Spring has sprung?

Remarkably, we have now had six consecutive days with snow! While it has ranged from big fluffy flakes to a wintry mix (I believe this is an Oregon term) there has been enough to create at least a thin cover of white across the yard. The unusual weather has been quite exciting for Franny and fascinating for Cole. This spot in front of the back door has been the prime viewing area for the kids to watch the snow fall and melt. Franny has been in true big sister form, explaining to Cole how the snow falls from the sky and later melts into water on the grass. I love watching these kinds of interaction between them. Even more, I can't wait for later years when they can play in the snow together.

Franny insight

Franny loves excavators. And we have enough construction going on around us that we see them on a daily basis. For a very long time--as far back as when she was using just one word sentences--I have not been on a car ride with Franny without having a discussion about excavators--where they are, what they look like, what they do (excavators dig holes and put dirt in the dump truck!) Without a doubt, she knows exactly which construction sites are using excavators, whether they are the big yellow ones or the little white ones, and if for some reason they aren't where they should be, there is much to be said. If they aren't there, Franny says they're working and if they are there, they are either off or on. Recently, we were on a walk in NW and came across an excavator parked right next to the sidewalk. It was quite exciting, although the size seemed to be a little more intimidating to her when face to face with it. It's funny, I never realized how many excavators there are working in the city until Franny started pointing them out. I always knew that I would learn a lot from the insight of my children, I just never expected it to be regarding heavy machinery.

One more moment

I love Franny's sweet smile. There was many, many days in 2007, where it was only this smile that kept me grounded enough to see me through to the next morning. My life before Franny is such a distant, fuzzy memory that it seems almost unremarkable compared to my life since her birth. I have been gently ribbed by some for the thousands of pictures I've taken of Franny. But every day is new, different, and amazing. To not document every moment possible seems unthinkable, to me. Even now, I can look back just a few months and be astounded at how much she has changed in so many different ways. One of the reasons I love this blog is because I can so easily look back to see both the monumental and random moments that have made her who she is now. Many times, it is the random moments that I linger on the longest and which make me smile, laugh out loud, and cry.

These days, it's a rare occurance that Franny will pose for me. I couldn't decide which picture to post, but after more than 15,000 pictures and 267 blog entries, I figured I'd just post them both. And, a month or a year from now, I am sure that I will be glad I did.

The little shadow

Wherever Franny may be, Cole is sure to be not far behind....

The missing video

Apparently, the trampoline video I posted a few days ago could only be viewed using the Firefox browse--at least, I believe that was what the problem was. So, for those who were unable to see it:

Happiness is two sleeping kids

It's been some time since this has happened. Thanks kiddos--this weary mama really needed a little downtime.


The heavy sleeper


The light sleeper (reason for the distance, as compared to f)

Franny's throne

With Franny less than an inch away from outgrowing her old carseat, we decided it was time to get her set in something more appropriate. The result: this enormous seat (it's even wider than the actual car seat) that she will be able to use with a 5-point harness until she reaches 80 lbs. or 53 inches. Although I know that it is--of course--inevitable, it hard to be imagine little Franny ever being that big. Sigh.

Birthday party fun

This weekend, Franny went to a birthday party for her twin friends. Held at the Oregon Gymnastic Academy, there were lots of fun activities led by their instructors. With 30 kids, it was definitely chaos, but Franny had an incredible time! And it was as much fun for us, to be able to see Franny play with her friends and literally bounce off the walls.

The highlights:


Floor stretches


Jumping into a big pit of foam


The trampoline--HUGE fun


Three of Franny's very best friends