Mostly Maggie...

Two by two. That's the way we like it.
Sam and Mags decided that although there are two ride on toys- they would rather squeeze both their bums on the same one.
Little kids at a 'big' table.
Maggie giving an odd face while showing off her fancy jacket and dress combo that her Great Aunt Sandy and Uncle Goat got her for Christmas.

Maggie has been working on it for about a week now- but she finally got it on Monday. She can snap her booster seat straps all by herself.

Yummers.

We introduced Sam and Mags to a couple of new flavors this week. They got to dip carrots in Ranch for the first time and experience their first Bannock (fried bread dough). Eric was REALLY EXCITED to share one of his childhood favs with the kids. The kids went wild over the Bannock- I think Eric can rest assured that he will be raising another generation of Bannock lovers.

The new 'buckethead'

We were lucky enought to have Cousin Kari and Cousin Joel over this last week, as well as Andrea and the kids over for dinner this week. Joel was very happy with Uncle Eric (we think he thought he was his Dad- or at least a close enough replacement) and the kids had fun putting baskets on their heads for the camera. Bucketheads are out, Barry. Basketheads are in.

Snow Days 2 and 3! Yipee!

We had 2 more days of snow around these here parts. Here is s slew of new snow pics for you Californians! (You can click on the picture to see it bigger, Mom) :-)

Yucky and Nakey

This is Yucky pics #1. It was taco night. That is mostly beans you see. ...and Yucky pic #2.
Here is 'Nakey' pic #1....ok, really it was just diaper time.
...and #2.
A nice side view of Sam's gut.

"Nap" Time

Yeah, right. Our kids were definitely not sleeping their entire naptime today. I was just telling Eric (who is eager for his children to dress themselves) how a developmental mark for 18th month olds is that they can take OFF one article of clothing themselves....then we walked in after naptime today and found the kids like this. All I can say is that I am thankful that Sam only remove his pants.

Snow day?

We were very excited to see the snow falling this morning, and even more excited when Reynolds declared a snow day- which means that Eric is home for the day! Yeah for us! Here is a pic of Sam as he was getting ready to head out into his first snow this morning. He spent his time running from the front window to the back slider to check the snowy yard over and over. So we bundled them up and took 'em out. (We think he looks like he is gearing up to rob 7-11 or something.)
Maggie discovered right away that eating the snow was fun.
Sam wouldn't eat it until Dad put it in the form of a ball for him. Then he ran around holding it our and saying "Ball!"
Maggie's little fingers got too cold and she just lost it. Time to go in for this little girl.

Hangin' with Edd

Our friend Edd was here to 'visit' over the weekend. (okay, actually he was here on business) The kids thought that Edd was prettty fun to have around. Sam was trying to use him as a stool several times. Sam and Edd 'bounced' to Tigger and his hyperish music.
A goofy pic of Mags in the tunnel.
And Maggie using Edd as a stool.

I like this pic. Edd looks very happy and normal- Sam on the other hand...a little scared. Thanks for staying with us Edd! We hope you enjoyed your time in Portland!

Free at last!

The kids went wild outside today. The poor things haven't been out back in weeks upon weeks. Here is a great action shot of them going opposite directions. Sam is giving us a look that says "Eric is my daddy"- don't you agree?
Our backyard neighbors have a pooch of somekind that the kids finally discovered. They spent quite some time trying to catch a glimpse thru the fence. Sam was shaking he was so excited at some points...
Maggie offered me a soggy leaf.
So Sam did too.

Game Time

Sam and Maggie love to get 'scared' by Dad around the corners in the kitchen and bedrooms. The game I'm sure has been played in various forms in every household, but here is how it goes at our house. Maggie was trying to chase Eric around the kitchen, but he doubled back (he is so smart!) and surprised her. Sam didn't know Dad was right there when he turned around. (Do you like Maggie bookin' it in the background?)
The kids chasing Dad down the hall and into the bedroom.
Sam chasing Eric into the kitchen- he has his 'sword' and 'shield' in hand, ready to defend himself. (It's actually a toy knife and cutting board.)
Funny pic of Maggie running- doesn't her leg look like it's broken?

Lovin' those accessories

Maggie wearing most of her 'fancy' garb. Wow, what a glamour shot.
The kids got candy bracelets in their stockings...they had no trouble figuring out what they were.
Sam did struggle to keep in on his wrist though. He would rather have just eaten the entire thing- elastic and all.

Random Eggi Pics

We had a nice afternoon visiting with the Eggimann family while they were in Oregon visiting Andrew's family. (Thanks Gma Eggimann for letting them come see our place!) Here are two pics of the kids on the sofa. Ruth is only 2 months younger than Sam and Mags. We think they are a cute trio!