Mega-vacation: day one

Today we began our epic conquest of the North Atlantic States with a journey from Columbus (6:30am) to Blackwood, NJ (just S of Philly, 4:30 pm). Obviously, we spent most of the day inside the new family truckster. Tomorrow: tour of Historic Philadelphia!

Doll at rest

The facts are: Every night of Lauren's life, until 2 nights ago, included snuggling with this doll, whose name is Doll. There are pictures of Doll at Niagra Falls. And at Disneyland. But now, she has been sitting on Lauren's computer desk for two straight nights. What does it all mean? She's growing up, but I can't help but feel this is a major thing. I am feeling melancholy about the whole situation.
Update 8/6/11: It was a false alarm, as doll has been in Lauren's arms at bedtime since. But it's coming.

Test

I just downloaded the blogger app for my new Droid. If you know the tune, sing it while you read this: Blog of the Fu-ture!

New shorts

But it's really bright In the sun!

Columbus commons

The kids take a ride on the new carousel at Columbus Commons park downtown.

Movie break!

Lauren has acting class in Dublin this week, and Trevor and I have a couple of hours to kill in the morning. Today, we spent a portion of the time watching the portable DVD player inside the Coffman Amphitheater. Good times.

Lauren climbs trees!

She's a regular monkey now.

Catch-up photos

Yes, we've been slacking, but here are some photos which I just put into Beth's digital picture frame. I thought they might as well go up here too. CLICK HERE for more (16 pictures)

More Transformers... ?!!

Sometimes having a little boy is just about the same thing as BEING a little boy. Today, Trevor and I emptied our piggy banks of nickles dimes and pennies and went to Toys R Us to buy Transformers. I'm not sure which of us had more fun. In case you're wondering, that's Megatron on my face, and Trevor is trying to eat Jolt.

Cybertronian Soundwave!

Operation: Playtime.

Trevor is excited because this run of Transformers toys is modeled on the game War For Cybertron, which is awesome.

Newest family member... Pepper!

Beth and Trevor found this dog wandering down the street. We put up ads, posted on websites, and nobody claimed him. He found his way into our hearts, and we decided to keep him. Pepper is an 8.5 pound Chihuahua/Min Pin mutt. Good with the kids. Only occasionally wets the carpet. Since Beth pinky-promised Lauren we could have a dog by the time Lauren was 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, I guess she's off the hook.

Funniest First Dive EVER

Uploaded by popular demand, the video that gets funnier each and every time you watch it, Lauren's first dive at swim class. Ridiculously epic.

And, just needed to add a few more. You'd never guess that before the camera starting clicking away, Trevor was a weeping, crying, screaming mess because he didn't want to wear his tie. Love these kids.

an actual post!

Ok, so it's been a while. But, hopefully, evidence of an adorable spring photo shoot will assuage your feelings of being neglected.

Phonebooth?

After a slumber party where curls were created with damp hair and rags overnight... we found ourselves in the old-timey part of COSI where they had a rotary dial phone booth. The girls were fascinated.

Happy Birthday Trevor!

Well, it happened... the boy turned 3. The day included presents in the morning, a trip to COSI with the family and Pauline, some downtime to watch new movies, and a party at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Happy Birthday Trevor, we love you!

Winter / Christmas 2010

Can't wait for Christmas!

Ok... maybe waiting kind of sucks...

And, more importantly, the painting crew has finally finished painting the basement. Carpet installation begins tomorrow!

Gingerbread House

Although I don't think it will hold together through the night... it was fun to decorate. The roof keeps sliding down...

Backyard!

he's a dinosaur... hard to catch him smiling.

leaf piles are fun!