Chamberlin Family

Gaming

2012-01-03T22:19:00.000-06:00

Family game night tonight. The Ladybug Game was definitely a favorite. Thanks, Grandma and Tata.

Duran Lunch Out

2012-01-02T22:20:00.000-06:00

On everyone's last day in Bellevue, we went out to the Chinese Buffet for Dad's birthday lunch the day after his birthday since we "don't eat on Sunday."

Everyone, minus Charles and I, as we wouldn't fit in the shot. Sorry your eyes are closed, Mom. And, look at that ham in the lower left corner. Where did she get that from?

How everyone really acts.

Scarfing down the cheesecake Dad got for his birthday.

Fright at the Museum

2011-10-27T22:05:00.000-05:00

I had to go visiting teaching, so Charles to Sydney out to the Fright at the Museum at Morrill Hall. They had a good time, as evidenced by Sydney excitedly telling me all about it when they got home.

Sydney colored a "swan headed tiger", which is down by her shoulder.

Petting a millipede...she is braver than Mommy!

Charles said she didn't like the cockroaches as much, but she eventually did pet them as well.

Candy launch.

Pumpkin Picking

2011-10-25T22:03:00.000-05:00

Our annual outing to pick out pumpkins.

Red Mango

2011-10-20T21:59:00.000-05:00

We went out to Red Mango for some yummy frozen yogurt. It was a fun family night out.

Little side story, Sydney had bumped her head before we decided to go, so I told her that we would go out to get frozen yogurt to make her feel better. On our way home, she asked if the next time she bumped her head we could go get frozen yogurt again. Smart girl.

Field Trip to Roca Berry Farm

2011-10-19T21:56:00.001-05:00

Girls Night

2011-10-10T21:42:00.000-05:00

Charles was pretty busy tonight with a late class and then competing in the Grether Moot Court Competition, so Sydney and I had a girls night.

Sydney had been dying to make pancakes for any meal, so we made pumpkin pancakes with apple cider syrup. Yum!

Sydney had been doing an art project before we made dinner, hence the paper scraps.

She loved the syrup the most. I think it is her new favorite.

After dinner, we went to her school for a parent-teacher conference. Her teacher had nothing but good things to say about Sydney. So, to celebrate, we went to Panera for hot chocolate and a little treat.

They always make the hot chocolate REALLY hot, so we just barely sipped it.

Giant M&M cookie.

We then went to the mall and had a good time trying on headbands at Claire's. What a fun night!

Apple Dumplings

2011-10-09T21:28:00.001-05:00

We had some friends over tonight and I made apple dumplings. They were delicious and I thought I would post the recipe so other people could find it. It is a Pioneer Woman recipe and it really couldn't be easier.

Apple Dumplings

2 Granny Smith apples

2 cans crescent rolls

2 sticks butter

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 teaspoons vanilla

cinnamon

1 small can Mountain Dew--You can substitute Sprite, but my husband loves me more when I use Mountain Dew.

Peel and core apples. Cut apples into 8 slices each. Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll. Place in a 9 x 13 buttered pan. Melt butter, then add sugar and barely stir. Add vanilla, stir, and pour over apples. Pour Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Serve with ice cream, and spoon some of the sweet sauces from the pan over the top.

They are divine! Go and make them, your family with thank you!

Fun Mom

2011-10-04T16:14:00.000-05:00

Today, we picked Charles up from school, came home and then did something out of the ordinary...well, maybe for 11:00 in the morning. We all sat down and watched the Lion King while enjoying hot fudge sundaes. It was nice to get a little family time in during the day, instead of at night.

JRCLS Flag Football Game

2011-10-03T21:07:00.010-05:00

Charles plays football with some of his friends from law school. Last night was the first game this season that Sydney and I could go to. We had a great time watching Charles and playing with her friends who came to cheer their dads on as well.

Honestly, I think this was the only time any of the kids actually sat still.

This is maybe a more accurate picture of what these three and four year olds do...all the time.

Spear Fishing?

2011-10-02T22:21:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I wonder about our child. This is what we found after conference today. Even worse, Charles is slightly proud that she skewered the poor gold fish cracker.

PLAAAAY DAAAAATE!!!

2011-09-29T22:14:00.000-05:00

Lincoln and Paisley came over for a play date. I'm so glad Sydney has friends that like to come play with her, because I'm pretty sure she gets bored of playing with me.

Field Trip to Martin's Hillside Orchard.

2011-09-27T22:06:00.000-05:00

Sydney had a field trip to an apple orchard. I rode up with Suzanne and we went and accompanied our kids. It was a lot of fun to see them have a good time on their field trip.

Getting on the bus.

She has been DYING to ride on a bus since Charles started taking the bus to school and work.

A corn maze.

Picking apples.

Tractor ride.

Raspberries.

Pumpkins.

Playing in the hay.

Sydney, Lincoln and Paisley.

Funny faces.

Sydney's class.

All the classes that went.

Sydney and her teacher.

Picking Up Papa

2011-09-21T20:49:00.000-05:00

We walked/rode our bike to pick Charles up from school. Sydney was so proud of herself to make it all the way to the law school on her big bike.

Making Cookies

2011-09-21T19:53:00.001-05:00

Sydney and Paisley

2011-09-10T22:37:00.002-05:00

We went to the Farmer's Market and found the Wrights (minus Wes who was in Texas jinxing BYU... :) ). Sydney and Paisley had a great time running around and checking everything out together.

Children's Museum.

2011-08-31T23:32:00.000-05:00

When Sydney finished the summer reading program, she got a free entrance into the Children's Museum. So, we went after she finished school for the day and had a blast.

Dressing up is a must.

And so is makeup.

Ta-da!

Doing a puppet show.

I love this picture.

The traveling display was tons of fun. Sydney and I had a great time racing golf balls through various tracks and seeing if they would make it to the finish.

First Day of Pre-K

2011-08-31T22:38:00.000-05:00

Sydney started Pre-Kindergarten this year.

I can't believe that my kid is in school.

East/West Game--2011

2011-08-26T22:33:00.000-05:00

We went to Talia's first high school football game as an actual high school student. Bellevue has two high schools and it is tradition that they play each other for the first game of the season. Because the game usually happens at the end of Arrows to Aerospace and about the same time as the air show on base, they had some guys parachute with the school flags as well as the American flag.

Bellevue West flag

American flag parachutist with the comp trail from the plane they jumped out of.

The real reason to go to a Bellevue West Football Game.

Cousin Visit

2011-08-23T22:28:00.001-05:00

Charles has a sister who currently lives in St. Joseph, Missouri. She and her family came up to visit and go to the temple. Sydney had a blast with her cousin, Kaytie.

Dancing...or playing...it was sometimes hard to tell with them.

Chamberlin cousins are very dramatic.

Hiding from a scary part in Tangled, I think.

Durham Western Heritage Museum

2011-08-20T20:37:00.000-05:00

After the parade we went out to the Durham Western Heritage Museum. It is an old, gorgeous train station that has been converted into a museum. It is fun to go and see the trains and the displays about the history of Omaha.

Part of the museum showcases traveling displays. This time it was one on George Washington Carver and had artifacts and then some science experiments for kids to try out. Sadly, I got in trouble for taking these two pictures, since, apparently the experiments are too delicate to take pictures of or something. Totally embarrassing.

Talia and Sydney on a trolly car that ran in Omaha...did you know Omaha had a trolly?

Inside a tee-pee.

Checking out a rocking chair. I probably would have taken more pictures, but Talia lost an earring that she had just bought and we spent quite a bit of time looking for it. I, again, got in trouble for trying to open a door on one of the trains that had been open when we went through, but was closed when I went to look. Once again, embarrassing. Oh well, I'm over it.

Arrows to Aerospace Parade.

2011-08-20T20:30:00.000-05:00

Bellevue has a yearly parade called Arrows to Aerospace. It celebrates the history and future of Bellevue and it is a big to-do out here. For the last twelve years, at least one Duran kid has marched in the parade, with the exception of the last two when there was none of us in the marching band. We went out to watch Talia march in her first parade. It was so much fun and Sydney came home with her body weight in candy...mostly tootsie rolls...mmm..

Waiting for the parade to begin.

Warming up.

Talia

They bought this banner when I was in high school...

Nauvoo, Illinois--Day 3

2011-08-14T22:20:00.000-05:00

We took a trip to Carthage on Sunday. If you go to Nauvoo, you HAVE to go to Carthage. While it is a sad place to visit, it is always so worth it.

My little ham, while we were waiting for Papa.

Back in Nauvoo, we stopped on the Community of Christ side and visited the Red Brick Store and the Smith Family Cemetary.

Learning how they make bricks.

After taking some naps at our hotel, we came back to the temple to walk around and take some pictures.

I love this shot...but it would be better without the girl sitting there.

Nauvoo, Illinois--Day 2

2011-08-13T23:09:00.000-05:00

This is day two(or the first whole day, take your pick) in Nauvoo.

We went on a carriage ride out to Inspiration Point and back. It is an interesting ride because the missionaries tell inspiring stories of some of the people who actually lived in Nauvoo. And, like almost everything here, it's free!

Well.

One of the horses who pulled our carriage.

With the horses that pulled the carriage.

Oxen ride.

Scovil Bakery, where you get to sample a gingerbread cookie.

Carding wool at the Family Living Center.

Learning about making candles.

Making rope.

I love these flowers.

Parade with the Brass Band.

Playing house.

One of the things that amazes me about Sydney is her ability to make friends instantly. Here she is with a bunch of little girls who watched Just Plain Anna Amanda with us.

Just Plain Anna Amanda is a show that the Young Performing Missionaries put on while they are in Nauvoo for the summer. This was their last show before they all went home. A perfect show for kids...and to sit and enjoy the air conditioning.

Trying on one of the missionaries' hats.

Learning about the printing press.

At our favorite spot on the Mississippi...at the end of Parley Street.

It was really windy, if you can't tell.

She wanted to put her feet in the water...

...but was a little afraid...

...of how cold it would be...

Success!

Nauvoo, Illinois--Day 1

2011-08-12T22:58:00.000-05:00

For the weekend between Charles' summer term of classes and the start of the fall semester, we decided to take a little family trip and go to Nauvoo, Illinois. We left EARLY in the morning to beat a huge thunderstorm that was heading right towards Lincoln and then had to drive around all the flooding up and down the Missouri, so the six hour drive took closer to seven or eight. But it was totally worth it.

We made it!

One of my college roommates played with the Brass Band before we all got married.

Dancing at a Brass Band concert at the Visitor's Center

Fun fact...Charles and I went to Nauvoo on our honeymoon, six years ago to the day this picture was taken.

Sunset on the Mississippi parade.

Sunset on the Mississippi is such a fun show...if you get to go to Nauvoo in the summer, make sure you watch it.

I think he was my favorite missionary there.

We saw an old friend perform with BYU Synthesis...but it was a late show and we didn't get to stop and talk to him, since we had been up since 5 and were SO ready to go to bed.

Fishing at Holmes Lake.

2011-08-03T20:54:00.000-05:00

We went out to Holmes Lake for a picnic and for Charles and Sydney to go fishing.

Fastest picnic I have ever packed.

It is a Chamberlin Family Secret that the best fish are caught with the pink princess fishing pole. Every Chamberlin family has one and they all swear by it. ;)

Reeling the fish in.

They caught several blue gill.

My fishers.

Family Home Evening through Sydney's Eyes/

2011-08-01T21:01:00.000-05:00

We went to the Church to check out the new artwork that they put up over the summer for Family Home Evening. Sydney had a great time taking pictures of the artwork and then talking about the pictures.

Salt Dogs Game--Take Two

2011-07-26T20:48:00.000-05:00

Sydney completed the summer reading program this year and one of the prizes was a free ticket and a two for the price of one ticket to go see a Salt Dogs game. So we went...and it was HOT this game!

The kids who completed the summer reading program got to walk in a parade around the ball field.

Sydney got a balloon and we all got free shirts for coming to the game.

It was really hot. We had two of these big cups and the ice melted before the game even started.

Bubble Birthday Party

2011-07-18T22:59:00.001-05:00

For Sydney's fourth birthday, we had a bubble party. She wanted a princess party, but when most of your friends are boys, you have to compromise. But, we had a blast at her bubble birthday party. All of her friends came and we all hung out in the "soul-sucking" humidity and watched the kids cover themselves in bubble solution. It was a ton of fun!

Four Years Old

2011-07-18T22:24:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe that this little girl is four years old. She was so excited for her birthday and her bubble birthday party that she came into our room this morning wishing herself a happy birthday. We love our chica bean and cannot wait to see what this next year of her live brings.

More Ballet School

2011-07-14T22:03:00.000-05:00

Some more pictures from ballet class.

Trago Sprayground

2011-07-14T21:08:00.001-05:00

It has been miserable here in Nebraska, so a bunch of us moms took our kids and we visited the Trago Sprayground...a playground that sprays water. Sydney had a great time and it was nice to cool off with our friends.

Family Birthday Party

2011-07-09T21:58:00.000-05:00

While Trevor and Julie were here, we did a quick family birthday party.

Almost four years old.

Mmmm...

A bike bell that she was really quite excited for.

We're so glad we got to celebrate with Trevor and Julie

Omaha Farmer's Market and Joslyn Art Museum

2011-07-09T21:54:00.000-05:00

While Trevor and Julie were here, we went to visit the Omaha Farmer's Market. Lots of yummy produce to see and fun people to be with.

Then, we went to the Joslyn Art Museum.

A Duran Family Fourth of July in Pictures.

2011-07-04T23:48:00.000-05:00

Twenty Seven

2011-07-01T21:45:00.000-05:00

It was my birthday today. Kind of bittersweet, since I had an ultrasound yesterday and it didn't go as well as we hoped. But my family did a great job of helping me feel better about everything. Here's wishing the rest of this year is better.

Sydney's Thoughts on Papa

2011-06-19T21:20:00.000-05:00

Sydney did one of these in Primary for Mother's Day. Here is the one she did for Father's Day. Her answers are in italics.

My daddy's name is Charles (Papa). He is 5 years old, 5 feet tall and weighs 8 pounds. His favorite food is salad. My daddy is really good at Wii games with my mom. He loves to play blocks. My favorite thing to do with my dad is go to the Children's Museum. I'm just like my dad because we both wear blue. What I love most about my daddy is does tricks. It makes Dad happy when I make my bed.
Dear Daddy, I love you!

Ballet School

2011-06-09T21:43:00.000-05:00

Today was Sydney's first day of ballet and she loved it.

Salt Dogs Game

2011-06-08T23:34:00.009-05:00

When we got back from Florida, one of the commissioners at Charles' job offered him a set of four free tickets to a Salt Dogs game. We figured it was worth it, especially when we saw that the seats were really good. It was a fun game and Sydney had a blast.

The view from our seats...not bad, huh? We were right in front of the radio announcers for the away team from Canada. It was fun to hear their accent while we watched the game.

Mom isn't a big fan of peanuts or cracker jacks, so popcorn had to suffice.

On our way home, in the sixth or seventh inning. What a fun night!

Disney Hollywood Studios and Our Special Pooh Bear

2011-06-02T20:36:00.003-05:00

Today we went to Disney Hollywood Studios first thing in the morning. Somehow, I ended up only taking one picture the whole time we were there...I blame it on exhaustion.

See, we were there.

Just before lunchtime, we went back to the Magic Kingdom to meet up with Winnie-ther-Pooh/Chelsea! It took a while and we missed her the first time, but it was so neat to see Chelsea doing her job. And it will be fun to explain it to Sydney one day when she is older.

Waiting in line by the picture of the new Fantasyland they are working on.

Our special Winnie-ther-Pooh.

Up, down, touch the ground....

On our way out of the park, we got to meet the Fairy Godmother! That was pretty exciting!

Epcot

2011-06-01T21:38:00.000-05:00

Our second day in Orlando, we went to Epcot.

Waiting to meet TinkerBell.

I seriously love the detail that they put into these parks.

Discussing the jobs Fairy Mary gives them. (Does that make me Fairy Mary in our house? ;))

TinkerBell and a tinkertot.

Controlling the fountain.

Morocco, where I had the MOST delicious falafel.

Meeting Mary Poppins.

One of Mommy's favorite characters.

Winnie-the-Pooh and Tigger too!

Jumping contest.

Typical...

Japan. As you can see, we got caught in a down pour, but we didn't let that stop us.

Donald Duck.
As we were passing the American section of Epcot, there were a bunch of characters training, so we got to meet several of them without too long of lines.

Eeyore getting expert advice from an old pro.

Stitch...the only one Sydney would not meet on her own.

Goofy

Minnie Mouse.

Rome

Germany.

China

Roof inside the building pictured above.

Mulan

Norway.
She caught the troll. We cougars always vanquish our foe!

My dad with a Viking.

Meeting the Princesses

2011-05-31T23:04:00.000-05:00

Halfway through the day, I went to go pick up fast passes to meet Mickey and the Disney Princesses and saw the best possible thing ever...

A TEN MINUTE WAIT!! So, I called my mom and they rushed up to the front of the park to let Sydney meet some of her favorite princesses.

Cinderella.

Belle.

Sydney was so thrilled that Belle called her her twin.

Princess Aurora.

This little girl was in heaven!

Magic Kingdom

2011-05-31T22:50:00.000-05:00

Our first day at Disney World we went to the Magic Kingdom

Dumbo ride.

It's a Small World.

Lunch at the Columbia Harbor House. Chelsea's room mate DeNice was nice enough to hang out with us all day, and she works at this restaurant,

Waiting for the Haunted Mansion.

Mickey's Philharmagic.

The Country Bears...one of my mom's favorites.

The People Mover.

Buzz Lightyear!

Dancing in the streets.

Pluto

My dad and I went back to the hotel with Sydney, then he stayed with her and I got to come back with my mom and sisters and DeNice and see the fireworks!

I wish I had done a longer exposure to get light streaks, but it still looks cool.

Main Street Electrical Parade.

What a long day, and I haven't even included all of it!

Mickey And Minnie

2011-05-31T22:10:00.001-05:00

After we met the princesses, we got to meet Mickey and Minnie.

Arriving in Orlando

2011-05-30T20:45:00.000-05:00

We drove down to Kansas City this morning to fly to Orlando to visit my sister, Chelsea, who was working as a character performer for the summer at Walt Disney World. Sydney has been so excited for this trip, and frankly so was I.

Entering the complex.

Sydney was so excited by everything that was Disney in our hotel room.

Even more exciting was the message on the voice mail from Goofy. She was super cute listening to it and then thought that he told her that there was a present in the room. She tore through the room looking for it and found these. Thankfully those were good enough, since there was no real present.

They want to Ride her Bicycle

2011-05-17T21:16:00.000-05:00

All the kids on the block love Sydney's tricycle and this is why...

Free rides!

Visit to the Park

2011-05-17T21:13:00.000-05:00

Sydney's thoughts on Mommy

2011-05-08T21:29:00.000-05:00

In primary today, they gave the kids a fill in the blank describing their moms. I loved Sydney's answers, which are in italics below.

I have the most wonderful mom in the world. Her name is Valerie and she is a beautiful as a tree. She is four years old and is "this big" (a stick picture with the arms over the head) tall. She loves to eat different kinds of breakfasts and she likes to cook hot dogs for me. When I'm not around, she likes to watch a movie. She always says make your bed. When my mom was a little girl, she used to sing songs. I would not trade my mom for cherries. I love her so much!

Happy Mother's Day!

Temple Square

2011-04-26T21:41:00.000-05:00

We stopped by Temple Square before we left Utah.

Sadly, it snowed off and on, so we didn't get to spend a lot of time outside this time.

BYU

2011-04-25T21:38:00.001-05:00

We went to BYU today to visit our alma matter.

The Y and the Wilk. Note the clouds.

The Harold B. Lee Library, where it is now sunny.

Inside the Joseph Fielding Smith Building

Creamery ice cream.

Easter Sunday.

2011-04-24T21:31:00.000-05:00

The Easter Bunny found us even though we were in Utah.

After church, we went over to our "Phair friends" (that is what Sydney calls them..."remember my Phair friends?") and did a little egg hunt and ate lunch with them.

Not pictured is Karen and I CREAMING Charles and Jaime at every game we played...just like always! ;)

Brooke's Wedding

2011-04-22T23:21:00.014-05:00

We flew out to Utah for Charles' cousin/my room mate's wedding. It was so nice to go see Brooke get married and spend a little time with my old room mates.

Waiting for Brooke and Jon to come out of the temple.

Sydney and Bradley

With Isaac and Aiden

There they are!

Sydney was so excited for this wedding, even though I'm pretty sure she didn't remember who Brooke was. She kept asking where the Bride was and wanting to go talk to her, no matter how busy the Bride was.

Danielle helping Brooke with her dress.

Our traditional picture...Becca, I need a copy of your up close one.

This is one of my favorites.

We have a picture of the two of them like this from our wedding.

Sydney and Dawna dancing.

Congratulations, Brooke and Jon. We love you!

Eggs at Grandma's House

2011-04-21T21:17:00.000-05:00

Since we were going to be in Utah for Easter, we did a quick egg coloring and hiding the night before we flew out.

Primary Today

2011-04-17T19:07:00.000-05:00

Sydney did a great job on her talk today. Not only that, but she got to be the spotlight...which was a surprise to Mommy and Papa, because she told her teachers that her favorite food is scrambled eggs and not tacos.

Not only that, but she has been giving us a rundown of what they learned in Primary today. They learned the scripture for the "mumps" and the song for the "mumps." And in her "small class" she learned that Adam and Eve ate the fruit from up there and then they were sad. Charles asked her if they got kicked out of the garden and Sydney said yes, because all the creatures weren't kind.

The Things Kids Pick Up

2011-04-17T08:59:00.005-05:00

It is always amazing the things Sydney picks up. She is only 3 1/2 and this week in primary she is supposed to give a talk. She loves giving talks and once in Kansas she decided to bear he testimony in sacrament meeting. Valerie was working with her on her talk and was asking her some questions.

Here are her questions and Sydney's answers.

1. What do you think about when you think about Jesus?
A. I love him. And when I think about Jesus, I, when I was born I used to live with him. When I was born I used to love him. I think about Jesus when I am sleeping. And I think about Him when I am dreaming.

2. What do you think Jesus thinks about you?
A. I think he loves me so much. When I used to be born, I used to go and walk with Him. When Heavenly Father sings my name and I love to see Jesus in the Temple.

3. Do you know what the word Atonement means?
A. Atonement means when you do bad things and you didn't mean to, Jesus atones for our sins. (Ok so that is not a good definition of sin, but since she can't sin yet I feel it is close enough)

4. Why did he atone for our sins?
A. Because he loves us so much.

5. Why else?
A. And I do something right. And I do something that Jesus tells me to do. And, like, I make my bed. Making your bed means putting your blankets on right, not throwing them on.

6. What does obedience mean?
A. Obedience means that you need to do the right things, when Nephi does something right, and when you do something that you want to do when your mother says so, and you do something right that you want to do.

7. What is a law?
A. A law is something you study. (This answer may have something to do with Papa being in Law School for the last two years.)

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezey

2011-04-06T21:07:00.000-05:00

Sydney and I made lemon bars today...with fresh squeezed lemon juice and everything. I don't have a picture of the finished product, but suffice it to say that they are so good that I have had three already and can already see that I will need to send these off to new homes so I we don't eat them all. Any takers?

Bike Ride

2011-04-05T21:01:00.001-05:00

The weather was really nice today, so we went out for a family walk/bike ride. Sydney impressed us by riding her bike all the way to the park and back without having to stop or be carried.

Knows What She Wants

2011-04-05T20:56:00.002-05:00

To continue our daughter's obsession with things from the eighties, we bought her some jelly shoes. If you can believe this, she has actually been asking for some since LAST spring, when one of her little friends was wearing some and she wanted them too. Once they came out this year, she hasn't stopped asking for them. Now, she calls them her "Cinderella shoes".

Conference Treats

2011-04-03T20:50:00.002-05:00

To help Sydney have more motivation to listen to the speakers for General Conference, I totally bribed her...well, kinda. Every time a speaker said one of the above pictured words, she got to eat the corresponding treat in the jar. It worked pretty well for her...as well as my 14 year old sister.

It was nice for me to be able to listen better to Conference. Plus, Sydney hopefully got a little bit out of it...even if it was just candy and snacks.

*Idea from here.*

Car Crash 3/31

2011-04-03T13:55:00.008-05:00

So here are some pictures of the damage to our car from last Thursday. Valerie was in a left turn lane and the driver in front with a F350 Heavy Duty Ford Pick Up decided he didn't want to turn left any more. Probably will need to replace the fender, hood, light assembly, lights, hood catch, and there is something damaged under the hood because it was leaking oil of some kind, may transmission fluid. Anyhow, I imagine it will be rule a total loss.

Accident Prone?

2011-03-31T21:32:00.000-05:00

I just have to say that two car accidents in six months (with me driving in both even!!) is way too many for me....or anyone, for that matter. Thankfully, none of us have been hurt and it was never me at fault. Still, this is not the most convenient time for us to have our car totaled. *sigh* I'll try to get pictures of our poor Taurus in the morning, before they tow it away.

Rainbow Brite

2011-03-20T21:54:00.002-05:00

This, while being fabulously eighties reminiscent (especially when she wears legwarmers!), is currently my favorite dress. It's like my own little rainbow and pot of gold all wrapped into one.

St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T21:50:00.000-05:00

We made a leprechaun trap, but those pesky leprechauns got out. Lucky for us, they left us some gold and candy. Even better for mommy, Sydney didn't even ask to eat a piece of candy for several hours after finding her treasure.

Writing

2011-03-15T21:48:00.001-05:00

We've been working on writing her name. Besides the fact that she mixes up where the "N" and the "E" go, she's doing really well.

Building with Papa

2011-03-14T21:46:00.001-05:00

Making the tray that she got at the law school Family Fun Day.

Family Fun Day at the Law School

2011-03-12T21:43:00.000-06:00

Not the best picutres, but at least Sydney had fun.

I Sure Love This Girl

2011-03-11T21:41:00.000-06:00

Mardi Gras

2011-03-08T21:37:00.001-06:00

So, we're not big on Mardi Gras (Charles has a thing against immorality, the spoilsport. :0)) But, Sydney and I just had to make up some cupcake in Mardi Gras colors. They were delicious, and very colorful.

See?

*sorry for the crappy picture*

Babysitting

2011-03-04T22:33:00.000-06:00

Three-year-olds and puzzles are meant to be. We have a rotating babysitting deal set up and these three just loved doing puzzles...which was a nice break from the craziness of them running around for an hour.

Plus, I got to hang out with this little cutie!

Pancakes

2011-03-01T22:30:00.000-06:00

It was free pancake night at IHOP. We had fun eating out together.

The best part for Sydney was meeting a "real, live princess." Better known as a local beauty pagent winner.

Quick walk

2011-03-01T22:08:00.000-06:00

It was warm this morning, so we went out for a walk.

Taking pictures with mommy is fun.

What you don't see is that in the afternoon, it was in the fifties. Heavenly, considering the freezing temperatures and snow last week.

Family Night at the Library

2011-02-28T22:13:00.000-06:00

The library does family nights, where you can do a craft and hear some stories. Sydney and I went this month (Charles was at class) and it was all about Dr. Seuss stories.

Sydney was so excited to meet the Cat in the Hat. She was more excited to take a picture of the Cat in the Hat.

And her favorite part is always the stories.

Budding Photographer

2011-02-27T20:34:00.000-06:00

Sydney likes to take pictures with her camera that we got her for Christmas. Here are a few that she has taken. She kinda reminds me of Lilo from Lilo and Stitch in the pictures of random people she takes. Sorry for the funky layout...I got tired of trying to make it work for me.

Blocks

2011-02-25T15:49:00.000-06:00

P Day--preschool style

2011-02-23T14:51:00.000-06:00

Preschool was at our house today. An hour and a half of princes and princesses and pirates and other "p" words!

What a Great Dad

2011-02-22T14:51:00.000-06:00

Sydney made this necktie at preschool two weeks ago. Last night, she came up to Charles with it and asked him if he would wear the tie she made to work. He obliged...at least to the bus stop. Still, it made her day.

Sunday Baking

2011-02-20T22:07:00.000-06:00

What do you do when your three year old and your husband take a two hour nap on Sunday afternoon?

Some baking!

These are strawberry whoopie pies. And they were delicious!

As I was taking the pictures, Sydney thought that I was taking them of her. So, I have a bunch of pictures of cookies with a blurry posed Sydney in the background.

There are still a few if you want some!

At the Ballet

2011-02-18T22:01:00.000-06:00

My wonderful husband took me out to the ballet for date night. I've missed watching (and dancing) ballet for a while, so it was a really nice night out.

Awesome

2011-02-14T21:59:00.000-06:00

Our car hit a milestone. Even more amazing was that we hit it just before we hit our driveway.

Zoo Day

2011-02-14T21:54:00.000-06:00

We went to the zoo with my mom, Talia and Talia's friend Sammie on Valentines Day. It was fun and a nice day to be outside.

Sydney named the turtle, Angel.

Petting the penguin.

Drama Queen

2011-02-13T22:26:00.000-06:00

So, Sydney is a "peanut butter and jelly sandwich a day" type of kid. Pretty much every day she has one for lunch (except for the days she has "cracker lunches" (lunchables--we're working on getting the name correct). Today after church, we came home and I asked her what she wanted for lunch. She replied a peanut butter sandwich. I told her that we were out of bread (which is true, I forgot to pick up some when we were out yesterday). She looked at me, and then at the floor and said in a quiet, sad little voice, "oh no....what should I do? I guess I just won't have lunch." Thankfully, chicken nuggets and cow cheese were an acceptable substitute for her sandwich today.

Mommy and Sydney

2011-02-13T22:12:00.000-06:00

It was nice and warm today, so we took a walk up on East Campus. Charles says there are never enough photos of me on here, so here you go...

Posing

2011-02-13T22:08:00.000-06:00

This girl has discovered posing and boy, can she work it!

Hot Fudge Sundaes

2011-02-09T19:02:00.000-06:00

Looks delicious, right?

It was a fun treat for tonight, while Charles is at his late, night class.

And now, we're off to watch Mary Poppins.

Valentines

2011-02-08T22:46:00.000-06:00

Sydney and I made these valentines for her friends. She colored them in, I cut and stapled and she filled them with M&Ms. Yum! We got the idea from here.

I think they are gorgeous!

Sydney and Papa

2011-02-08T22:42:00.000-06:00

Coloring Valentines

2011-02-07T21:15:00.001-06:00

Coloring Valentines cards...

...is very serious business.

See?

Let's Get It Started!

2011-02-06T21:15:00.001-06:00

This is the way to enjoy the half time show...with your own personal dancer.

She was imitating Fergie's moves...thank goodness they were tame!

"Turn around and dance for us!"

The sunglasses "glam" it up.

Napping.

2011-02-03T21:19:00.000-06:00

I went in to get her up to go get Charles from work and this is what I found. Her "babies" asleep on the floor.

And "mommy" was out cold.

Drawings at 3 and a Half

2011-01-31T21:21:00.000-06:00

Sydney's interpretation of our family.

From left to right: Papa, Sydney, Mommy

Of Squirrels and Elephants.

2011-01-18T21:23:00.001-06:00

Chelsea had asked Sydney at one time what her favorite animal was and Sydney replied that it was a squirrel. So, when Talia found one at Jo-Ann's she had to get it for her. My parents brought it out one day when they had an appointment in Lincoln. They asked Sydney what her favorite animal was and she replied, "An elephant." Thankfully, the squirrel was still very exciting.

I got a new way to...sleep?

2011-01-16T23:29:00.000-06:00

Preschool Field Trip to Firestation

2011-01-14T21:30:00.000-06:00

Snow Day

2011-01-10T21:34:00.000-06:00

We had a couple of snow days in a row where Charles had school cancelled. The first day it was still warm enough to go out and play in it for a bit.

Bragging

2011-01-07T21:45:00.001-06:00

I'm so proud of my husband who got B's and A's this semester in law school. Those are good grades normally, but with the semester we had with a broken toe and me being so sick for so long and then miscarrying, they look even better. Throw in his job and he did Freaking AWESOME!! Way to go, honey!

Sydney in the desert

2011-01-06T22:45:00.000-06:00

I took these while we were on our trip.

Back

2011-01-05T19:24:00.000-06:00

We just got back today from a ten day trip to Tucson. Family, games, Old Tucson Studios, Mesa, hiking, being sick, rain and freezing temperatures were all a part of the trip, whether they be good or bad. I took over seven hundred pictures and will hopefully be getting them up, not to mention the pictures of our activities for the month of December. So be prepared for a barrage of posting from me in the next couple of days. Yay, right?

Cowgirl on Horse

2011-01-03T22:07:00.000-06:00

Ever since we got Sydney her boots she has been dying to ride a horse. Thankfully, the pony rides at Old Tucson are by donations only, so we let her ride while we were there.

Petting "her" pony.

Overexposed, but I kinda like it.

Last pet. My favorite part was when Sydney was talking about how much she loved horses and Talia commented on how Sydney was going to be one of those girls who wants a pony and Charles told Talia that if we could at all afford the horse and the land she probably would have a pony. Talia looked a little shocked, which was the very best part of the conversation

Durans

2010-12-28T22:51:00.000-06:00

My Dad's family.

Jumping

2010-12-28T22:46:00.001-06:00

There is nothing better...

...than jumping...

...on a trampoline...

...with your cousins (or second cousins, as Eli is my cousin Steven's son.)