Still here, we promise

Oh February. Don't miss you February. February was a doozy for us. The kids were sick and Dave and I were REALLY sick. We both had bronchitis for pretty much the whole month. This illness brought on all sorts of issues for us (long story short, we both coughed so much and so hard that we BOTH ended up with back spasms and numerous trips to the Dr.) Our bathroom counter is still litered with inhalers, pill bottles and cough syrup.
Luckily Grandma T. came over so Dave and I could both get some rest. Grandma and Papa T. were just here again for Grandparents Day at Nate and Ella's preschool...we
again took the opportunity to get all healed up. Sigh.
We are a little behind on uploading photos of the kids, we hope to get some up soon.

Nate and Ella just turned 2 and a half and are as funny as ever. Some of their favorite things these days are:
Elevators
Escalators
Thomas the Tank Engine
Barnes and Noble
Red Robin
Dance Class (Ella)
Music Class (Nate)
Riding the bus (Nate)
Hot chocolate
M&Ms
Splashing in rain puddles
Preschool
"Going to the gym" (going to the Kids Club at the Y while Mommy works out)

One thing that got Dave and I through February is that we are jetting off to Kauai in just a couple of weeks! Grandma and Papa T. will be here to watch the kids while Dave and I head over to Hawaii for some much needed R & R. We LOVE Kauai and are very excited to return.

Growing up fast ...

Here's hoping everyone's 2011 is off to a great start! Nate and Ella are chugging along, getting more conversational and interactive in other ways. Their once-a-week co-op preschool is going well, Mommy continues to be great about getting them out of the house for numerous adventures, and with swimming lessons on hiatus for now we're looking into other activities. Maybe a ballet class for Ella, who runs and grabs her tutu when music comes on. Nate also loves music and continues to be our gadget guy as well. They play together and make each other laugh more and more!

Here's a recent shot:

Sledding in Snowy Spokane

Hello and happy holidays to everyone! We're visiting Grandma and Grandpa T. for Christmas (also Uncle Kevin, who arrives tomorrow.) There's snow on the ground and more headed our way for tonight. Earlier today, Nate and Ella went sledding for the first time. Here's a video and some pics!

Nate & Ella & the Blustery Day

Skipping ahead on the blog a bit, we're now days away from Thanksgiving. Home from work today with a cold but we did manage to get some pics of the kids enjoying Seattle's first snowfall of the season!

First, here's Ella gearing up a few days ago:

Ella of the North:


















Polar explorer Nate:


















In the snowy backyard:


















She especially loves the pink gloves:


















Our wintry street:













Watching from back inside and sipping hot chocolate may be the best part:













Right Roo?













Here's a video of Nate (sorry it is sideways) singing along to a CD sent by Aunt Mary:

step away from the scissors

So......I (Karin) trimmed Ella's bangs again. It didn't go so good (which is why there is no real picture). Poor girl, her hair has been in an in-between phase for while now. I have promised I won't do it again! I was so that kid who chopped off Barbie's hair.

Coming soon...pictures from Ella and Nate's first pumpkin patch harvest in the backyard!

Some pictures from late summer ...

It has been a while but we're back with another post. There's lots going on as summer winds down. Nate and Ella are enjoying being 2 years old. They are back in preschool (once a week) and just started swimming lessons yesterday. Nate took to it right away; Ella was scared at first but hung in there and had a great time. Church today was also interesting. Nate let out a big "Yay!" during the quiet moment after the responsorial psalm, and also loudly recited the alphabet in the communion line. Before Mass, Ella said "God is so cute."

Here are a few more birthday shots and a picture from our recent family visit in Oregon:

Ella plays peek-a-boo at her birthday party:














Nate loves his cake, again ...



















Opening presents ...















Storytime with Aunt Karen and Uncle Ron:














The Hermans at Multnomah Falls:

We're 2 Years Old!

Happy birthday to Nate and Ella. Actually it has been about a week of festivities already with more to come. We've had multiple birthday song singings, cake, visits with Grandma and Grandpa T. and Aunt Jayne and cousin Katie.


The birthday boy and girl are doing great. Here's a recent shot, with more to come soon!