Cheers to great dads!

Since I grew up with one of the greatest dads in the world, I understand what a huge impact a dad can have on his children. And even though I lost my dad decades too early, his influence still effects me daily. Father's Day is now a bittersweet day of missing him, and celebrating my husband. No matter how grown up I get, a girl still needs her daddy.

It is wonderful being married to a great dad. The girls are always so excited when they hear Todd getting home from work. Suddenly the house is filled with squeals and laughter, and there is always time for a round or two of Hide and go Seek.

This year the kids and I got Todd a tent and sleeping bags. I know, I know. Most of you can hardly believe that we didn't already own these, and spend our free time camping. The kids can't wait to have "campouts" in the backyard.

Hard to believe this little guy will someday be a daddy. He has a great example to follow. Love you Todd!

Friends, snuggles, and some more ballet...

Tonight we met some of our closests friends for ice cream, and had such a great time! We have discovered that going to the McDonalds with the outside playland is so relaxing. There isn't the stress of the open park, but it somehow seems cleaner than an indoor playland. It probably isn't, but I still want to think that it is. Here we are, each of us holding our newest addition. We sure are doing our parts when it comes to multiplying and replenishing the earth!


Getting some serious snugglage from my little chubster! Best part of the day.



The girls had their second ballet class. They were both so excited and comfortable, that I decided to take Ty on a stroller ride during the first half of class. I got back just in time to see Magdalen pee her pants! (Or should I say tights?) Then Bronwyn kept pretending to fall, which was really her way of not wanting to try something that was hard for her to do. She looks right at me in this video, and you can tell that she knows I am not pleased with her behavior. Hilary always laughs when I give my girls a "you better behave" look, and I'm sure this one would have left her rolling on the dance floor!




It is hard to believe that I am actually letting the girls skip naptime every now and then. We are just so busy with our summer activities. And since it takes forever to get out of the house with Ty and his nap schedule, I often have little girls falling asleep right before dinner. UG! A few days ago we didn't nap, and I gave the girls a bath around 4:30. I was braiding Magsy's hair afterward, and she couldn't hold her head up. The same thing happened a couple weeks ago with Bronwyn, and I ended up supporting her head with my knee. Very tiring! This time Todd was home, so he got a funny video of Magsy struggling to support her head. I quickly gave up and sent her to the couch.

Stage Mom

I have always said that I will let my children choose their own interests, and not push my own on them. Since they are only 3 and 4, the line between mine and theirs is somewhat blurred.... and I just started them in ballet classes. Today was their first class. It was pretty surreal sitting there and watching them. It doesn't seem that long ago that I was the one wearing the dancing shoes with my mom waiting in the wings. (Here come the tears!) The girls loved it, and kept looking at me and would shout "This is fun, mommy!". About half way through the class I couldn't hold the tears in anymore, and I indulged myself in a proud mommy cry!

So while they are free to choose whichever path they like as they get older, it was still exciting to hear their teacher (who was fabulous, by the way!) say things like "Magdalen has such a perfect arch", and "Bronwyn's leg are so long and pretty". For this summer at least, we will be dreaming of toe shoes and tutus!




And no post is complete without an update of Baby Ty. Here he is laughing with daddy.

The purple balloon

A few months ago we ate dinner at Red Robin, and our girls were so excited to get helium balloons. Most children learn the hard way that you must hold on tightly to a helium balloon, and Bronwyn is no exception. As soon as we reached our car, her purple balloon was floating up into space. She was of course, quite upset. To calm her down I told her that the balloon would float to heaven and get to Grandpa Ingoldsby. She spoke about that for days, and would tell me how much fun Grandpa was having with her purple balloon.

This sparked an idea inside me.... To write messages on helium balloons to our lost loved ones, and send them to heaven. So that is exactly what we did this memorial day. We gathered at the cemetary with Todd's family, and sent off a dozen balloons. The kids LOVED it, and I must admit, I was pretty proud of myself. :) But even the adults got into it. And though I don't think my balloon quite made it to my dad's mailbox, I still found myself getting emotional as I wrote him a quick note. It was just nice to get those feelings out there.


The send off!

Happy Mother's Day Marie! We love you!!!

My Babymoon

Last weekend Ty and I went on a babymoon (honeymoon to get to know your baby...), and it ROCKED! We thrilled my mom with a surprise visit. It was so relaxing to have just one kid, especially the one that doesn't run around the house and make messes all day. Ty was pretty popular, especially with his new Aunt Haley. They were pretty inseparable, but every now and then, someone else got to hold him.


Here he is with his new uncle Harris.


Ty fell asleep shortly after this picture was taken. So tender.


Mom and Haley took me out for some awesome Thai food. Sure beats the mac and cheese I had today... P.S. How gorgeous is Haley in this picture?!


Smiling at Uma shortly after we arrived. Ty was full of smiles and coos all weekend. It was so fun to show him off at this age.


Here he is surprising my mom. James and Wendy (new brother and sister in law) picked me up at the airport and drove me to CURVES. It was worth it just to see the look on my mom's face! We had a great time getting to know everyone better!

When it's springtime in the Rockies...

My kids sure crack me up! Here is a picture of one of Bronwyn's mischevious smiles. She is always up to something, and it usually is against the rules!


These dress up glasses have long since lost their arms, but Magsy still makes them work!



Ty has so many cute facial expressions. Be sure to watch the video at the bottom!

This blog entry is a little long, and self indulgent. Now that I have shown you my cute kids, for the 100th time, here are some pictures of us enjoying the most beautiful Spring ever!


Blowing bubbles with the cousins.


Spring cleaning. Good thing I have three mops!

Smiling at cousin Kylie.


With Uncle Bill and Aunt Sandra.


Nothing beats a bedtime story from Grandma and Papa.


The top picture is of our plum tree in full blossom. It is amazing. The bottom tree is our cherry tree. We always look forward to our yummy, home grown fruit each summer.


And now my favorite thing about this Spring.... Ty's cute smiles! He is such a sweetie. So snuggly and happy.