Disneyland

Annalise and Russell took their first trip to Disneyland trip recently. We stayed for a majority of the day and are proud of how well they did. Annalise, was just potty trained the week earlier, so we were excited about not having to carry the extra diapers; however, in its stead we hauled a little potty around with us. The security guard at the gate said that lots of people bring them. She didn't believe me when I told her it was for me (Dave).



We were also at Disneyland to meet up with old college friends down from Oregon for the week. They have two adorable girls, ages 3 and 5, who were great company. We often felt like party poopers because we soured some rides due to their scariness (read below) and because our children needed regular pit stops. Thanks, Smiths, for your patience.





The self proclaimed "Happiest Place on Earth" was probably having an off day because the first set of rides we took Annalise on were much too terrifying for her. You know, the Winnie the Pooh ride. Where he appears fat and happy with big smiles saying pleasant things like, "I need some honey", and, uh, that scary boy Christopher Robin, in his alarming, er, shirt and shorts, with his big cheeky smile. If you thought that was hair raising, we were met with death defying peril when traveling at break-neck speeds around the, ahem, Disney Train around the park. Maybe Annalise was having an off day. In the end, she and the Smith girls got to meet up with the Sultans of Terror, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, for a pleasant photo-op where, surprisingly, no tears were shed.

Actually, we also did the Jungle Cruise, some big boat thing, and the Lady Bug teacups without any worries or tears. We're not sure yet if Annalise has the same affinity Tracy has for round & round, dizzying types of rides. She seemed to like it. What Annalise REALLY liked was the little water area, a haven of shooting water jets and sprinklers fueling the nearly frenetic group of soaked children. We didn't plan for water, but ended up letting her soak herself silly.

You might be wondering where our 3 month old, second child has been during all of this? He basically hung out contentedly in a wrap or the Ergo. We are very blessed to have a placid boy who likes to be carried, otherwise, this trip would've been futile.

Before we left, we had a chance to stroll the stores down Main St where we chose obligatory "1st Disneyland trip" gifts for the kiddos. Annalise got a purple fairy Minnie Mouse and Russell got a smashed-faced Eeyore doll. Little momentos to remind us of our first Disneyland trip with Annalise and Russell.

The day wasn't done. We drove a few minutes to see another set of old, college friends, the Barbers, who were extremely gracious to have us over for dinner. While we weren't there long, it was nice to reconnect with them and the Smith further. It was interesting to see us all with kiddos, now nearly a decade removed from college (!!).

Thankfully the drive back was easy. We buckled them into their carseats, with PJs on, and cruised home in silence. Praise the Lord! What a great day.

Happy Easter

We're realizing how little free time there is with two kids, as attested through the lack of blog updates......and how disastrous the inside of our house looks. This, too, shall pass - except for my dirty athletic shorts on the bathroom floor. Back on track...


With each Easter we take specific time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the great meaning that it is to our Christian faith. Jesus came back from death to prove he had power over sin and death, and that our faith in Him is justified and can be in confidence. Ask us, if you're curious about it.


We celebrated at church and with Grammie and Grandpa Oberem. A stomach busting Easter dinner was had that we also shared in with Auntie Bee, Uncle Brandon, and "cuzzy" Luke. Stomach busting, by the way, is a good thing. Happy Easter!

Ready to hunt for eggs


On the hunt






Griffiths


Brandon and Luke (wee!)


Annalise and Luke collaborating happily

Grammie Oberem lending a helping hand

Annalise and Luke not collaborating happily

My beautiful girls and their beautiful smiles

What kind of smile is that?!

Russell in his Easter outfit.



Contemplating her findings with Peter Rabbit

Russell happy on the grass

What a cutie!

Russell is growing rapidly! (No surprise there). Here are some recent photos. He's almost 8 weeks old now, and over 13 pounds - whoa.

Here are some slightly older ones:

Do I have a cute family or what?

Wraps are a key part of baby transportation. Tracy loves them, as do I. No need to lug around an infant "bucket" seat. Both Annalise and Russell enjoyed the closeness wraps allowed. Tracy is an unbelievable mommy and wife. She sacrifices so much of her time, energy, and emotion for her children and me.

Someone wants to be just like momma....!

The first few days of Russell

One cannot imagine a more delightful baby than our little Russell. He is truly the epitome of a relaxed, wonderful baby. Here are some pictures for you to enjoy of his first 4 days of life in the hospital.

First photos and first day of life:




















Russell is an absolute sweetheart and we adore him. He is a cuddly baby who loves to snuggle up to you. Here are some pictures of the following days in the hospital:






And then it was time to come home from the hospital with our new addition to our family! Luckily, my knitted outfit (overalls, hat and booties) still fit my large 9 pound son. I was a little worried. He looked absolutely darling in them and seemed to enjoy snuggling in.

We love you baby Russell! Welcome home.