Miranda draws

She loves drawing on the walls, so I put up some paper in her favorite spot. Clearly, I have been out-smarted.

Aunt Kimi's Winter Visit

We are out for a brisk stroll at the arboretum.

Christmas Time '09

Erika makes gingerbread houses at the Hanley's house


Party after party takes it's toll.


Grandma Gladdy and Catie frost cookies.

Christmas 2009

I know, you are expecting pictures, but we have not taken any. I understand this is surprising, but our holiday has been unfolding more like the a tribute to Miss Saigon more than anything else.

Christmas morning unfolded unpredictably as everyone has the sniffles, and then it was a slow progression which did not lend itself to any particular photo-worthy moment. As of right now, Dec 26th, we have 20 gifts as of yet unopened.

The kids are in the mode of opening one thing, then playing with it until they are ready for the next. I guess I don't really feel like pushing them, but at some point they are going to have to kick it up a notch.

Thanks to everyone for their generosity! Grandma Kathy and Keith are unsurpassed!

Right now, the three of them are at a birthday party at Jump Planet, so I have about two hours to clean the living room with a snow shovel and make some progress with the kitchen. So there are no pictures yet.

Merry Christmas!

Transition to Christmas Decorating

Here Erika models one of two Disney nightgowns which we purchased this morning with some of her Birthday money. Like an arrow sprung from the bow, Erika and her birthday money were headed straight to the Disney store.

So she *can* get her socks and shoes on in under 1 minute!


Miranda exclaims that the transition from Erika's birthday party to Christmas is very exciting.


It is, however, frought with danger at every turn!


After the 47th piece of her birthday cake, Erika (with frosting still on her face) starts to love her sisters agressively. It's just the sugar talking at this point.

Erika turns 5

Babies help decorate






Erika celebrates with her pals Takara and Lynze.
A small, but dedicated fairy crew.

X-Men: Static Electricity girl

Few have seen Static Electricity Girl charged up and lived to tell.

High-chair fun

Miranda enjoys dress up these days too.

Miranda cannot eat another bite!

Catie is Erika's favorite person.

Catie has something to say.

Post Halloween 2009

Erika paints her face as well as the babies.


Miranda gets some dress-up action.


Horsey needs diapers I guess.


The first rule of balloon club is: Do not let go. Also the following:
The balloons may not be touched by the opposing twin.
They may not be tangled so as to touch each other.
These unspoken rules were clearly in play.
Going to bed without these was very dramatic.

November 09.

I'll let you come up with a caption for this scene. It was crazy, but everyone lived, so that's good.


Miranda as the dreaded pirate bubble beard.


Catie is working on a bubble beard too.


When you're four, and it's cartoon time, true comfort may require elaborate preparations.

Halloween in Ohio

Grandpa Keith an Miranda


Halloween party at the Springfield country club. Catie is obsessed with a "spiderman popcicle."


Catie has finished the entire popcicle in one marathon sucking session.


Jason and Erika. Erika is a pink dragon, but she will not put up the dragon headed hood.

Halloween in Ohio contined.

Catie and Miranda are Poodles.


Erika actually trick-or-treats on her own.
Iron man offered some re-assurance.



Erika and Greate Grandma Hughes.


Erika and Great Aunt Jeanne.

What happened here?

The kitchen floor was clean, and then this appeared.
What could this star be made of?
How is the little plate involved?
Why is Boba Fett present?
Discuss.

pumpkin time!

We will be spending Halloween in Ohio with Grams and company, so Erika has been looking forward to it for several months. Everything we do now is a prelude to that exciting day.

Wetzel girls Sept 2009

Click on picture for decent resolution!