From the Archives: Uncle at Disneyland

This is a perfect reflection of my Uncle.

He is always happy, jovial and loves to share stories.

In 1997--Auntie, Uncle and Niki went to Disneyland with us (Mom, Dad, Megan and myself). The vacation was the first time I had ever seen the ocean. But it was also probably one of the first times I ever saw my Uncle smile THIS big!

'Lil Miss Baker

Teaching K How to Knead Dough

She loves wearing her apron when she sees Mommy wearing one.

3 months + 1 Week

Aiden loves the exersaucer.

Especially the frog.

He likes to eat the frog.

The frog makes him happy.

K's Art Gallery

Some of K's artwork from preschool. I'm thinking I'm going to frame some of them.

Such pretty colors!

this one is my personal favorite. The turquoise is gorgeous.

Fall Carnival

In lieu of Halloween, we have the kids celebrate festivities at the church's Fall Carnival.

Way cooler, in my opinion.

Costume Contest. The dude with the barrel at the left won (for his age group).

me: "What do you want to have painted on your face, K?"

K: "A PIG!!!"

K did the dart toss TWICE and became an expert.

Decorating her turtle (I think they look more like frogs).

Very clever turtle race.

Decorating a tin can. Fun? Go figure.

Aiden wasn't sold on the excitement. Bed time for him.

Pumpkin Carvin' Time

Happy 3-months-old

Today, you are 3-months-old Aiden.

You weigh 16 lbs. 8 oz. and 24 3/4 inches tall.

According to the doctor, you're muscle strength, movements and aptitude is more so at the level of a 4-month-old. You haven't forgotten about that upper back right tooth that's coming in. You giggle and coo. Still working on that sleeping through the night bit.

We think you're pretty nifty!

playtime

"Here Aiden, you can play with THIS potatohead."

From the Photo Archives

Some of my first memories come from preschool.

And I liked it. A LOT. (I'm in the first row, red pants)

I made my first two very close friends in preschool. Niki and Julie. Niki is wearing the purple dress in the back row. Julie is wearing the red dress on the far right, top row.

In fact, I thought so very highly of the two, that I repeated Niki's name over and over again to Auntie. We were at the hospital after she had given birth to my cousin. It was thundering and lightening outside. I was watching the flashes of lightening out the window while Mom and Auntie were going over different names. And I kept interrupting with, "name her Niki!".

My cousin's name is Niki.

Bumbo Boo

Aiden, you are growing TOO fast. Just the other day, your mommy discovered that your first tooth is already coming in (on the upper right side in the back).

Sleep longer at night kiddo. But stop growing so fast!

Happy Birthday K

On Oct 27th, K turned 4-years-old!

Mr. Potatoehead AND family!

K took this picture.

Horses and ponies are the best (in K's world)!

She had her very first birthday party. A princess party to be precise!

Each princess sifted through the pink and purple sand to find a special star-shaped-gem!

I about died laughing at the facial expressions.

My princess, I hope you enjoy your 4th year--full of blessings and good health.

From the Photo Archives

photos taken April 4, 2009

From the Archives: Poetry and a Photo

we devour what we will never understand

eager to endure

to stand tall amidst failures life serves

with tea

and we congratulate our pride

catering to its next order

pleading, the Understanding one waits

as we accrue unneeded grief

He takes the ticket upon commencement

we stand in awe of circumstances and charges

allegations we never saw

coming.

From the Photo Archives

photo taken March 4, 2009