Sunday, September 29, 2013

Beautiful September Weekend

Is it really the last weekend in September?  The exciting month of October is right around the corner... Birthdays, Anniversaries, and a wedding!  That also means a few days spent ocean side in Myrtle Beach.  I am not rushing my last month of time off but at least there are fun things ahead. 


Friday was Family night at the Samson's
Hollyn cuddling with Danielle





Loving Ryan's toys!


Saturday morning Open House at Childrens' Kastle


Checking out the Junior Room

Yes, the vanity set was a HUGE hit - Colton used the hair dryer to apply deodorant

Outside for a pony ride

Hanging with my BFF Richie



Hollyn met her teachers then decided to nap through the rest of the open house

The weekend wrapped up with fun at London's 2nd Birthday Party

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Tuesdays & Thursdays

Being home from work has been a welcome change of pace.  I love spending time with Colton and Hollyn, catching up with friends, and having some time at home.  We have kept busy, sometimes too busy, but we are making good memories nonetheless.  On the days Colton is home we try to do something fun.  Tuesday mornings are filled with a Music with Mar class (thanks to my friend Sarah for inviting us).  Colton loves to sing and dance so Miss Melissa keeps him very entertained. 



Grandma CC even came to get in on the action
 
 

Thursdays are left open for play dates and other adventures.  This past Thursday we didn't have plans so I decided to take the kids to a park.  With so many nearby parks it was hard to decide where to go.  I stuck with my roots and went to Clarence Town Park.  I can remember playing on this very same castle - somehow it shrunk over the years (or maybe I grew).




Colton, Hollyn and I stayed on this swing for quite some time.  Such a peaceful place.




This picture reminds me of Colton's swinging a bit over a year ago...
Fewer teeth, fuzzy hair and that same dimple.


After a swing, Hollyn was happy to snuggle back into her stroller.

The highlight of Colton's time at the park was the BIG (pronounced b-EEE-g) orange slide.  He spotted it from the swing and we couldn't leave without giving it a try.  The one trip down the slide turned into so many I lost count. 




Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Hollyn and Lucy

Colton's friend Elliott also became a big brother!  The Doren family is now four with the addition of Lucy Holloway on September 17, 2013 - just a day past Elliott's second birthday.  Emily and I were pregnant together with our boys and again with our girls.  Both pregnancies Emily and Jesse decided to be surprised at delivery, Hollyn was thrilled to find out she has a little girlfriend!  Better yet, our friends Danielle and Brendan are expecting a little girl in under a month - 2013 is the year of little girls!

Hollyn (2 1/2 months) & Lucy (1 week & 1 day)


Babies & Mommas

 

I couldn't help but be reminded of the first time Colton & Elliott met 
(Elliot 1 1/2 months, Colton 2 weeks)


 Hollyn is  so happy to meet her friend!


 Little sisters

 Big brothers




Saturday, September 21, 2013

Bath Time x2

With Jason away I was determined to make the evening routine a bit more efficient.  I decided to try to bathe Colton and Hollyn at the same time.  My efforts were successful!  Colton even began to help wash Hollyn, pouring the water and showing her the bubbles.

We snapped a few photos once Jason was home and I could safely photograph the time in the tub.


Colton wearing a big boy towel

We have been slowely been introducing Colton to his big boy bed and he has yet to take much interest.  In an effort to keep him happy and sleeping well, we have not pushed the issue.  We do, however, cuddle and play in his big boy bed - hoping one day he decides to give it a try.  


 All cuddles after her bath



Friday, September 20, 2013

Leaving on Jet Plane

The good news is as I'm writing this, Jason has left twice (NYC and DC) and is now back home.  These were the first trips he has taken since Hollyn arrived and my first stint at solo parenthood of two.  The three of us fared well and enjoyed time with friends and family.  To keep Jason up to date on our adventures and let him know we are thinking of him, I send pictures often and a video or two.



Hollyn Video



Colton Video


Snapshots of our adventures...

Right after leaving Jason at the airport we went to visit BIG trucks!


big smiles for daddy

Birthday lunch with Tia Claudia



Snuggles with Big Brother while he is asleep

One last swim at CC & Papa's

Growing SOOO big!


We miss you!


Repurposed Kan Jam

Taking over Daddy's side of the bed