Life is good...

Life around here has been great. William and Lauren are now 7 1/2 months old! It's so hard to believe. William has 2 teeth, and Lauren just had her first pop up. William let us know his teeth were coming in from the start, with his constant drueling, biting on anything he could get in his mouth, and of course a bit of crankiness. Lauren on the other hand, her tooth came quietly and surprised us all! They are both scooting around the floor like crazy, especially William. Neither wants to sit still anymore!
Eleanor is doing an amazing job in 2nd grade this year, just as we expected. I met with her teacher last week and she called Eleanor her "model student." She was nominated for Character Counts (a recognition in the local newspaper) for her caring and helpful attitude toward her classmates. She absolutely LOVES ballet and has her first performance coming up mid December.
Lucas is busy playing the DS and learning his letters and numbers day to day. He is excited about learning, to get ready for Kindergarten. He is as hysterical as ever and he is a wonderful helper to me at home!

Lauren...isn't that the cutest little face you've ever seen? I die over this face!

Lucas and Eleanor Halloween 2009

Feeding time...carrots seem to be the favorite around here, but fresh smashed bananas go over well in the morning!

THey love taking walks in the stroller

Eleanor's 2 favorite things...reading and her little sister! She's seriously the BEST big sister in the whole wide world!

Just a little more sweetness...

Farewell for now Elsa

On August 22, 2009, Elsa joined Wallace in Doggy Heaven. She had been suffering from cancer and it finally got the best of her. We will always miss you Elsa!

Coronado, California...summer 2009

Dave's brother Mike and his wife Sarah just had a baby girl (after 4 boys). Her name is Sydney. We were able to go down to Coronado for her blessing. It was so great. The cousins had a blast, we had yummy tacos el gordo, and of course, played all day at the beach!


Eleanor learned to boogie board and she loved it!


Lucas was "body boogie boarding"...he would lay down and let the waves carry him back to shore...without the boogie board!

.....more Coronado

One of my favorite people in the world...my sister in law Sarah, and her new beautiful baby girl Sydney.

Sam the surfer!

Eleanor loved holding Sydney!

Grandpa Rahm and Lauren

Grandma Rahm and Lauren at the beach

kids, kids, kids

ahhhh...every day I realize how blessed I am to have such wonderful children. I can't imagine my life without them! They make me laugh, cry, scream, but most of all, they make me undeniably happy.

First day of School, and Ballet!

This year, Eleanor started 2nd grade! I have dreaded the first day every year since Kindergarten, and this year is no different. I miss this sweet girl every day! Not to mention she is such a great helper with William and Lauren. Now when she's gone, Lucas really has to be my helper, which he is getting better and better at. This year Eleanor also started ballet. She dances at the same dance studio that I danced at 26 years ago!

OH MY GOODNESS..I LOVE MY KIDS!!!!!

Twins??

Does anyone actually think these two look alike? I know just because they're twins, doesn't mean they have to look alike, but I couldn't think they look any more different!!! And their personalities...they're SO NOT ALIKE!!!



is it just me, or does William look like he just played some mean joke on Lauren...and she's not too happy about it!

Happy Birthday Sweet Eleanor!

Today, Eleanor turned 7 years old!!! I tell you, this girl has something about her that is so incredibly wonderful, I just can't imagine my life without her. She is the sweetest little girl ever. Eleanor has such a great love for others, it amazes me. She is always helpful, never complains, always kind to others, always grateful, always happy...she is Eleanor and I LOVE HER!!!!! Happy Birthday to you Eleanor!!

They've Come a Long Way!

From this.....

to this!

William and Lauren are now 3 months old, and every day I realize how lucky I am to have them as my babies. Lauren is such a happy, mellow baby and I love how she'll just lay down and soothe herself to sleep. She cries when she's hungry or hurt and that's about it. She's making the cutest noises now! She's all girl...everything about her is dainty from the way she eats to the way she cries. William has gone from Mr. Grumpy to Mr. Happy! He's constantly smiling and making everyone around him do the same. He definitely has the stronger personality and isn't afraid to let us know it. He's all boy...eats a ton and is built like a tank! And who would have ever thought that these two would be sleeping for 11 hours a night....without interruption!! How lucky am I?? I LOVE THESE BABIES!!!

What in the World?

I walked into the family room the other day to this! Eleanor was snapping pictures of Lauren and her new do.

Grandma and Grandpa Rahm Visit

We're so lucky that Dave's parents love to travel! They never miss an important life event in our lives. We spent a great week with them. Lucas and Eleanor especially miss playing Dominos with Grandma Rahm!

My Girls

Sweet Lauren

Eleanor LOVES her sister! (she loves William and Lucas too!)

I'm in love with her dark brown eyes!

Eleanor can already multi-task. She is such a little Mommy! She managed to get Lauren to sleep and still play her Nintendo DS!

Eleanor and Lauren