Lots of fun

The moment I got my new expensive smart phone last month, the thought, something this small and this expensive is in great danger crossed my mind. Well, I was right. A while ago we went on a paddle boat. It was a beautiful day and lots of fun. Unfortunately, Claire got tired near the end and was very upset about the life jacket. While I was trying to comfort her, my new phone with most of the pictures and videos from the past two months, slipped quickly and nondescriptly into the lake.
I am so lucky to have married a man who reacted to losing this very expensive phone, by comforting me and telling me "There's nothing we can do about it. Don't worry about it." Especially, since I was so upset I felt like throwing up while at the same time I was still having to try to comfort Claire about her life jacket.
Anyways, since its been awhile, I just say some of the highlights of the past few months. One was my mom came for a visit and bought our family a membership to the Happy Hallow park. It was sadly, a short visit, but I am looking forward to seeing her again a few months after the baby is born. Some other highlights were Jacob's Birthday and us discovering the wonderful broken runway bay area where we can jump across crevasses, watch the sun set and airplanes land, and enjoy groups of friends having a BBQ.

my solution to covering and chilling the cake without getting the wrap on the frosting

It has been unusually hot some days. Here is Claire napping as we enjoyed my friends A/C

Jonathan doing his Gymnastics stretches

Claire's new skirt

Daddy daughter plumbing. J put in sprinklers.

Abandon runway by the bay

talking on the phone

I just was reading funny things parents say, that they didn't imagine saying. It inspired me to recount a funny conversation I had on the phone the other day.
So I call up my mom.
Mom "hello!"
Me " Go poops now!  (pause)  hi mom."
mom "Is that what you called to tell me?"
Me "oh, sorry. j-- is having bathroom troubles. How are you? (my mom voice) Do you need help with your pants?"
Anyways, the conversations continued a lot like this with me saying things like "Stop doing that you'll fall on you face" and "my back is not a good slide."
That is why we need kids. If it weren't for them the world would be rather uninterrupted by great randomness. I personally, think I am a better person for having to explain that the baby will not come out my mouth, saying the word 'penis' more then I ever thought possible, and telling my children that yes, they can eat the monster but not my nose.

Happy Hallow

My friend invited me to this park called "Happy Hallow" its basically a theme park for 3 to 6 year-old kids, with a mini zoo, lots of playgrounds and rides.
I had a lot more fun then I expected, probably due to an awesome friend helper who came along too.
Jonathan keeps saying we need to go back with daddy.
Oh, and the first thing we saw when we entered was a carousel, which we rode three times.

Do you think they are tired?

Claire's Prairie-dog friend

Fossil dig

He found the tail bones

She never wanted to get off the carousel

Jonathan on the Crocodile (it was very important to him that he get to ride that one)

Valentines

Valentines Day was super fun this year. We had cookie decorating party and then later made a big Valentine for Dad. It was super fun, but also super full of sugar high kids :-)

Valentines outfit

He wanted almost no frosting, but all the candy on his cookie

I was surprised Claire participated...although she did mostly just eat candy

Gingerbread House

Two months ago, I bought a gingerbread house kit to make with my kids.
We never got around to using it. The kids would either have runny noses, we would have too many sweets around, or we were preparing for one trip or another.
Today, I decided to make peanut oat balls, and the kids were so good helping that when I saw the neglected gingerbread kit, I decided that today was the day to actually make it.
It was fun and made this rainy morning pass by quickly.

the kids siring the peanut butter and oats

Jonathan helping his sister

sorting the candy, only eat a couple of peices

The house that the kids decorated

Claire's nap time yesterday. I didn't dare move her to her bed in fear she would wake-up. (It was a good choice)

Arizonatrip

So Jacob had go to Germany for nine days for work. We were both not thrilled with having to be separated so long. I knew I would need help not turning into an emotional monster mom, so the kids and I drove down to phoenix to be with family. It was a great decision. I had thought of staying here to save money and just try to do things with friends, but I'm glad I didn't.
The trip was so much fun! None of us got sick (a first) and everyday except our travel days there was something fun to do and cousins for the kids to play with. Jonathan missed his dad so much, so I was so glad he had distractions.
Also, I've got to say that there was a positive result from being separated from Jacob for a week plus; it is that ever since he came back, I have become better aware of how heavenly it is to be home with each other. I didn't realize how joy filled my family life is. I know that that is a special blessing not given to everyone, and I am so happy to have it.

riding the carousel at superstition springs mall

Jonathan wanted to ride the dragon and hang out with his friend grandpa

Nana gave Claire a hair clip that she insisted stay in her hair

Jonathan holding Claire

Cousins! Claire and Andrew finally bonded and I think are friends now

Dinosaur dance party with music and entrainment provided by awesome uncles

Claire at her favorite drink spot

pre-Christmas Pictures

Here's the pictures from before our December trip that I kept meaning to post

Jacob's name on the Skylander's Swapforce credits

Our Thanksgiving meal. (so yummy)

Jonathan put his head in the bowl while licking the whipped cream

Box fun

couch potatoes

The box as a boat. He sang row row row your boat as he paddled

Our creative boy