The Sumpters: Ocean-front Property

Helmet, decorated.

2012-01-29T22:12:00.003-05:00

Mitchell has been wearing his helmet for about 2 months now and we finally got it decorated. There is a place here in Phoenix that does signs for cars, businesses, etc. and they also do helmets (for free). You tell them the design you want and a mere 7 weeks later, they put it on for you. Here he is--a mini-Steve in his little button-down shirt. Doesn't he look like a fierce cougar?

"I must be moving at all times"

2012-01-29T21:57:00.005-05:00

This boy cannot sit still...ever!

LOVE!

2012-01-25T13:13:00.010-05:00

I took this picture a few weeks ago and every time I look at it, I just love it. It was a beautiful Arizona January day at the park with cool mountains in the background (I know they don't quite compare with Utah mountains, but cool none-the-less), plus these are two of my favorite people...

Dad is definitely Miranda's favorite! Whether it is buckling her in the car seat, pushing her in the shopping cart or putting her to bed, Dad is always the person of choice. She even says she is going to marry Dad when she gets big.

Alice, I need your helmet

2011-12-04T23:12:00.002-05:00

Mitchell got a helmet this week to help re-shape his flat head. He doesn't seem to be too broken up about it...

We hope to get some cute designs (i.e. BYU logo) on it this week so he can really look like a little football player:)

The Happiest Place on Earth

2011-11-06T22:41:00.007-05:00

This past week we paid a visit to Disneyland. We spent 2 days at Disney and California Adventure. Here are a few of our escapades...

Sleeping Beauty's Castle

Sword in the Stone...they couldn't quite get it out.

Casey Jr. Train ride--long line, short and kind-of lame ride, cute picture!

We decided to stay at the Super 8 so we could afford to dine with the Princesses; Snow White, Ariel, Cinderella, Belle and of course, the favorite...Sleeping Beauty!

Poor Buddy Mitchell had a cold and slept most of the first day. Here he is enjoying the princess lunch.

Chip n Dale

We got autographs and photos with the above mentioned princess/characters and plus the following:

Minnie, Mickey, Pluto, Rapunzel, Pooh, Eyore and Tianna. Miranda was in heaven!

It poured rain the second day...here we are dripping wet and posing with Rapunzel.

Miranda was brave and went on the roller coaster at Toon Town and the Matterhorn. Those were about the extent of our thrill rides.

Everyone's favorite rides:

Steve: Buzz Lightyear Ride

Karen : Toy Story Ride (California Adventure)

Miranda: The Little Mermaid, Ariel's Adventure

Mitchell: his stroller

We had a blast and hope its not too long before we get to go again!

This is Halloween!

2011-11-02T00:45:00.003-04:00

Here we are at our ward Trunk-or-Treat. We kind of have a theme, then we have a princess. Five out of six girls in Miranda's preschool class were princesses. The other girl was Jessie from Toy Story, who is almost a princess--right? Miranda kept telling Steve and me that we were Woody and Jessie. haha

Ready for Trick-or-Treating

Festive and Domestic

2011-10-29T01:13:00.003-04:00

Here are a few of our pre-Halloween activities:

Cleaning out

Carving

Our finished product

Carmel Apples, if you can't tell

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds and Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Aren't we festive and domestic!

Painting

2011-10-17T17:37:00.007-04:00

So, we've been painting at our house. Here are some things I've learned about painting:
*I do not like painting
*The color on the paint chip never looks like you think it will
*Steve does not like painting
*You will not like color you chose
*Never paint your walls with flat paint--It is impossible to clean. Our whole house was painted in flat paint when we moved in. It also kind of gives you the willies when you touch it or rub it.

Here's proof that we did the work ourselves, if you can't already tell by looking at the paint job:)

Now that Mitchell is 5 months old, his room is finally done! Even though it didn't turn out quite like I imagined, it is now no longer flat and its actually kind of cute, if I do say so myself.

Here's the best part of the room...adorable sleeping baby!
We are still working on Miranda's room. We have part of it pink, but she now says she wants it seafoam green--I don't think so!

Child of the 80s

2011-09-26T14:47:00.002-04:00

This has been a favorite around our house lately. We also sing Eye of the Rhino, Lion, etc.

Everybody Likes to Play in the Bathtub

2011-09-17T19:01:00.000-04:00

Recently Mitchell has really been enjoying his bath.

The Great Outdoors

2011-09-13T23:15:00.004-04:00

After being confined to the house all summer for fear of melting, the temperature has finally dropped enough to go out on walks and to the park the last few days. We love it!

Miranda being silly

(she loves the camera and wants to be in every picture)

Hanging out on our front porch

Mitchell enjoying the great outdoors

Our Little Newborn

2011-08-28T23:23:00.002-04:00

Our little newborn who is now 3 months old and is in the 90th percentile for height and weight had his baby blessing a few weeks ago. I decided I better post a picture now, before it got any later. He is a doll, smiles a lot and sleeps through the night--this is the best part. We are so glad he joined our family!

Rah, Rah, Rah Rah Rah!

2010-10-17T22:45:00.004-04:00

When we were in Utah over the summer, we visited BYU and were singing the Cougar Fight Song. Since then, its one of Miranda's favorites to sing...

We're missing a few lines, but the emotion is there:) Now Steve has someone to sing with when he watches the games.

Dancing Queen

2010-09-17T15:42:00.002-04:00

Here's our dancing queen before her dance class she just started. Its a Parks and Rec class called 'We Can Dance Two.' I love it because its all two year olds so they are all at the same level (i.e. throw tantrums together, refuse to take turns together, etc.). After all the screaming involved with swimming lessons, I was a little nervous, but Miranda is enjoying it so far. First of all she was excited that she finally got to put her dress ups (leotard and dancing skirt from grandma and grandpa) to good use. In class they stretch, tumble, dance like different animals (frogs, bunnies, elephants), etc. Fun stuff! Oh, and don't you love the crocs with the dancing outfit?

Weird Arizona--Hobo Joe

2010-09-13T16:53:00.004-04:00

As a housewarming gift, Suzie and Michael gave us a book called 'Weird Arizona'. Its full of all the odd people, places and stories having to do with AZ. Who knew that one of them was a short 30 minute drive from our house. Here is Hobo Joe who was once a beacon for the Hobo Joe Coffee Shops in the area (kind of like a really big 'Big Boy').

He now stands in a vacant lot in Buckeye. We decided pay him a visit yesterday morning, and unfortunately, I'm aftaid we looked like hobos ourselves (maybe you can't tell from the picture that Steve and Miranda are wearing pjs). Stay tuned for more Weird Arizona posts as we continue to explore our new home in the desert.

Guess Who?

2010-08-26T17:57:00.008-04:00

Who does this look like?

It is Miranda, but as she was playing dress-up the other day, I kept laughing and laughing because I thought her lower half looked just like Grandma Lindsey (no, not Julie, but Helen)...the shoes, the length of the dress, the bag, body shape...

Getting Away

2010-08-04T17:30:00.010-04:00

A few pictures of our trip to Utah, which was a month ago already (pathetic, I know that I am just now posting this). We had a blast with all the 4th of July activities happening in Provo and a nice relaxing time with Steve's family! This was our first road trip since our move (3 1/2 day drive across the country) to Phoenix a year ago. We actually live close enough now that we can drive to visit grandparents, woohoo!

Cousin Collin rode with us and spent the week at Derek & Marsha's--he is a good little travler. Don't you love how Collin and Miranda are watching two seperate movies?!

Steve, Miranda and I after the Freedom Run. Steve's sister Richelle and her family also all ran in the race. They staked out great seats for everyone at the parade, which is going on in the background.

We hope we can all do it again next year

The hot air balloons going up!

Grandma Sumpter made 4th of July sweatshirts for the kids so they wouldn't get cold during the fireworks!

A little karoke with the cousins.

BYU Botnay pond with Marsha and kids

Kent's new restaurant, La Jolla Groves at the Riverwoods--delicious. Beautiful restaurant with a lemon tree theme. Can't wait to go back!

Also at the Riverwoods is a fun toy store...

Freedom Run

2010-07-16T17:46:00.009-04:00

Here area two shots from our 5K and 10K races on July 5th in Provo's Freedom Run.

Steve's time for the 10K was 54:14. Doesn't he look like he's working hard!

When asked by someone what my goal for the race was, I said, "Um...to finish?" Actually, my goal was to RUN the whole race (i.e. no walking) which I accomplished. My time was 36:55, in which time one could conceivably walk 3.2 miles, but none-the-less, I did run the whole way.

Yay! We did it!!

From Bachelor Pad, to Our Pad

2010-07-02T00:17:00.008-04:00

After a long and winding road, we finally closed on our first home yesterday!! Here are a few pictures of the home as it looked when we first saw it back in March.

FROM BACHELOR PAD...

...complete with neon sign, pool table, George Straight cut-out...

...foose ball table, ping pong table, bar, full-sized video game...

...TO OUR PAD

Dining room

Entry/Living Room

Entry

Kitchen

Family Room

It may look a little boring right now with nothing in it, but to us it's beautiful:) As soon as we get our lovely furniture in it, it will probably look like a college dormitory, but hey its ours!!

Pretty, Pretty Princess

2010-06-26T16:43:00.003-04:00

A few years ago, before Steve and I were married, we visited Janet and Steve's family in Wisconsin. While there, Steve somehow got roped into playing a game called 'Pretty, Pretty Princess' with Emily. As this game proceeds players put on items of jewelry, crowns, etc. and eventually win if they are the first to put on all the items. I laughed at the time...and am still laughing. Its not just a game now though...its our life with a 2 year little girl. Here are the kids in our babysitting group playing dress-up with Steve! Our 4 Pretty, Pretty Princesses!

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-22T19:07:00.005-04:00

My two cuties on Father's Day.

I think I'm the luckiest wife and mom there is!

Training with Miranda

2010-06-12T00:45:00.005-04:00

Since we are training for a 10K and a 5K, this week Steve and I went running-shoe shopping. To be fitted for and to try out shoes, a treadmill is available in the store for customers to use. Miranda was enthralled with this. Since the shopping trip, she has been trying on our new shoes and doing a little training of her own. Looking at her run, you get an idea of my running skills...

Cousins!

2010-06-02T17:12:00.005-04:00

We love living by our cousins!

Miranda has a ball with them

Miranda calls baby Meghan her 'baby sister.'

I think she's a little confused:)

Training

2010-05-26T10:37:00.002-04:00

I am not, nor have I ever been a runner. However, I am becoming a runner to a small degree. I am currently training for a 5K race, the Freedom Run, in Provo on July 5th. If I manage to run the whole way (3.2 miles), that will be the longest continuous run I've ever completed!

So, to train for this unprecedented event, I run several times a week outside. This has to be early in the mornings because here in AZ the summer is rapidly descending upon us. Also, as part of my training, I've been going to the YMCA several times a week. I don't know if fun is the right word, but its been exciting having this goal to work toward. Steve is also training, but for the 10K on the same day. We'll see the fruits of our labors in just 4 1/2 short weeks!

House Hunters!

2010-05-15T01:43:00.004-04:00

We began our house hunt about 3 months ago. After seeing and immediately falling in love with this house, we made an offer began the wait. That's because this house, like the majority of the homes for sale in the Phoenix area are short sales. That means that the owner owes more on the home than he can sell it for, thus the bank, or in this case, banks have to approve the sale before it can go through. And they definitely take their own sweet time.

Well, today we got the approval from the second bank!! Now the real fun begins; inspections, appraisals, paperwork, etc. Hopefully in about 30 days it will finally be OUR home!

It looks rather unassuming from the outside, but we love it; the layout, location, yard (or possibilities with the yard) and best of all its 6 minutes from Steve's office! Its in the Palm Valley area of Goodyear, a little west of Phoenix. I wish I had interior pictures to post, but here's the link to the floorplan if you want to take a look!

http://x.uis.net/nharchive/ppicture.php?modelid=33603402

Easter Weekend

2010-04-07T17:15:00.006-04:00

Here are a few pictures from our busy Easter Weekend.

Egg dying started out a little sad (too many rules).

Things started looking up when we let Mirnada destroy her

Easter Eggs instead of coloring them

You may know that I am not a jam fan.

Even so, I made strawberry jam on Saturday...my first-ever attempt.

Steve says it came out well!

The Stimpsons came over on to watch Conference,

have Easter dinner and an egg hunt...

(Isn't she a doll!?!)

...and to Celebrate Steve and Suzie's birthdays!

Sooner or later everone goes to the Zoo

2010-03-11T22:21:00.004-05:00

Miranda's favorite part of the Zoo last week...

Ragnar

2010-03-11T21:37:00.003-05:00

Steve has been training for the past several months for the Ragnar. This is a 204 mile relay that is run over a period of about 30 hours by a team of 12 people. (sounds fun, huh?) Being a relay, each member of the team runs 3 legs ranging from 4-8 miles each. The others drive in a van, rest, etc, when not running. It started in Prescott and ended in Tempe.

Here he is at the finish line with Miranda (Miranda did not run, but likes to wear Steve's medal...even wore it to church last Sunday).

Here's his team.

They were all pretty dead here at the end. Steve's only casualty was a black toenail...not sure how that happened. Good job Steve!!

The Grass is Not Always Greener

2010-02-04T14:30:00.003-05:00

Since moving to Arizona, I've discovered that the grass is not always greener...it was much greener in Michigan. However, I've discovered that it is not impossible to have green grass here. It does take some work (and luck) though. During the summer when it is 110+ degrees during the day, the only thing that will grow is bermuda grass which is pretty much indestructable.

During the winter the bermuda grass goes dormant/turns brown so if you want a green lawn during the winter, you have to plant it every fall. We decided to try it. Here's what you do:

1. mow your bermuda grass really short
2. put down winter grass seed (and hope it doesn't get eaten by birds)
3. cover it with dirt

It has taken some time, a lot of 'tending,' getting rid of some pesky gophers (knock on wood) and a really good week of rain, but we finally have a nice green lawn in our backyard (nevermind that the yard is totally devoid of other trees or shrubs...those will come when we own a house). There are still some bald spots and yellow patches, but I'm pretty proud of our work.

The Cake Question

2010-01-03T19:14:00.006-05:00

For Miranda's 2nd birthday, I decided to make an Elmo cake. Now, Miranda really likes Sesame Street and Elmo, but she still doesn't really know what a birthday is, nor did she ask for an Elmo cake. But, for some reason I decided I'd make one (without the Elmo cake pan, I might add). It turned out pretty cute and wasn't too hard, it just took longer than I wanted it to. Miranda would have been just as pleased with a plain cake with plain, chocolate frosting, or even a store-bought cake, for that matter. Now don't get me wrong, she enjoyed the Elmo cake for the whole 1 minute before she blew out the candles and we cut it into pieces, but I was just wondering why I (and probably many other mothers) felt the need to make fancy cakes for their toddlers...

Maybe its to use those mad cake-decorating skills I learned at young women's activities many years ago. Maybe its just the thing stay-at-home moms feel they need to do. I decided the best answer (although the other answers may be true too) is...I love Miranda!!! We'll see if next year brings more cake decorating, or just a plain, boring, but equally as yummy cake:)

Happy Birthday to my Baby!

2 Years!

2010-01-03T19:05:00.003-05:00

Miranda then...

...Miranda now!

Pretty much the cutest girl you ever saw!

Our First Lodger!!

2009-10-22T17:27:00.005-04:00

Cousin Collin had Fall Break this week so he came for a sleep-over! While he was here, we made cookies, played games (UNO and Operation were the favorites!), went to the park, ate at Burger King and watched Narnia.
Miranda thinks Collin is the cats meow! She had fun following him around, doing everything he did. Here they are modeling their BK crowns! (notice their matching reunion shirts)

Hotel Sumpter

2009-10-12T15:38:00.004-04:00

We've been talking about it since we got married, but we finally graduated to a new queen-sized mattress/bed. I forgot to take a picture of the bed before we made it, but it looks something like this. It is a Serta, eurotop and so comfy!! We've been sleeping great for the past 3 nights.
As a result of our new purchase, we now have a guest BED to go in our guest bedroom.

I know the room doesn't look too fancy, but its a major improvement from sleeping on an air mattress in the dining room, which is where our visitors had to sleep in our apartment in Michigan. So, here's your invite: COME FOR A VISIT! Besides great company and weather during your stay here in AZ, here's a list of accomodations you'll get when you stay with us:

*private room

*full bed

*closet space

*private bathroom (except when Miranda needs a bath)

*room for your kids to sleep in playroom or living room (which is now cleaned out, but completely devoid of furniture)

SEE YOU SOON!

Miranda's World

2009-09-28T17:21:00.006-04:00

Here are a few of the latest happenings in Miranda's world...

The highlight of Miranda's month was getting a new Elmo chair. Since Seasame Street is her favorite show, I thought she'd enjoy watching it from a Seasame Street chair (instsead of standing 1 inch from the tv screen). I ordered it on the Walmart site-to-store website. When we picked it up, we opened the box in the store to make sure it was the right item, it wasn't damaged, etc. Miranda's eyes got huge and she immediately started singing La La La, which she did through the rest of our shopping trip and the whole way home. She loves it! The only problem is, when she sits in it, she can't see Elmo!

Another of Miranda's favorite activities is visiting her cousins Catherine, Julia and Collin. She calls them Ca, Ju-a and Co. When we get together there is lots of playing and lots of screaming. Miranda and Catherine seem to always want the same toy at the same time, and have a kind of love/hate relationship. Here they are though at a loving moment. So cute!

We have this olive wood carving of Jesus that Steve's parents got in Jereuselem. Miranda likes to hold it and calls him 'Jee-sie.' Whenever she sees pictures of Jesus at church or in a magazine, she says 'Jee-sie!'

We love our baby!

Career Woman

2009-09-21T17:05:00.002-04:00

Miranda loves to carry around purses, bags, or in this case Steve's lunch cooler that he takes to work with him.
She'll pick it up, wave and say, "bye!" then heads for the door. When I ask her where she's going, she says, "a work." She's definately ready for bigger and better things than hanging out with mom at home!

The Big Move

2009-08-18T23:59:00.004-04:00

The moving day, July 10, finally arrived. It was so nice not to have to pack up our own stuff...we got to sit there and watch strangers pack our stuff for us...kind of weird!

Miranda, Steve and the big moving truck

Loading up the car. Our stuff is mostly over the car.

Saying goodbye to our apartment...we'll miss you Michigan!

On our way across country, we stopped at the arch in St. Louis.

Very neat, but boy am I glad we didn't move there, it was soooo humid!

We took our time and made the 2000 mile drive in about 4 days.

Thank goodness for portable dvd players!

We're so happy to be in our new home in Arizona!

Our Little Graduate!

2009-07-07T15:31:00.003-04:00

After three years of long days and many long nights and weekends, here we are on Steve's graduation day! He is finally finished with the Family Medicine Residency at Genesys Regional Medical Center!

With his two program directors and
the director of medical education

Our little graduate...I'm so proud of him!

This was Steve on his last day of residency.

Our New Crib

2009-07-01T21:18:00.003-04:00

So, we are happy that as of today we have a place to live in Arizona when we move there in a mere 14 days! We were in Arizona last weekend (thanks Suzie and Michael for letting us stay with you--AGAIN!) looking for a home to rent. We had a few requirements such as:

1. must have a yard with grass
2. family room must be carpeted (not tiled)
3. must have at least 3 bedrooms
4. must have 2 car garage
5. must have adaquate closet space
6. must be at least 1600 sq feet

Happily, we found what we were looking for. This house has it all--even new carpet!! AND we are so excited to be only 50 minutes from the Stimpsons!

As of July 15 this will be our new abode!

Living Room

Dining Room

Kitchen

Family Room

Backyard

It's FINALLY Official!

2009-06-24T15:16:00.007-04:00

Yes folks, its true! Its official! We are 100% going to Arizona! Steve signed his contract last week to work for a medical group in Phoenix called Abrazo.

Here he is, signing his life away

We'll be moving July 10 and are so looking forward to the 30 hour drive with an 18 month old. One bright spot though is that we are having movers come, pack us up, drive it there and unpack it! Steve starts work July 31, the day after the family reunion. We are so excited!

Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad

2009-06-13T00:16:00.003-04:00

Last Saturday we went to Crossroads Village which is an 'old-time' village just north of Flint. It kind or reminded me of Nauvoo. They had a farm, shops, a hotel with a fiddle player, old fashioned rides and a train. They were also doing games, storytelling, face painting and balloon tying.

We got to pet a cow and see it being milked.

(aren't we nerds...we're wearing matching shirts)

The Huckleberry Railroad

Miranda making the choo-choo noise as we ride the train.

Our Child Prodigy

2009-06-01T13:48:00.004-04:00

So, I was getting worried that when Miranda goes into nursery in a month that she would be the only kid to CRAWL into the classroom. She has definitely taken her own sweet time, but she has finally decided that its time to WALK!

She has been cruising for months and walking holding onto our hands forever, but she just wouldn't take the plunge and do it on her own. Now that she is walking, she keeps surprising me. For one, walking is much quicker and quieter than crawling so she can 'sneak' up behind me. Also, when I see her walk into a room, I just start lauging because I'm so used to seeing her crawl.

Of course I thought that my child would be one of those kids who walk by 9 months and I hadn't even heard of kids walking as late as 17 months, but we're still pretty excited for her!

New Car!

2009-05-26T14:05:00.006-04:00

Its not quite as exciting as it sounds...its a actually a USED car and its just Miranda's size. We were over at some friends house the other night and Miranda fell in love with a little car that their boys had outgrown. They ended up giving it to us...as if we have room in our apartment for one more toy...especially one of this size.

So, now instead of the stroller, we've been going on walks everyday in the new car. When its time to get OUT of the car, there is usually some yelling involved. Maybe some day Steve and I will get a new car for ourselves!

Nihonjin no Tomodachi

2009-05-12T12:55:00.006-04:00

Miranda has a cute little Japanese friend named Hasane who is exactly her age. Miranda and Hasane don't do too much playing together, they just kind of look at each other and then do their own thing (they did feed each other Cheerios...does that count as playing?). When we get together I get to practice my very rusty Japanese, but not too much though because Hasane's mom likes to practice her English so we end up speaking English most of the time. Anyway, they are a family from Japan and the husband is doing his residency with Steve. Just love Japanese people!

Picture Tag

2009-05-05T20:06:00.003-04:00

It's a "PICTURE TAG" and this is how it goes. Go to your pictures and go to the 5th folder. Then open up the 5th picture and post it. Then tag 5 people when you are done. Have fun! I tag whoever hasn't done this yet and wants to play!!!

This is our little couch potato...she actually is not technically a "couch" potato because she doesn't sit on the couch. She usually stands RIGHT in front of the TV. Anyway, here she is watching her favorite show--Vegie Tales Sing-Along!

Phoenix here we come, we hope!

2009-04-22T12:24:00.005-04:00

Easter weekend our family made a quick trip to Phoenix where Steve had his second job interview with Abrazo Medical Group and where we hope to be moving in July! Things have gone well so far and now we're just waiting for them do draw up the contract which they say could take a couple of weeks. The thing is, its not official until everyone (including Steve) signs the contract, so its kind of nerve-racking waiting and waiting, but I'm trying to be patient and positive!

We had a fun weekend and stayed one night at Suzie & Michael's...thanks for letting us come last minute and the same weekend as your new counter tops were being installed.

Here are Catherine and Miranda doing lunch!

We also stayed a night at the Wigwam Resort which is a fun Native American/Southwest looking hotel...see our cute room in the background!

My child likes what?!?

2009-04-22T12:10:00.003-04:00

Anyone who knows me, knows one of my least favorite foods is beans; chili, black, refried, etc. Well, strange thing, but Miranda absoluetly loves beans and eats them like they are candy. Maybe she inherited that from Steve since he loves Mexican food. Here she is eating them at Chipotle in Phoenix (and making the face she always does when the camera comes out). What a silly girl!

Photo Tag

2009-04-20T22:21:00.004-04:00

Here's the deal...
Take a picture of yourself with no preparing or primping. Just do it how you are right now, and post it on your blog with a tag for someone else to do it.

Sorry all...this is pretty bad. Just by looking at the picture, you can obviously tell that there was no preparing or primping. It was Saturday, what can I say. I was tagged by Shannon, and tag anyone who reads this who has not already been tagged!

What the...

2009-04-06T14:29:00.008-04:00

When we woke up this morning, this is what we saw...

According to my information, Spring began March 20 which was 18 days ago. Oh the joy of living in Michigan!

Idaho, Cousin Brenna and "Baby Taranda"

2009-03-20T23:04:00.004-04:00

We spent last week in Idaho at Kris and Kyle's house in Idaho. Steve was interviewing for a job out there so Miranda and I went along for a little vacation. We had a great time together and Miranda loved all the action of having 5 kids around. One of her favorite parts was the stairs. She learned that you have to turn around and go down backwards and got pretty speedy at it.

Brenna calls Miranda "Baby Taranda" and they got to share a room. One night they took turns crying and waking each other up, which was very fun. Other than that and a few times grabbing toys, they got along great.

We loved playing outside, going shopping and swimming at the YMCA. Thanks Tophams for a fun time!

Children's Museum

2009-03-09T12:46:00.004-04:00

We've been looking to get out of the house more but with the cold weather, we still mostly have to find indoor options. So, last Saturday we went up to the Children's Museum in Flint. We spent most of our time in 'The Tot Spot' where Miranda could could crawl, climb and play to her little heart's content. We spent a little time in the science-y areas too, but this was Miranda's favorite!

Our Daughter the Nerd

2009-03-03T15:51:00.004-05:00

Here's our little nerd wearing the glasses from her toy doctor's kit. Poor girl takes after her parents. At least she's happy about it.

Her favorite thing in the kit to play with is a little bottle called 'get well' tablets.

New Years in March?

2009-03-03T15:30:00.000-05:00

So, one of my New Years Resolutions was to create and maintain a blog. I realize it is now March and I'm just getting started, but I consider New Years Resolutions to be goals you work on throughout the year, not just the 1st week of January. Also, I have no idea what this will look like since I and somewhat computer impaired and have never blogged before. I've looked at lots of blogs, mind you...just never created one. Don't laugh too hard.