Typical afternoon at the Burns'

It is amazing to see Emmi navigate the computer by herself.  We have bookmarked some of her favorite websites so she can find them all herself.

 And here is Moo-mi coloring luckily this time it is on paper since most often she loves to color herself.  Not a good idea to give her a dry erase board and markers in the car when going somewhere.  :)

Spring has sprung

Memere and Grandpy Harley stopped in for their yearly voyage to Florida.  The girls were ecstatic to have constant playmates.

Now that the weather is warmer, in the 60's, the daffodils in bloom, we are spending more time outside.  Of course we had to start with bubbles.

Emmi played dress up of course on another day.

We have also decided to start the potty push.  Our sitter also said she was on board so lets go....  This will include tons of naked bottom time and bribery with candy, juice boxes, lollipops, cookies and all the good stuff.  Have had some good success but we are just scratching the surface.  The one thing is that now Emmi wants treats every time she potties.  But I have her in on the mission by telling her to take Marli with her every time she goes potty and she can get candy.  So keep your fingers crossed this will help pave the way to diaper free living.

It's my party.....

Marli is now officially 2.  She got to celebrate at Gymboree with her classmates.  It was so much fun.  She also had her doctors appointment where she weighted in at 24.12lbs and 33.2 inches.  She hated the appointment from the beginning since she didnt want to be weighed.  Here are pics from her party.

Emmi lucked out since one of Marli's friends, Grant's, older sisters are Emmi's buddies, Brooke and Ellie.  So they got to help with the party.

Marli was afraid to do the teeter totter alone so Mommy & Daddy helped her out.

Poor Sawyer got the wrath of Marli.  She decided to move in on his crackers and tried to take over.  Sawyer is so sweet and just let her have them after a short struggle.

Then Marli celebrated her birthday at school as well with cookies and a cool hat to wear.  She is the oldest in her class so was a big deal for all the kids. 

Oliver

On the yearly trip through for my cousin to head to Spring Training he stopped at my brothers where he romped with the kids a bit.  They all love when he comes to visit.

This year we were fortunate that my Aunt Celeste passed through with him.  Here she is chillin after a long day of travel.

Sad times for Jacob

The one man in this world that I could thank for helping mold my husband into the man that he is was taken from this earth way to early.  My father in law, Vance, passed away February 1st unexpectedly.  He was an amazingly strong man who went through plenty in his life but he was a very caring, tender man who always cherished his family and grandkids.  He was a fantastic father in law and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Jacob took a flight out immediately on the 31st to be there with his father for his final breathes.  So the girls and I road tripped up to join him on the 2nd.  The 3 of us, car packed, food in reachable locations, a short detour, and 14 hours later we made it.  Marli got to switch her car seat around early, since 2 is the new norm for rear facing, so she could watch the DVD player.

Emmi helped put together the memory boards of all the pictures that Vance had kept in a drawer at his house.  There were some oldies of when I was in college hanging out with Jacob's family as well as other cool pictures of Vance since he was never one to pose for pictures.

Jacob likes to try to take the good from the bad. So to lead by his example the girls got to spend plenty of time with their cousins. Jacob's Cousin Chris and Emmi bonded while they ate Vance's famous Spaghetti and Cheese Sauce. If you have never had his cheese sauce it is amazing.

Marli had fun playing with her cousins especially Jace. He is Jacob's sister Jen's youngest son.  Not the best pic since I took it with my phone.

While we were away we had to make our own Crossfit Gym at the local global gym.  Nothing like a good workout to help keep the body both physically and mentally strong to deal with all that was going on.

January

As the month is about to wrap up I will just post pictures of our month in review.  Enjoy.  

Big stuff Emmi got on a bike again.

 Alana came down.  E got a haircut and just had a blast.

 The weather has been really nice 50-60's so plenty of playground time.

 When I cant get dinner ready fast enough the girls just find themselves something to eat.  Pistachios.

Beau came down with Alana and bonded with Marli.

 Marli had to get in on the haircut action with her first ever haircut.

 Here she is telling Alana just how she wants it.  She totally will say stuff like "I dont want to" or other ways to express her wishes.

 We cant forget Murph.  He started Doggy School on Saturdays.

 This is what happened when I left E alone for a short bit so I could get some stuff done. Did well I must say on keeping the mess to a minimum by pouring paint into each cup, a little glitter, glitter glue, etc.

 We have been hitting the local bike trails for walks in the afternoon.

Christmas

Santa knew just what to bring.  Also check out the tree, Elfie got in a little mischief the night before with TPing our tree.  

Here is Emmi getting the stockings.

Marli helping her Daddy open his stocking.

Checking out the power wheels.

Emmi packed up and going on a vacation.

The girls also got each other guitars for Christmas so they had their band going on.

Here is Emmi putting on a show and look at all those clips in her hair.  Much needed accessory when performing.

Then here is Moo-me eatin a yummy dinner at Woj's house.  Ribs, corn, and salad the perfect meal.