Swimming Lessons

Mary & Kate began taking swimming lessons after the first of the year at the St. Joseph YMCA. We are really happy with the instructors and the facilities there. The added benefit is they have a staffed playroom where the kids can play while we work out. It is heaven - not that we do much but ten minutes on the treadmill makes the whole day better.

When big sister saw Kate getting pampered she couldn't help but join in. I don't know if it is a girl thing but they both really loved having their hair done. They have even asked when we are going back. You can't tell from the expressions on their faces in the last picture but they had a lot of fun thanks to the wonderful woman who was very patient and extra-special gentle when working on their hair.

Abracadabra - now you see them, now you don't. The hair is officially out of Kate's eyes. We had a momentous occassion the other day when Kate had her first haircut. I waited as long as I could before doing it but the time had come. Kate does not like ponytails so even if I put her hair up she quickly took it down. Also, I wasn't sure she would sit still long enough to let anyone cut it but I was proven wrong. She sat up straight and tall and didn't move an inch the whole time. I was so proud even if it means my little baby is growing up much too fast.

Christmas in Colorado 2008

Mary & Kate watch Uncle Kelly and cousin Ethan battle at backgammon

Junebug reads 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to Mary

Mary poses with her two handsome cousins - Ethan & Kyle

The Park

Hello again! It has been a while since I have been able to post but hopefully with the new semester starting I will spend more time at the computer. We spent the Christmas break in Fort Collins, Colorado. Everyone on the Kissock side was there and it was one of the best visits ever. Not that we don't always have a great time but this time the girls were so happy having all of the family around and they are at ages that makes the holidays soooo much fun. The weather was beautiful which allowed for many outings to show them the mountains. The pictures above are of a playground in Fort Collins that should be a model and a requirement for every city in America. What a beautiful way to build community and have everyone get a little exercise and sunshine. The playground is totally accessible for any age and/or ability level. The girls just could not get enough of it.

Quality time with the cousins

The girls got to spend sometime with their cousins Nick, Courtney, and Abby on the night before Thanksgiving. Courtney has become a wonderful babysitter and all the kids were a big help in getting our little ones to bed.

On the road again . . .

We thought that we would try something a little different for our trip home from St. Louis this Christmas - we took the train! What a treat it turned out to be. Coach fare is fifty dollars for the three of us (one way). We upgraded for another forty-five and as you can see it was well worth it. The girls were comfy and cozy for the five and a half hour trip home. I wish I would have tried this when they were infants - so much better than traveling by air if time isn't a factor.

Feel the Joy

Notice the excitement and anticipation on Kate's face as she awaits her portion of the turkey dinner. Mary and Lily, as first-born, have been properly trained in the "you must smile when the camera comes out" protocol. I guess we missed that lesson with Kate.

Happy ThanksLIVING!

We went to St. Louis to celebrate Turkey Day with Grandma & Grandpa Meyer. As things turned out, we were lucky enough to be joined by my sister Kathleen, her husband Carl, their little angel Lily, and Great Grandpa Salvatore (Sam). Great Grandpa was born March 22, 1922, exercises every day, and still enjoys all night poker games. We are so happy that our girls know and love their Great Grandpa Sam. We even got to visit for a short time with Aunt Kathy (my mom's sister & one of the funniest people I have ever known) and Uncle Ron (an equally wonderful and kind relative). We had a wonderful time and decided that traveling is getting much easier as the girls get older.

The Joys of Potty Training

Winter Kisses

These moments are very, very important to capture since there are some days when the hugs and kisses are vastly outnumbered by the hits and kicks. This is when being a parent melts your heart and all of the sleepless night seem well worth it.

Bedtime

One of my favorite pictures from my childhood is of my brother, Jeff, and me jumping on the bed while my dad is tickling us. This moment with the girls reminded me of that picture. As you can see they are in no mood to settle down and "hit the hay".

Happy Birthday cousin Lillian!

Lily celebrated her third birthday with a party for family and friends at her home. Lily's mommy outdid herself by creating this masterful carousel cake from scratch. My sister, Kathleen, is well-known for her creativity and talent but I have to say she outdid herself with this cake and her carnival themed extravaganza.

Noah's Ark Invades New Town

The kids love visiting the animals on display near Grandma & Grandpa Meyer's home in New Town. The amazing coincidence regarding these animals is that they are from the old Noah's Ark hotel (in St. Charles, MO) where our family spent many summer vacations when we were children. I have many fond memories of exploring the Ark, swimming in the pool, and eating their clam chowder. On a side note - this is especially wonderful for Kate who has always had a deep affection for elephants. She insists that any and all elephants be called "Katiebugs elephants". Perhaps she was an elephant trainer in one of her past lives?!

Hanging out in New Town

We spent this beautiful Fall weekend (Nov. 1st & 2nd) in St. Charles visiting family and celebrating cousin Lily's 3rd birthday. This park is just one of the many attractions that my parents community has to offer.

The Three Musketeers

Our hippy girl

Mary's new hiding place - - hhhmmm?

Mary is in a constant state of turmoil about sharing her toys with her little sister Katiebug. She knows that she is supposed to share but she constantly justifies to herself (and us) why each particular toy is an exception to the rule. In her effort to keep Kate from the toys Mary finds new and exciting places to "hide" her precious items from her sister. Recently, I noticed a "bulge" in the back of Mary's underpants. Wondering what it could possibly be since she has been potty trained for two years - Mary showed me her latest place to "hide" the goods from Kate. Should I be worried? Hhhmmm . . . I wonder?

Camping Fun

We spent this beautiful fall Saturday putting up a tent in the backyard. As Dad says - it doesn't get any better than this. It will be interesting to see how long they last sleeping in it tonight - and it is calling for rain!

Gotta dance!

Dance class started for Mary today - it took her a while to warm up but eventually had a great time. Our biggest problem is keeping Kate out of the dance circle because once she hears music she can't help but join in. We are counting the days until she can join unfortunately that is not until she turns three.