How we clean the floors

It is not always easy to entertain a 13 month and a 3 month at the same time. Sometimes I place both kids on a blanket and pull them around. It makes great entertainment and I get my floors dusted at the same time.

Old man winter?

With fall approaching old man winter has started to make his appearance. Henry had just finished eating and fell asleep with the burp cloth still around his chin. It looks like he is a very old man with a white beard.

Oregon 2009

Oregon 2009

We finally made it to Oregon. Many of you know that Michael and I booked this trip for last year but then Esther came and the trip was rescheduled. We had originally rescheduled it for June but then Henry came and the trip was again rescheduled for August. The trip came after a very busy couple of weeks and was so needed. We took the trip with our great friends Mark and Tallie Menzie, and their two boys Luke 5, and Hank 2 1/2. We flew into Seattle because the Menzies live in Tacoma. We were going to hook up with them and then all drive to the coast together. Henry and Esther did pretty good on the flight, the trouble was getting through the airport with 2 kids that don't walk. Thank goodness Michael's sister Jennifer was flying home that same morning so she helped us get checked in. On Monday we took the scenic coastal route to get to Oregon and it was beautiful. On Tuesday we decided even though it was on the colder side we would venture to the beach. I didn't think Esther would care for the Sand or the water since it was cold, I was wrong. She loved the sand and the cold water. She even loved to eat the sand. The next day we spent at the beach house relaxing and catching up on sleep. Michael did go down to the beach and flew kits with Mark. He said he felt like a kid again. That night Mark and Tallie offered to watch the kids while Michael and I went of for our Anniversary. We found a very nice place in town that served amazing food. It was nice to get away for a moment. If you forgot Michael and I celebrated 10 years this year. How time has flown by and how things have changed over this last year.
On Thursday it was nice and sunny so we spent the afternoon at the beach again. On Friday just the McNeilis spent the day at the local aquarium. Esther loved all the fish. Henry slept through most of it. Saturday we packed the car and started the drive back to Tacoma. We had such a great time and the house we rented could not have been more perfect. I hope that we have many more vacations like this one.

Thomas and Laura's wedding day

Thomas (Michael's brother) got married on August 8th in the SLC temple. Michael did the cake as a wedding present for Thomas and Laura. The ceremony was wonderful and sweet. The reception was at Thanksgiving Point. The picture of Esther and Henry is blurry because they were dancing together and movement comes out blurry. Esther had a blast dancing with Daddy and Michael's dad. We love Laura and are glad that she has chosen to join the McNeilis family.

Henry's Blesssing

Since Michael's parents were in town for Thomas's wedding we decided to bless Henry on Sunday August 2nd. The day was wonderful. The blessing was a great experience. It is a rare occasion that one family gets to bless 2 children in the same year without the kids being twins. After church our friends and family joined us for a luncheon at our house. Here is Henry in his cut blessing outfit.

Watching TV

Henry loves to watch the TV. He is here with Michael's mom enjoying a show. A quick update on Henry. At his 2 month appointment he weighed 12 pounds 1 ounce. He is the smiliest baby I know. He just loves to smile at strangers and talk his baby talk, I just wish he would sleep longer periods. His hair has a red hue to it. Michael was a red head when he was a baby. Henry's eyes have turn a pretty deep blue we will have to see if they stay that way.

The day in the life of 2 kids still in diapers

This is what our back door looks like after a couple of days. We place 2-3 diapers in these bags and then they get put by the back door till we have time to take them to the garbage. Sometimes it is a day or two before they actually find themselves in the garbage. I think I counting about 15 bags and each one has about three diapers in it, you do the math.
I thought I would add this last picture. My mom came over a couple of times to watch the kids while Michael and I finished the basement. Here is Henry and my Mom enjoying a afternoon nap.

4th of July

Michael's sister Jennifer and her family joined us for the 4th of July. Here are pictures of Ethan and Connor enjoying their new nephew, Henry.

Can I help you?

Esther loves being the big sister and helping with Henry. Here she is helping him get in the car seat for Church. They are becoming best friends.

First bath

Here are pictures of Henry having his first tub bath. He liked it as much as Esther did at first, lots of crying at first. Here is a picture of after the bath sleeping with daddy.

A pot of gold

Life could not be any sweeter right now. Everyone is doing well. We are adjusting to Henry and his schedule. The first night home was a little rough. Henry was fussy most the night and I think he has a little reflux so we have been placing him upright to sleep and he has been a lot better. He will sleep for 5 hours sometimes and I have had to wake him up to eat. Our Dr. wants us to wait a week and see if the reflux continues before prescribing and medicine. Henry also thinks his cheeks are big, as you can see he likes to squeeze them too. Esther is adjusting to baby brother. She is having some jealous moments. Sometimes when Michael or I pick up Henry she will throw a little fit. Who knew at 10 months she would be jealous. She does not wake up at night when he cries and I am greatful for that. As far as myself, I am doing great. I feel wonderful and loving not being pregnant anymore. No more heartburn, I can bend down to pick Esther up, I have ankles back, and I have much more energy. I am loving life right now. I hope that this is not just the honeymoon stage. Yesterday as it was raining a rainbow appeared. It was the most gorgous rainbow I have everseen and I just feel so blessed in my life right now. I feel like I have found my pot of gold.