1st Birthday Pictures

We got the pictures in this past week that we took for the kids' first birthday. They turned out great! I'm still waiting on a book we ordered of all the kids' pictures, but when it comes in I'll be sure to show it off to everyone. We had to narrow the field down from over 500 pictures. I think we got it down to about 75. From there we narrowed it down to about 8 or so favorites and ordered pictures for the family. I'm working on getting those in the mail and will try to have them all out by Monday at the latest so you can enjoy them. In the meantime, the photographer sent me a few to post (see left side slideshow). Enjoy!

Also, the photographer uploaded the top 75 or so pictures to her website so we could view and see if there's anything else we want to order. Feel free to view as well. I think you can order from her website as well if you would like to do so (but wait till you get your pics in the mail so you don't order duplicates). To view click on the link below and enter the following password: wendy (all lowercase)

http://studiocloud.net/29?albumID=1713&eventDate=1206124200000

Happy Meals!

Okay, the kids have been Americanized. Today they had their first Happy Meal from McDonald's. I didn't really want to give that to them, but we were on our way home from my parents and I wasn't sure we had anything in the fridge for them to eat. I knew they'd be chomping at the bit to eat as soon as we got home so I picked up happy meals for them. They liked them as I knew they would (they have had burgers and fries before). Then at dinner it was back to our normal stuff and Jake fussed the entire time. I don't think he at anything!

"Normal" Days

I haven't posted in a few days so I really wanted to get something up, but we've been having just "regular, 'ol normal days" lately. Saturday a friend of mine came over for lunch and to see the kids. We hadn't seen each other in a year so it was great to catch up with her and as it turns out, she doesn't live that far away! Sunday was a pretty quiet day, but the kids and I did get out a bit for a walk since the weather was so nice. John's been traveling and I think Abby is missing her dad a bit. She's been waking up about an hour after she goes down for the night crying every night since John's left (which isn't normal for her at all). She calms down pretty easily once I go in there and rock her a bit, but I don't want her to get in the habit of doing this and it's been going on for 3 nights now (in my world, 3 days equals a habit :-). So, I may have to let her start crying it out. Although we'll be going to my mothers for a few days so maybe that will break the habit. Anyway, I am thankful for "normal" days. I know it won't be long until the next round of colds/teeth/etc. crop up.

Grill Masters

Yesterday afternoon I found a great little grill that I had to get the kids. I got a good deal on it so I couldn't pass it up. I figured they had a little kitchen in our big kitchen to play with when I'm cooking, so I'd get a grill for them to play with when John grills. Of course we're playing with it indoors at the moment. I cleaned it up last night so they could play with it today and they loved it! It came with little ketchup and mustard bottles and Jake new exactly what to do with it...he started putting it on the burger and hot dog!!! What a smart boy. :-) Abby went straight for the fork and started chewing on that. At one point, she thought the grill needed a bit of work and brought the hammer out to fix it. They were so cute with it. Although I've noticed the toy doesn't have a volume control and it's rather loud. Also, there's not off button so sometimes it randomly comes on when no one is around it. It may soon become an outdoor toy sitting next to daddy's grill.

Making Music with Dad

John worked from home today since he's leaving in the morning for work. I think he'll only be gone a week this time which is good, but he wanted to get some extra time in with the kids before he left. This afternoon he pulled out his guitar and played a bit with the kids. Jake loves it when he plays the guitar and tries to play as well. He watches John closely and tries to mimic his movements and watches to see just how he plays that big thing. Abby was interested at first, until she discovered the case at least. Then that looked to be more fun and she climbed all over it.

Going to the Gym

Grandma BB & Grandpa John would be so proud! I took the kids to their first gym class today. We are thinking about getting them a "gym membership" at a kids gym and they let us come for a free trial class today. It was just me with the twins, but the staff was really helpful. There was even another set of twins there just 2 months older. Jake had a blast and was never by my side. He was off exploring and loving every minute. Abby was a little overwhelmed at first - the music was loud and there were a lot of strange people, but by the end she warmed up to it a bit. Normally she's my independent player and Jake's the one with separation anxiety at home - but not at the gym! They were both opposite of what I thought they be. I'm not sure if we'll join or not, but I think they are getting to the age where they need a little more external stimulation. The kids would be able to get out and "exercise" twice a week which might be nice for them.
We also went on a long walk tonight after dinner. I've gotten out of the habit of doing this through the winter since the weather wasn't always nice, but I need to get back into walking so I can get ready for our Hawaii trip at the end of May. I'll never be able to hike up that volcano if I don't! When the weather's bad I guess I could go to the mall - I know a lot of people do that, but I'd shop vs. walk. Hmmm.