Let them wear heels!

One of my favorite shoe stores is called DSW. Recently we stopped in to have a look around. I took Addy on a tour through the clearance racks while David browsed for running (!) shoes (I think he might have plans to take up a life of crime, otherwise I don't know why he would need to run?). Addy found a nice pair of heels to try on. Luckily for me and David she takes after me and they were half off. I figured it wouldn't hurt for her to try them on while I tried a pair on myself. Although mine were only 40% off...


Like any good mother I made sure she could walk in them.


Next it was Percy's turn to try them on for size.

A life of luck?

I am sure everyone has heard the realities of our country's current economic state. David and I try to bury our heads in the sand and not look at the quarterly statements we receive for David's 401K and Addy's CSA 529 plan, but we bit the bullet and did so. Let me say, that we are VERY fortunate to have the opportunity to keep putting money away and hope for the best in the future. But in the meantime, we thought we should brainstorm ideas to ensure we can make up some of the losses the markets are sustaining. A few of the ideas weren't practical nor timely, but we finally settled on a very realistic and reliable plan. We will teach Addy to be a skilled gambler. In Nebraska we live the good life, one that does not allow gaming casinos, but in Iowa across the border we can live the lucky life. In order to prepare Addy for her future we took her to an arcade for some hands-on training.











David and I are pretty happy with Addy's progress at the machines. If she doesn't continue to show promise at the machines we are thinking we will put her on the professional bowling association.

Cousin love

Addy and David took a ride out west to North Platte to meet our newest family member, Shelby Rae and visit with Amanda and Wyatt. Addy showed off her new tackling skills to Wyatt. Wyatt was reportedly unimpressed with her skills and was not interested in any sort of hugging either. David got a turn to hug up his brand new niece and was so happy to get a chance to visit.

Ambidextrous Addy???

According to the vast knowledge of Google, most preschoolers do not have a true handedness until sometime in their third year. David and I often debate back and forth about which Addy hand will emerge dominant over the other. I am strongly rooting for her right hand and David is convinced she will be a lefty.

On a side note, Percy is Addy's favorite companion and comes everywhere with her. Percy also requires his fair share of toys, food and time with activities. You might note Percy also has a crayon near him for coloring. Although I am sure a very useful train such as Percy is truly ambidextrous. :)

Happy First Birthday Oliver!!!

This past Saturday Addy and I had a fun little adventure. We trekked into the great state of Minnesota to enjoy not only the thousands and thousands of pothole lakes, but also Oliver Cole's first birthday party. Addy and I had a pretty uneventful trip and made good time even with our frequent stops. My camera battery however wasn't as fortunate as Addy and I, they arrived in poor condition. I do have a few pictures to share of the festivities and I am sure Molly will email more to me and Miranda will eventually (!) update (we want an update!) her blog with pictures.

Addy was very happy to see the chocolate treats lining the middle of the tables!


Oliver about to dig into his first cake! Oliver liked his cake so much that Miranda was afraid he would get too much sugar! Oliver did great though and was a lot of fun. :)


Addy, Jarred, Jacob, Jadon clowning around.

Dinosaur Museum

Addy and I took a morning to visit the famed 'Dinosaur Museum' again last week.
Addy's favorite parts are the hands-on exhibits, such as the world-famous coin spinner.


Addy also enjoyed digging for fossils in the ash beds.


Like a true geologist she got tired of the limitations of real tools and just used her hands.


The absolute highlight of the morning was climbing to the top of Mt. Dino.

A Celebration of Daddy and Addy :)

Addy and Daddy are quite the pair! When David is working Addy will often tell me, I just NEED my Daddy.

Fun with the Boys!

Addy and I were invited to see Jacob and Jadon's second grade program this Friday afternoon. It was so cute, the kids all acted like penguins. Addy was thrilled to see Jadon and Jacob up on the stage! I wasn't able to get any good pictures of the program due to our seats and the sheer number of other kids up on stage, but I can share some wonderful pictures of the boys and Addy playing in the 50+ degree weather we are currently enjoying in February.

Addy clowning around before the show began. The auditorium was pretty packed and filled up well before the program started.


Addy playing ball with the boys


Addy's first basket of the day, thanks to Uncle Brandon!


Addy and the boys. :)


Addy and Jarred cheering for each other.


Addy and her beloved Jarred. :)

33 week baby update!

Here we are, only 6 and a half weeks until Baby Musserton is expected to make his/her big arrival. We are feeling pretty ready for the general mechanics and chaos of being parents to a newborn again, after all the nursery is ready, the diapers are washed and organized, and clothes are in drawers. But how ready can you ever be for a baby?
Here I am at 33.5 weeks along, I have to admit I am not in love with my pregnancy face.


Here I am at about the same point with Addy. Please don't mind my clothes, they were my comfy walking and watering the garden clothes.


It's hard to compare pictures because of how different the shirts are, but my Dr says I am measuring exactly as I did with Addy. Funny how that happens. :)

All grown up!

Addy looks more and more like a preschooler every day. I can not believe that Addy will start preschool in the fall. It is only two hours twice a week, but I have a hard time even thinking about it.

Wasn't she posing for her first picture a mere 30 months ago???


Weren't we sharing the first of many cuddles?


We knew the days would fly by, but we had no idea how fast they would go...


All grown up and ready to tackle the world! Seriously, Addy has learned how to tackle people.


I know she is ready to start preschool, but I am not sure I am ready for it.

I still sleeping...

Lately Addy has shown David and me that her nap is not completely necessary, but she is always happy enough to go to her room for quiet time. Usually we hear lots of giggling and general upheaval but every now and then she is quiet for a little while. I estimate that she sleeps for about 25 minutes most days during nap. Today she passed out in bed about five minutes before nap time was over. I decided to let her sleep for a little longer. When David and I went in to get Addy up she was not too thrilled to see us.

Ahh, blissful sleep...


Maybe they will go away??


What are they still doing here?


Maybe if they can't see me, they will go away?


This is NOT funny!


Ok, I'll try hiding one more time...



Maybe if I can't hear them, they will leave...


Fine, I will get up, but I will make you all pay!