Family Hike

Here is a few pictures we took on our family hike.  The kids were enjoying all the dogs that people were walking.  Noah loved all the big rocks and he is quite the climber!

Our little artist

                                          Dry erase crayons + clean walls + Maleah= Art

Diva

This 1.5 year old likes to march to the beat of her own drum.  She is very much into shoes, hair bows, and anything colorful.  I might add that though she often allows me to dress her, she has an influence.  Many times I have found that when I put her in something she doesn't like, she just goes into her bedroom and changes.  Especially when it comes to her socks and shoes.  It is really fun to watch her personality come out.  Though she is very mild tempered, normally, she has bursts of girl fits that remind me of what is to come.  Many times she will get frustrated with me and in turn, look at me and scream and then throw her hands up in the air and walk off, screaming.  It starts so early!

Maleah's language is as unique and colorful as her personality.  She has many words and copies most of what she hears.  She LOVES to sing.  Wheels on the bus "All through the town" is her absolute favorite.  I often find her sitting in her room trying on shoes and singing.  It makes my day.  I enjoy the fact that she can communicate with us more.  She knows most of her body parts and can point to them and tell you what they are.  (hair, belly, knee, elbow, chin, eye, eyebrow, cheek, noes, fingers, toes, hands, foot, tummy....)

Perhaps the thing she is most proud of right now is that she can jump like noah.  Hop, hop, hop goes my little rabbit.  Anything that Noah does, you better believe she is doing it to.  Coloring, play dough, bubbles and eating cookies are her favorite activities right now.  She believes that cookies can appear anywhere, and is especially convinced that I keep a huge bag in my purse! I love that she is more than willing to share with noah.  If she gets something she almost always put the other hand out and says "An Owah?!"  Then she runs to Noah and says "Here Here!"   I think we have a lot of fun memories to come from this growing girl!

Easter 2013

This was a very special Easter as it was also Dave's birthday.  I am sworn to secrecy not to tell his age (36) this year.  I think he enjoyed his time with his family. I know we were glad to celebrate with him. The weather wasn't very forgiving for Easter egg hunts as it rained most of the day, but the kid's easter bunny, Roger, managed to make it without any problems.  I think the kids made out well.  Apparently Roger and I were on the same page...this is the year of gardening so they got lots of fun stuff to help in our family garden!  I think the favorite thing for Maleah was her pinwheel and Noah was all about his new shovel and bucket.

Things he likes now

So what is Noah into now?  Well, he loves the things all boys love-Dirt, cars, construction, building, hiking...But his favorite thing right now besides hiking with dad is building with dad.  He will spend hours pounding nails into wood if you would let him.  He has his own tool belt and tools, thanks to Grandpa.  It is so much fun to watch him use his imagination and help his dad with projects.

Rocking out

This duo is really into performing.  The choice instrument is the harmonica.  Probably because it is so well played in our home.  Nothing like a little jam out session!  By far, this is my favorite band.

Boy's Hike

Noah and Daddy went on a 1.5 mile hike up Rainbow Mountain.  They had a great time!  The weather was warm and comfortable and the company was great.  The hunted for bears and looked for treasure.  I love this picture that they took to document the day.

Helicopter

Grandpa and Grandma Parker got dad a remote control helicopter for christmas.  It was a fun toy for him to relax and play with after the kids went to bed.  His mistake?  He accidentally left it out one night.  Needless to say, it is no longer his.  Noah has claimed it as his own and Maleah is the cheerleader!

                                                                 "Go Noah Go!!!"

                                                           "I got this!"

Hugs

The moment every parent loves to look over and see...

My growing babes

A couple random shots of the kids....

Maleah loves the warmer weather...and her rubber boots

Noah loves his new blanket that dad brought home from Afghanistan!

Super Stars

Is this not a perfect picture of a mini Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta?  This picture just reminds me of one of my favorite movies...Grease.  

Daddy is home, finally!!

March 11, 2013-After 90 long days off missing daddy, he has arrived!!  Dave got a rental car and met us at the house. I didn't tell Maleah that he was coming home (Noah was at school).  When she walked around the corner of our dining room, he was standing there with open arms.  She immediately shrieked "DADDY!" and ran to him.  From that moment on, she wanted no one but him.  She refused to take a nap because that would mean that she would have to let him go!  Finally, since we had to take the rental car back, I picked up Noah from school and went to the airport to meet dave.  Again, not telling Noah what was going on.  He questioned why we were there, assuming we might be going back to Oregon.  While sitting in the parking lot discussing this option, dave snuck up to his side of the car and opened Noah's door.  It was a site to see!  Noah threw his arms around his daddy, and even started to tear up.  There were many smiles and hugs happening this day.  I am so thankful to have him home as well!