A bittersweet goodbye...

to the crib that is. Yes, its true. Samantha has graduated to a "big girl" bed. We got her bed and set it up yesterday afternoon, and she couldn't have been more excited. I was a little worried about how the girls would do together last night, seeing as they could both escape from their beds. They did great. We put Sam down first. She just snuggled right in under her sheet and happily fell asleep. Same with her nap today. I have been very lucky in that the girls take to transitions very easily. Emily was the same way with her bed. She gave up the Binky in a day. We are currently working on the Binky with Sam. We should have those out of the house by next week.
It makes me a little sad to see these things go. All the little signs of the very fleeting time when the babies are actually babies. But lets face it, they are way more fun the older they get. Samantha has recently become a fan of the word poop, and Emily thinks everything is "so funny mommy!" Their little personalities come out in full force, just when you least expect it.
I look forward to keeping you updated on all of their daily jokes and trouble.

Seattle or Bust

At the last minute, we decided to take a trip out to Washington to visit my brother Ariel and his wife Kassi in Seattle. Washington has just gotten a ton of snow, so we were excited to get the girls out there. We arrived in the middle of the night, so Emily didn't know about the snow until the next morning. All morning, through breakfast, baths and getting ready, all she could talk about was making snow angels. I'm not quite sure how she knew about snow angels, but she was dead set on making one. She gets outside and starts stomping through the snow. She gets a funny look on her face and then stomps back to the sidewalk. I asked her what was the matter. Her response..."Mommy, I'm not ever making snow angels! Never, Never. This isn't snow, this is ice!" I didn't know what to say. I tried as hard as I could to stifle my laughter, but I couldn't help it. The things that have been coming out of her mouth lately! She just gets more funny with age!

We did lots of driving on this trip. Little Sam is a road tripping pro!

We took the girls sledding for the first time. Emily wasn't a huge fan, but Sam loved it!

Ariel and Kassi sledding

Sour puss and Daddy after an unsuccessful sledding trip.

The beautiful couple!

Seattle Space Needle!

I was excited to see the Space Needle. Everyone else in our group decided to be party poopers so Emily and I went up together. Emily was amazed by the elevator that took us all the way to the top. In the end, I was happy it was just Emily and I. We very rarely get to do things just her and I. She can appreciate the fun.

Taking in the View

So excited!

There were telescopes placed about every ten feet around the top of the Space Needle. Emily insisted on taking in the sights from every single one! I'm not quite sure how many there were but by the time she was finished...I was exhausted.

My little tourist!

One of the many beautiful views.






Next, we moved on to the Seattle Science Center. This place was amazing. The girls were so excited to run around and play. They had a lot of fun playing with Uncle Ariel and Aunt Kassi.

She didn't know what to do first! Everything was so exciting! Lucky for her, Ariel was there to show her the good stuff.

Samantha loved this giant chess board. Two little boys were playing at the time and were very patient when she kept moving their pieces.

Notice the cute little creature in the bottom left hand side of this photo.

This was a giant periscope that went up through the ceiling and gave you a 360 degree view of the city.

Buddies

The giant chair

Emily was spent by the end of the afternoon. Luckily she had a comfortable ride home.

We had such a fun time in Washington. We had no schedule, no plans. It was great. We don't really get to take vacations, and with Corey leaving so soon, it was a much needed break. It was nice to be able to relax with Ariel and Kassi. We don't get to see them nearly as much as we would like. Hopefully it will be a trip that we will be able to repeat again this year.

Christmas!

Christmas was tons of fun this year. Santa was good to the girls...apparently they had been VERY good. It was definitely fun seeing Emily's reaction when she came downstairs and found that Santa showed up. Sam didn't really know what to do. She only had enough focus to open one present and then forfeited her paper tearing duties to her big sis. Emily was happy to pick up the extra work load.
We had originally planned to keep Christmas basic this year. Only toys that forced the girls to be active and use their imagination. We did pretty good, although Emily still managed to wind up with a talking Sleeping Beauty Vanity..I mean what little girl wouldn't want a princess telling her how beautiful she is. I keep trying with my bathroom mirror...mine must be broken.
The effect of brightly colored bouncy balls scattered around the Christmas tree was fun. It felt a lot like Santa's workshop if you ask me. I guess that means a job well done.

The plastic animals were a hit!

Sam and the first and last present she opened.

This picture screams enthusiasm

Emily about fell over when she saw the bike.

Emily and her new wheels.

Believe it or not, I'm already looking forward to Christmas next year. The girls had so much fun! I cant wait to see how they react when they are another year older!

Cookies and Carols

Cookie time at the Novotny house! One of my favorite things! There is nothing quite like kids, cookie dough, and the questionable manner in which they handle all things edible.

A face I love to kiss!

Needless to say, the dough was pulverized by the time she was done with it!

I wish I had been able to post this one sooner. It doesn't get much cuter then this!

Playing Catch Up!

So let me start this post off by saying HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope everyone had a festive and happy Holiday Season! Before we get into the full swing of 2009, lets wrap up the rest of 2008. We had lots of stuff going on!
Emily turned 3 on the 23rd! Hip Hip Hooray! She had been reminding me daily that her birthday was coming...ever since Sam's birthday...that was in September! It has been a long few months. Emily was under the impression, that the Christmas Season was specifically for her. It was all about birthdays, the big guy in red, and PRESENTS. She was a little sad to see the Christmas tree go... but I think she will get over it!
Here are a few pictures from her big day!

Emily and the celebratory Birthday Doughnut!

Sam reaping the benefits

Presents! We are now officially in full Barbie mode. Lord help us!

Sam and her best guy Jack!

Emily blowing out the candles! (and a very happy me!)

December nights...

Well things have been busy here to say the least. December is always a fun month for us. Between birthdays and Christmas, it seems like we hit the ground running come December 1st.

Here are just a few snapshots.

Roasting Marshmallows at the boat parade at Shelter Island.

Kids and bonfires...an entertaining combination!

A Carousal Ride at Seaport Village

Emily is a Carousal pro...I on the other hand have a hard time with the spinning.

Before Corey's Christmas Party for work.

...One of the best photos of us in YEARS!

New Family Photo

Sam having fun in the hutch...The resemblance to Corey is amazing!

She loved this I swear!

A quick thought on Family Christmas Photos..

They are so stressful! Last night Corey and I got the girls dolled up in their new Christmas dresses (handmade by a friend..thank you Connie!), put beautiful clips in their hair (also handmade by a friend..thank you Zoe). The scene was set. Picture two beautiful little girls in front of a perfectly glowing Christmas tree. All they have to do is sit sweetly in front of the tree and smile right?!
Well things just dont happen that easy around here. The meltdowns started fast and furious, boogers were running down small noses, and ornaments were getting tossed like Thanksgiving leftovers. To top it all off...I took about 30 pictures...after much jumping, singing and dancing (the only tricks I know to get my girls to smile for pictures.), and came out with not one good picture! NOT ONE!
I dont see why people do this to their kids anyway. I mean, life is not a perfectly posed photo in front of a tree. Life IS boogers, tantrums and beautiful, antsy children... at least ours is.
We are going to try one more time tonight, and if it doesnt go well... then prepare yourself for a Christmas card with beautiful girls, a fancy tree...and some boogers and tears!