Humpty Dumpty

Caitlin recites "Humpy Dumpy"

nothing to do but read

Chris is out of town, it is cold outside and Caitlin requested "More book." So, we read and read and read the day away.

Cooking with a smile

This recipe is great to have mixed in amongst my others. I can't help but smile every time I'm sifting through my recipes and see it, and it does occasionally cause an outright laugh.


Elephant Soup

1 elephant- average size
1 rabbit (optional)
salt and pepper to taste

Cut elephant into bite size pieces. This takes about 2 months. Add water to cover and cook over open pit fire at 475degrees until done. Serves 4000 persons. Add rabbit for those who do not particularly care for elephant soup; but only if necessary, as most diners do not care for a hare in their soup.


Take it and may you find as much joy in it as I do.

a hat to compare

An infamous outfit, retrieved from the storage boxes last week. We have had more comments and compliments on this dress, with accompanying hat, than any other outfit ever. It was super cute when Caitlin wore it, and still is super cute for Ashlee. However, Ashlee's window of wearing time, for the dress, will be quite limited, since she has nearly outgrown it already.

The picture qualities don't compare, (the better is taken by Minna) I just wanted to take a close up to see if these girls look at all alike. Caitlin thinks they do, because she is convinced that the picture of her is actually Ashlee. I see definite similarities too.

Look who is sitting up on their own! For up to a minute at a time. Such a big girl! And the same day as these pictures (Jan 24th), Ashlee had her first roll over from back to front. Yeah for mile markers.

P-O-T-T-Y

We are attempting potty training. Oh the joy. Most of Caitlin's motivation comes from her "potty treats" (which are way bigger than I originally thought and can add up to a lot of chocolate when she uses the potty often). Today we managed better than yesterday and put on pretty panties after nap time, only to take them off, wet, half an hour later. We are on panties round 2.

Caitlin didn't want me in the bathroom when she took care of her dirty business, so she commanded-

"Go work on the compoooder."

"Go pay with Asheeeee, now! Go pay with Asheeeee!

Then........

"I did it! I did it! A baby one!"

She was so pleased.

In other happenings:

We went to Utah last weekend for my cousin, Tiffany's, wedding and got to hang out with Annie! She got married in the Salt Lake Temple, then later that afternoon we went to the open house of the new Draper Temple. Caitlin doesn't talk about the Salt Lake Temple, but definitely remembers riding the bus to the temple, which is a perfect thing for a girl who loves buses. (you park a ways away from the temple and they bus you to it)

Annie, not Ah-nee, as per Caitlin

take it all the way down

I was doing yoga yesterday and observing how inflexible I am, and taking note of how I would like to be more flexible. It reminded me of this picture from Christmas. My brother, David, and Chris are stretching as hard as they can and are being shown up by Caitlin who folds in half with no effort whatsoever. Oh, to have the flexibility of a 2 year old.

open up

Ashlee had her first taste of real food yesterday. Well, just baby rice which probably doesn't really count as real food. She did well for her first time, I think she may have swallowed about 5-10% of what I gave her. Eating sure takes a lot of mouth and tongue coordination. It's messy work right now, and even messier because she has to put her hands to her mouth just as the spoon advances there. Does that mean she's excited for the food, or trying to cover her mouth to keep it out?

Don't be fooled, there was never any crying. She is simply saying "What is this odd tasting and strange textured stuff?

I had to go to the picture archives and dig out Caitlin's first time in the high chair. She sure was happy, and she sure had a lot of hair.

tea party

Caitlin was introduced to a few new things over Christmas- tea parties and dress-ups. The night of the big tea party was for only those over 50 or under 3, so the rest of us headed out to bowl and play battle of the sexes (after a few pictures). Caitlin felt like "Fancy Nancy" (another new for Caitlin, check out the book- it is very cute). Grandma and Grandpa played the part by accessorizing themselves as well; and the babies were silent, or maybe just non-eating, observers.

pinky's up

On the menu: water

raisins

mini marshmallows

peanuts

cherry fruit snacks

I'm not sure if Caitlin has ever enjoyed herself more.

a bishop christmas

The whole family was in Arizona for Christmas, and it was full of fun, laughs, food and games. We had a great time and really enjoyed being with each other.

We made gingerbread houses on Christmas Eve, courtesy of Grandma and oriental trading post.

Christmas morning

practicing a song for church

the first ever live Bishop nativity

cousins- Bailey and Ashlee

football with Chris, David and Ryan. how do you play a full game of football with only 3 guys? i don't know, but they do.

Julie and Ashlee

Chris, Caitlin and Katie

Our Arizona Christmas was -well still is- great. We are still here and should be home Monday night. We have enjoyed attending Kindergarten, touring Annie's copper lab, playing outside, going on walks, games, bowling, lots of food, a service project, other crafts, a picnic, shopping, the Mesa temple, bowl games, 3 birthdays, a little AZ snow and so many other great memories.