Dance and Hip Hop Classes

Last week Taylor and Isabella started tumbling and dance classes. I love the studio and the teachers are former Jazz dancers. It is so cute to see these little girls dancing around the studio.  Taylor loves the class because the room is pink and there are mirrors.  After every walk on the beam, dance across the floor or any move at all she checks herself out in the mirror and fixes her hair.  She is my little four year old diva. I can't wait to see her perform at her recital in June.

Since Taylor and Isabella loved the classes so much we decided to let the boys try hip hop.  Aiden, Alexander and Jaxson all went to an hour long hip hop class.  They focused really hard and started to learn a new routine.  The girls sat in the waiting area and talked and played. 

Family Activity - Relax at Home

This weekend we decided to spend our family activity relaxing at home.  I realized we don't need to plan extravagant activities for our activities. The most important thing is the quality time we spend together.  We are a family and it is so important that we love and respect each other.
We are extremely lucky to have a family that loves to spend time together.  Aiden and Dad played Lego Universe, which is shutting off today.  Aiden and Taylor played Halo with little figurines, not the video game. We all played cars with Austin and built castles out of blocks. We curled up on the bed watching movies and ate popcorn.

We will do anything for each other.  As a family we have good times and bad times, happy and sad moments, but no matter what we love each other.  There are times when life seems difficult and as long as we stick together and support one another we will all get through it.

"I Need My Own Computer"

This week Aiden told me he absolutely needed his own computer.  We have a family computer that Aiden can use pretty much whenever he wants.  I could not figure out why he would need his very own computer, so I asked why. Here is our conversation.

Aiden: Mom, I need my own computer
Mom: Why do you need your own computer?
Aiden: Because I want my very own computer.
Mom:  We have a computer that you can use whenever you want.
Aiden:  Well, actually both Taylor and I each need our own computer.
Mom: Why?
Aiden: If I am mean to Taylor and don't want to talk to her, I could send a message saying sorry over the computer.
Mom: Wait, you want a computer to tell you sister SORRY?
Aiden: We could both get phones instead.

Two seconds later Aiden made Taylor upset. 

Aiden: See mom, if I had a computer I could tell Taylor I'm Sorry.

Austin 18 Month Stats

Yesterday Austin had is 18 month check-up at the doctor.  I loved this check-up since there were no shots!!!  Austin had a great time playing with the toys and looking at the fish.  The worst part was getting his weight.  He did not like sitting on the little scale.  I think he might have done better on the regular scale. 

Weight: 27 lbs (60th percentile)
Height: 34 inches (40th percentile)

I love this age.  Here are a couple fun things about Austin:

• Austin is so active and always exploring. 
• His favorite toys are cars and blocks.  He loves to sit in his big hot wheels car.
• He loves to carry around bags.  It does not matter what kind of bag, but he wants something on his shoulder.  Last week he was carrying the changing pad cover.  It was still in its package that had handles.
• His favorite food is definitely bananas. 
• I am a little ashamed to say this, but I still give him a bottle at night.  I know I need to stop that immediately.
• His favorite word is Dog-Dog
• He is extremely ticklish
• He loves his big brother and sister.  If he wakes up before them he is instantly in their rooms trying to wake them up to play.  Surprisingly, both Aiden and Taylor wake up happy if Austin wakes them up.  They are not happy when anyone else wakes them up.
• He can not be left out.  If Aiden and Taylor get something at the store, he makes a fuss until he gets something too. 
• He is jealous when another kid sits on his daycare teachers lap. However it is usually okay if mom holds a baby.
• He likes to have treats in both hands and will not eat or play until both hands are full.
• He looks exactly like his big brother and sister and his Dad too.
• He has so many people that love him.  He is so spoiled with all the attention he gets from us.  We love him so much and are so happy he is apart of our family.

Facebook Updates

I am transferring all my facebook posts to the blog and inactivating my facebook account.

November 29, 2011 : Austin was happy going to daycare today. Yay!

November 28, 2011 : Austin is going to his first day of daycare today. I hope everything goes well.

November 28, 2011:  Austin cried for 45 minutes after Thad left. However, he is happy playing with the other kids.


November 26, 2011 : Are real Christmas trees suppose to hurt every time I touch it? I am wearing leather gloves to put the lights on.

November 24, 2011 : I am at my first black Friday at Walmart. I must be crazy.

November 19, 2011: Just left Aiden at a birthday party. This is the first time I have not stayed for the party. I am so nervous.

November 19, 2011: Austin refuses to sit in the high chair. He is turning into a big boy.

November 17, 2011: I know we have talked about it for years, but finally put our house up for sale.


November 8, 2011: Jas Sy super cute! say hi to her. :) i miss taylor so much ♥

November 2, 2011: Austin likes orange cupcakes. The car seat is orange too.

October 31, 2011: Perfect Trick or Treating weather. :)

October 26, 2011: Just dropped Jas Sy at the airport. It is so hard to say goodbye. We will miss her so much! The last year has been amazing. The kids always told me everyday was the best day ever with her :)

October 24, 2011: We all got our flu shots today. I have never seen Aiden and Taylor freak out so bad. Aiden actually ran out of the room he was so scared.

October 24, 2011: Austin is 24 lbs and 30 inches at his 15 month check up.

 October 21, 2011: I love going to Gardner Village this time of year!

October 11, 2011: Austin took three steps this weekend! don't know what I am going to do when he starts running around. He is already so fast at crawling.

October 4, 2011: Austin loves slides!

September 30, 2011: Austin is wide awake and I am so tired. However, I do love spending time alone with each of the kids even at 3 am.

September 28, 2011: I have really enjoyed the last three days being home with the kids, even if i was working most of the time. Tomorrow I get to go back to work and Victoria takes over. The kids will have a lot of fun.

September 23, 2011: today is my last day as an aupair.... thanks to Rebecca, Thad and "my" 3 sweethearts for that amazing year. thank you for all the love, kisses, hugs and wonderful memories. I will miss you so much!

September 21, 2011: Taylor had her first violin lesson yesterday. She absolutely loved it and even loves to practice at home too :)

September 16, 2011: Happy Birthday Aiden! It will be an amazing year!

September 15, 2011: Aiden turns 7 tomorrow. How is it possible that kids grow up so fast? I remember holding him for the first time, it feels like yesterday. I love you Baby Boo! Aiden is very embarrassed that everyone on facebook can see that I called him Baby Boo.

September 13, 2011: Taylor is starting dance lessons again. I am so excited for her and hope she like it!

September 5, 2011: Austin took his first two steps today! He will be running around the house in no time.

August 29, 2011: Just dropped Aiden off for his first day of FIRST GRADE.

August 18, 2011: First day of preschool is tomorrow. Taylor is so excited to see her friends and teacher again!

August 16, 2011: Austin has has started the phase of taking his diaper off in his crib. :(

July 27, 2011: There is hole in my one year old son's window from a bb gun. I am so frustrated and concerned that it could have hit my kids.

July 24, 2011: Austin had an amazing first birthday party. Thanks to everyone for making it such a great success. It is always fun to spend time with great friends and family.

July 22, 2011: Two super hero capes done. Only 21 more to go. It is going to be a long night, but worth it for my baby boy's birthday.

July 22, 2011: My amazing little kids. I love you!

July 21, 2011: Happy First Birthday Austin! Life is so amazing with you apart of our family.

July 17, 2011: Taylor and I have been working on her sounds and reading. She just read "see me eat." all by herself! I am so proud of her. :)
Melissa : I miss Taylor. Tell her I am proud of her.

July 16, 2011: Draper Days fireworks were a lot of fun. It was worth keeping the kids awake for it!


July 10, 2011: The kids are jumping on the trampoline in the rain. I loved that as a kid.

July 10, 2011: Austin said "Hi Dada" today!

July 9, 2011: We will miss you Grandma! You had a wonderful 93 years.

July 6, 2011: Happy Birthday Dad! I miss you!

July 4, 2011: All three kids are sound asleep in their car seats. They had an exciting day!

July 4, 2011: On our way to an early morning hike to Timp Caves.

July 3, 2011: Our air conditioning died today and it is going to be in the high 90s. Wish we had a pool to cool down in.

June 28, 2011: Hanging out at the driving range with Thad and the kids! Having a great time :)

June 21, 2011: Austin is 11 months old today! He is growing up so quickly.
Alexandra: he looks exactly like Thad!!!!

June 19, 2011: Happy Father's Day Dad! I miss you!!!

June 13, 2011: Just got back from Music at the Park with Jasmin and the kids. The kids had a great time dancing and running around with friends.

June 12, 2011: Yesterday was a big day for Austin. He said Mama, Ba-Ba and climbed the entire flight of stairs by himself.

June 10, 2011: My daughter is in love with Justin Beiber. She pretends to talk to him on the phone all day long. I am not ready for her to act like a teenager, especially since she is only four.

June 6, 2011: I love rocking my little Austin to sleep. Nothing is sweeter then a sleeping baby :)
June 3, 2011: Watching Kung Fu Panda with the kids :)

May 24, 2011: U2 tonight :)

May 15, 2011: I was really hoping that Austin would say Mama first. However after a few weeks of dada, I finally gave in that he is talking about Dad and not just making noises.
May 15, 2011: Thad just made healthy homemade chicken nuggets. The kids loved them!

May 14, 2011: Aiden did an amazing job at his piano recital today!

May 14, 2011: It is such a nice morning. Austin and Taylor are still asleep, so I got to sleep in too!

May 10, 2011: Austin had his first two teeth come in today!

May 8, 2011: I have an amazing husband. He made a wonderful mothers day dinner and let me play with the kids.

May 8, 2011: Happy Mother's Day to all the moms!

May 2, 2011: I think it is an Airborne night.
April 30, 2011: The house is ready for tomorrow. I am so excited, my baby girl is 4 years old!

April 24, 2011: Happy Easter!

April 19, 2011: So long Disneyland. We spent 28 hours in the park, went on 30+ rides, met a Ton of characters, walked over 17 miles and now have three sleeping kids. I am exhausted!

April 17, 2011: Another great day! We went to the beach and built sand castles then came home and took a nap. Now we are watching Tron.

April 16, 2011: It has been a great day! Just got back from swimming.

April 16, 2011: Hanging out at hard rock Hollywood. It is 90+ degrees here :)

April 5, 2011: Jasmin gets back today! We are so excited to see her!

April 1, 2011: Shasta December 9, 1999 - April 1, 2011 We love you Shasta!
Lorena ‎"The dog is a gentleman, I hope to go to his heaven, not man's" -Mark Twain
To all those who loved and played with Shasta, thank you. We love you sweet puppy dog! You will always be in our hearts!
Jamie: Oh no..she finally left. Such a cute, sweet baby.
Kristine: Oh no poor Shasta. She was a good dog.
Chris: Give Tahoe my condolence's for losing her best friend! And of course you, Thad, and your family as well! Shasta was one cute puppy!

March 31, 2011: I took the kids to music class today. It is so much fun! They loved dancing and singing:)

March 28, 2011: At Airborne with the kids. They are having a lot of fun!

Martch 3, 2011: Just got back from the ER. Austin has RSV. He should be okay, we just go back to the hospital everyday for a week for treatment.
Kristine: Poor guy. Hope he gets better soon.
Elizabeth: Oh no, I'm so sorry! I hope he feels better soon!

February 26, 2011: Just started to make cake pops! So yummy!!!

February 24, 2011: What is a good bedtime snack? Taylor likes olives and peanut butter mixed together. Yuck!!! She can't have taste buds with a mixture like that.

February 9, 2011: Taylor asked if we can change her name to Cinderella. Aiden wants his name to be Hawk, like Tony Hawk.

February 9, 2011: Aiden addressed all his valentines from Hawk. What do I do? These are for kids at school.

January 31, 2011: I lost 3 1/2 inches off my waist since starting with a trainer 3 weeks ago. I am so excited!!

February 6, 2011: Thanks Megan for taking such beautiful photos!

January 22, 2011: According to Aiden "today is the best day he could ever have in his whole life!". Thanks Jasmin and Nina!!
Jas Sy:  it was an awesome day! :-)

January 21, 2011: Aiden had school, then he went to the zoo and gymnastics.

July 19, 2011: Just got Aiden's report card. I am so proud of him!

April 25, 2009: Happy #2 Taylor!!!

November 28, 2011: HI Becca,

How are you? And how are Thad, Aiden and Taylor?

I had a peak at the pictures you posted and they are lovely! I made me realise how much I miss you all. So many good memories! I've no idea how ever to thank you enough for my time with you guys. It looks like live is treaten you all very good.

... Well, I got married on the 8th to Jared. (I hope to post some pictures soon.) And yes, I'm very happy to be married to him. Never thought I would ever get married again, but after meeting Jed and getting to know him better...I really married my best friend! And that is such an awesome feeling. This Friday we are going on our honeymoom. We are going to the Netherlands, visit some family and sucking in the culture I sometimes miss. I haven't been back in the NL's since I got back from the US. It's a bit weird...I sometimes forget I am Dutch. :)

I love you all and hope to hear from you again!

Lots of love,
Fem

This is my facebook page.

Family Activity - Build a Bear

We had a very busy Saturday this weekend.  My niece, Isabella, turned 3 this weekend.  She had a fantastic birthday party at Build A Bear and California Pizza Kitchen.  The kids were so excited.  They have been wanting to go to Build A Bear for a long, long time.

Aiden picked out a bunny and named him "Tony" like Tony Hawk.  Taylor picked out a pink bear and named her "Cinderella".  Austin surprised me and really wanted to participate.  He is usually not a fan of stuffed animals but he loves his dog "Ferb".  Thad picked the name from Phineas and Ferb, one of our favorite kids shows.  Austin's new favorite word is "Dog Dog".

Family Activity - Natural History Museum

This week we decided to go to the new Natural History Museum.  Thad's parents purchased us a membership when it first opened.  We have tried to go a couple of times but it closes early and we have not managed to get the kids ready and out of the house in time.

  

We planned ahead this week and were able to spend a couple hours at the museum.  The kids loved it!  I think their favorite part was the dinosaurs. 

They played in the kid archaeological dig site

Put a dinosaur bone puzzle together

Dug up dinosaur bones and

Sat in a dinosaur footprint

At the end of the day we all had a great time and plan to go back another day when it is not quite as busy.