Delavan Train Show

On Saturday, Andy took Harvey to Delavan to see a model train show. It was just a boys trip. The girls and I stayed home, relaxed and made some fun snacks.
Andy said that Harvey very much enjoyed his time with the trains.
He said that he never smiled and looked thrilled, but rather he looked very focused and interested in the trains.

They had models of all different sizes.

On this set, you could push a button and make some of the characters move.

At this table, he seemed very interested in operating the "Polar Express" train. At first he threw the switch back and forth, stop and go. But soon he figured out how to slowly push the throttle and make the train move precisely.
This control box also had buttons that made the train blow it's whistle or ring its bell.

He stayed at the train show for an hour and a half. The building had two floors of models and he kept going from floor to floor. He really did not want to leave. The only way that Andy got him to leave was telling him it was time for lunch.
When lunch was over, he wanted to go right back to see the trains.
Well, that didn't happen. They had to make the hour + trip back home.
He looked so pooped out when they came in the back door.

I'm glad he was able to spend some time with his Dad. He really loves trains and maybe someday he can get his own model train set. We'll see. I hear they can sometimes be expensive.

Visiting Grandparents in Janesville

Last Tuesday, Andy had to go into the office down in Schaumburg, IL. I didn't want to spend two whole days alone with the kids, so my folks were kind enough to let us stay the night with them.
It is always nice to have an extra hand to help hold a baby, or wipe up a spill, or change a diaper. And the kids always love going to their grandparents' houses.Ursula is really interested in how to make music at the piano.

Of all the kids, I think Ursula has the longest attention span at the piano (right now at least).

It was cute how she let her tongue hang out. I think I've seen this expression on my family members before...hmm...

The kids had a great time playing on the blow-up bed in the guest room. Rowan and Harvey slept on that next to my bed. Ursula slept in the pack n play. She only woke once in the middle of the night. And that was great since she hasn't slept in a pack n play in a very long time.

Lunging for Rowan!

Almost got her!

Here she is about to give Grandpa a "five".

Guess who this is....
According to the artist (Rowan), it is Andy!

They kids were happy to finally get outside to play and draw with chalk. The weather hasn't been so great and we've been in doors so much this winter.

Check out Ursula's face if you can zoom in by clicking the above pic.

She loves being out and about with her siblings.

A Rainy Week

The weather wasn't so great last week. We seemed to have rain nearly every day and there was still some patches of snow outside. So here is what we did (not very exciting)....

Ursula is going over to see if Harvey will share his cars with her. There is a good chance that he will not let her touch his cars and she will cry.

You know, you just get frustrated trying to diaper a kicking, squirmy baby. So you just give up and let her have some naked time. And of course, she goes for the tv remote first - because it's her favorite thing ever.

Here she is looking all girly. I got a bow to stay in her hair....for all of 5 minutes.

Let me take the car out for a spin mom!

Her hair is growing slowly, but surely.

Ursula's first go at macaroni and cheese.

She really did like them. She just wasn't too sure she wanted me taking a picture of her eating.

My little dapper man, shortly after his home haircut. I'm still learning as I go. I need more practice with the razor.

This was the funniest expression!

The kids helped Andy make some pizzas one night.

Happy Groundhog's Day!

Rowan made this awesome hat for Groundhog's Day in her weekly playgroup. I love how there is a little sun on the back of her hat. Apparently kids could pick the sun or a cloud.

And here's a little video clip of our peanut walking. Yep, she's our earliest walker at 10 1/2 months. It's crazy how fast she can move, turn around, carry objects and squat to pick up stuff without falling down.

32

This past January 25th, I turned 32 years old. It's strange. I don't feel a day over 22. For my birthday, we all went to my parent's house in Janesville. Andy and my mom made us a yummy supper. What was on the menu? I requested and received: beef stir-fry with vegetables and fried rice, cheese curds, watermelon and fried crabmeat rangoons. My mom made a yummy Boston Cream Pie for dessert.
Give him a shave and this would make a great picture. It's rare that I can get him to smile for the camera.

The kids all sat patiently at the table, waiting for their food.

Someone was thirsty too.

Mixed Vegetables

Squeaky Cheese Curds

Crabmeat Rangoons and Sake

Boston Cream Pie

Ursula is starting to show a lot of interest in sippy cups.

Rowan is telling us something she deems important. You know it's important to her when she holds up one finger when she's talking to you.

Ursula is tuckered out.
(This was a different trip to the Allord's house.)

Elefun with Grandpa.

As per usual, Harvey plays with the cars and trucks.

Babies bring great joy.