30 weeks

I'm not normally one for exposing my belly in public, but I really think the pregnant woman's body is a marvelous wonder. I've already been asked twice during the past week if I'm having twins again. Hmmm... I guess that's the polite way of saying "yikes, lady... you're HUGE." Yes, I have 10 more "official" weeks to go. No I'm not carrying twins... and yes, I'm sure about that. Daddy took some fun belly shots of me today, but hasn't processed them yet. So this is the unprocessed, real me pic. We didn't get any good side profile ones... but I'm hoping to get some cute ones of the girls kissing my belly later.

Grandma with the Red Hair

While Daddy was in Boston, Grandma with the Red Hair flew out from Portland to play with the girls. They had lots of fun putting fairy puzzles together, reading Fancy Nancy books, making gingerbread cookies and playing dress-up. Grandma is much better than Mommy is at creating princess hairdos. Mommy and Grandma got out one night to the city to see the Christmas lights and eat a scrumptious dinner at the Lion House. Thanks for all your help Grandma. We can't wait to see you in a couple weeks!

First Day of Real Snow

I think the first time we had any substantial-stick-to-the-ground snow was the first week of December, but it's taken me a little while to post the pics. It's been snowing lots since, and the girls still think it's beautiful, but they don't like to get cold.. so they watch from the window and then run and sit by the fireplace. Most of the shots I took have eyes closed because it was so bright. Gretters on the left, Bell in pink and Lady in purple (with her kitty rainboots.. yes, we've already managed to lose one of her snowboots).

Bell standing by her Snow Angel. I think she was already asking to go inside and get some hot cocoa at this point.

Lady was addicted to making snow angels. She made about 10 in a row. We had angels all over the sidewalk, driveway, and street.

Gretters is trying to figure out how that is an angel.

Aaahhh. At last, hot cocoa for Bell and and dry boots for Gretters.

Mullet be gone!

Baby curls are so cute. They are almost too cute to cut, but there comes the day when you realize that your darling is sporting a mullet. And of course, the curls can get straggly when they get too long, unless your child lets you put her hair in pigtails or some other cute fashion. My sweet angel will have no part of it. And so the day arrived that I had to cut those adorable, bouncy curls and create a better style for her.

Pulled out, her hair was actually getting pretty long, about three inches past her shoulders.

The first cut

Those adorable curls, which will now be encased in a plastic bag for all posterity to admire for centuries to come

Ah... the classic A-line bob...

Gretters held incredibly still for this event. She doesn't have those "still" moments very often (mostly when she's asleep)... so the hair-cut angels were obviously in attendance.

Back view

Front view, before I cut a few flyways and styled it with mousse. It really turned out cute on her, but Daddy misses her curls. She still has plenty, and her hair will grow. I'm just hoping that as it does, she'll be more receptive to the world of hair accessories.

Lovin Life

I love it when Daddy catches every day moments with the kids. Children find pure joy in the simple... like racing across the grass or collecting rocks.

Can you ever be too dressed up? I think not! Lady sure loves Cinderella.

And they're off...

November Update 2: Grand-dad's 70th

Grand-dad turned 70 this year and everyone in the family gathered together to celebrate and honor the patriarch of the family. The evening started off at his favorite Mexican restaurant for all the adults, where Grand-dad shared some heart felt words of the pride he had in his children and the parents/people they had become. This was followed by everyone meeting up for a musical program with all the grandkids and adults together. We really filled the room!

After we went around and shared 70 attributes or memories of Grand-dad that Karen and Marin had compiled from the group, we started our "program" with the Cardons singing a funny song about Pigs. I don't quite know what they said, but the harmony was incredible.

The girls looked on, as they played the part of the Princess Warriors. These girls don't need knights to defend them! They look sheek in fine purple satin AND know how to wield a sword.

Dave accompanied his two oldest girls as they sang a beautiful duet.

Greta was the groupy... she took turns sitting and watching, to dancing around and around and around. She even belted out a few notes of her own!

Daddy played a beautiful tuba solo, accompanies by Dana. A modern piece written by a female composer.

The song was so beautiful... if only everyone could hear how soft and emotional this instrument can be.

Jen recites Grand-dad's favorite poem

Daddy composed a new version of the traditional birthday song with four part harmony... it was so beautiful hearing everyone sing together.

Uncle Jason's special talent was eating dessert and taunting the nieces and nephews

Happy 70th!

November Update

We've been busy in November... to much doing, and not enough picture taking or blogging! We had Thanksgiving with almost all of Daddy's immediate family (34 people). The food was delicious and the weather was incredible (sunny and high 50's)
Here's our cute Lady, posing in front of the rolls she helped Mommy make for the feast.
Bell poses with her favorite pink flower in her hair.
Before Thanksgiving we celebrated Daddy's birthday with a yummy Mexican meal prepared by Grandma Bonnie and carrot cake for dessert.
When the weather turns cold, it's time to bake. The girls helped Mommy make Apple Cider cookies for FHE. We ate them with real apple cider and took some to friends. Mmmm!

Not pictured: Mommy and Daddy's anniversary. We forgot the camera, but we stayed in a B&B in the "library" room with a secret passage. Mommy loves a good mystery... the question is, was it Miss Scarlett in the library with the candlestick or Professor Plum in the library with the leadpipe?