Brennen's Roller Coaster

Winter returns (I just love the icicles hanging off the monkey bars) and with it some very bad attitude in the kids. I think that the evils winds blew through the house and turned the boys into little demons. Hopefully, tomorrow will be a much better day. They did manage to put aside their differences when Skylar came home from school. They also managed to find a new form of entertainment for Brennen!

I just love my brothers and sister!

Back to Reality

While I tried to get some order restored (post vacation chaos-you know how it is), I let the kids have a little fun with the Wii.



Skylar does not like to lose...

Scottsdale, AZ-Monday

The business meetings were today, so Skylar got some homework done and James did a little golfing.

Scottsdale, AZ-Sunday

Spent some time with Matt and Katie.

Then while the Dean's were working (ie. golfing), the Benbow's came up to visit.



At night, we went to a very nice Japanese resturant. We all agreed it was the best Japanese that we have all had!

Scottsdale, AZ-Saturday

We spent the morning just enjoying the sun outside our villa.





Then we went for a walk-about to explore the grounds...


And we found the swimming pools!

Scottsdale, AZ-Friday

We had a late night flight on Friday night to Scottsdale Arizona. We were looking forward to a lot of sun filled days. Jt had to watch a non-sleeping Skylar and Kellen who were both full of energy. I got lucky and got to watch the two sleepers.

Bullies and Stars

While I was doing laundry, the boys were playing nearby. Kellen was being quite the bully and taking all of the toys. I think Brennen's expressions are so funny!

I can't believe he took my toy!

If he takes my toy again, I will be so pissed!

No, No, NOOOOOO!!


James had his testing in gymnastics yesterday. He got gold stars for the moves that he mastered, so here he is putting them on the chart!

Poor Brennen

I told myself yesterday that if Brennen was not feeling better today, then I would take him into the doctor. Of course, he was not better. So off we went. He had the tests for influenza and RSV (sticking long Q-tips up each nostril-twice), a blood test and he had to get wax cleaned out of his ears so that the doctor could see inside. Thank goodness the RSV and influenza were negative. He has a bad ear infection and his blood count was off, so he also has an infection in his lungs. So we are now on antibiotics and nebulizers 3 times a day. He also threw up everything he ate all over me three times today. I have had better days!

Skylar's Haircut

Now that swim season is done, we had to cut off the bad green ends of Skylar's hair. I was thinking an inch or two, but she wanted it a little shorter. I think it turned out really cute and I also think it makes her look about two years older. While we were getting her hair cut, Brennen (who has been sick for the past couple of days) decided to throw up all over me and him and the floor. It was really unpleasant and I could tell that the hair stylist was not pleased. Good thing he missed her. She is due with her first baby in a week and I could see that she was not looking forward to this part of having babies.

Happy Valentine's Day to all we love

Happy Valentine's Day everyone.
From Skylar

and Buckwheat...

The post Valentine party mess!

Round and round we go!

The kids love to ride their bikes and scooters in a big loop around the kitchen. When they do, you better watch out because it really hurts when they run over your toes.


The Passing of the Boots

Every one of the kids has adored these boots. As you can see they are quite worn-an eyeball is missing. However, Kellen was ecstatic when they finally got passed on to him!


Playing trains-Kellen style

5 min. later...

Thursday night ice skating

A future Olympian???

I'm not so sure about James...

Kellen tries to get on the ice with the others.

and Brennen complains about the cold.

My Sister, my Angel

No one can make me smile or laugh like my sister. I absolutely adore her!

She is such an angel. Today when we were at the store, there was an old lady who could not get the pop off of the shelf. Skylar went up to her (without and prodding) and asked her if she could help her out. I think Mama's heart burst with pride to see her daughter acting so kind.

Finally, some good weather

We have had a couple of nice days in a row here. All of the ice and snow has melted from our driveway and we actually got to play outside today without coats. It was so nice to get some fresh air in our bodies.



Pure joy at being outside!

During our bike riding session, I learned that Kellen has a very unique way of riding bike. No matter how hard I try, I can't get him to peddle.

Welcome home Mama!

Well, I had a great time this weekend in Chicago with my sisters (I did not have the camera, but as soon as I get sent some pictures from the weekend, you will see it). I really thought that Brennen and Kellen would give me the cold shoulder, but they were very happy to see me. Brennen was just laughing with joy when we had our 4 am feeding. It sure makes me happy to be home!

Well, what fun! Since B is off having fun I get to fill in on blog duty this weekend. Skylar and I just got back from her last swim meet of the season. I couldn't be more proud of her.