my monkeys

"I want out of this stroller"  Mabel thinks that just because she can walk now, that she should get to walk everywhere!

Look at that cute baby orangutan.  The cage looks pretty filthy.

Doesn't Ryan's hair look like the orangutan's?  Sorry Andrew, middle child, I didn't even get any pictures of you at the zoo :(  We still love you!

uggg

Ryan had been complaining today about his tummy hurting.  I blamed it on constipation, which is a big problem for our kids.  It was apparently something else though, because during dinner he threw up all over the table.  After he was done, Andrew said, "I want to throw up too".  

I guess he couldn't figure out how to throw up, so he settled on pooping his pants.  

These are the tender moments of our lives?

Go World

Salt Lake City Olympics 2002.  Here I am with my roomies outside Liberty Square, waiting for the Olympic torch to run by.  It was so cool to see the torch run right outside our apartment and we had a blast with all the festivities in Provo.  

Does anyone else cry while watching the Olympics?  I can't help myself.  Lindsay Vonn, that Canadian Alex kid, any medal ceremony with any country represented, opening ceremonies...I cried for them all.  

But not men's figure skating which is what is on right now.  No crying.  yuck.

hurry up spring!

We've had such beautiful weather the past few days.  It makes me very excited for summer, especially with my mobile baby.  It will be so great to be able to take her to the park and let her run around too!

We got a belated Valentines Day package from Grandma and Grandpa Toolson today.  

Ryan enjoyed his new notebook and drew "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse".

And Mabel got a tutu.

Can you tell that my family is just a little excited about the first girl grandbaby?

Happy V-Day

I couldn't ask for a better Valentine.

*by the way, am I the only one that has a hard time finding pictures of just them and their spouse...without any kids???  This picture is almost 4 years old, but it's one of the only ones I have.  Note to self:  Start taking pictures of just me and Spencer!

let the games begin!

In honor of the Olympics, we decided to go skiing.  Well, and it was our Valentines Day present to each other.  

Here we are on our way up to Sandia Peak.  I know what you're thinking.  Skiing in Albuquerque?  Where is the snow?  We ski down tumbleweed mountains on rocks.

Just kidding, we just take the worlds longest tramway up to the top of the mountain and...

there's some snow!  

Take a good look.  I've decided this is my last run down ever.  The last time I went skiing was in the 8th grade.  I thought it was great fun then and have been wanting to go for years with Spencer.  But usually I was pregnant, or we were poor college student, so this was our chance, especially with Grammy in town to watch the kiddies.  

Anyways, I realized that skiing is cold and I don't like falling.  Plus I puked at the bottom of the mountain and felt sick.  (yes, in front of a ski lift and in front of everyone).  But I am glad I could rekindle Spencer's love for skiing.  He had a great time and looked great doing it.  And it was fun having my hubby for a day all to myself.  

Highlights of the day

When Ryan got home from school, he very sweetly shared his special cookie from his preschool Valentines Party.  It was even his idea.  

And Mabel finally decided to eat finger foods.  She was able to eat lunch all by herself today, bread, cheese and peaches.  I am always VERY excited when they start to eat on their own.

who needs candy bars when you can suck on the delicious wrapper?

I think this post also shows off Mabel's beautiful teeth.  And yes, they are huge.  She got Andrew's big teeth.

post a day

So it seems like a lot of bloggers out there are doing a post a day (or at least trying to for awhile).  I thought I should jump on the band wagon.  It might be fun, and at least when I look back on our blog years from now, i'll see what really went on in our house! 

CUTTING PAPER:  My boys ask everyday to "cut paper".  I usually give them old magazines, junk mail, or old coloring book pages.  Andrew most times ends of just ripping paper rather then really cutting stuff out, but hey, they think it's great and it is cheap entertainment that they will do for a good chunk of time.

Mabel is 11 months! (and 10 months last month)

I forgot to do a 10 month post for Mabel.  This is what she started doing last month:

That's right, walking.  She is getting more and more confident every day.  She was very proud of herself today when she finally figured out how to stand up without holding on to anything.

(notice our new paint job?  Pretty nice eh?)

Another new trick of hers is to get into hand stand position.  

She likes to do no hands too and either clap while she is in this position, or wave her arms around.

Andrew has recently started acknowledging Mabel's presence more.  This is good seeing as when Ryan goes to school in 7 more months, she is all he'll have.

and last but not least, look at her curls.  I am very proud of them.