There's no way this was an accident.

In case you can't tell, that's a box of Kix, spreading the entire length (and width) of the living room and half way through the dining room. Thanks, Sam. I hope you had fun.

Did I mention we found him a few days ago with half a jar of lotion smeared all over his head? We didn't think to take a picture until after we had wiped most of it away.

I keep trying to figure out a way I can stop doing everything that requires me to take my eyes off of him for more than 5 seconds - like preparing meals and going to the bathroom. But so far the only solutions I can come up with are ordering out for every meal, hiring a maid to clean up afterwards, and wearing adult diapers. Not very practical (or comfortable).

Wedding Plans

We have a few weddings to attend this upcoming summer, and Elena informed us today that she wants to be a plant for the wedding.

Trying to figure out what would promp this idea, we asked why she wanted to be a plant for a wedding.

"Because Julia [our neighbor] is going to be a flower girl. So I want to be a plant."

Pants On My Head

This is the latest rave in our house. The kids will find a pair of pants, put them on their heads and then they ask me to play polka music while they run in circles around the dining room table.


Can you tell it's the middle of winter?

When the kids dress themselves....

Highlights from Christmas 2010!

trying out the new sit 'n' spin

Sam and cousin, RJ

Opening gifts!

Asleep amid the celebrations

Bedtime Stories

While Seth was reading Elena her books before bed, I overheard Elena ask, "Daddy, why is his name Quarter and then Roy?"

Look Who's 2!

My sister happened to have the week of Sam's birthday off, so we brought our kids to the new Science Museum in Brookings to celebrate. The museum was fantastic! The kids got to change the tire on a little car, experiment with water, make lots of noise in the music room, climb up into the clouds, go grocery shopping, report the weather, and harvest vegetables on a farm. I wish I would have gotten better pictures, but the kids were always very eager to check out the next thing. I was, too, actually!

100 years!

That's how old my grandma Marso turned on Nov 27th - and she's still kickin'! We had a big party for her the day after Thanksgiving and she smiled the whole way through. Her 96 year old sister was there to enjoy the day, as well. It's too bad grandpa had to miss it: he passed away at the young age of 92. She had another sister who died at 99.

With genes like these, it can be hard to convince myself that I should eat healthy and exercise...


Happy Birthday, Grandma!!! We love you!

Happy Hallowe...err...Thanksgiving!

We decided during our most recent Thanksgiving celebration that the get-togethers on Seth's side of the family may be twice as big, but on my side they are twice as loud. And gatherings on both sides are equally fun! This Thanksgiving, as always, we were reminded of how fortunate we are to have such joy-filled and loving families.

One of the highlights of the day was when the kids discovered my Aunt Mary's attic, which was full of old costume clothes. Some of us big kids decided to join in the fun, and we came down to do a little fashion show for everyone else. Seth's costume in particular was a big hit!

This was also the first time in many years that all of the cousins on my mom's side were all together. It was also the first time ever that Elena and Sam have been together with all of their cousins on my side. They had a great time playing together. Here they are (Hoku, Alex, Mahina, Sam, Elena):

The kids were pretty tired by the time we took our family photo, but at least they sat still!

I hope everyone else had a wonderful Thanksgiving, too!

Blood Bank

Seth gave blood today - Yay, Seth! - which is doubly great since he is a universal donor. (Actually we both are, but I'm small enough that if I gave a pint of blood I would probably pass out and require a blood transfusion which would sort of defeat the purpose.)

The volunteer who was checking Seth in looked at him and said, "I'm going to ask you a question that may sound a little weird."

"Ok..." replied Seth.

"Have you always been male?"

Of course Seth replied in the affirmative. Fortunately, she wasn't just asking that because Seth is such a pretty boy. Apparently, the last time Seth gave blood, he was mistakenly entered into the database as a female. Oops!

(By the way, Thanksgiving and Birthday photos are coming - Seth's computer monitor is not working so he has mine so I've lost access to my pictures for the time being.)