Graceful Anabelle

Close It Down, Anabelle!

2009-03-02T22:52:00.000-06:00

Well, it's finally happened: after almost four years and 770 posts, I'm shutting down Anabelle's blog. But don't worry — I've started a new joint blog for both Anabelle and Will called Alligators and Elephants. Update your bookmarks and visit today!!

Outdoor Fun in the Sun & Snow

2009-02-22T21:22:00.002-06:00

We finally got some more snow this weekend so we tried to take the kids out sledding, only they were more interested in playing on the snow-covered playground equipment. I didn't get any pictures of it, but Anabelle shot out of the tube slide like a rocket.

We also enjoyed the brisk morning air at an outdoor event the kids' daycare organized. It was freezing, but it was fun to get out and walk around Centennial Lakes Park! Afterwards Anabelle wanted to go on the skating rink but I was too cheap to rent skates, so we just slid around on our boots.

Reading to Will

2009-01-26T21:51:00.002-06:00

Will hasn't been feeling well lately so Anabelle's been reading to him:

"Tonight's story: Interrogation techniques to use on daddies!"

"Uh, Anabelle, I'm kind of having trouble seeing the pictures..."

"Well, Will, it would help if you look at the book instead of the camera!"

"And now, Will, I want you to walk around the room with this book balanced on your head!"

Anabelle in Washington D.C.

2009-01-20T23:58:00.003-06:00

In honor of today's historic occasion, here's a video of Anabelle in Washington D.C. from back in May 2006 (if you watch all the way til the end you can see the Washington Monument in the background):

Anabelle's Artwork

2009-01-20T23:32:00.001-06:00

Here's a recent piece of art Anabelle did at school:

Chuck E. Cheese's Would Be A Great Place If It Weren't For All The Contagious Diseases Floating Around

2009-01-18T21:27:00.003-06:00

"I feel like such a princess riding in this coach!"

"This ride would be better if Clifford did tricks like flip or roll over."

"When I turn sixteen, I want a jeep just like this one."

"This ride feels like it's been going on for hours!"

"The light at this intersection always takes forever."

Happy Second Birthday, Sophie!

2009-01-13T21:18:00.002-06:00

Sex and the City: The Early Years

"Hey, Sophie, want some help opening your presents?"

"Tea time!"

"Mmm, it's cake, it's ice cream, it's ICE CREAM CAKE!!!"

Happy Birthday, Sophie! Will wishes he could have been there, too!!

Winter Dance Recital

2009-01-06T22:39:00.001-06:00

Here's a video of Anabelle's Winter Dance Recital!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-04T14:07:00.003-06:00

I'd say I've resolved to post more often in 2009 but I don't want to make any promises I might break! Here are some pictures of Anabelle at school that her teachers took:

With Santa.

On a reindeer sleigh ride with some friends.

Participating in the school book exchange.

Singing "Toody-ta" with her classmates.

Same as above, but now with ribbons added! (Difficulty level: 7)

Christmas Memories

2008-12-28T22:22:00.004-06:00

"OK, does everyone remember their parts? Let's try the number from the top again!"

"OK, Jack, that sounds good, but, Will, let's try to pick up the tempo a bit."

"And since I'm so charming, I'll do all the small talk with the audience!"

"BEST. CHRISTMAS PRESENT. EVER!!!"

"Say, this table will be perfect out on the patio in the spring!"

"And it doubles as an easel! Finally, somewhere for me to do all of my drafting!!"

"OK, ready, set... OPEN!!!!"

"Man, these search and find books get harder every year!"

"But there still isn't a puzzle out there that I can't do!!"

BONUS VIDEO! Anabelle, Will, and Jack perform at the piano on Christmas Eve!!

A Brother and Sister Act

2008-12-10T22:17:00.003-06:00

"OK, Will, which one of our chart-topping hits should we perform tonight?"

"Ooo, good idea! Let's perform our cover of a classic standby!"

Happy (Belated) Thanksgiving!

2008-12-07T22:50:00.003-06:00

Wow, how time flies. I can't believe I haven't posted anything for two weeks. Here are some old pics, starting with some from Thanksgiving.

"Am I staying? Depends -- what are we having for dinner?"

"Oh, hi, Dad! Um, this may look like ice cream but, uh, it's really mashed potatoes. Mmm, I love mashed potatoes!!"

"Oh my gosh, what a shocking story! Did that really happen?"

Great-Great Auntie Jo's 90th Birthday Party

2008-11-23T21:05:00.002-06:00

"Here, Auntie Jo, let me help you sort through all your loot!"

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!"

"Let's see... two candles. Happy Second Birthday, Auntie Jo!!"

"So is anyone going to blow out these candles so we can eat the cake?"

"Check out the lift on my hair!"

Goofy Glasses

2008-11-18T22:20:00.004-06:00

More pics of Anabelle with her goofy glasses because I can't get over how funny they are:

"OK, I'm ready for school!"

"Yes, Will, when you're as old as me, your nose will look like this too!"

"Pee-yew! Who farted?"

"The nose just gets even bigger in close-ups!"

"What's the matter, Will? Don't you want a kiss from your big sister? Hmmm???"

The Princess Diaries

2008-11-17T22:11:00.003-06:00

This is just like those movies where the disheveled geek is transformed into a beautiful princess. Behold!

NERRRRD!

"But I was really a princess all that time!"

And from the sequel:

"Oh no, that mean old witch put a curse on me and the ball is tonight!!"

SURPRISE!!!

2008-11-12T22:48:00.003-06:00

Surprise!!!

Also, don't look now, but I think there's someone sitting behind you..

"Yeah, that's just my little brother. He makes a nice cushion every now and then!"

Pictures From Nonnie & Papa's

2008-11-11T22:48:00.003-06:00

Here are some great pictures that Nonnie and Papa took when Anabelle and Will spent the weekend with them!

"But I'm not picking my nose. I'm not even picking someone else's nose. I'm just picking a nose."

"OK, that's the tattoo design I want to get."

Yeah, I think she's going to be a model someday.

Happy juice!!

"I love my brother!"

"Yeah, it's a great present, but did I have to wake up so early to open it?"

See the full set here.

A Day in the Life of a Care Bear

2008-11-06T23:01:00.003-06:00

"Another call! Time to fire up the ol' fire engine!"

"False alarm. It was just another college kid pulling the fire alarm."

"Pay attention, Dad. When I start screaming in my sleep at three in the morning, this time you won't have to guess what's wrong."

NERRRDS!!!

2008-10-28T22:36:00.002-05:00

"Yeah, wow, I'm really impressed by your 'light sabers.' I'll bet I could take on all of you with nothing more than my little lollipop."

A Bear at the Zoo

2008-10-27T21:50:00.002-05:00

"Hey, Grumpy, how ya doin'?"

"What if... Belle had the head of a bear???"

"What do you mean I'm in your shot, Raggedy Ann?"

More Fall Fun

2008-10-21T21:11:00.001-05:00

Some pictures of Anabelle from a classmate's birthday party at Sever's Corn Maze last weekend:

The New Fall 'Do

2008-10-19T23:19:00.001-05:00

BEFORE:

AFTER:

More Pictures from Emma Krumbee's

2008-10-16T23:53:00.003-05:00

I uploaded the pictures to Shutterfly but I can't figure out how to hotlink them so you'll have to go view them there: Anabelle & Will at Emma Krumbee's 2008

Here's a peek:

EDIT: I just figured out how to link to the images hosted on Shutterfly so here's another one:

Fun at the Pumpkin Festival

2008-10-13T21:22:00.001-05:00

Here are some pictures from the Edina Pumpkin Festival on Saturday. They were taken with my BlackBerry, so they're not the best quality, but they're still fun.

"I think they gave me Will's pony."

"So, do you notice anything different about me?"

"Maybe something on my face? On my cheek, even?"

"HERE, NOW DO YOU SEE WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT?? I HAVE A PUMPKIN ON MY CHEEK!!!!"

Fun with Nonnie and Papa

2008-10-12T21:45:00.002-05:00

Nonnie and Papa sent some pictures from Will and Anabelle's overnight a couple weeks ago, and you can see them at Shutterfly.

Thanks, Nonnie and Papa!

Odd Portraits

2008-10-06T21:37:00.002-05:00

Anabelle's half-human, half-goat creature will be giving me nightmares for the rest of the week.

We tried to reverse the positions but Anabelle refused.

A Girl and Her Pumpkin

2008-10-05T22:51:00.001-05:00

(She actually ended up picking another one, but this picture was cuter.)

Como Zoo Field Trip

2008-09-29T21:51:00.004-05:00

Last week Anabelle's class went on a field trip to Como Zoo and I got to go along as a chaperone!

"So many animals, so little time to liberate them all."

"Or maybe I should go in to keep the poor animals company? Don't worry, zebra! I'll come and play with you!!"

"What do you mean, 'zoos are for people to see the animals'? This is all just for your entertainment? Is this what passes for political enlightenment in preschool nowadays?"

"OK, then, so if we all simply walk away, the zoo will be forced to shut down, right? Let's all march back to the bus, then! Anyone? Anyone??"

"Time for a sit-down protest! Come on, who's with me?"

"Sigh. I tried, poor animals. I tried."

"Whew! All that activism made me hungry! Time to refuel!"

Last Summer Swing?

2008-09-28T22:07:00.002-05:00

Or first autumn swing?

Special thanks to Nonnie and Papa for having both kids over last night! Anabelle couldn't stop talking about all the fun she had, and Mommy and Daddy enjoyed their night out too!

Petting Zoo Princess

2008-09-22T21:36:00.002-05:00

"Poor cow! Just be patient and we'll liberate you just as we liberated your oppressed comrade!!"

"Ouch! Those horns are sharp!!"

"How's this for cute??"

Anabelle at the Animal Farm

2008-09-11T22:45:00.004-05:00

These are pictures from one of Anabelle's field trips a couple weeks ago. Buni went as a chaperone, so we actually have pictures!

"Yep, it's been a good crop this year."

"Look, they're giving the berries away to everyone, so, no, you can't have mine!"

"You're lucky my dad's not here to see you putting your arm around me."

"Oops! But my mom is here -- TAKING PICTURES! So you're busted, Noah!!"

"It's just like feeding Will!"

"Poor cow! Somebody needs to liberate you!"

"Ahhh, finally, lunch! Let's see what everyone else has in their lunchboxes!!"

Out Too Far, Up Too High

2008-09-10T21:28:00.003-05:00

Some pictures of Anabelle's time up at the Bergs' cabins over Labor Day weekend:

"Get your own tube, Uncle Aaron!"

"Does this scenario seem familiar to you at all, Trace?"

"Higher, Uncle Aaron! Higher!"

"Holy cow! Can you believe we went that high?!?"

Thrill Seeker

2008-09-09T22:30:00.002-05:00

I think Anabelle likes going on rides:

"WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!"

The Anabelle Alert System

2008-09-08T21:52:00.003-05:00

"Dad! Look out behind you!!"

"SHARK!!!"

"Omigosh, Dad! Look at that!!"

"STINGRAY!!!"

"OK, Dad, everything is all clear. It's safe to turn around now."

"AH!!!! GIANT ANABELLE HEAD!!!!!"

Welcome, Juliet!

2008-09-07T22:09:00.002-05:00

Anabelle welcomes her latest cousin, Juliet Scallon, born Friday September 5th!

"She's so cute!!!"

"Really? I was this small once??"

"Wow, she's adorable!"

Anabelle's Amazing Boat Ride

2008-09-03T23:14:00.002-05:00

"Wow, I didn't know boats could do mach 5!"

"I feel like an astronaut in one of those test accelerators!"

"WHAT??? I CAN'T HEAR YOU OVER THE ROAR OF THE ENGINE!!!!"

Gone Fishin' Too

2008-09-02T21:40:00.003-05:00

"How long have I been out here? It feels like hours."

"Hmm... I wonder if I could just take one of the gazillion fish that Trace caught and put it on my line?"

"Hey, how did that little fish eat that big fish I worked so hard to reel in?"

"OK, here's the plan. We'll tell everyone that I caught a fish THIS big. Come on, everyone, put your hands out like this so we all get our measurements in sync!"

Time for an Outdoor Tea Party

2008-08-20T21:23:00.002-05:00

"OK, Will, you're in charge of washing all the fruits and vegetables!"

"Hurry up! Our guests are arriving!!"

"OK, Will, I'm waiting. You and our guest can serve me any time now!"

How Anabelle Sees The World

2008-08-18T23:17:00.002-05:00

DSC04554, originally uploaded by John Jakala.

Check out this Flickr set for some of Anabelle's unique photography.

Party Girl

2008-08-17T22:40:00.003-05:00

Talk about a busy weekend! Anabelle went to three parties this weekend! And here are three of her favorite things from those parties:

Pools!

Playhouses!

Pachyderms!

School's In Session

2008-08-13T22:17:00.002-05:00

"Yes, yes -- we'll get to the story about the moose in just a minute!"

Anabelle's Bathtub Art

2008-08-10T22:23:00.002-05:00

"Say, Anabelle, what's that picture behind you?"

"What do you mean, 'It's you, Daddy!'?"

"Yeah, yeah, you got me. You little stinker!!"

A Young Pocahontas

2008-08-05T21:53:00.002-05:00

"What I love most about rivers is, you can't step in the same river twice. Just around the riverbend! Just around the riverbend!!"

Fun at SpongeBob

2008-08-03T22:54:00.003-05:00

Anabelle LOVES going to the Nickelodeon Universe theme park (which she calls "SpongeBob") at the Mall of America:

Going up!

Going DOWNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!

"Can we go again, Mom? Can we? Maybe you won't get sick this time!"

Reminds me of these pics from last year.

"We are so high and going so fast right now! I love it!!!"

"The only bad thing about this ride is that now the swings at the neighborhood park will seem lame in comparison."

What Is It About A Hammock?

2008-07-28T21:28:00.002-05:00

...that makes everyone want to climb on?

Ah, Summer! Nothing like lying in a hammock with a dozen of your closest friends.

Splashing and Scaling

2008-07-27T23:02:00.004-05:00

Some examples of Anabelle's very active weekend:

Swimming:

"You splash me with one foot, I splash you with two feet!"

"I win!! I'm King of the Kiddie Pool!!!!!"

"Man, this leg-kicking is a great workout! I can really feel the burn!!"

Climbing:

"OK, now I just need to reach over for that next foothold..."

"GOT IT!!!!"

What The --??

2008-07-24T22:47:00.002-05:00

"Watch out for that car! Watch out for that crazy lady with the maracas!!"

More pictures from last weekend's trip to the Children's Museum here.

Science -- To The EXTREME!!!!

2008-07-22T22:19:00.002-05:00

"Oh, watch out for that branch!!"

"OK, easy now, easy now... Yes! Nailed the mogul!!"

"OK, Dad, I've decided we need to buy a Wii."

Anabelle The Turtle

2008-07-21T22:37:00.002-05:00

"Shhh! She's a little shy!"

"Oh, she's sticking her head out! I wonder if she'll come out all the way?"

"Yes! She did come out of her shell! Now let's be sure not to scare her off!!"

Anabelle's Jumpy Weekend

2008-07-20T22:59:00.002-05:00

Anabelle had such a great weekend she just couldn't contain herself: She had to JUMP!!!

Blowing Bubbles at Becky's

2008-07-15T20:39:00.004-05:00

These pics are exactly a month old today. Makes me wonder what other great pictures I've forgotten about on my hard drive.

"And after I'm done blowing bubbles, I'll help you put up your Christmas lights."

Sharing (?)

"Hey, look! It doubles as a magnifying glass!"

Anabelle The Aquatic Animal Trainer

2008-07-14T20:49:00.002-05:00

"OK, who wants to go for a swim with the dolphins?"

"You know, it's a lot easier to maneuver in these in water."

Fresh out of the Shower

2008-07-13T22:40:00.003-05:00

Hopefully these aren't too risque, but I thought Anabelle looked cute in her grown-up post-bath towel attire:

Fun on the Fourth

2008-07-09T21:25:00.003-05:00

Parades appeal to young and old alike.

"Hello, sir. Do you have a moment to talk about Al Franken?"

"Hey, Jack! It looks like the ants are having a parade, too!"

Anabelle's Sidewalk Art

2008-07-08T23:00:00.002-05:00

If you've been over to our house lately, you know that Anabelle enjoys making sidewalk art:

Maybe one day she'll be making art like this.

Beat the Heat

2008-07-07T22:26:00.001-05:00

Anabelle had fun on the hot Fourth of July beating the heat with Jack's sprinkler ball:

If the slideshow's not working, the pictures are also available here.

Happy First Birthday, Little Brother!

2008-07-06T22:44:00.003-05:00

Will turned one today and he had a big birthday bash to celebrate! Anabelle was a great helper, bringing Will all of his presents, helping him open them, and even helping him play with them! Will sure is lucky to have such a great big sister!!

(More pictures from the birthday later this week!)

A New Place To Sleep

2008-07-02T21:01:00.004-05:00

Lately Anabelle's been sneaking into her little play house and sleeping in her sleeping bag at night. We weren't sure if we should let her or not, but she still sleeps through the night that way, and when we ask her about it she says, "Don't worry, Daddy. It's comfortable." So I guess it's OK. I suppose she sees it as a fun place to sleep.

It's like a camping trip for her and the Care Bear!

Fun at Calhoun

2008-07-01T21:21:00.002-05:00

A little over a week ago, Anabelle and Will went to Lake Calhoun with Jack and had a ton of fun!

Even more pics!

Fun at Calhoun

Welcome, Charlie!

2008-06-30T23:00:00.002-05:00

"Wow, he's a cutie!"

"Can you believe Will was once this small and now he's almost a year old?"

Anabelle at the Zoo

2008-06-19T21:00:00.002-05:00

"OMG, I think that guy to my right is totally checking me out!"

"Sorry, dude, I'm here for the bears."

"Hey! Did you just hear some growling?"

"On second thought, let's stick with the farm animals!"

"Here you go -- have two hands full of food!!"

Flower Girl Pics

2008-06-17T20:19:00.004-05:00

Some nice and black and white pictures of Anabelle as the flower girl from Michael and Mandy's wedding:

From their photographer's site.

And I can't remember if I linked to this before, but you can find more pictures of Anabelle from the wedding at my Flickr page.

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T21:25:00.005-05:00

Anabelle's so nice to her dad, she even shared her special big Popsicle treat with me!

"Are you sure it's OK if I have a bite?"

"OK, I'll take this color!"

"Smile for the camera!!"

Anabelle & Vivian

2008-06-09T20:56:00.002-05:00

"Here, let me help you with your turn. This is a really tough corner!"

"OK, now you push me, OK?"

Best Piano Performance, Female Division

2008-06-05T20:51:00.001-05:00

SPECIAL BONUS VIDEO! Best Piano Performance, Duet Division

SFX! with Play-Doh

2008-06-04T23:10:00.002-05:00

"POW!"

"BAM!"

"OOO!"

"ZZZ..."

Helping Out in the Kitchen

2008-06-03T23:15:00.001-05:00

Anabelle at the Salon

2008-06-02T22:57:00.003-05:00

Time for a summer trim!!

"Would you like your toenails done, too?"

BONUS PIC: Prior to the haircut...

"OK, Will, you're in no condition to drive, so Anabelle will be the designated driver."

Can't Stop Dancin'!

2008-05-29T23:05:00.002-05:00

Anabelle had another dance recital at school last night -- her best one yet! Here are some pictures of her doing her routine with her fellow classmates:

And afterwards, a lot of people came over and the dancing continued at our house!

"OK, now everyone lift your arms and move your weight from foot to foot. That's it!"

Anabelle's Wedding Hairdo

2008-05-28T00:28:00.001-05:00

DSC02951, originally uploaded by John Jakala.

Anabelle looked pretty cute in her flower girl dress with her hair all done up (even if it kept coming undone -- nothing can hold her hair for long) on Sunday for Michael and Mandy's wedding. Thanks for arranging the appointment, Mandy, and congratulations!!

700th Post!!!!

2008-05-26T22:43:00.002-05:00

Wow, that's a lot of cute pictures in just over three years. Thanks to everyone for reading. Here's to 700 more!!!

In the days before blogs, Anabelle had to journal her experiences by hand.

Anabelle, American Idol

2008-05-20T22:52:00.002-05:00

Sometimes Anabelle's just got to rock.

Thanks for the great gifts, Cousin Vivian!

NERRRRRRD!!!

2008-05-19T21:07:00.003-05:00

Hey there, Poindexter!

This reminds me of those movies where the nerdy girl removes her glasses and changes her hair and suddenly she's gorgeous.

Anabelle's Third Birthday Party

2008-05-18T21:39:00.003-05:00

Getting things ready. "Come on, Jack! We've still got a dozen more balloons to fill and people are going to start showing up any minute! Get blowin'!!!"

More princesses arrive.

Decorate a tiara! (Or visor.)

Mmmm! Mom's homemade Mac 'n' Cheese!!!

And now the moment Anabelle waited all day for: PRESENTS!!!!!

"Hey, that's not a birthday cake!"

"There's my birthday cake!" (Notice Will managed to sneak some frosting thanks to his quick hands.)

Curling up with some new books in her new princess pajamas. "Thanks for coming to my party, everyone! I had a really fun time and I'm glad so many people could help me celebrate my birthday!!"

A couple more pictures at the link:

Anabelle's Third Birthday Party

Three Years Old!

2008-05-13T20:47:00.003-05:00

Anabelle had a great birthday today, filled with lots of fun:

Devouring her birthday cupcake at school.

Receiving the special singing birthday phone call from Aunt Becky, Uncle Aaron, and Cousin Sophie.

Test-driving her shiny new red tricycle!

Watch Out Below!

2008-05-12T22:30:00.002-05:00

"Watch out, Mommy! I'm coming down!!"

"WHEEEEEEE!!!!"

"Wow, you have good reflexes, Mommy!"

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T20:23:00.002-05:00

Happy Mother's Day, Mommy! I love you!!

(Picture taken by Will.)

Anabelle The Musician

2008-05-08T22:56:00.002-05:00

"I'm pretty good on the trumpet..."

"...but I have absolutely no idea how this thing is supposed to work."

Swinging with Jack

2008-05-07T21:17:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday, Xander!

2008-05-06T22:31:00.001-05:00

"A pig cake! How cute!!"

"Here, let me help you with those candles!"

"You're welcome!"

"Uh, this isn't really a pig, is it?"

Anabelle The Gymnast

2008-05-05T22:06:00.001-05:00

"I might make this look easy..."

"...but the rings really are the most difficult part of my routine."

"Whew! What a workout!! I need a break!"

A Special Sneak Peak at Anabelle's Upcoming Fashion Show

2008-05-04T23:47:00.002-05:00

She's going to make such a cute flower girl. Can't wait to see the finished dress!

Dinner with Jia and Willa

2008-04-30T21:36:00.002-05:00

"Say, what did I get you again? I'd better check."

"OK, all the presents and desserts are gone. Now what?"

"BABY!!!"

"Wow, Jia, you sure have a cute sister!"

Fun in the Sun

2008-04-20T22:07:00.002-05:00

Finally! Another nice day!! Time to head to the park again!

"Any requests for what you want to eat?"

"Mmmm, smell that delicious aroma! Oh, this is going to be so good!"

"OK, Will, your sand baby food is ready!"

"Whoa! This isn't as easy as it looks!!"

Condensed Fashion Show

2008-04-14T22:53:00.002-05:00

"Four new outfits? No problem -- I can try 'em all on at once!!"

"Oh no! Too heavy! I can't... keep... upright! Falling... over!!!"

Red Robot

2008-04-09T22:18:00.005-05:00

Anabelle calls this get-up her robot costume, which I guess makes sense since it looks like something from the old Dr. Who show.

Anabelle on the Swings

2008-04-08T20:40:00.003-05:00

After pushing Will on the swings, Anabelle says, "It's my turn now!!"

Finally -- Nice Weather!!

2008-04-07T21:20:00.002-05:00

"Winter, I wash my hands of you!"

"OK, now let's see...what was that recipe for mud pies again?"

"I can't believe you forgot my bucket and shovel, Dad! How am I supposed to play in the sand now?"

"I guess I'll just have to help myself to these toys lying around. Hmm, no one seems to be looking..."

"Oh, how I missed flying through the air like this!"

"Come on, puppy, let's go for a walk!"

Tea Time

2008-04-06T21:07:00.004-05:00

"First we pour the tea..."

"...then we add a little sugar..."

"Mmmm! Another perfect cup of tea!!"

Anabelle at Nickelodeon Universe

2008-04-01T21:35:00.008-05:00

Here are some pictures of Anabelle enjoying the rides at the Mall of America's new Nickelodeon Universe:

Merry Go-Round

Balloon Ride

Crazy Cars

And afterwards the whole family went to Twin City Grill for a nice dinner!

Will had fun, too , even if he just ate the same old stuff!

More of That Great Minnesota Springtime Weather

2008-03-31T22:29:00.006-05:00

Driving certainly wasn't fun today (although not as bad as I thought it would be), but Anabelle sure had fun in what may be her last blast of winter until next year.

Spring Fashion Show

2008-03-25T09:49:00.003-05:00

Here are some more pics of Anabelle's super-cute Easter outfit!

What A Happy Easter!

2008-03-24T11:05:00.006-05:00

Nonnie and Papa had everyone over Sunday for Easter and Anabelle had a blast!

"What? The Easter Bunny is upstairs???"

"Aaah, you guys were just teasing me. That's not a bunny; it's Nonnie!"

"Now here's a really comfortable shoe that I think you'll like. We also have it in pink!"

"Hey, that tickles!"

"Don't stop! Keep tickling my toes!!"

"I can't wait until I go off to Paris for school!"

"You know, I used to love this book, but after reading Madeline, it just doesn't have the same depth. Am I already outgrowing the stories of my youth?"

"OK, Papa, enough pictures. I just heard Nonnie say it's time for dessert!!"

"Oh, man, it's all so good but I don't think I can take another bite!"

"Say 'CHEESE!' everyone!"

"Wait a second! My brother told me what happens with this 'pull my finger' game!"

"Oh, man, that does smell!"

"Just kidding! Let's kiss and make up!"

Spring Has Sprung

2008-03-23T11:34:00.004-05:00

...Minnesota-style! It's been snowing since Friday, and it's still snowing today!

On the plus side, it looks beautiful, and the kids were happy to have one last blast of winter!

"So... what do you wanna do?"

"I dunno; what do you wanna do?"

"My snow -- let me show you it."

"OK, let's pack in some more snow and then throw it at Daddy."

"Come here, Daddy. I have something for you!"

"This cotton candy is really cold!"

Princess For A Day Forever

2008-03-21T15:21:00.002-05:00

Lately Anabelle's been playing dress-up in her princess costume from last Halloween and saying that she's Cinderella. Isn't she cute? I think she should wear this outfit all the time everywhere!

Bedtime Stories

2008-03-21T15:11:00.004-05:00

"OK, everyone, before you go to sleep I'll read you a little more from our bedtime book."

"Let's see... where did we leave off last night?"

"OK, discussion topic: Who can tell me why the book is called 'Persuasion'?"

Anabelle's School Pictures

2008-03-18T18:55:00.004-05:00

We got back Anabelle's school pictures and are trying to decide which one(s) to order. Cast your vote in the poll below!

#1 - The Impressionist Painting Background

#2 - The Serious CEO Portrait

#3 - The Nature Lover Portrait

And here's the class picture, which we'll probably order because it's pretty cute.

419 Sesame Street

2008-03-16T23:36:00.004-05:00

"What's this? Elmo needs to know Mommy and Daddy's credit card info?"

"OK, seems reasonable!"

"Wait a second -- on last week's episode, Grover told us never to give out personal information on the internet because.... OH NO. WHAT HAVE I DONE???"

Anabelle's Pillow Fortress & Resort

2008-03-12T11:31:00.004-05:00

Sometimes you just need to get away from it all in a pile of pillows:

A Young Amelia Earhart

2008-03-11T11:21:00.003-05:00

"Fire up the propellers! I'm ready for takeoff!!"