Really?

Between the two of us, Marissa and I have now flooded both bathrooms. She went to the bathroom and came out and a second later we heard a dripping - a lot of dripping. The toilet overflowed. I asked Marissa what she did and she said she put a lot of toilet paper in. Great. Then she said, "Mommy, I did what you did." I couldn't argue with that.

Haircuts!

Ryan cut Devon's hair and I cut Marissa's. It was harder than I thought - as I was cutting I wanted to put layers in and I just kept going shorter and shorter to fix my blunders. I finally just had to quit or I was afraid she wouldn't have much hair left!

Devon's a walker!

The week or two after his birthday Devon decided he was going to be a walker. He had taken steps before this, but now he is always on his feet!

Happy Birthday, Devon!

Devon and his new toy that was also a big hit with Marissa!


"Before"


"During"


"During"


"After"

Ryan was going to be gone in Costa Rica for Devon's birthday so we had this little celebration early for Ryan to be there.

Then on Devon's actual birthday he came with me to Arizona so I could go to my best friend's wedding. These are some pictures from his real birthday and the wedding.


Devon looks thrilled to be there, doesn't he? Actually, he was kind of cranky with me because he'd been dying to go dive in the reflection pool just to the right of us and I wouldn't let him. He couldn't believe on his birthday he was being treated this way.


Devon amusing himself with some flower petals he pulled off my corsage.


Me with my best friend and a whole bunch of other people I don't know.


Devon had taken steps before his birthday, but he was still crawling more than walking. Here's him practicing at the reception.


I felt bad for the kid being dragged all over the place on his first birthday so I shamelessly spoiled him at the reception. This sucker is only one of several treats he had that evening!

Swimming in February

I decided to celebrate today and kick off my month with the kids alone and go swimming in the bathroom. Yes, you read that right, bathroom not bathtub - that's too cramped. I put a piece of clothing in the bathroom sink to soak and jumped in the shower. Devon was down for a nap and Marissa was otherwise occupied and I like to take long showers. Luckily, it was probably only 15 minutes into my shower when Marissa called to me from outside the bathroom. After a moment of confusion as I looked at all the water on the floor, it was then that I realized that I left the sink running. Then Marissa ran and got a little hand towel from her bathroom to help clean it up and asked, 'Mommy, why did you take a shower with the sink on?" That's a great question. Apparently, I got tired of waiting for the weather to warm up here in Michigan and decided to create my own indoor pool. However, I'm not sure I would recommend this seeing as it was probably not very sanitary. Awesome.

Our Ice Sculpture Extravaganza...

...turns out to be not so extravagant! Ann Arbor was having an 'ice sculpture extravaganza' last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during which ice sculptures were being carved all over downtown. We went on Saturday and apparently, we went too early because we didn't see too many ice sculptures and it was absolutely freezing. However, we ended our little outing on a positive note (about twenty minutes after we started :) and had hot chocolate at the Chocolate House on Main street. I must admit that this was the highlight of the trip for at least three of the four of us involved!


Devon was bundled up well - maybe a little too well, but at least he was a good sport about wearing my girly scarf!


Marissa and me in front of the Chop House ice sculpture.


Ryan and the kids in the Chocolate House where we were all enjoying some very satisfying hot chocolate (including Devon).

Our Holidays were definitely Happy!

We had a fabulous Christmas out in California with Grandma and Grandpa Earp. We were all a little more than spoiled this year so it might be a little difficult to adjust to normal life again. In the meantime, here are a few highlights from our 3 week stay in Roseville.

* All of Ryan's siblings and their families were out there. Marissa especially hit it off with her cousin Taylor. Those two little three year olds had some bright ideas, but they did get along quite well.
* The nativity play that all the grandkids put on (brief was better - baby Jesus/Devon had a difficult time staying in the "manger")
* We spent New Year's Eve in Sacramento at Grandpa Earp's office - Marissa loved the fireworks at nine and then everyone settled in for a late night movie.
* Free babysitting!!! - Ryan and I were able to go shopping and enjoy a dinner out on our anniversary kid free thanks to grandma and grandpa, aunts and uncles!
* Elizabeth, Dan, Ryan, and I were able to get away for a leisurely bike ride down in Sacramento. Unfortunately, we grossly underestimated the air temperature and it took quite some time for the feeling in our limbs to return. In retrospect, however, it was worth it.
* The new suit for Ryan and the 75 dollar shopping spree Grandma and Grandpa Earp graciously provided. I know it sounds funny, but, quite frankly, having 75 dollars in my hand to spend for clothes was a dream come true!
* Ryan and I received the photos of San Francisco that his dad took so we can frame them for our apartment. Ever since we've been married, Ryan has been coveting those pictures and that was definitely Ryan's favorite present he opened.



My two little angels and me!



Actually, Devon was supposed to be baby Jesus, but he had a little problem staying in character.



What a cute angel! She was little disappointed in the brevity of her lines but nonetheless enjoyed the acting experience.



Taylor and Marissa at Chuckie Cheese on Christmas Eve.



Devon on Christmas morning - he looks a little wary of the whole presents thing here, but don't let him fool you, he thoroughly enjoyed the unwrapping process!



Cowgirl Marissa showing one of the many princess accessories she received in her stocking.



Marissa is showcasing her princess fingers with little jewels and if you look carefully you can see her pink glitter in her hair as well.



Devon showing his die hard loyalty to a football team that undoubtedly stank this year!



Ryan and I after our 10 mile bike ride in Sacramento (look my lips are still purple). When we started out I was on one of the bikes we had borrowed from neighbors and I found that the combination of especially small wheels and slightly lower grade of the bike made it so I was pedaling faster and more frequently than everyone else. Ryan took pity on me (or maybe it was because he didn't want to hear me gripe the rest of the day)and switched with me so I ended on his dad's bike that was the biggest and Ryan was on the smallest bike. If you can imagine one of those circus bears on bikes that are too small for them you can picture Ryan riding that bike, and I don't think he stopped pedaling once on the second half of the trip!