Entry way progress

Randy (with the help of his dad and friend) have been feverishly working on the garage and entryway this weekend (pics to come soon).  While he isn't  keen on painting (and neither am I) he dove into it today with his dad, and got alot done.  The colors...well, they never look the same on the walls as the swatches, but they will work!  Hopefully soon we can get this project wrapped up so we can find our shoes and coats without difficulty!  I have become accustomed to the mess and kinda like not having to clean it up:)

16 months old

Derek turned 16 months on Friday and I think its safe to say that as with the other kids, the "terrible 2's" have started (yes, early)!  This kid is on anything and everything....kitchen chairs, step stools, gates, beds, you name it.  He's got the battle wounds to prove it too.  His vocab is also soaring....favorite line these days is "i got ball" and "good job".  Scared to see what comes next...no, just kidding.  It's so fun to hear him say new words.  One thing is for sure, though....he's stubborn.  Wonder where that came from ;0) Now, if we can just wean him from the pacifier!

Good Kids

We are so blessed to have healthy, happy kids.  We were reminded of that this week after parent teacher conferences at school.  Both teachers had great reports for Eryn and Nolan.  Nolan tends to be a little shy at school (which was sort of a surprise)!  Eryn continues to excel in reading (thanks to the Carolan gene for that one)!  They both have great teachers and a great school system. 

New Words

Derek's vocabulary continues to amaze me...in the past couple of weeks the main phrase is "I want more" for anything...it's cute!  He's also learning to say his siblings names, as well as sock (which I am pretty sure was one of his first words, what can I say the kid has a thing for socks, and not wanting to wear them)!  He also says Papa and Grandma (sort of...)  He's trying his best to keep up with the other kids and does a pretty good job at it!

Family...

Our family is a circle of strength and love…
With every birth and every union the circle grows…
Every joy shared adds more love…
Every crisis faced together
makes the circle grow stronger.

Playing Catch Up

We arrived back from our vacation late Monday night, tired but so glad to be home and see the kids.  Here's a few highlights from our trip:

 The view from our hotel room during the day.....

 And before sunrise....

 On the Catamaran to Isle Mujeres--- definitely a highlight of the trip!

 Sunset from the Catamaran heading back towards Cancun....beautiful!

 At the Mayan Ruins...

Now back to our normal routine... well sort of.  Tuesday I took Eryn to the Dr for yet another diagnosis of strep... really!!???  She's had two cases already in 2012!!  We have spend the weekend continuing to catch up on chores, work on the garage, and now to enjoy Super Bowl!!  I'm not rooting for a specific team, just looking forward to good company and great food!

Mayan Ruins and More!

Yesterday, we took a tour of the Mayan ruins.  After a 2 hour drive, we arrived.  It was interesting to learn about the Mayan culture and how they lived.  I wish I would have brought my camera cord to upload the pics! you will just have to wait until we get back.  After that tour, we also visited a Mayan village where they cooked us lunch.  We also rappeled into a cenote which is like a cave, into fresh, and COLD water!  It was really fun!  We also got to meet other people from other countries, such as  Canada, Holland, and Germany.  On the ride back it started to rain, and rained into the evening, so we were stuck inside for any activities and dinner.  We called it an early night, and hoping for sun today!  As the sun comes up over the horizon, it is beautiful to see the ocean, as well as a couple of cruise ships pass by.  No definite plans for today.....

Hope the kids are having a good time with the Carolan's this weekend!  We love you and miss you tons and can't wait to see you!!!