Thursday, January 17, 2008

Happy Birthday Sarah!




Brian and I can't believe our baby is now two. Not so much a baby anymore, she has reached the status of TODDLER! Over the past few months she has become quite temperamental, determined, charming and full of personality. I am dusting off the "How to Parent a Toddler" books, as it has been a few years. I have discovered how liberated she feels as I present her with choices. For example, "Sarah would you like Cheerios or Cracklin' Oat Bran? Sarah responds, "Bran." As I sit her in the highchair she then complains that the "Bran" is not Cheerios (what she really wanted). Natural consequences are best so she cries through a few spoonfuls until her taste buds agree. The same goes for her daily choice of clothing. She always asks for "flowers" or "Maren's" (hand me downs). Once we dress the decision is final. I look forward to this upcoming year--one full of curiosity, learning, sharing and testing of boundaries. What a sweet gift she has been to our family.

Sarah is quite thrilled with her Minnie Mouse, bottles and stroller. Due to her strong drink preference of milk she has thrown out the orange juice bottle and will only give Minnie the very best-"Mope." Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Tanner for the cute pony and brush and valentine book. Thank you Grandma and Grandma Butler for the cute Hanna's. You are such thoughtful, loving Grandparents!




Saturday, January 12, 2008

Alligators!





We spent the morning at a park down the street from our home. We packed a picnic lunch and blanket and found a perfect spot to eat and play. The only concern was the alligators!

Friday Night with the Houston Rockets!



Nathan and Maren had a blast with Dad at Houston's Toyota Center (Friday, January 11th). They enjoyed a great game and yummy cotton candy. Yao was so kind to pose with the kids for a brief moment during half time. A Sales Rep for the Rockets gave Nathan and Maren thunder sticks and poster board with markers to make signs to hold up during the game. Go Rockets!

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Playin' at the Park




Written by Maren
This afternoon our family walked to a park. We had fun on the slide, monkey bars and cute frog. It was cold but our coats kept our bodies warm. We came home and ate hot soup and crackers.