Happy Feet Dance Party

Now spinning: Boogie Wonderland (our clip syncs with about 1:17 of the movie clip).

A rare glimpse inside Caroline's recurring Happy Feet Dance Party. I'm only allowed in when I hold a penguin - and I'm not allowed to dance or sing along.

Happy Feet is Caroline's favorite movie, which means I've had to learn some Queen (Somebody to Love), Prince (Kiss) & Elvis (Heartbreak Hotel) for bedtime lullabies.

Who can be sad

when KU won a National Championship?



(It's too bad the video of this is too big to upload)

Aruban Mini Golf

Can be fun...
But it can also get boring for a 2 year old just around the 9th hole.

Aruba II

More pictures from Aruba-

The balcony view that caused Caroline to jump up & down yelling 'Beach' for 5 days straight... she started calming down the last 2 days we were there.

Thanks Granddad for the DVD player. Clifford was key for a certain very tired big-puppy lover- and for the 5 hour plane ride!

No trip to the beach would be complete without stopping to practice that elusive dunk.

Aruba III

Aruba's Eagle Beach

I must admit that I didn't wash Caroline's hair for several days after returning. I didn't want it to lose that beach smell.

Easter

Some shots from Easter at Granddad's house. Caroline had a grand old time collecting eggs in the front yard for a whole hour. That'll teach the Easter Bunny to hide less than 32 of them next year!










We also had fun separating the ones with bugs inside from the others.

St. Patrick's Day I

What a nice, clear St. Patrick's Day.

A little Rice High School thrown in there for all the Russ Rob fans. I think it's impossible for ESPN to cover a KU game without mentioning at least twice where he went to High School.

St. Patrick's Day II

While the parade was fun, it just couldn't compare to the lure of a nearby sandbox. Good thing there were a number of toddlers in there, so I wasn't too embarrassed about Caroline's choice to ditch the festivities.

The day wouldn't be complete without a stop at the Central Park Zoo (a favorite).

In fact, the day was so much fun Caroline wouldn't change her shirt for another 24 hours. Sigh.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday at the farm! E-I-E-I-O! Grandpa Earl he has a cake... and cousins!

I'm sure it was a process for the baker to fit all those birthday names on one cake. Unfortunately, though, one big job for the baker is one small swipe for Matthew!

We also had lunch at the Allen Main Street Grill, where Caroline delighted in the cowboys & their horses outside, the cow bell on the door and the tater tots on the tasty menu.

Chores in Lawrence

Caroline loved riding her new tricycle with a little 'help' from Granddad Alan.

She also loved 'helping' Grandma Carol sweep leaves from the front walk.

More fun in Lawrence

Faces only a mother could love

Winter Fun

The classic 'some assembly required' shot. Caroline's kitchen before:

and after 6 beers (Thanks Santa!):

Caroline enjoying some good Christmas reading.

and drawing.

and playtime with Cousins Liz and Grace

Santa Sightings

All aboard the Christmas train!


Our tear-filled attempt to see Santa at Queens Center Mall-













And our successful, 2nd attempt back at Macy's (whew!). Personally, I was a little scared myself of the 2nd Santa- must have been the Egyptian tan make-up he was wearing.

Xmas Mug Shots

Some Christmas card out-takes. It was all downhill once we introduced the candy cane.

And the dog.