Anna has never seen a second of the Flintstones, but she really loves her some Yabba Dabba Doo!
Maybe having her dress up as Pebbles for Halloween 2008 has had an effect on her somehow. Not sure, but, either way, she cracks me up.
[WATCH MOVIE]
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Yabba Dabba Doo!
By K.J. Cardinal
Anna has never seen a second of the Flintstones, but she really loves her some Yabba Dabba Doo!
Maybe having her dress up as Pebbles for Halloween 2008 has had an effect on her somehow. Not sure, but, either way, she cracks me up.
[WATCH MOVIE]
Anna has never seen a second of the Flintstones, but she really loves her some Yabba Dabba Doo!
Maybe having her dress up as Pebbles for Halloween 2008 has had an effect on her somehow. Not sure, but, either way, she cracks me up.
[WATCH MOVIE]
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Down goes Anna
By K.J. Cardinal
Today was the nicest day of the year and Anna and I went toe-to-toe with it for what seemed like 13 rounds.
We started off by heading to a few stores with Angie to get some summer supplies... new sprinkler for her to play in (right), squirt guns, etc. On the way home, we noticed that there was a local church that had some cool used outdoor toys that were free.
Unfortunately, we were in Angie's car and not my Xterra, so we went directly home and I snagged the Xterra to head back to see if we could score a new toy or two for Anna.
What a great decision that turned out to be. I was able to get a water table (left) and this climbing dome/tunnel (below). Anna seemed to like them both, but she really LOVED the water table... which she actually calls a "sensory table" because that's what they call it at her daycare and because my kid's wicked smaht.
So, Anna and I proceeded to play outside for nearly the next seven hours, which included a serious water fight with the neighborhood kids and a nasty grilling session by yours truly. All the kids took kindly to Anna's new toys as well, particularly the sprinkler and water table.
After dominating the outdoors, Anna and I went for a ride to get a few supplies to fix up the little crack in the water table. We cleaned up and then it was lights out for Anna.
She was so exhausted that at the end of the day she fell asleep on her couch eating dinner. The only thing missing from this video was the voice of Howard Cosell yelling, "Down goes Anna! Down goes Anna! Down goes Anna!"
[WATCH MOVIE]
Today was the nicest day of the year and Anna and I went toe-to-toe with it for what seemed like 13 rounds.We started off by heading to a few stores with Angie to get some summer supplies... new sprinkler for her to play in (right), squirt guns, etc. On the way home, we noticed that there was a local church that had some cool used outdoor toys that were free.
Unfortunately, we were in Angie's car and not my Xterra, so we went directly home and I snagged the Xterra to head back to see if we could score a new toy or two for Anna.
What a great decision that turned out to be. I was able to get a water table (left) and this climbing dome/tunnel (below). Anna seemed to like them both, but she really LOVED the water table... which she actually calls a "sensory table" because that's what they call it at her daycare and because my kid's wicked smaht.
So, Anna and I proceeded to play outside for nearly the next seven hours, which included a serious water fight with the neighborhood kids and a nasty grilling session by yours truly. All the kids took kindly to Anna's new toys as well, particularly the sprinkler and water table.After dominating the outdoors, Anna and I went for a ride to get a few supplies to fix up the little crack in the water table. We cleaned up and then it was lights out for Anna.
She was so exhausted that at the end of the day she fell asleep on her couch eating dinner. The only thing missing from this video was the voice of Howard Cosell yelling, "Down goes Anna! Down goes Anna! Down goes Anna!"
[WATCH MOVIE]
Friday, April 30, 2010
What a difference a year makes
By K.J. Cardinal
Today, Anna and I made our 2010 debut at Wood Park. We just had to take advantage of the spectacular weather.
I was pretty much blown away by Anna's progress since last year. She was dominant on the jungle gym. Climbing up ladders she'd never done before, holding on to monkey bars and swinging, motoring across the rickety footbridge and going down the slide backwards. Pretty impressive.
[WATCH MOVIE]
Today, Anna and I made our 2010 debut at Wood Park. We just had to take advantage of the spectacular weather.I was pretty much blown away by Anna's progress since last year. She was dominant on the jungle gym. Climbing up ladders she'd never done before, holding on to monkey bars and swinging, motoring across the rickety footbridge and going down the slide backwards. Pretty impressive.
[WATCH MOVIE]
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Our Florida Trip -- Part II
By Tiffany George
Here we could feed the birds. We bought popsicle sticks dipped in what looked like honey and then bird seed. Andrew was so patient as he waited a good half an hour for one to jump onto his stick to feed.
Natalie didn't know what to think as a bird jumped on to her stick!
Here is Andrew mining for precious gems. We bought a bag of dirt that you put into this sifter. You dipped the sifter into the trough of water, then shook it to get rid of the dirt, leaving behind some colorful rocks. Andrew loved everything about it, and couldn't resist getting his hands in that water!
Our first trip on a ferris wheel, hot air balloon style.
The safari also had a mini water area. We were clearly the only tourists there, as the park was deserted. Here is Natalie showcasing her new bathing suit with her hula skirt hiked up to cover her belly!
Natalie wouldn't dare run through the shooting water maze like Andrew did!
Natalie with her bud from the trip, Wesley's dog Ani.
Our trip was so much fun and we can't wait to do it again next year!
Please scroll down if you missed "Part I" to our Florida trip :o)
Our Florida fun continues! Our other big adventure was to the Lion Country Safari. The first part of this expedition involved a safari that we could drive through in the van. It took about an hour and a half to make our way through the zebras, chimps, rhinos, and giraffes but the kids loved it! They loved the fact that they were allowed to get out of their car seats to peer out the windows!
Andrew and Natalie looking out the windows in Lauren's van. And we don't have a photo of our rental car, but it was the first time Natalie had ever ridden in a vehicle with a window that could go down beside her. She loved to feel the warm breeze and was baffled when it would stop at stop lights. She's say "it's not working"...cutie pants. 
Animals were in the road right in front of us. So cool!
Natalie enjoying some yummy cotton candy up on Daddy's shoulders. He had a new form of hair gel that day!
Andrew's animal feeding continued at the safari. First he fed those in water, and now those on land!
Look how happy he is as it eats right out of his hand!
Here we could feed the birds. We bought popsicle sticks dipped in what looked like honey and then bird seed. Andrew was so patient as he waited a good half an hour for one to jump onto his stick to feed.
Natalie didn't know what to think as a bird jumped on to her stick!
Here is Andrew mining for precious gems. We bought a bag of dirt that you put into this sifter. You dipped the sifter into the trough of water, then shook it to get rid of the dirt, leaving behind some colorful rocks. Andrew loved everything about it, and couldn't resist getting his hands in that water!
Our first trip on a ferris wheel, hot air balloon style. 
The safari also had a mini water area. We were clearly the only tourists there, as the park was deserted. Here is Natalie showcasing her new bathing suit with her hula skirt hiked up to cover her belly!
Natalie wouldn't dare run through the shooting water maze like Andrew did!
This is one of those water guns that you can aim and shoot around. Pete aimed it at Andrew and claimed that "Andrew told him to" shoot the water right into his face...and Pete managed the camera to get photographic proof.
Aside from the safari, the kids had the best time just being outdoors. They played on Wesley's swingset and in his sand and water table for hours. We also got to enjoy the playground and walking paths in their neighborhood.
More tree climbing!
And fun in their pool too! The kids loved it when I let them "water" me!
Natalie with her bud from the trip, Wesley's dog Ani.Our trip was so much fun and we can't wait to do it again next year!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Our Florida Trip -- Part I
By Tiffany George
It's hard to believe we've been back from Florida for a month already! We took the kids on their first airplane ride to Florida back in March. We went to visit our friends the Alphonsos, whose son Wesley was Andrew's best bud in Rochester before they moved south last October. We had the best, most relaxing time and really had a chance to enjoy our kids and each other.
First of all, no, we did not go to Disney. The primary reason is that Andrew is terrified of dress-up characters, so a day at Disney would be torture for him. I also don't know if I'll ever shell out nearly $100 a day per person for a park....but don't mark my words! This vacation was more about enjoying the sunshine, playing with Wesley, and taking day trips to enjoy nature, which is what our kids are thrilled to do!
Wesley had really trimmed down since we saw him last! He was great while we were there and shared his toys, home, doggy, and Mommy with us all!
Our flight departed at 6 in the morning, so we woke the kids bright and early to head to Manchester. They were so excited to go on the plane! Just as we stepped aboard, Andrew was invited up in the cockpit to sit in the copilot seat and check out the controls. He did take a look around, but didn't quite make it into the chair. He has talked about this ever since we got home!
We had a layover on the way down and the kids were great. We really couldn't have expected any more from them on the flights.
Natalie being cute too!
Family photo on the same day!
Andrew, Wesley, and Natalie in their undies playing in the shooting water area. Even though it was FREEZING Andrew could not resist the fun! We went here on two days.
This photo captures Andrew's "real" smile. Pure JOY!
This beach and very fun tree to climb were right beside the water area. My adventurous kids climbed right up! Please notice my arm in the back there! I would not allow Natalie up that high without a prop :o)
One night we went to this restaurant for Family Fun Night. Kids ate free and they even had face painting!
Notice Andrew's teary eyes as he waits to have a bumble bee painted on his arm. In addition to the other events, they also had a dress up Barney. Andrew was on pins and needles all through dinner and had just encountered Barney first hand before this photo was snapped. So terrifying!
Wesley had a huge bin of dress-up clothes that the kids loved to paw through. Here is Natalie, the princess witch!
Here are my cuties just being themselves! They love to hold hands and we love it too! Here they are walking down the nature trail at the Florida Oceanographic Center, Andrew's favorite stop on our trip.
Notice Wesley giving Andrew a back-hug as the kids posed for this photo in front of the large game fish tank. We saw them feed huge rays and even a shark!
Andrew at the touch tank, admiring a shell.
Natalie at the touch tank, gently rubbing her shell.
The "plate" of food that Andrew got to feed to the sting rays. Fish, squid, and shrimp were on the menu. And even though Andrew was hesitant to pet the rays, he plunged his hand right down to the bottom of the tank to feed them. We couldn't believe it!
Here is Andrew in his sting ray feeding debut!
Andrew immediately after the sting ray sucked the food from his hand like a vacuum. That face is priceless! He couldn't believe he did it either!
Andrew and I witnessed this huge hermet crab move from one shell to another. Quite the lesson in Biology!
Florida is fun!
It's hard to believe we've been back from Florida for a month already! We took the kids on their first airplane ride to Florida back in March. We went to visit our friends the Alphonsos, whose son Wesley was Andrew's best bud in Rochester before they moved south last October. We had the best, most relaxing time and really had a chance to enjoy our kids and each other.
First of all, no, we did not go to Disney. The primary reason is that Andrew is terrified of dress-up characters, so a day at Disney would be torture for him. I also don't know if I'll ever shell out nearly $100 a day per person for a park....but don't mark my words! This vacation was more about enjoying the sunshine, playing with Wesley, and taking day trips to enjoy nature, which is what our kids are thrilled to do!
Wesley had really trimmed down since we saw him last! He was great while we were there and shared his toys, home, doggy, and Mommy with us all!Our flight departed at 6 in the morning, so we woke the kids bright and early to head to Manchester. They were so excited to go on the plane! Just as we stepped aboard, Andrew was invited up in the cockpit to sit in the copilot seat and check out the controls. He did take a look around, but didn't quite make it into the chair. He has talked about this ever since we got home!
We had a layover on the way down and the kids were great. We really couldn't have expected any more from them on the flights.
Here are some photo highlights of our trip:
Andrew at the beach on day 1, thoroughly enjoying being able to play in the sand!
Natalie being cute too!
Family photo on the same day!
Andrew, Wesley, and Natalie in their undies playing in the shooting water area. Even though it was FREEZING Andrew could not resist the fun! We went here on two days.
This photo captures Andrew's "real" smile. Pure JOY!
This beach and very fun tree to climb were right beside the water area. My adventurous kids climbed right up! Please notice my arm in the back there! I would not allow Natalie up that high without a prop :o)
One night we went to this restaurant for Family Fun Night. Kids ate free and they even had face painting!
Notice Andrew's teary eyes as he waits to have a bumble bee painted on his arm. In addition to the other events, they also had a dress up Barney. Andrew was on pins and needles all through dinner and had just encountered Barney first hand before this photo was snapped. So terrifying!
Wesley had a huge bin of dress-up clothes that the kids loved to paw through. Here is Natalie, the princess witch!
Here are my cuties just being themselves! They love to hold hands and we love it too! Here they are walking down the nature trail at the Florida Oceanographic Center, Andrew's favorite stop on our trip.
Notice Wesley giving Andrew a back-hug as the kids posed for this photo in front of the large game fish tank. We saw them feed huge rays and even a shark!
Andrew at the touch tank, admiring a shell.
Natalie at the touch tank, gently rubbing her shell.
The "plate" of food that Andrew got to feed to the sting rays. Fish, squid, and shrimp were on the menu. And even though Andrew was hesitant to pet the rays, he plunged his hand right down to the bottom of the tank to feed them. We couldn't believe it!
Here is Andrew in his sting ray feeding debut!
Andrew immediately after the sting ray sucked the food from his hand like a vacuum. That face is priceless! He couldn't believe he did it either!
Andrew and I witnessed this huge hermet crab move from one shell to another. Quite the lesson in Biology!
Florida is fun!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Biker chick
By K.J. Cardinal
A few weeks ago, Anna channeled her inner biker chick and took her new bike for its inaugural ride. She definitely needs some more seat time to figure her new ride out, but I'd bet by the end of the summer she'll be a pro.
[WATCH MOVIE]
Thanks Aunt Tiff, Uncle Pete, Andrew and Natalie for the early birthday present for Anna!
A few weeks ago, Anna channeled her inner biker chick and took her new bike for its inaugural ride. She definitely needs some more seat time to figure her new ride out, but I'd bet by the end of the summer she'll be a pro.
[WATCH MOVIE]
Thanks Aunt Tiff, Uncle Pete, Andrew and Natalie for the early birthday present for Anna!
Monday, April 19, 2010
The cutest cook
By K.J. Cardinal
Anna donned her apron from Aunt Tiff for the first time this weekend and proved to be the cutest cook we've ever seen. She proceeded to wear it all day until we somehow managed to get her to take it off. Thanks Aunt Tiff!
Anna donned her apron from Aunt Tiff for the first time this weekend and proved to be the cutest cook we've ever seen. She proceeded to wear it all day until we somehow managed to get her to take it off. Thanks Aunt Tiff!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Not Your Typical Bike Ride
By Tiffany George
I don't know who is happier about the trike that Natalie got for Christmas, the recipient or her adorable older brother. Andrew zips around the house on this pink bike at alarming speed, but always manages to stop just before he hurts himself or someone else. Little Natalie can even reach the pedals now, and she can pedal around too. They have a blast taking turns on the bike and the plasma car that Santa brought Andrew for Christmas.
Their newest adventure is for Andrew to put the baby pack-n-play upside down over the trike handle, and for Natalie to hide inside of it. I am not sure where they got this crazy idea, but they both love circling around the house in this way. I do know that Pete did some crazy things to his sisters, such as trapping them inside two laundry baskets and tying them shut, so perhaps it runs in Andrew's blood!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
February Vacation
By Tiffany George
The highlight of Andrew's February vacation was when Meme and Papa came over for the day. They arrived bright and early to cook breakfast, complete with sausage, muffins, munchkins and strawberries. After breakfast we spent the morning playing. First the kids built a huge train track all around the living room, then they let our cute bunny Comet hop all around it. They honestly spent most of the morning working in this. That was until the costumes came out. My mom had bought Andrew and Natalie a bunch of leftover costumes after Halloween, and they had a blast modeling them for my parents. Whether it was GI Joe, a Transformer, or a Clown, the smiles on my parents' faces when the kids turned around was priceless. Here is some photographic proof:
Thanks so much for breakfast and lunch Meme and Papa. And for the endless supply of coins AND dollars! We love you!
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