Outside Time

Oh how these girls love being outside. It warmed up a bit here over the last few days, but wouldn't you know it - today it's in the 30's and snowing. Blah. Here's a few pictures from our day at the park before this nasty weather blew in.

Caroline would not let me take off her jacket, even though it was warm.

She's funny like that.

This thing spins around. They had a blast going round and round.

"Wheeeeeeee!!"

Watching all the big kids play.

Bubbles!

Videos!

Liv showing off her animal sounds skills:

These girls are busy:

Itsy Bitsy Spider:

Paci Stealer:

Let the Potty Training Begin!

So lately the girls have been very aware of their diapers, pulling on them when they are wet or dirty, and telling me "poo-poo, mama!". So we figured it might be time to introduce a Big Girl Potty. I don't at all expect them to be fully potty-trained for a long time, but wanted to at least familiarize themselves with the routine and talk about it with them every day.

We bought two potties last Sunday (yes, of course we had to buy TWO - would it be any other way??), and let them play with them for a bit in the living room so they wouldn't be scared of it. (No we're not leaving toilets in our living room - they're now located in our bathroom)

Here's some pictures, please excuse my children's hair - they had just woken up from a nap.

"Hmmmmm...."

"these must be our new toys!!!"


And after about 5 minutes, they were really only interested in the boxes. It's sure to be a long and slow process, but we'll get there!

A video:

Papa Bede's & Great Papa's Birthdays

I meant to post these last weekend, but I had a crazy busy week at work so am just getting around to it. Last Sunday we all got together to celebrate Rob's dad and grandpa's birthdays.

Papa Bede & Liners

What's with the pouty face?

Looks like Livi was having a better time.

The kids had fun going through Grandma & Grandpa's toy chest, which was full of old toys from when they were growing up. Check out this play Science lab kit!

Yeee haw!!

Cousin Katie giving the girls a driving lesson.

"Vvrrooooooom, Vvroooooooom!"

C

Ice Cream!!!

Look at Caroline's face in this one.

If that isn't RICHARD SMITH, I don't know what is.

Here's a closer up view:

Liv likes to show off her belly.

Sweet Caroline giving Auntie Kari a smooch.

And then they discovered the stairs so daddy had to stand guard.

A sweet moment of all three girl cousins playing the piano.

L to R: Katie, Caroline, Olivia

And the day wouldn't be complete without

one of Miss Caroline's temper tantrums.

The cutest part of these dresses

that Aunt Nee Nee gave them - the little Bear ears on the hoods!

Happy Birthday, Great Papa! 85 years young!

Saturday at the Playground!

It was a beautiful sun-shiny day here in Chicago, but still too chilly to spend a long period of time outside with 1 year olds. So we decided to take the kiddos to an indoor playground at our local Menards. They had a BLAST!

Liv cheesin it up before we left.

They randomly like to wear mittens around the house for some reason.

Liners says "Let's GO!"

Caroline Crazy Hair. And what's with this face she's making?
She undeniably looks like her daddy in this picture.

The girls patiently waiting while daddy browsed the tool section first.

Playground time!!!

A video of the girls "digging":

Olivia was completely fearless on all the ladders, walls, slides, etc. It was so cute watching her just go for it, but a little scary too.

A video. She wanted to go down all the slides face-first!

Caroline was somewhat more hesitant.

Even mama got to play.

Between the cold air and all the plastic playground equipment - static did a number on Liv's hair. Check out her 'do!

On the way home we stopped at McDonalds to get the girls some chicken nuggets and then we went home and had a Dance Party!:

Caroline Kisses:

ABC's!