The Adventures of Four Dinklemen

3 months

2012-01-01T15:01:00.000-08:00

Sweet Baby J!!

The A-Girls

2012-01-01T14:55:00.001-08:00

Adelaide has a play group once a week with two other girls, Abigail and Ainsley. They call themselves the A-Girls. They are all cute little girls and play incredibly well together. They had a wonderful time rearranging the huge pile of leaves that Tobin raked up in the back yard.

Christmas 2011

2012-01-01T14:47:00.001-08:00

The girls both got new bikes for Christmas. Hallie is really excited because hers has a hand break and a kick stand. Adelaide is just excited to have a bike, riding it will take a little time.
Jackson slept through opening presents and didn't seem to care in the least about it. He got a few "boy" toys.

2 months old

2011-11-29T10:16:00.000-08:00

Jackson is such a good baby and so cute! He has the bluest eyes, I am sure they will turn brown, but they are so pretty right now. He smiles and smiles-especially at his Sisters.

We put up our tree last night and had to take a few pictures. Cute kiddos!

Happy Halloween

2011-11-04T11:04:00.000-07:00

A super scary vampire...no teeth needed! She has her own.

The girls had a great time trick or treating around the neighborhood! We live in a fantastic area for the kids to go. We had fun walking around while Jackson and Daddy handed out all the candy we brought home-don't tell the girls!

ONE MONTH OLD

2011-10-30T12:26:00.001-07:00

Jackson has just started making a few cute baby noises and giving smiles. I am still not sure if they are real smiles or just gas, but we just love them. He loves to look around and holds up his head for long periods of time! Such a happy boy!!!

Pumpkin carving

2011-10-29T16:42:00.000-07:00

Adelaide wanted a happy pumpkin and Hallie wanted a vampire pumpkin-because she is going to be a vampire for Halloween.

Thanks to Dad for carving! He is full of patience and love for those two ladies!

Soccer

2011-10-29T16:31:00.001-07:00

Hallie is playing on a U-7 recreation team. She loves running around and says it is "way less boring than T-ball." She got hit in the chest with a ball and has been kicked and stomped on, but after a few tears, is right back out playing again.
Tobin is helping coach her team, and is having a good time.

Cute Picture

2011-10-29T16:20:00.000-07:00

Jackson is now 1 month old. He is growing fast and is still a really easy baby.

We went to the zoo with Grandmeme and Grandpa Boz and had a great time. It was a nice cool day and most of the animals were out. Adelaide had fallen almost every day that week, mostly with Grandmeme....you can see her bloody knee in the one above.

Adelaide is really good with Jackson. Most of the time she really doesn't care that he is around, but a few times a day she will ask to hold or snuggle him. She is very sweet with him.

Baby Jackson

2011-10-02T18:13:00.001-07:00

Jackson joined our family on Tuesday September 27th. He was 8 lbs 3oz and 20 1/2 inches long. He had a little bit of a rough start and had an IV for a day and showed everyone he was a tough baby and didn't need it. We came home Thursday evening.

The girls have just been loving on him, especially Hallie, who will hold him for endless hours. Adelaide is doing well with him as long as she is getting lots of loves from everyone else. She is very gentle and sweet to Jackson himself.

This is Tobin's favorite picture. It was taken right after he was born and had peed about 5 times on everyone. He looks like a little old wrinkly man! Super cute....or just a little crazy!

Swim and School

2011-09-08T12:21:00.001-07:00

The girls did swimming lessons this summer. Hallie was in a 6-13 year old class and Adelaide and I did a parent/tot class. Hallie was one of the best her in class and passed everything. Adelaide and I had a great time. Being the water felt fantastic to me and Tater just had the biggest smile on her face the entire time. She learned to jump in and doggy paddle about 5 feet to me and would also swim from me to her teacher by herself with the support of a noodle. BIG GIRL!!! I was very proud of both of them.

Hallie started 1st grade at Ghent AND rode the bus for the first time. I don't like that she is on the bus so long, but so far she loves it and she has a great bus driver. She is the only kid in our area that goes there, so the stop is only a block from our house. Tater cried when Hallie left, saying she missed her Sister. But come to find out, she just wanted to ride the bus too. When we picked up Hallie on the first day, she made a bee-line for the bus and tried to get on. Luckily we have a very patient driver =)

Hallie sitting at her desk being very shy on the first day. Her teacher is Mrs. Levinson. So far so good!!!!

Temple Trip

2011-09-06T07:59:00.000-07:00

We went to the D.C. Temple a few weeks ago so that Tobin could help the youth do baptisms. The girls and I went the Visitor's Center and talked with some of the Sister Missionaries there and then looked at all the displays. We ate lunch and made multiple trips to the bathroom..... We also parked next to this car....I see plenty of Idaho cars around but this was the first 1Fer. I watched to see who's it was, but they must have left during one of our bathroom trips.

The girls found a wounded cricket and made him a home out of leaves and moved him off to the side of the stairs so that he would't get squished.

crazy storm

2011-08-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

This is the storm that Hallie and Tobin got caught in 2 weeks ago at the Tides baseball game!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug4LrdGEqNU

July 2011 Luray, VA

2011-07-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

Lunch on the way home after picking peaches in Crozet, VA.

Our cabin in Luray and all the crazy girls!!!

July 2011

2011-07-29T13:28:00.001-07:00

Rafting the wild waters of the Shenandoah River!

July 2011

2011-07-29T13:22:00.001-07:00

Luray Caverns. Tobin and Hallie went with the Morris'. Adelaide and I took a snooze as I have already been with Grandma and Poppa and Tater wouldn't remember.

July 2011

2011-07-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

New Market Battlefield. Chad, Valery, Kaitlyn, Ryleigh Morris.....Hallie, Adelaide and Tobin

The 4 girls and Mama and Tater. All walking around the New Market Battlefield in the Shenandoah Valley.

Hallie

2011-07-29T12:57:00.001-07:00

Hallie was student of the quarter at Ghent Elementary for the kindergarten. She got an award, a water bottle, and lunch with the principal. For the Spring Music Program the Kindergarten classes were supposed to dress up as hippies. Emily, her best friend is in 1st grade and was a flapper. Emily is also in our ward.

Hallie played T-ball and loved it. By the end of the season they were playing coach pitch. They were the Pink Yankees.

Charleston, SC #2

2011-07-29T12:43:00.000-07:00

We drove up the Coast of North Carolina and up the Outer Banks. We took 2 ferries, from the mainland to Ocracoke and from Ocracoke to Hatteras. We stopped at Sunset Beach to show Grandmeme our favorite beach. Adelaide stripped down and ran for the water!

On our last day in Charleston we went to Fort Sumter. Very nice, but comparable to Fort Monroe, which is about a 10 minute drive from our house.

Charleston, SC

2011-07-29T12:24:00.001-07:00

Drayton Hall was my favorite plantation. No fancy grounds, just the original 1700's house with no update. Amazing! The size of the trees just blew us away. I thought the ones in my yard were huge!

Boone Hall Plantation. Amazing grounds and we saw wild aligators in the ponds. My house is just as old as this house.

Another highlight of the trip was the Hunley Submarine. Hallie was really enthrawled with it. The Hunley is considered the first successful submarine-it was used in the civil war, sunk and killed 3 crews and was finally raised in 1999?

February

2011-07-29T12:15:00.001-07:00

Turning 2

2011-07-29T12:08:00.001-07:00

We had a little get together for Adelaide's second birthday. We had a "grumpy" bear party. We had care bear decor and colored the cupcakes to match Grumpy. Our guests included Daniel, Sarah and Peter Lee ; Chad, Valery, Kaitlyn and Ryleigh Morris and of course our family!

Christmas 2010

2011-07-29T11:59:00.000-07:00

costumes

2010-10-31T10:40:00.000-07:00

Adelaide was a skunk (she is getting ready to spray me!!!!) and Hallie was a witch. They had a great time trick or treating at Tobin's work and also at the trunk or treat at church. We are going to hand out candy tonight to all the neighbor kids, but the girls are not doing any more candy collecting. Hallie understands why and Adelaide doesn't care.

pumpkin carving

2010-10-31T10:19:00.001-07:00

We had fun carving pumpkins this year. Adelaide didn't really know what was going on, but loved helping to make a mess. Hallie designed her own pumpkin and helped Tobin carve it. Her pumpkin in the one with the face. Tatey loves stars and moons, so we did that for her.

bikes and scooters

2010-10-28T16:31:00.001-07:00

Everyday after school Hallie get her bike out and Adelaide gets her scooter and they take off. You just have to love Adelaide's sweet outfit. She loves her boots and was so excited to wear Hallie's helmet. She gets tired pretty fast....she was sucking those two fingers and she just knew there was some hair under that thing on her head to play with...she just couldn't quite get it!

My big grown up Hallie!!!

Home Improvements!

2010-10-28T16:22:00.000-07:00

We have grown a beautiful mushroom in our enormous tree. The mushroom is a little bigger than a bowling ball and looks like puffy marshmallows.

We had quite an adventure redoing our downstairs radiators. They were in such horrible condition-completely rusted out and probably flaking lead paint everywhere. We scraped with wire brushes, blasted them with air and finally used a drill gun with wire brushes attached. Everything was covered in a thick coast of rust, but they are clean and beautiful now and white instead of nasty black/rust. The downstairs bath still needs to be redone (although I like the 1940's theme), but the radiator really helps out.

Toothless Joe

2010-10-28T16:08:00.001-07:00

Hallie lost her first tooth and has two more one the way out!

Sweet Adelaide! She is getting way too grown up!!

Getting excited for Halloween!

Bathroom

2010-10-03T11:41:00.000-07:00

upstairs bathroom, almost done. still missing vanity light and closet shelves, and decor. colors are slightly off.

rough weather!

2010-09-30T15:48:00.000-07:00

It has been a rough couple of days.
http://www.wvec.com/news/slideshows/Slideshow-Storm-Pictures-9-30-10-104071444.html?gallery=y&c=y&ref=%2Fnews%2Fslideshows

First Day of School

2010-09-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the sideways pictures. I forgot to rotate them. Hallie looked super cute in her very pink outfit. She had to wear tennis shoes with it because they have P.E. today. Her bus route is messed up and the bus didn't come, so we have to get that figured out...she was a little disappointed. Her teacher is Ms. Brooks and there are 21 kids in her class. She goes from 9:30-3:55. I can't believe she is old enough to go, but she was SOOOO ready to get to her class this morning. Adelaide however, misses her sister very much.

Getting there!

2010-09-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

On the way to S.V. we stopped at Craters of the Moon and ate at Pickles in Arco. Hallie was so excited to be in a real volcano and see some of the crazy formations. We loved the cave and spatter holes where we could still see snow. Adelaide was a little hard because she wanted to run, but I am sure we will come back in a few years!

Norton Lake

2010-09-02T11:13:00.001-07:00

Norton Lake was our first hike in Sun Valley. Hallie was super excited....what a little mini grandmeme!! She LOVED using the hiking stick and leading the way.

Everyone we talked to was very impressed that a 5 year old could do the Norton Lake hike. Tobin and I went to eat at the Sawtooth Club and our server told us to bring Hallie in so she could see what a 5 year old who could do that hike looked like!! It was a very cold day and a little rainy. Adelaides little cheeks got so red and cold....what a trooper though!

Titus Lake

2010-09-02T11:08:00.001-07:00

I loved the hike to Titus Lake. It was a beautiful day and a great hike for Hallie. Adelaide slept most of the way to the lake and then the girls both loved throwing rocks into the water and have a fun picnic.

Adelaide is flopped over and dead asleep here. I have two great hikers!!!

Red Fish Lake

2010-09-02T10:59:00.001-07:00

Hallie and I read the book Owls in the Family, and learned all about owls....which lead to Grandmeme and Grandpa Boz going on an owl pellet hunt. Hallie loved discecting the pellet with Grandmeme. They separated the bones and the fur very skillfully with toothpicks. Hallie also got to go fishing with Grandpa Boz, which was something she was really looking forward to. However, as we always said...they got SKUNKED.

Red Fish Lake is one of my favorite places. I was so excited to come back here and show the girls (even though Hallie went 2 years ago). Adelaide charged right into the water, expecting a nice warm ocean temp, stopped in her tracks, looked at me, and then her whole body shivered. It did not stop the girls from playing in the lake....I guess once your body is numb the cold water feels great!! At the high altitude we got roasty toasty in the sun really fast.

Bear Lake

2010-09-02T10:44:00.000-07:00

We went to Bear Lake with Tobin's family for a few days and had a great time. Hallie got to go minature golfing, swimming, and got to love on Aunt Boo-who made her day by painting her nails! Hallie has waited a long time to give her squeezes!!

Shots and more

2010-07-30T09:54:00.001-07:00

Well, the day finally came yesterday. Hallie has been dreading it for a year....her kindergarten physical and the dreaded shots. Last year it took 3 people to hold her down and one to do the dirty deed. We bribed her with a movie that she has been really wanting. I figured there was no chance of her earning it anyway....BUT, she was so brave. She cried and screamed a little, but no one had to hold her down. She had a TB test, a finger prick, and her last booster shot in the arm. The TB and finger prick were the hardest, I would have cried too. Anyway, she is super healthy and smart. She finally hit 40 lbs so she can legally sit in a booster seat...although we won't tell her that while she is so happy in her car seat, which is so much safer. I can't believe she will be going to school in 5 weeks. Hopefully next week we will know WHERE she is going. Say your prayers for Ghent!!!
Adelaide also had her 18 month check up. Thankfully she had no shots to get. She is doing fantastic, and is doing things well beyond her age. I love having smart kiddos (I am a little biased). She is pooping on the potty and can pee too, if I take her. I won't totally potty train her until we get back from vacation. I don't feel like dealing with it while out hiking or on the plane. She is putting 2-3 words together now and is VERY sure about what she wants. She is so funny too!
We love both our crazy girls!!!

July

2010-07-24T11:45:00.001-07:00

These are pictures from our 4th of July. We went to the fireworks with several people in our Ward and of course Hallie had a great time with Emily. They loved the 3D glasses that were handed out to watch the fireworks. If you haven't tried it...it is really amazing. They shot the fireworks off a barge in the Elizabeth River while the military bands played. You know how they have the different divisions of the military stand during one of the songs...it was crazy here because Tobin and I are about the only ones who did not stand. In Colorado/Idaho, there were very few.
The picture of me and the girls on the swing was my attempt at being festive and wearing red/white/blue to church. Don't we all just looked pleased to be there....

June

2010-07-03T09:52:00.000-07:00

We had a great month!!! We were so busy I didn't have time to notice that it was July already. I ran in my first race and learned a lot and did fairly well. It was really hot, but it was fun to have Grandmeme and Grandpa Boz there with Tobin, Adelaide, and Hallie when I ran by. I got to see them at the 2.5 point and the end (it was an 8K). Please don't mind the enormous shorts I am running in that could fit two people. I didn't really realize I would need running clothes, as I usually run at 5 in the morning when no one is looking! YIKES!!!
Hallie had her dance recital that same day and did fantastic. Cute little cuddle bugs!!!
Oh, the old tall guy behind me ran about my pace and we ran together the last mile. I never thought I would want to run with someone, but I really liked it that last bit.

We drove out to Bacon's Castle and got to stop by Fort Huger after some serious back tracking and Grandpa Boz's brains!!! It was a pretty neat place. We rode on the James River Ferry on the way home. We also went to the beach 3 times, went to First Landing State Park, ate at Lobscousers, walked around Freemason Street and the Hague River, and had a fabulous time...in the scorching heat. Sweat has new meaning for me.

Richmond and Confederate Trip

2010-06-01T10:19:00.000-07:00

We had a great Memorial Day in Richmond. I have to take back anything bad I have said about the city, well, most of it at least. Saturday we went to the White House of the Confederacy and the Confederate Museum. Both were excellent and well worth the trip. I especially enjoyed seeing the White House after reading Civil War Wives. We also drove around Monument Avenuehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monument_Avenuee.

Hallie at the top of Maymont Park.

Sunday we went to church in Richmond and then spent about 2 hours at the Hollywood Cemetery. We found the graves of Jefferson Davis and Family, George Pickett, John Tyler, James Monroe and several "Virginia" Lees. A large number of confederate officers are buried here too. We drove to Maymont Park to have a picnic of warm PB & J's and runny yogurt and had one of the best afternoons we have had in a long time. The park has a variety of animals (deer, bears, buffalo), and the best part for Hallie was seeing the Great Horned Owls. She just read the book Owls in the Family and is SOOO excited to go look for owl pellets with Grandmeme this summer. There were even two owls...Weeps and Wol. At the top of Maymont Park is a beautiful mansion with amazing gardens. Despite the fact that it was well over 90 degrees, we walked up and looked around the gardens. We were all drenched in sweat....and Adelaide takes after me with the pink cheeks. Poor girl.

Unfortunately, our camera isn't really working and most of the pictures we took are not in focus, so I only posted the ones that turned out and they aren't really the ones I would have picked.

The White House of the Confederacy, Grave site of President John Tyler, and Adelaide thinking....Where are you dragging me next!

A really fantastic trip.....

Beach Bums #2

2010-05-28T11:02:00.001-07:00

SUNSET BEACH!!!!!

Don't mess with Tatey and her bucket. She collected shells all day long....and spent a lot of time tasting them too. But not to worry, she washed down the taste with a refreshing gulp of sea water.

This was Adelaide's first encounter with the water! YEAH. She loves it. The beach here is perfect, very shallow and mild waves. Well, perfect for kids anyway.

Beach Bums!

2010-05-28T10:55:00.001-07:00

Hallie loved learning to boogie board and is actually pretty good at it for a little squirt. She was no longer afraid of jellyfish after Dr. Brock deemed them okay to touch and she LOVED staying at the beach house.

15 Months

2010-04-25T16:39:00.001-07:00

At the Mayflower in D.C. Tatey's famous cheeser!!!

I can hardly believe my Tatey is this old!!!! CHEESE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FOR AUNT BOO

2010-04-25T16:36:00.001-07:00

Hallie and her flamingos! The other bird is a cassawary....ugliest bird I have ever seen. It looks like a cross between a turkey and an ostrich

DC trip

2010-04-25T16:19:00.000-07:00

We had another fun adventure in Washington D.C. this week while Tobin worked away. I took the girls to the National Geographic Museum the first afternoon and for a walk around our hotel, the Mayflower.
The hotel itself was amazing...Hallie especially loved the ballrooms, and I was very pleased because it is quite historical! =)

The second day we went to the zoo and saw a lot of the exhibits that were closed last time-the indoor bird house, the reptiles, and some of the big cats. Both girls really loved the birds.

That night we walked around Embassy Row, Dupont Circle and Farragut Square. I loved it, Hallie kept claiming we were lost, but Tobin kept assuring her that "Mama was just having a good time looking at all the pretty buildings"...indeed I was.

Friday the girls and I walked from our hotel to the White House, then down to the WWII memorial, then spent the rest of the morning at the American History Museum where we (mostly Hallie) loved looking at the First Ladies Dresses. I also talked with her a lot about Abraham Lincoln and then we saw his exhibit. We had lunch and then headed to the Botanical Gardens (picture of Hallie watering flowers). First though, we stopped off in front of the Capital for a little snooze...Adelaide missed most of the afternoon. Finally we headed up to the GAO building and went to the Building Museum where they have a fantastic kid place where they can play with blocks/cars/trucks of all shapes and sizes. Tobin called and we headed home around 4:00. Hallie walked 4-5 miles that day...and only complained once or twice. I had a blast.

Happy Birthday, Hallie

2010-04-15T15:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday my sweet Hallie Bean!

She LOVED the jump rope and has been working on it all day, and she is really excited about all the books. Thanks Grandmeme!!

Says Hallie "Mom, Aunt Boo remembered I needed two packages of Daddy's favorite licorce!" Thank you Aunt Boo!!!!

She had a great day, and will continue to celebrate tomorrow when Tobin gets home from Denver.

Spring in our backyard

2010-04-15T15:40:00.000-07:00

Spring is absolutely amazing out here. It is so colorful and everything smells so good. Hallie has mastered the art of sniffing flowers and has now passed it on to Adelaide. We have some beautiful Camellias in our yard that our sweet neighbor has been taking care of.

If we ever doubted buying a house, all doubts were erased by the joy the backyard brings to the girls. They spend hours out exploring, digging and playing...and I love getting to read my books on beautiful mornings on our deck.

More Easter Pictures

2010-04-15T15:26:00.001-07:00

Searching for the Easter Baskets was fun. Adelaide was so excited and shoved any candy visible into her mouth...until it was drooling down her shirt. Hallie's was in the oven. We had a fun game of Hot/Cold to find it.

Sorry for the sideways pictures. The girls also got some outside toys. They have been a hit, especially the golf clubs. Hallie is excited to be golfing like Uncle Ryan and Grandpa Boz.

Easter Fun

2010-03-28T12:40:00.001-07:00

We had a good time at the Ward pancake breakfast/Easter egg hunt. The hit of the party was the Rohlfs bringing a real bunny. Adelaide couldn't leave it alone and pushed all the other kids out of the way to get to it. She finally got in the basket with the poor bunny...but had to be removed quickly as the bunny would probably not have survived the loving.

The girls each found lots of eggs, Adelaide didn't have to search to far. She kept scowling at us when we tried to tell her to pick up more. She was perfectly happy with one in each hand.

thanksgiving

2010-03-04T07:27:00.000-08:00

The kids loved running races with Uncle Ryan on Thanksgiving while the rest of us ate pie on the porch and watched!

2010-03-04T07:18:00.000-08:00

Here is Hallie skipping off the stage for her Christmas performance. I still can't get the whole thing to load, it is too long. And the previous video is a mess up, I didn't mean to post that. They were sure a cute bunch of girls!!! She has another recital coming up in June!

2010-03-04T07:12:00.000-08:00

2010-03-04T06:58:00.000-08:00

Here is a video of Hallie on her first attempt at no training wheels!

2010-03-04T06:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, so here are some fun pictures of Adelaide. She has such a funny personality and is fascinated by everything that Hallie does. She is quite determined to feed herself, and as a result we often have this at the end of the meal. In the summer we will probably just hose her off out back!

Adelaide loves to help with the dishwasher! BUSTED!!!

Sorry about the sideways picture. Again, Adelaide is totally in awe of Hallie's big girl panties, so we put them on her. Captain Tatey Pants!!!

Here are the pictures of her hair in pig tails. She is pretty good about holding still for me to do them, kinda.... She loves to play with them and say "oooooohhh". Funny girl.

Trip To Raleigh

2010-03-04T06:33:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of pictures from our trip to see Ryan and the kids. Hallie had an amazing time with Ian and Molly, and Adelaide loved Memphis. Our trip got cut short because I got the flu, and Hallie got it when we got home. BUT....it is always fun to see cousins!! We are going to miss them when they go back to Utah!

Stuff

2010-03-03T07:35:00.000-08:00

Well, February has been a busy month for us, and we have had some computer issues, so I haven't posted much. However, we bought a new lap top yesterday and now have some hope of have a reliable computer!! I am going to attempt to post some video, even though it is older of the girls.
I have had this random thought all month. My family will be able to relate or at least understand what I am talking about.
I have these weird urges, I totally blame my Mom for working at the Preston Citizen, to do strange things. It first started with a desire to jump, touch, or dip body parts or my whole self into the ink barrel at the Citizen (the local newspaper in Preston). I know other family members have the same problem. Next I have an urge to jump off the cliff at the top of Mt. Naomi (a hike we often did growing up)....or at least get as close to the edge as possible to see if I won't fall.
My latest thing is the HOV lane. I love it. However I want to drive through the barriers that say "closed to all traffic". I know that is so dumb, but my heart seriously starts racing every time I drive by that silly barrier. The funny thing is that Tobin and I actually did drive through the barriers in Colorado during a blizzard, and it really wasn't fun and did a lot of damage to our poor Jetta. Anywhoooo... that is my weird random thought.

Adelaide's B-day

2010-01-31T09:39:00.001-08:00

Adelaide's birthday was not too exciting...she was sick with the flu or something and so we had to hold off any festivities. She finally got a cupcake and was quite pleased with it. Thanks to Grandmeme for the fun books, which were opened the week before by Hallie =). She also got a new carseat from us....

Mom, here are the pictures we have up so far! We really do live here!!!

snow #2

2010-01-31T09:34:00.001-08:00

SNOW SNOW SNOW!!!

winter fun #1

2010-01-31T09:29:00.001-08:00

Do you like our snow shovel?

Adelaide #1

2010-01-27T11:27:00.000-08:00

Here are Adelaide's stats from the doctor's office!
Height- 30 3/4 inches 75%
Weight- 21 lbs 10 oz 50%
Head-don't remember 90%
Shots? 5 big ones! ouch.
Adelaide was fantastic at her doctors appointment. She said lots of words and danced on the table for Dr. Stoltz. She dropped quite a bit in the weight percentage, but she apparently has an enormous head? Whatever. She is the cutest little Tater around.

new friends and ceilings

2010-01-24T17:59:00.001-08:00

We had three great additions to our house this week. First, Hallie earned two of the four fish that she had been working towards...their names are Mr. Pussyfish and Lilac. The other fabulous addition is our new dining room ceiling. We have had a hole about 1 1/2 feet by 1 1/2 feet above our dining room table for close to a month. It is so pretty, too bad the rest of the ceilings in the house aren't so beautiful!!! HOWEVER, we now have to repaint the dining room that we just painted. Oh, well...

living room with shades

2010-01-24T17:53:00.001-08:00

Here are the before and afters of the living room....and we have the shades up now. Now for pictures!!!!

before and after "the gold room"

2010-01-24T17:44:00.000-08:00

Well, this is our bedroom.... formerly the ugliest room of the house....it looks good now. Being clean really helped this nasty room out too. We painted it a gray green color, again the pictures don't show the correct shade. I am not sure I like it yet....but again, it can't be any worse than the orange/gold walls with the gold leaf trim. Yes, my bedspread is purple. It does look good with the green.

before and after pics-hallway

2010-01-24T17:37:00.001-08:00

So, here is the downstairs hallway. It looks awesome now...or least it couldn't get much worse than the two tone blue it was before. Please ignore the missing light switch covers...there always seems to be one more thing to do.

Christmas 09

2010-01-03T12:02:00.001-08:00

Here are our Christmas pictures. Sorry for the sideways Hallie, I thought I had rotated it. The hits of Christmas were: a stick pony for Hallie from Santa and a Belle doll from Uncle Scott. Adelaide just loved the wrapping paper, and anything we handed her. Tobin got man stuff from the ladies...a ramp and oil container so he can change the oil in the car at home. Our best present as a family was a gift certificate from Lobscousers. Sneaky sneaky Dad. We attempted our first gingerbread house. I did horrible with the frosting and it tasted nasty, but Hallie loved doing it...I guess that is all the matters!

2010-01-03T11:52:00.000-08:00

Here is the playroom, that was supposed to be Tobin's office, but the girls booted him right out with all their stuff. I realized I never took a picture of this room before we went to town on it. Too bad because it was in the worst condition of the whole house. Not the ugliest, but just ripped up. So...picture a black messed up hardwood floor, reddish brown shelves yellowing paint and a nasty black radiator (still present). We refinished the floor, painted the room tan/gray (think of cream of mushroom soup), scraped the old paint off the window sills, painted them, the trim and the nasty shelves a bright white. We took down the nasty blind and hung roman shades (which you can't see in the picture). We are very pleased with our room....now we just need a rug and a snuggly seat!

snow and cookies

2009-12-23T11:52:00.001-08:00

Making cookies was as great as always. Hallie is showing her love of having a mouth full, and belly full of pure sugar! Adelaide was as helpful as she could be!

We got snow!!! It lasted for 2 days too!!!

ward party/santa

2009-12-23T11:45:00.001-08:00

Hallie was shy with Santa and Adelaide stared him down for about 20 seconds, then started to cry!

Jenn put the reindeer antlers on Adelaide and she wasn't sure what to think.

Hallie reassuring everyone she is a good girl while sitting with the primary kids.

Hair Cut and Monkeys

2009-12-18T05:47:00.000-08:00

Hallie got her haircut yesterday and it is a BIG change. She looks so cute and she just shakes and shakes her heading while saying...it is so light Mama!!!

The other pictures are of my two monkey girls and Adelaide's baby that she drags everywhere saying "baby, baby", and then making a bell necklace at the Botanical Gardens before going on the tram to see the Christmas lights. SWEET HAT HALLIE!!!

Here it is

2009-12-09T19:32:00.001-08:00

The colors are not exact, the light purple one is pretty close. The dark one looks closer in the picture with out the whole mantel in it.

random pictures

2009-12-09T19:26:00.000-08:00

My musical girls...Adelaide's first piece of licorice...

Ta-DAAAAA.....and a picture of our house, very typical Cape Cod style.

Steeple Chase

2009-12-09T19:22:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures of the Montpelier Steeple Chase. We went the beginning of November with the Millets. Adelaide pooped her pants and got it everywhere....so she is pantless. Hallie and Callie had a ball...

update

2009-12-05T06:32:00.000-08:00

I know I have been a slacker at putting up pictures. I can't find our simple drive, however we just finished painting the room that I know it is in, so hopefully this afternoon I will be posting some pictures.
Here is our update so far...
Tobin-busy with work. Busy with home projects and keeping the ladies happy. He is a trooper for letting me paint my living room purple (no not the hideous purple you are picturing right now).
Alison-busy with the crazy girls and loving the 70 degree weather, not loving the 50 degree and rainy weather. Had a great time with Ryan and his family for Thanksgiving!!
Hallie-has her first dance recital next week and is most excited to skip off the stage!!! They are doing a slipper song and will be wearing cute Christmas PJ's and slippers!
Adelaide-is a yacker like her sister and is walking everywhere at 10 months! She refuses to crawl unless it is to get over something. She only eats what we eat and is a trooper with her second mother Hallie ordering her around all the time.
Our house is coming along great! We have 3 rooms painted (minus the trim), and have new window stuff ordered! Hallie planted all her tulips and we have been raking and raking and raking leaves.
Pictures to come soon!

storm pictures

2009-12-02T16:31:00.000-08:00

Take a look at these pictures. This was what we had a few weeks ago. Anything that says Norfolk, Ocean View, Shore Drive, Lynnhaven, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth....look at, everything else is a little farther away, although there are some awesome pictures in there.

http://www.wavy.com/generic/weather/nor_easter_slideshow_generic_20091110

9 Months

2009-10-27T15:22:00.000-07:00

Adelaide had her 9 month check-up today. She is 19 lbs and 9 oz. She has 6 teeth and is standing up with no help. She claps and smiles and eats everything in sight. We LOVE our Tater.

Hunt Club

2009-10-22T16:42:00.001-07:00

I took the girls out to the Hunt Club Farm today to get a hayride and to pick a pumpkin. Adelaide LOVED the animals and yelled at them as much as she could. She yacked at this poor cow for about five minutes. She tried so hard to get through the fence to it. She also had quite the conversation with a chicken. Apparently the hay was pretty tasty.

Hallie loved the hay ride and playing on the swing sets. She picked out a very special pumpkin and is very excited to carve it with Dad.

Cape Fear Botanical Gardens

2009-10-22T16:37:00.001-07:00

Hallie and Adelaide near the Cape Fear River. Hallie wearing Mouse's shirt.
We had a good time visiting the Botanical Gardens in Fayetteville, NC while Tobin was working at Fort Bragg.

Updates

2009-10-05T16:59:00.000-07:00

Here is a little update on our family...
Tobin-back from Colorado, where he thought he had frost bite, learned he didn't, and will forever be the Eagle Scout he claims he is by being prepared to camp in the snow at 11,500 feet from now on. He is still enjoying the GAO and spending oodles of time appreciating all I do at home...because I can finally enjoy at little "me" time.
Alison- taking a step class again. Went shopping with a friend to the outlets in Williamsburg...oh heaven!!! No kids!! Melinda and I both turned when a kid cried, then smiled and said...not ours!!! Had a FANTASTIC visit with Chelsea last weekend even though all our plans got ruined and the kids were terrible. LOVE YOU LADY!!!
Hallie-Dance and Swim lessons! She is loving life. She is learning to sound out words and loves being outside!
Adelaide-walking all over around furniture, walls, people....and who needs a vacuum when you have an 8th month old.
We officially have a contract on our house. We hope to close the end of this month! STRESS STRESS STRESS.

Hatteras/Ocracoke #1

2009-09-20T18:45:00.001-07:00

We went on another fabulous weekend trip with the Millets. We drove down the Outerbanks Coast all the way to Hatteras and then took the ferry boat across to Ocracoke Island! The girls love riding the boat and Adelaide LOVES the wind in her face and just shrieks with delight!!

Tobin and the girls on the boat leaving Hatteras.

Adelaide and her messy milk beard.

Ocracoke/Hatteras #2

2009-09-20T18:30:00.001-07:00

Ocracoke Island is incredibly beautiful. The water is a turquoise green (can't tell by the pictures), the beaches amazing and full of beautiful shells, and almost completely empty of people. HOWEVER...we were nearly eaten alive by the mosquitoes at our camp site. I was either in the car, in the tent, or making a run for the rent with Adelaide covered in a blanket. We went through most of a can of bug spray and still lost the battle. Tobin had about 30 bites on one ankle. Guess he missed that spot with the bug spray. They seriously swarmed the car or where ever we went. Once we left camp, there were no bugs...thank goodness. Needless to say we ditched the idea of cooking around camp and headed to town and ate at a restaurant. Breakfast was in the car.

Our camp site also had many other critters. Crabs were crawling all over around the tents and the girls loved chasing them. Tobin and Brock apparently saw a spider so big they didn't tell anyone because Melinda and I would have never gotten out of the car. We did find this spider friend near the Ocracoke light house. He was a big fellow (about the size of my palm), and he had an interesting web. They sure do grow 'em big!!!

Ocracoke/Hatteras Part 3

2009-09-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at Hatteras and Ocracoke. Beautiful areas!

Tobin and Adelaide at Ocracoke Light House.

A Great Birthday

2009-09-09T16:26:00.003-07:00

We had a great day on my birthday. We went to Surry, Virginia and took a tour through Bacon's Castle, walked through the grounds, and just enjoyed the day. The best part of the tour was going in with no kiddos to distract. Melinda and I went while the boys watched the girls...and vice versa. Hallie did go in for the tour with Tobin =).

We took the James River Ferry on the way home. Hallie was so excited to drive our car onto the boat! For dinner, the girls and Tobin took me out to a great Italian restuarant! It was probably the best birthday I have had in a long time! Thanks guys!

Hallie

2009-09-09T16:26:00.002-07:00

My conversation with Hallie this morning.

Mom: "Hallie is it time to eat breakfast."

Hallie: "Mom, I don't just automatically do what you ask me to do."

Birthday Wishes

2009-09-09T16:26:00.001-07:00

For my birthday this week.....this is what I am going to do

I want to go to a 17th century castle....maybe Saturday. Anyone want to come?

Buy a house....or at least put an offer down....oops...already did that. =)

Have Mom's cheesecake, although I will have to make it myself.

Do something out of my comfort zone....did it today...went and had lunch with a bunch of girls...and had a good time.

Get back to running, after a week and a half off. (oh, boy!)

Guess I will have to add to my list later....

Teetering Tater Tot

2009-09-09T16:15:00.001-07:00

Here we go....

Camping Virginia Style

2009-09-09T15:30:00.000-07:00

This lovely spider is as big as my hand, they are everywhere out here, especially in the bathroom stalls at campgrounds.

Hallie and Callie eating hot dogs right off the campfire.

Adelaide was miserable, as she was (still is), getting teeth. It was almost easier to have her wanting to be held, otherwise it would have been a battle to keep her out of the dirt.

Here I am showing my awesome horse shoe playing skills with Melinda. Yeah, we both stunk it up.

We camped Friday night and then spent Saturday at the Fredricksburg Battle Grounds, Chancellorsville, and Wilderness Battle Grounds. Great day, great friends, HUGE spiders.

Dance #2

2009-08-30T09:10:00.000-07:00

This is the poodle dance, it has been Hallie's favorite all session.

Here is some video of the ballet they have been doing. LOVE IT. Hallie is so aware of herself and what she was doing. We are so proud of her. She is also one of the youngest in the class =)

Dance

2009-08-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

Here are two cute dances! I just have to smile at these little girls. They have so much fun!

2009-08-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

I put Adelaide down for her nap today and heard her playing and playing, so I walked in to check on her and found her sitting with her feet dangling out the bars (video). I laid her back down and told her no more dinking around. I came back a few minutes later to find the above pictures. Up on her knees....YIKES... She has just started pulling herself up to her knees to climb on things. She is VERY VERY VERY pleased with herself. Time to move things up even higher I guess.

2009-08-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

Sundays are always a little crazy for us, and it seems Hallie got really creative with Adelaide this past one. She and Tobin decided Adelaide was up for a new hairdo. Everyone was laughing so hard at Tater, and she was the one who ended up with the hiccups. You can hear them between her laughs.

Our Crazy Week

2009-08-14T16:52:00.001-07:00

Hallie decided this week that Adelaide was her pet and that she should be able to walk her. I came into the bedroom to find Adelaide's pants tied up to Hallie's belt, and off they went. Both thought it was quite hilarious.

Adelaide did end up losing her pants in the process.

Hallie getting ready to go to dance. She loves it!!

We also went to D.C. this week for 2 1/2 days. We did the driving tour of 2nd Manassas. We really enjoyed it. If you have done either 1st or 2nd Manassas, you should recognize the old Stone House. We are such the tourists!!!

Wagon Wheels

2009-08-09T14:04:00.000-07:00

Adelaide tried these silly little crackers called Wagon Wheels and we were so excited when she could pick up and eat the little pieces that fell out of her mouth! We cheered for her and she would get scared and then soooo excited and laugh with us.

Temple Trip

2009-08-09T13:50:00.000-07:00

A few kids from the Norfolk 1st Primary.

Hallie and Adelaide.

Taking pictures with Daddy.

House on Manning Drive. Hope this it the right one...if not, at least it is a cute house.

We had our Ward temple trip yesterday. It turned out to be a very fun time. We drove up Friday and stayed in Bethesda because not only is it close to the temple, but I wanted to see if I could find the house that Grandma's parents lived in, on Manning Drive. I think we found it, although Mom's directions and descriptions we both a little lacking =).

Hallie got to go to the Visitors Center at the D.C. Temple, and then did other fun actities with the primary. She was so excited. Tobin and Adelaide helped take pictures for the primary and hung out at the Stake Center next to the temple while I got to go in for an hour. I saw lots of people that I knew...not from our Ward either.

The drive was SOOOO long, but it was worth it.

Taking a Hit

2009-07-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

Adelaide and Hallie both had their doctors appointments this week. Hallie for 4 years (yes really late), and Adelaide 6 months. I picked up Tobin from work, because we were doing both girls at once, both were getting shots, we knew if was going to be BAD, and I didn't think I could do it myself. It started off bad because we had to get all registered with our new insurance (YEAH!!), and that took about 1/2 hour. (Why you ask? Because people don't know what they are doing and you have to give them the same information over and over and over and....).
So, we take the girls back. They want Hallie to pee in a cup. Yeah, that was fun. Drip Drip Drip... I move the cup and stand up....then she lets loose. Now, if you know Hallie, she does not like to be nakey, never has. She is also old enough to not want strangers to see her "nakes." Adelaide however would prefer to go commando.
We survived the check up. Hallie is 35 lbs, 41 inches...very average for her age. Adelaide however has taken a huge hit in her high standings. She has always been in the 95-97% range. Not anymore. She has fallen to the 75th% in height and weight. She was 17 lbs 4 oz and 26 1/2 inches tall. We still get to call her Tater Tot, even if she is thinning out.
Now...SHOTS. We took the girls to separate rooms. Adelaide got hers and was over it in about 30 seconds. Hallie however, was hysterical before anything happened. Good thing Tobin stayed with her...and it took 3, count them...1,2,3 people to wrestle her down to give her the 2 shots. Tobin tried to hold her, but couldn't so they got an extra nurse. She held Hallie's legs, Tobin her upper body and the other nurse gave her the shots. The screaming could be heard on the other side of the office through closed doors. She didn't stop for the hour. Drama, drama, drama.
Tobin and I were very glad when the day was over.

Mind and Aching Body

2009-07-24T06:42:00.000-07:00

So, Tobin and I have started running....okay, jogging....maybe walking really fast??? We have to rotate mornings, as we can't just lock the girls in the house. Tobin leaves for work at 6:40 in the morning, so we are up around 5:30 to do this. I didn't think we would do it, but so far someone has been up and out the door every morning. I admit, I really like it. I go about 3-3 1/2 miles. I jog about 1 3/4-2 miles of it...I figure not too bad for the first week. I am also still taking my step class...which I have suggested Tobin take too. He didn't like that idea.
My problem is that I get really bored mentally while out jogging...I can entertain myself for a 1/2 hour or so, but then I just start go blank....SOOO, my Mom has been getting these lectures on CD from professors around the country. She sent me them and I LOVE THEM. They are right up my alley. The title is "Books That Have Made History: Books That Can Change Your Life." More like "Books I Have Never Read and Would Like To, But Probably Never Will." Plato, Dante, Orwell, Machiavelli, Churchill. LOVE IT!!!
Yesterday I did not want to stop running (jogging?...running sounds SOO much better!). And the best part of all...I don't have to be tested on any of the knowledge, so if I space out for a few minutes (which I may or may not admit to), I won't be in trouble.
So, I am a very happy camper...exercise of the mind and the old lady body....NOW...if I could just stop eating all the delicious food that calls my name...

Getting Older

2009-07-14T17:09:00.000-07:00

Last week was Tobin's 31st birthday and our 9th anniversary. Wow, we are getting old. I still feel like I am about 22 or 23 (too bad I still don't LOOK like I was 22 or 23). Time seems to be a little out of control around here. I can't believe Adelaide will be 6 months old next week. Hallie seems to have grown about 2 feet in the past week. All this makes me a little sad, because next thing you know Hallie will be in Kindergarten and Adelaide will be talking and walking around like she owns the place. I would really love for everything to just slow down a bit. Guess I am getting paid back for always wanting to be older than I was while growing up.
Anyone know how to slow down time? I would greatly appreciate it...
I would post new pictures, but Tobin has the camera in Denver. Wish I was in Denver too....Missing all the friends....and nights that actually cool off....being able to drive to Sun Valley....
Oh, what a sad post. Better stop now.

CABIN FUN!!!

2009-07-07T18:19:00.000-07:00

Tobin on the road next to our cabin...the hills look quite far away, but we are actually in the middle of them.

Roasting marshmallows. Hallie didn't even want to eat them...just roast! Well, she ate a few!

Playing in the New River at Foster Falls.

Out by our cabin near the river.

Swinging on swing tied to the bridge. Tobin also got stung by 3 wasps on this bridge.

We had a fabulous 4th of July weekend up in the beautiful New Valley in Western Virginia with some fun friends. We drove through and had views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and LOVED the nice cool air. We even had to wear jackets one day. We drove out on highway 58 because the tunnels were closed...at 7:30 in the morning!! It was enough to drive a person crazy trying to get out of Norfolk! We spent Friday and Saturday at the cabin and drove home Sunday. It was awesome to see the different type of life people live out in the mountains. I don't think I have ever seen so much lawn art (fake deer, fake raccoons, fake geese) or so many rebel flags before. We also got a kick out of the 4th of July festivities which included a Miss Hillbilly contest and Hillbilly music before the fireworks kicked off!

We sat around with our friends and read books, played games, slept, talked, and let the girls run wild outside. We did a little exploring and playing in the river. Adelaide woke up each morning around 6:15 and we would go outside and sit on the porch swing and watch the mist move out from the hills. It was so peaceful. Driving back to Norfolk was really hard to do... Enjoy the pictures.

Spitting #2

2009-06-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

Here is Adelaide after her nap...still spitting and eating cereal. Between bites she usually sticks her fingers in her mouth (these are the fingers she sucks on to go to sleep too), to suck off anything extra. She grunts and growls at her food too! What a GIRL!!!

How far can you spit?

2009-06-28T15:43:00.000-07:00

On the way home from church today, Adelaide started this. She is SOOO proud of herself. Don't mind that she looks a little crazy, we were in the middle of getting her out of her dress and just had to take some video of her.

The Rolling Tater

2009-06-27T10:31:00.000-07:00