nap in on Sunday (after the first mowing of the lawn on, and other yard chores). We lazed around the house, inside and out when finally we decided to just get out and do something. We packed Red Barron the kite and off to Sandbridge Beach we drove. It was 72* leaving our house, 20 minutes later at the beach it had dropped 20* but it was still beautiful and sunny out.
Both kids got a turn at flying the kite.
Can we say beach bum? barefoot in the sand and it is March. Oh and he is checking his toes for "toe jam" his newest obsession!
Sunday was one of those days that ended up being exactly what we all needed, it was good for our souls. We are all semi battling a bout with a bug. Achey body, NO energy, and a flip flopping tummy. I took an impromptu nap on the couch Saturday, and Clay got a good nap in on Sunday (after the first mowing of the lawn on, and other yard chores). We lazed around the house, inside and out when finally we decided to just get out and do something. We packed Red Barron the kite and off to Sandbridge Beach we drove. It was 72* leaving our house, 20 minutes later at the beach it had dropped 20* but it was still beautiful and sunny out.
Both kids got a turn at flying the kite.
Look at the smiles both boys have, I love it!
Can we say beach bum? barefoot in the sand and it is March. Oh and he is checking his toes for "toe jam" his newest obsession! 
peek a boo!
The handsome hubby.
Not really any pictures of Gabby, she was far too busy digging in the sand to look up. We had a great afternoon and it did us all good. Looking forward to many more beach days to come as Spring gets closer!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Today my heart is heavy with sadness for Japan, a place I called home for 4 years and that holds a very special place in my heart. I woke up to see the news reports of the massive 8.9 earthquake that hit, and the tsunami that followed. The epicenter in Sendai was not near my home, but Clayton visited it on his ship- playing volleyball against the locals and even winning me a beautiful jewelry box that sits on my dresser. I still have a few friends in Japan and am very glad to hear that besides lots of earth shaking and a few things falling down, power outages that they are all okay.
I can't help but think of "my Japan" and imagine the destruction to the beautiful country and more so the people.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Green
I seem to have a slight obsession with GREEN. I can find green in, well most rooms of the house. Both kids rooms (originally due to them sharing a room so I got them bedding that coordinated) The fireplace/computer room and the toy room/guest room (I couldn't pass up the bargain airplane bed set that just happens to be blue and green). Well I love green. I think in Japan I had more than a few rooms with RED, none in this house. 
Even our crafting table/drop cloth is green. The kids painted on big canvases the other day, we plan to do another layer of color once we can do it outside so paint doesn't get everywhere.
This girl loves purple, but is pretty green when it comes to fruits and veggies. She loves green grapes, avocado, beans, cucumber, celery, lettuce and more. here she set up all her play food for a party!
Buying used is GREEN, right! Clay came home from an early morning Saturday study session at work and had stopped by a garage sale where he found this brand new tent for $20. The studying paid off- he is now IUSS (Integrated Undersea Surveillance System) qualified, quite a big accomplishment. Oh and that 30 and over basketball team, Clay's team won the championship!
Coming home from Washington after Christmas, I noticed again how NOT green Virginia is. All brown, for most of the year it feels like. Also I notice they are so not "green" in their environmental ways. We do have recycling at this house- but it only gets picked up every other week. Our Garbage is half full and our recycle is over flowing!
My new green lamp. Gabby and I snuck out at nap this weekend to get my book for book club and just peeked in Ross where I came out with this $20 lamp and a much needed new purse. I tried to make the bulletin board cuter and less cluttered. I used scrap book paper for the background and put up some the fun family pictures- others are on G's board.
This boy will end up with bruises that turn green, mostly because he is so rambunctious and one of his favorite things to do is throw all his blankets and pillows off his bed and JUMP! We let the kids stay up late the other night, they were getting along so great and having fun. Clay and I just sat and listened to their conversations, Gabby was somehow trying to talk Elliot into climbing over the high side of his bed, onto the pile of pillows and blankets she had made. They giggled and laughed and chatted. Gabby also told Grandma who says no to jumping on the bed at her house, "Different house rules in different houses!"
Maybe this love, er obsession with all things ball and sports will turn into GREEN in the future- like in the form of professional sports? Elliot keeps telling me he wants a hoop for his birthday. Well we got one on a great sale, and snuck it in the car without him seeing it. However it sat in the back of the van in the box for over a week, and my little Mr likes to climb around the car instead of getting in his carseat whenever it is time to go anywhere. he found the picture on the box, "hoop, hoop!" So Clay opened it up and they played it for an hour and a half while I took Gabby to her first week of Creative Movement class. He wakes up and it is the first thing he wants to do- even tho it is not even 6:30am. In the picture, E is standing on Clay's back (who just got home from work and was sore) and Gabby is testing out the boogie board a coworker of Clay's gave to the kids.
Even our crafting table/drop cloth is green. The kids painted on big canvases the other day, we plan to do another layer of color once we can do it outside so paint doesn't get everywhere.
This girl loves purple, but is pretty green when it comes to fruits and veggies. She loves green grapes, avocado, beans, cucumber, celery, lettuce and more. here she set up all her play food for a party!
Buying used is GREEN, right! Clay came home from an early morning Saturday study session at work and had stopped by a garage sale where he found this brand new tent for $20. The studying paid off- he is now IUSS (Integrated Undersea Surveillance System) qualified, quite a big accomplishment. Oh and that 30 and over basketball team, Clay's team won the championship! 
Coming home from Washington after Christmas, I noticed again how NOT green Virginia is. All brown, for most of the year it feels like. Also I notice they are so not "green" in their environmental ways. We do have recycling at this house- but it only gets picked up every other week. Our Garbage is half full and our recycle is over flowing!
My new green lamp. Gabby and I snuck out at nap this weekend to get my book for book club and just peeked in Ross where I came out with this $20 lamp and a much needed new purse. I tried to make the bulletin board cuter and less cluttered. I used scrap book paper for the background and put up some the fun family pictures- others are on G's board.
This boy will end up with bruises that turn green, mostly because he is so rambunctious and one of his favorite things to do is throw all his blankets and pillows off his bed and JUMP! We let the kids stay up late the other night, they were getting along so great and having fun. Clay and I just sat and listened to their conversations, Gabby was somehow trying to talk Elliot into climbing over the high side of his bed, onto the pile of pillows and blankets she had made. They giggled and laughed and chatted. Gabby also told Grandma who says no to jumping on the bed at her house, "Different house rules in different houses!" 
Maybe this love, er obsession with all things ball and sports will turn into GREEN in the future- like in the form of professional sports? Elliot keeps telling me he wants a hoop for his birthday. Well we got one on a great sale, and snuck it in the car without him seeing it. However it sat in the back of the van in the box for over a week, and my little Mr likes to climb around the car instead of getting in his carseat whenever it is time to go anywhere. he found the picture on the box, "hoop, hoop!" So Clay opened it up and they played it for an hour and a half while I took Gabby to her first week of Creative Movement class. He wakes up and it is the first thing he wants to do- even tho it is not even 6:30am. In the picture, E is standing on Clay's back (who just got home from work and was sore) and Gabby is testing out the boogie board a coworker of Clay's gave to the kids.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)