Happy New Year!

Auntie Kat with her arms full of love.

I think their hair color is looking more and more alike!

Auntie Lindsey comes to visit, too.

Can you see my two teeth?

I love my Grandpa Willy.

He sings and dances for me.

Shhhhh........

This is definitely one of my favorite photos.

He is so angelic and peaceful.

Four Weeks Later

It has been 4 long weeks since I last saw Ruby and Carson -- enough time for them to grow and change. Both of them have two teeth on the bottom and eat solids. It was sure fun to feed them! I forgot how fun it is to put a spoonful in, then be ready to catch what comes out as they try to figure out how to swallow it. They actually did very well and seemed to enjoy their two solid meals a day. Ruby was like a baby bird with her mouth wide open, just waiting for the mother bird to drop in her breakfast. Both have more hair. Carson's new hair seems to be a self-inflicted "hawk", and Ruby has some long, out-of-control strands that Kristin was threatening to cut yesterday. Ruby was always the really easy baby, and Carson seemed to require more attention -- well, that's changed. Carson is less serious and more interactive with easily given smiles and laughs. Ruby, well, she still smiles and laughs a lot, but was more fussy and not as easy to get down for her naps. However, Ruby nestled in and slept in my arms for most of the church service yesterday. The music right at the beginning seemed to lull her to sleep. Casey did get up and take Carson to the nursery and stayed there with him. This is a new church for Kristin and Casey and I think they wanted to get a feel for the nursery before leaving the babies there without them in the future. Kristin had scheduled a hair appointment on Saturday that she was able to keep. You can see she is back to her natural dark brown color and looks fabulous. She thinks Carson is looking more like her. What do you think?

These little chairs are where the babies get fed. I was on Grammy duty while the others were running errands, and put them here to watch me in the kitchen. So I gave them some kitchen "toys" to entertain them. They were happy for quite a while -- although Ruby seemed happier tossing the toys and watching Grammy come and pick them up. Carson was happy with the egg separator as a teething toy. You can see their snow in this picture. Thankfully, it was almost completely melted by time we drove home Sunday afternoon.

Emma's First Christmas

My niece Megan, just sent me this photo of

Emma and Tom

on her very first Christmas.

Emma is 3 months old.

Twins First Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM CASEY, KRISTIN,

CARSON AND RUBY

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Because of this snow, Bill, Katharine and I were unable to travel to Vancouver for Christmas. We are hoping to get down soon. Kristin sent us these photos from their day.

Carson is destined to be a Beaver's fan like his

Daddy and Grandpa Ray!

Aunt Stephanie made an heirloom quilt for Ruby (and her own grand daughter, Emma) using material from our anchestor's wedding dresses, hankerchief, etc. Then she took photos of each square and typed out the information about the materials used and put into a book for Ruby to have for many years to come. "Thank you Great Auntie Steph!"

Great Aunt Stephanie made Carson a quilt of the continents of the world. He can start studying his geography!

Kristin got Ruby her first dolly.

Winter Wonderland on Bainbridge Island

Snowy and I have been home alone since Wed. Bill had business in Portland and drove down early Thurs. with the intention of coming back Fri or Sat. But with the terrible weather, he had to remain at Kristin's house. There is no way I, or anyone, can get up or down our street with the 10-12 inches of snow we have had over the past 5 days, so I'm stuck here for now. I don't know if Katharine and I can even drive down to Kristin's for Christmas. We are taking each day as it comes and this morning was the first morning in 5 that I didn't awake to snow that had fallen throughout the night. I shoveled the walk way and deck at 10:30 PM before I went to bed, and it was still clear this morning.

The first few days Snowy was having a great time in the powder snow. But yesterday it was a different story. There was a 1/2 inch layer of ice covering the powder, and it scared him to go crunch, crunch, crunch with each step. You can see in the picture that he didn't want to get off our deck. Then I shoveled the walk-way up to my car, and that was all the further Snowy wanted to go. Finally he got up his courage and caught up with me as I walked on our street. Our house is the tall one in the background. As you can see, it's gorgeous --

Time will tell if I'm able to spend the first Christmas with the twins!

A Snowy Day!

I was suppose to be down in Vancouver doing my Grammy-duty today, but the weather changed my mind about driving. We have 4 inches, it is still snowing and our road is too dangerous to drive up. I am staying put and baking. Since I can't be with the twins taking all kinds of pictures, here is the next best thing.....Snowy LOVES the snow. I bet the twins will enjoy the snow next year when they can actually walk in it.

Six Months Old

The kiddo's are now 6 months old and had their well-baby check up today. Ruby is 16 lbs. 14 oz and Carson is 16 lbs. 4 oz. Both are in the 80% for length, but Ruby continues to be the BIG SISTER. Probably because Carson is so busy and active and she enjoys just being pretty! Put her in the jumping toy and she will sit there and look around -- put Carson in it and he takes off! Carson has 2 teeth and Ruby has 1. The Dr. told Kristin to start fruits and veggies, so they tried carrots tonight. Ruby ate it like it was chocolate mousse, and Carson made such a face. Kristin said he even made a face as she brought the spoon up -- not even in his mouth. They are both sleeping 12 hrs. most nights, which makes life (or at least the nights) so much easier for Casey and Kristin.

Great Great Auntie Pat

My Aunt Pat, Kristin's Great Aunt Pat and Carson and Ruby's GREAT GREAT Auntie Pat visited this week. She is from Riverside, Calif. and had been to visit her relatives for Thanksgiving in Portland and Vancouver. Before returning to Southern Calif she came to Kristin's for two days to meet and greet the twins. It is always wonderful to have extended family visit and share some of their love with Rubes and Carson. You can never get too much love. Auntie Pat was delighted with the babies and cherished her time with them. We all enjoyed her short, but very sweet visit. "Thank you dear Auntie for taking time to stay with us."

Almost Crawling!

Little man is seriously thinking about taking off and crawling. I don't think it will be long now.......

Walking With Our New Nanny

Ruby is trying out her new duck feeties! They keep her warm on this cold day -- but not too cold for a walk with our new nanny, Rachael. We love taking a walk with her.

Meet the Nanny!

Rachael started yesterday as the nanny (AKA, Guardian Angel) of the twins. I'm here to help get her acclimated to the babies and their routines. I'm already impressed and told Kristin and Casey they can feel confident as they leave their precious Little Ones in Rachael's care. She comes with lots of experience, lots of love for children and Rachael loves the Lord. We are pleased!

Who Knew?

Who knew being grandparents could be such fun and a HUGE blessing????

Retro Gator

Here is Carson sporting the little "retro Izod" outfit that his Mommy wore. I saved it all these years and now Kristin's babies can be in style, just like she was. Who knew the little alligator would make a come-back!

Five Months Old

Good Morning my Grandchildren.

Happy five months. You are so big!

BFF's

They are really holding hands, and I didn't do it for them. Carson reached out and took Ruby's hand. She had been fussing, and when he took her hand, she stopped. Really...........

Play Pals

Being a twin provides a built-in play date!

Double My Fun

Carson and Ru love looking at each other in the crib, on the floor or in this sitting chair. They both seem to love watching the other one play, and especially Ru watching Carson because he is so busy.

Who Let The Dogs In????

WHO IS REALLY WATCHING THE TWINS?????

Nov. 3, 2008 -- Kristin's First Day Back to Work

Today is Kristin's first day back to work in 6 months. And today is my first time being with the twins all day long -- alone! Here she is telling the babes good bye!

I will be here this entire week. Next week Grandma Carrie will be here. Then the new nanny, Rachel, will start working Mon-Wed. each week, and the grandma's will switch off every other Thur. and Fri.

First Halloween!

Happy Halloween from Cheer Bear and Pea Pod.