Hello all! We all flew to Colorado to spend Christmas with family. Both girls were amazing (sleepy) on the plane rides. It was so nice to see everybody. Elke and Major particularly liked running around together while holding hands. Beatrix got to meet her Papa Bob, Grandma Kathy, Uncle Brandon, Aunt Sara, Cousin Major, Great Grandma Donna, and many more family members for the first time. After Colorado, we drove up to Sequim where we got to hang out with the Stanley side of the family. It was the first time in years that we were all together--the first time ever since all of the kids were born. Elke and Bea (and mom and dad) had a great time with all of the cousins. Beatrix walked for the first time while we were in Sequim. We celebrated Elke's 3rd birthday on the 2nd of January this year. Grandma Jan flew in and our neighbors and Elke's friend Lorelei came over for pizza and princess wand building. Elke chose a chocolate cake with buttercream frosting, strawberry filling, and as much pink and purple as possible. Beatrix turned one on the 4th. We took off work a little early to spend time together. Beatrix ate a whole white cupcake and enjoyed opening her gifts. Bea weighs 20 pounds and eats like a champ. She loves to dance and play with Elke. We are so glad to have had time together over the break. The girls are both so smart and beautiful. We are so lucky.

Long Time No Post - Sorry

Sorry about the long break. Here's a whole passel of pics that pretty much depicts the last few months.

Summer to Fall

Here are some of the pictures from August to Mid-October. The girls are doing wonderfully and bring us so much joy. Beatrix uses the walls, couch, etc. to walk all over the house. Elke tells stories with tons of inflection and gestures. We're pretty busy around here and are always waiting for the weekends!
P.S. Elke's first real bicycle is being put together as she naps today :)

Note-worthy

We'll try and post pictures soon but just wanted to jot down a few note-worthy advances. Bea pulls herself up to stand, has three teeth, says "dada," "mama," and "more" (in sign too). She is also clapping. The girl is growing super fast! Elke has been watching a caterpillar grow and has been talking about its "metamorphosis" and drew a great observation picture today (the right colors and all)---who says the butterfly science kit is for 2nd graders?!
Pictures to come when we're not going at a thousand miles an hour.

Dog Days

It's been a crazy summer. New jobs, town, house, day care, etc. We've found some time to take a break from all of the stress. Here are some (still more to come one of these days!) pictures from the last month and a half. Thanks for all of the moving help Grandma Kitty, Papa Mark, and Uncle Mack!

More Summer Fun!

Just thought we'd check in with some extra phone pics from our summer so far. Still working hard to look for jobs . . . hopefully some news soon.

Summer Time!

It's summer break! We are all home together for the summer. We recently went to Guemes Island, WA for a friend's wedding, and although we spent the ceremony trying to get the girls to be quiet, enjoyed the time on the beach. We have applied for a combined 65(!) teaching jobs but haven't had any luck...So, although it's June, we don't know where we'll be at the end of the summer! Bea is growing like crazy. She is rolling over now and even trying to wave. Elke is so smart and funny (and maybe a little frustrated with her limited independence). We love our family so much and couldn't be happier to have some time all together this summer!