Grandma Michelle's Birthday Celebration

My mom's birthday isn't until the 18th, but with my brother visiting, we thought it would be nice to celebrate together this weekend.  My sister, Corrine, brought an ice cream cake and gift, I brought flowers and a singing card, and Brad got her a new Toshiba camcorder.  Which present do you think she liked best!?  We had a fun time celebrating her big _-0!  ;)  (And Ben's regift of Grandma's pillow from off her chair was a hit as well.)

Happy Birthday, Mom!  I love you!

New Beds & Grandparent Christmas card photos

My parents got the twins new beds for Christmas along with Toy Story bedding which worked perfectly with their previously painted room.  (Yay!)  They've slept really well in these beds and we've been able to store a few things underneath which is very helpful.  There was also still room in their bedroom for both dressers so that made me quite happy.

On another note, my mom, Grandma Michelle, has been trying to get a good picture of the four grandkids since before Christmas, but due to uncooperative participants, her third attempt took place this weekend.  I suggested they get in the picture so they could hold the kids in place.  Worked out fairly well.  There was a good one of all the four year olds, but Carson crossed his eyes.  Ugh.

Future note:  January 29-Brian's mom, Grandma Joanne, asked for a picture of the boys for her Christmas card photo.  Wait.  Isn't it almost February?!  These grandmas and their Christmas/New Year's/Valentine's cards.  :)

Sleeping twins, January 29:

Zoo Trip with Grandma Joanne

A fun day at the zoo with Grandma Joanne on Tuesday with awesome 78 degree weather.  Couldn't have been any nicer out.  We went on the train for the first time in years and it was a great way to take a break, checking out the dinosaurs and elephants from behind.

Happy Retirement, Grandma Joanne!

We all had such a fun time celebrating Grandma Joanne's retirement with her collegues and friends.  Many of her collegues pooled together and got her a weekend away to a casino at the coast and she recieved some large beautiful potted flowers.  "We" made her a bag and got her a bottle of wine.   Her party planner even had a Finnish phrase on the cake.  We think Grandma enjoyed every minute of the party and was pleasantly surprised throughout.

 Congratulations, Grandma!  We love you!

Beautiful Day

Outside the Courtyard

Saturday Farmer's Market

Carson picking apples off Grandma & Grandpa's tree.

Getting some energy out at a park.

Watching a cartoon after waking up.

Enjoyed a beautiful weekend at Grandma and Grandpa S.'s house.

Pool Floaties

Grandma brought these floaties for us to use and they were so much fun! It really made the pool time so much easier for the adults, too. Grandpa was on camera and towel duty the first night, then we just played in the kiddie pool the next afternoon. For such a short trip, my brothers and I had the best time!!

Beach, baby

We LOVE the beach! Ben loves running to the water, Gavin loves playing with the sand in his hands, helping me make sandcastles, and I love playing in the tall grass by the boardwalk (in Seaside).

We lucked out and had beautiful weather over President's Day weekend. Grandma Michelle & Grandpa Jack with us, too. Grandma gave us Valentine's gifts with bubbles, so we had fun in the room and on the beach with the bubbles.

We were planning to stay two nights, but Mom and Dad didn't get much sleep due to my brothers' need for crib tents. They kept climbing out of their portacribs, which started to make my parents crazy. (Especially Gavin. Ben was pretty tired and actually wanted to sleep.) I got to stay up with Grandma and Grandpa, watching a movie, while Mom and Dad escaped to the hot tub after my brothers FINALLY fell asleep. Ben, Gavin, and Daddy also started coming down with colds, so that kept them all up much of the night. :(