It Used to Be Quiet Around Here

Claire has recently added several new phrases to her vocabulary which I feel are important to document. For posterity, you know.

1. "Wawk-ward": translation--awkward; origin--"The Grinch" and "Hannah Montanna"; Uses--in response to any situation that is undesireable, i.e., "Claire, if you don't come here and let me fix your hair RIGHT NOW, I'm going to spank your bottom!"

2."I don't know about that": translation--I don't know about that; origin--unknown, but probably me; Uses--in response to any situation that is undesireable, i.e., "Claire, it's time to go lay down for a nap".

3."Oh yeah, Oh yeah, whoo, whoo": translation--variable; origin--"Hannah Montanna," unfortunately. Uses--pretty much anytime, so long as accompanied by a little dance.

Arden has also been busy expanding her own vocabulary. In addition to her often over-used favorites of "no," "mine," and "bite," she has added "cookie," "yeah," and "fish". She's also quite adept at saying "Uh-huh" and "Nuh-uh". She's got all the important things down.

I must be stupid

**UPDATE**
I figured it out--check out Claire's rendition of "Tomorrow" in the previous post.

Any of you fellow bloggers know why my video in the previous post won't show up? It's there when I preview the post, but it's gone once I hit publish.

I Love Ya, Tomorrow

Last Sunday, I took Claire to see the musical production of "Annie". It was a pretty long performance (about three hours) but Claire did great and sat still through (most) of the show. I knew she enjoyed herself, but didn't realize how much she had taken in until later in the week when she started singing "The Sun'll come out, Tomorrow..." over and over again. She claims she's going to be on stage someday, singing and tap dancing just like Annie. She's so sure of herself, I think she just might do it.

Tempest in a Teacup

Today Arden did something her older sister has never done before. I know, I know. The second child usually doesn't get to do anything first, but leave it to Arden to find something Claire hasn't tried yet. Her new trick, you ask? That would be throwing herself down on the floor in a fit of rage and banging her head repeatedly on the carpet. Also, pummeling me in the face when I had the audacity to throw her drink away at a sandwich shop and biting my thigh when I refused to let her stand up in her chair at breakfast.
I have a feeling this child will force me to buy "The Strong Willed Child" before she's even two.

There's No Place Like Home...

Although this place is a close second.


On a reccommendation from our dearest friends, the Bowmans, Jason and I spent five days at Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso. That's Paradise in Spanish, people, and believe me, it lives up to the name.




The beach was quiet, the pools were awesome, the service was fantastic and the food was great. Truly the perfect get-away.






We had so much fun, it was hard to come back. But these two eased the transition back to the freezing weather.

Ten

It's hard to believe it's been ten years already. Ten years since we started our life together, still in college, two dollars in the checking account, and no idea what our future would look like.
We've grown so much. From college to grad school to first jobs to having kids. The things we've experienced together have shaped us, both indivually and as a couple.
We've had a lot of fun. A summer spent in Prague. Annual beach vacations. Ball games, travel, races and just hanging out together doing nothing at all.
We've added to our family. From two to three to four. It's amazing how Claire and Arden are the perfect fit for our family.
We've been blessed. Way more ups than downs. Far more laughter than tears. More joy than we could imagine.

Happy anniversary to my best friend! I love you!

Merry Merry

Another Christmas full of love and memories. Lots of food, lots of presents and lots of laughter. It always astounds me how blessed we are with family who truly love each other's company. I hope your Christmas was just as merry...