Williamsburg

Mike was able to go to another medical conference in Williamsburg this weekend and so as always we turned it into a little family vacation. The kids all did really well on the car trip over. It helped that they each had one of our iPhones to play games and watch movies on the whole way.

Natalya watching a movie on the iPhone.

We always try to get a hotel with a heated indoor pool so that the kids can swim. After arriving in Williamsburg the first thing that we did was take the kids swimming. This was Marcus' first time swimming and it seemed like he really enjoyed it.

After swimming Mike had to head off to his conference and so the kids and I ordered pizza and watched movies the rest of the night before they fell asleep.

Getting ready for his first swim!

Having fun with Dad!

Enjoying the water!

After a wonderful breakfast the next morning (If you haven't stayed at a Hampton Inn, I highly recommend it) we took Mike to his conference and the kids and I headed to the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News. Last time we came to Williamsburg we came to this museum and really enjoyed it. We knew we wanted to come back and how could we turn down a free visit (free since I got the family pass from the Science Museum in Roanoke).

It was a little cold but the girls still wanted to see all the animals outside. Natalya really was too young to really explore the last time we were here and so it was fun to see her really enjoy everything this time.

Checking out the binoculars.

Trying to stay warm while visiting all the animals outside.

My cute 2 headed turtle.

Saturday we dropped Mike off for his conference, he actually had to walk the last few blocks because there was so much traffic. The kids and I went back to the hotel to get ready for the day and then headed to Colonial Williamsburg. They were having a Christmas Parade and we wanted to go watch. Mike skipped out on one of his lectures at his conference and came to join us at the parade. The kids had fun seeing all the marching bands, animals and floats but it was so cold that we were all freezing by the end.

Mike went back to his conference and the kids and I headed to a street fair in Yorktown. It was still very cold but the kids got to see Santa, play some old fashion games and make a pomander out of a lemon and cloves.

Showing off their pomanders

After a fun day in the cold we picked up dad from his conference and headed for dinner. After dinner we returned again to Yorktown to watch a lighted boat parade. We stood by a huge bonfire in the sand to keep warm and waited for the boats but everyone got to cold and sleepy before the parade started so we left and went back to our nice warm hotel to enjoy the rest of the evening.

Sunday was Mike's last day of his conference. It was a half day, so we picked him up and ate lunch and headed home to Blacksburg.

Science Museum

After our horrible day yesterday in Roanoke I really didn't have any desire to head back anytime soon. But Mike motivated me and after dropping Raquel off at preschool I headed back with the other two kids. First, we stopped at Mike's office to get a copy of the correct documents that I needed to prove Marcus was who I said he was and a few others just in case. I wasn't going to be turned away again from getting Marcus' card. The day was much better, no rain and the two kids slept the whole way to Roanoke. We found a parking spot right across from the Social Security building and I had remember the stroller today so it made it a lot easier to maneuver everyone. We arrived at the waiting area, took our number and waited for it to be called. Within 15 minutes our number had been called, all documents shown and signed, and a promise that a new social security card would be in the mail within a few weeks. What a difference a day makes! Out the door in 15 minutes and on our way to the Science Museum.

We again found a parking spot close to the building and made our way into the Science Museum. We got our family membership paid for and still had a little time before we had to head back to pick up Raquel from preschool so Natalya and I explored some of the museum.

Natalya definitely isn't as adventurous as Raquel, which made it a little difficult in trying to get her to try new things. I know that it will help having Raquel there next time to show Natalya all the fun things to do and explore. We didn't have lots of time and Marcus was starting to get fussy so we just took a quick tour of a few exhibits and heading back home. Today was so much better and I got everything accomplished quicker and easier than expected.

Playing the xylophone.

Natalya's favortie part was the puzzles!

Horrible Terrible No Good Day

I was hoping to show some cute pictures of our trip to the Science Museum of Southwestern Virginia, but instead I get to tell about our horrible, no good, very bad day. My day consisted of one car accident, two unaccomplished tasks and 3 disappointed but well behaved kids.

The kids and I set out for Roanoke in the morning so that we could get all the errands done that we needed and still have time to make it home for Raquel's swim team practice. All started out well, got the kids in the car and we were on the road in a timely manner. The weather was a little undesirable with strong winds and rain but we made it to Roanoke and found the Social Security office just fine (love having a GPS in our car). As we were looking for a place to park, we stopped at a red stop light. Then the guy in front of us decided to reverse, my reflexes are fast but not ninja like, so my attempt to try to stop him with my horn and backing up myself failed and he hit our car. Luckily he was going like 5 miles/per hour but he had a big van that could have done a lot of damage. We pulled over and assessed the situation and called the police (love having an iPhone to be able to look up numbers) so they could come write a accident report. We waited patiently for the police officer and for him to write his report and the guy that hit me was very polite and admitted that it was all his fault. The kids were wonderful while we waited for about an hour for everything to get done and we could be on our way.

We finally made it to the Social Security office after finding a parking place and braving the wind and rain outside. Again we had to sit and wait for over an hour, but I had come prepared with snacks and games on the iPhone for the kids to eat and play. It wasn't until after they had gobbled everything down did I look up and see a sign right in front of me that said no eating or drinking and to turn off our cell phone. Oh well, I'm sure they would much rather have a few crumbs on the floor instead of 3 screaming children waiting in the lobby. After an hour our number is finally called and we go to try to get a copy of Marcus' Social Security card. I brought all the information I was told, we even had stopped by the hospital this morning to get the proper proof of birth paper work. But I was told I didn't have what I needed and would have to come back or mail it in with my drivers licence and by the way it could take 3 weeks to get to you. Three weeks without a drivers licence, come on who can do that.

I'm so frustrated by now and decide that its been a total waste of a morning and we head back to the car so that we can go to the Science Museum and let the kids have fun. But when I look up how to get there I notice the hours and that its not open today. I really wanted to get to the museum so that we could buy a membership. It allows you to go to over 250 other museums around the world for free. We just happen to be leaving for Williamsburg in 2 days and to another museum that we could use it at, and so again a little frustrated.

I think to myself, not all is lost we can still have a little fun and go to the Toys R' Us in town and let the kids play. We head for the mall where the toy store is and I thought all would be well, but again something had to go wrong. I took the wrong exit and ended up having to get back on the freeway in the opposite direction and thats when I finally had had it and turned around the first chance I had and headed home. It really was a waste of time, gas and my patience. I guess Marcus will have to go with out a Social Security card for another few weeks and we will miss out on a free visit to the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News this weekend. Hopefully the rest of the week goes a lot better.

Medical update

At Marcus' 2 month visit his doctor heard a heart murmur and referred him to a Peds Cardiologist. We had his appointment at the Pediatric Cardiologist last week. The Cardiologist, Dr. Miller took one look at him and said, "Even if he has a heart problem it sure isn't causing him any growth problems." And she is right, Marcus is our little chubby baby. She listened to his heart and agreed that she heard something but was pretty sure it was nothing to worry about. But wanted to do an echo cardiogram just in case. Marcus did great during the test and ended up falling asleep in the doctors arms at the end. As Dr. Miller thought Marcus' heart is just fine and the murmur is nothing to worry about.

As for me I went to the dentist last week and was told I had my first cavity. I'm a little sad that I can't say I've never had a cavity anymore but one in 32 years isn't bad either. I got it taken care of today, no problem.

Raquel also went in for her first teeth cleaning with the dentist today. Mike took her and she did great!

Bathtub Buddies

Our three cute kids!

Doesn't everyone need a bathtub picture with their siblings!

Happy Anniversary!

Mike and I celebrated our 7th anniversary today! We spent the day together running errands and then going out to see the new Harry Potter Movie together without the kids.

Wow, I can't believe its been 7 years. Lots of things have changed since 11/22/2003. Mike has changed jobs three times, we have lived in 3 different houses and added 3 kids, 2 dogs, & 2 cats to our family but we couldn't be happier.

Our wedding day!

My Walking Partner!

Marcus has become my new walking partner. We are sometimes accompanied my our neighbor Ann but if she doesn't go Marcus gives me a reason to walk. He usually wakes me up around 5:00am and normally I'd lay in bed until everyone else was up and we had to start our day. But now if the weather is ok, meaning not too cold (below 20 degrees) we walk. Its a peaceful time to go out and walk. Usually only one other little old lady is out walking and Marcus and I get to enjoy nature and the silence together. Most of the time Marcus falls asleep before we make it home but he is a good little sport to come walking with mom.

Parties & Feasts!

On the 19th Raquel's Preschool class had a sing-a-long and Thanksgiving feast party. For the party we were asked to bring something to share. Of course we couldn't bring just anything, it had to be something cute we made. Again I found a cute turkey made out of food that we decided to make for the Thanksgiving feast. They ended up being a lot more work than I thought and a little too hard for little hands to help. But they did turn out super cute and were all gone by the end of the party.

Natalya, Marcus and I went to Raquel's school for the sing-a-long. I had a cute video of Raquel belting out "God Bless America", but it ended up getting erased off of my iPhone. The kids sang a few songs and played their coffee can drums they made. Very cute seeing Raquel sing, she sure loves music. After the sing-a-long we headed to another class room for our feast. It truly was a feast of finger foods!

Gobble Gobble!

Our cute little Oreo Turkey

Raquel in her Pilgrim hat and beads at the sing-a-long.

Enjoying the feast!

2nd Birthday Party!

Also this weekend we had Natalya's birthday party! We invited some family friends over for a little party for Natalya. She sure had a lot of fun running around with the kids and opening presents. It was so cute to see how special she felt when we sang happy birthday to her.

Natalya is too young yet to decided what type of cake she wanted to Raquel and I choose to make a white cat. The ears are a little misshapen and long but other than that I think it turned out cute.

So excited to be the center of attention!

She was able to blow out the candles on her cake all by herself.

Opening her presents! She got her very own princess blanket, a noisy toy cell phone and Melissa & Doug toy cookie baking and decorating set.

Natalya's 2nd Birthday!

Natalya turned two today. We started the day off by Natalya and I running down to the local donut shop and picking up donuts for breakfast. Natalya helped pick them out and she got one with sprinkles of course. Today was her day for class as Romp & Roll. She enjoyed climbing, dancing, sliding, painting, singing and popping bubbles. We then picked Raquel up from school and headed out to lunch to continue our birthday celebration. After a healthy lunch of chicken nuggets, fries and a frosty we headed to the toy store so Natalya could pick out her birthday gift. The girls had fun playing for over an hour with all the toys and Natalya came home with a fun present. We are going to have a birthday party with friends for Natalya on Saturday.

Blowing out the candles on her birthday doughnut!

Eating her Birthday lunch at Wendy's.

Trying out all the toys at the toy store.

The girls had lots of fun playing.

Happy Birthday Natalya!

Ten Things I Love About You!

• You love your big sister and want to be just like her. You and your sister play so well together and are truly best friends.

• You love your little brother and show it everyday with hugs and kisses. You are even willing to share your most special blanket with him. The way you protect him from others, by holding up your little index finger and saying no touch.

• How much you love your sweets! Just like your dad. Making cookies and treats is so much more fun when you have a cute little kid enjoying them.

• Your love of animals! You are a great little helper when it comes to feeding the cats. Its so cute how you think the word for dog is Carter (our neighbors dog's name).

• How good you are at playing with mom and dad's iphones. Its amazing what a little 2 year old can do. I'm sure she knows more about my phone than I do. Same goes for the wii, You are able to put on a show off of Netflix for yourself.

• You love your shows! Dooby (Scooby-do), Co Cooes (Blues Clues) and Dora.

• Your love of music and how you dance to it when ever the mood hits you like in the middle of the store aisle, sitting in the car, at church or at the pool.

• Your my little copy cat. You say and do almost everything you see and hear. The other day. Raquel accidentally hurt Mike. She then immediately gave him a hug and kiss and told him she was sorry. Natalya then went up to Mike and purposely slapped his face. Then proceeded to give him a hug, a kiss and tell him she was sorry all because she saw Raquel do it.

• Your cute giggles and little smiles.

• Your determination or you could call it stubbornness. But I can't get mad at you for it because your just like me.

Terrific Turkeys!

I've always made Halloween and Christmas treats but this year I was feeling like we needed to make something in November for Thanksgiving. I found these cute cupcakes on another blog and thought they would be fun to make with the girls. They are super easy and super cute. All you need are candy corns, lots of chocolate frosting, chocolate sprinkles and a steady hand to make the eyes. We had lots of fun making them and I think they will become our new November treat!

Baby Announcement

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Halloween Happenings!

Halloween was a week long event at our house this year. It started with making slime which the girls played with for hours. Even baby brother got into it, not by choice of course. Next we made Halloween sugar cookies and took them to our friends. Then Trunk or Treating at the church on Wed., where the kids got lots of candy. This year Raquel was a cat, which she wanted to be ever since Natalya was one last year. Last year Natalya kept wiping her cat face off and so Raquel told me last year that she wanted to be a cat and she wouldn't wipe her make-up off. She was true to her word and was a very cute black cat. Natalya was a cute bumble bee and little Marcus was a banana. All of them looked so cute in their costumes and had fun trick or treating.

Raquel making our slime.

Playing with the slime.

Wearing the slime.

Decorating our Sugar cookies.

Getting ready to trunk or treat!

Meow!

Buzz!

Marcus our cute little banana

At trunk or treat Dad.

Mike dyed his hair blond for Halloween and dressed up as a beach bum.

We carved pumpkins with our neighbors. They are from Botswana and so had never carved one before. And like most first timers didn't want to touch the slimy insides. Later we Natalya, Marcus and I attended a Halloween party at Raquel's school where we spent the school day parading around town at local banks in costume, had a fun time dancing and singing in music , ate yummy treats and played on the play ground. Natalya had lots of fun following her big sister around all day being a big kid at school. Then later Friday evening I took the girls trick or treating at Oak Ln. which is where the on-campus sororities and fraternities live. They let the kids come trick or treating through the complex and have little fun crafts for the kids to do.

Carving pumpkins with our neighbors, Tom, Kaitlyn and Kathy.

It was the first time they had ever carved a pumpkin.

Our finished pumpkins.

Raquel at one of the local downtown banks singing her Halloween songs for the employees. It was freezing cold but well with it to see all the little kids in their costumes and hearing their songs.

Playing on the swings at recess.

Dancing to the music during music time.

We took the day off from Halloween fun Saturday, but we did go to the park and had fun playing on the play ground and in the leaves. Sunday we went to our friends house for dinner and treats. Halloween sure seems like a lot more work these days but I guess the kids get plenty of use of their costumes wearing them 3 to 4 times Halloween week. And they have so much fun its all worth the time and effort to see their smiling faces.

2 months & 2 years

Marcus and Natalya had their well child visits today at the doctor. Marcus turns two months tomorrow and Natalya 2 years in 2 weeks. Natalya hated every minute of the visit and cried while she was measured for her height and while the doctor was listening to her heart and lungs. She really hated the Hep A shot she got too but soon got over it when she was given a piece of Halloween candy. Marcus did really well and slept during most of the exam and only cried for 2 seconds when he got his shots and then fell back asleep within minutes and slept the rest of the morning. Marcus is getting to be a big boy gaining almost 4 pounds in the last month. He checked out healthy except for a heart murmur that we go see the Peds cardiologist for later this month.

Marcus 2 months

Weight: 12 lbs 4 oz (50%)

Height: 22 1/2 inches (25%)

Head: 15 inches (25%)

Natalya

almost 2 years

Weight: 25 lbs 4 oz

Height: 31 1/2 inches