Early March

We have REALLY been enjoying the warm weather over the past week! It has been great going on walks, taking trips to the park, and just spending time playing in the yard. The kids love being outside! Unfortunately we were enjoying the weather so much that we really didn't take too many pictures outside. Here are a few plus some others from the last few weeks.

Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk! Love the Baby Jay shirt from Uncle David and Aunt Amy!!!


Our house has a central vac system. We don't use it but it is hooked up and the kids love to turn it on. Yes, we know, soon they will start putting things in it. I guess we will unplug it when it happens but for now they enjoy just turning it on. Whatever keeps them busy helps us!







Skylar enjoying the balls at the Dr. Seuss' Birthday party event at the Parkway Early Childhood Center.


Elaina and friend Julia at the Dr. Seuss event.


Castlewood State Park- So bummed that we forgot the camera when we went to the "beach" part along the river. Elaina especially loved the sand and after sifting it through her fingers, decided it would be fun to dive into the sand! Here are a few pictures from the playground.






Around the house...





He is really into climbing these days!


Elaina has become very attached to her bunny. She even takes Skylar's when she is in his room.


Skylar checking out the rain out the back window.


They love going for rides in their wagon!

Climbing, finger painting and the Butterfly House

Both kids have been sick with colds since we got back from Texas. Skylar was running a fever too so we put the cold rag around his neck which made it look like he was "working on his fitness".


Watching the movie at the Butterfly House


Checking out the butterflies with Daddy


Elaina was a little freaked out by all the butterflies. There were so many this time that I think she was not sure what to make of them!





Skylar loves to get into the drawers in the kitchen (and we had to go back and redo some of the locks after this!). He is our climber and the drawer was just too tempting!


Elaina was just not sure what to make of him!


And he is safely out and back on the move...


Hanging out in the kitchen. Elaina loves her measuring spoons and will walk around with them and even take them in the car sometimes.


Finger painting for the first time! Elaina had to take a taste of the paint.


Figuring it out...


Skylar finally took a break from throwing the tubes around to get in on the action.


She loved it! (and check out those ribs...you would never guess how much she eats by how slim she is!!)

Finalization!

We are home from Texas and happy to say that Skylar and Elaina are FINALLY officially Pedersens!!! We had a lot of fun in San Antonio where we finalized with three other families. We enjoyed lots of Tex-Mex food, hanging out on the Riverwalk, and time with friends. From San Antonio we traveled to Houston where we stayed with my friend from college. The kids loved hanging out with the "big" kids. She has twins that are almost 4! Skylar and Elaina did great on the trip and adapted really well but were happy to be home. It is a lot of work traveling with two very active toddlers!!!

Elaina at the airport in St. Louis


Enjoying Tex-Mex at La Margarita in Market Square (Skylar loved the beans!!)


Elaina was not quite sure what was going on.


In the courtroom and ready to go before the judge


The entire hearing took less than five minutes. Seems like something so important should take longer!


Officially a family of four!!!


Getting their adoption decrees


In front of the courthouse


At the Riverwalk...the kids were more interested in the boats passing by


Elaina and Avery at the Houston Zoo


In front of the Long Horn statue at the zoo


I don't even know what to say about this one.


First time on a carousal...she loved it!


Avery, Julie, and Elaina


Skylar couldn't stop looking at himself in the mirror.


Bathtime!

Early February 2009

This picture really just tells the story of the kids' personalities. Elaina is really laid back, easy going, rarely cries, and entertains herself. Skylar is full of emotion...when he is happy you know it and when he is not you know it too! Guess who didn't want to be in the pack n play?!?


Bath time is so much fun now that we use Mr. Bubbles! Neither of the kids are afraid of the water and LOVE bath time. Skylar now enjoys putting his face in the water and getting the bubbles on his face (and usually in his mouth).



They also laugh at each other and Elaina couldn't resist playing with Skylar's bubble face which caused belly laughs from him.


Look where Mommy caught me playing!






Ready to go out!