Loyal readers, we have now passed the 500th Family Girata blog post! Thanks to all of you who have been here since the very first post, one of a pregnant Nic with our (now) BIG boy! It's been such a great way to share our family with yours!
I wrestled with what I might post in celebration of our Girata-Blog Quincentennial, but when it came right down to it, there's no better way to celebrate this anniversary than to celebrate why it is we come back here so often -- the kids! So to celebrate the kids, I thought it most appropriate to feature them doing what they love to do most. Here they are, playing together at their favorite park.
And to top it all off, here's a great video. This captures the sweet fun they have together. You'll love this one!
Here's to the next 500!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Goal!!!
And it begins... We'd love for all our children to be scholars who excel in arts and athletics. Yes. So to that end, we've begun to school Brayden in the fine tradition that is soccer (futball for our picky international readers). Why soccer, you ask? Why not? Luckily for Brayden, we don't know a lick about soccer. I suppose he may have to get some lesson from his cousins...
...now to the video I've been trying to upload since yesterday! When Gido and Gigi were here visiting, they hooked Brayden up with a set of sweet kiddie goals for the backyard and off he went! Here's a great video from the vault! (aka it's a month old at this point...)
...now to the video I've been trying to upload since yesterday! When Gido and Gigi were here visiting, they hooked Brayden up with a set of sweet kiddie goals for the backyard and off he went! Here's a great video from the vault! (aka it's a month old at this point...)
Thursday, August 27, 2009
My Little-Bug
This post is really nothing but an update on my little lovie. I've been having a fantastic time with both kids this week, but especially with Layna. I don't consider myself a baby guy, which means I find it harder to connect with a baby than with a toddler+. That's why this week has been so great with Layna. In the last month or two, she's really come into her own as a toddler. My quality time with her this week has allowed us to bond in ways we hadn't yet.
So, to celebrate, here's a little toast to you Buggie!
Speaking of toast, I haven't told you a lot about her budding personality. So here's a little nugget -- Layna LOVES eggs! That may not sound like a big deal (seeing as every kid I know loves eggs), but Brayden never liked them. I love that she loves them because they're so nutritious and cheap! Yahoo! :)
So, to celebrate, here's a little toast to you Buggie!
Speaking of toast, I haven't told you a lot about her budding personality. So here's a little nugget -- Layna LOVES eggs! That may not sound like a big deal (seeing as every kid I know loves eggs), but Brayden never liked them. I love that she loves them because they're so nutritious and cheap! Yahoo! :)
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Foam Zone
Today I'm featuring one of my favorite projects from their craft time -- foam! The gist of the craft? Let the kids smear shaving cream on everything (including themselves) and the fun never ends! Since we have a glass-top table, this project works extremely well. At first, Layna didn't really know what to make of it:
But she quickly figured it out!
Brayden, on the other hand, was in it from the start!
Foam -- it's way fun!
But she quickly figured it out!
Brayden, on the other hand, was in it from the start!
Foam -- it's way fun!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
It's a dad's world
I'm at home with the kids all week (school doesn't start until next week), so I thought it would be a great time to do LOTS of posts here. There was only one problem -- I didn't think I had many pictures. But lo and behold, I found some from a couple weeks ago (plus others) that I hadn't put up!
Back by popular demand, it's more craft fun! (I had a bunch of email requests for details from other projects.) Here is another great project that Gigi did with the kids -- edible finger painting! It's pudding! Just pick your flavor and you're on your way!
...and what's the best part about using pudding as paint?
The pudding dries just as well as regular paint so you can keep the art for posterity! ;)
I'm sure I'll be doing lots of fun things this week, so stay tuned for current pictures real soon!
Back by popular demand, it's more craft fun! (I had a bunch of email requests for details from other projects.) Here is another great project that Gigi did with the kids -- edible finger painting! It's pudding! Just pick your flavor and you're on your way!
...and what's the best part about using pudding as paint?
The pudding dries just as well as regular paint so you can keep the art for posterity! ;)
I'm sure I'll be doing lots of fun things this week, so stay tuned for current pictures real soon!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Carousels everywhere!
Last weekend we scored an Annual Zoo Membership here in Birmingham, so now we plan to frequent the zoo all the time! It's a great little place -- all the animals the kids want to see without overdoing it. PLUS, there's a great kids area (you may remember pictures from when Gigi and Gido were in town...).
Nicole's been off this week and hanging out with the kids, which included meeting up with some friends at the zoo yesterday - Johnailla and her son, JR. Of course there were animals... but the carousel is always a highlight!
...and as if that zoo visit wasn't enough, a couple days earlier we were on the very same carousel! Always a treat!
Nicole's been off this week and hanging out with the kids, which included meeting up with some friends at the zoo yesterday - Johnailla and her son, JR. Of course there were animals... but the carousel is always a highlight!
...and as if that zoo visit wasn't enough, a couple days earlier we were on the very same carousel! Always a treat!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Potty update
Ah memories... it seems like only yesterday that Brayden wasn't cluing in to any bit of potty training (I suppose it was only a couple weeks...). Yet here we are, on the brink of possibly, potentially, practically saying those magic words of our own: "Brayden is potty trained!" ...now, shh! Don't say them out loud just yet. I don't want to curse our progress. But I can proudly say that we've gone a couple weeks without any accidents! It's certainly a brave new world, and one I'm very pleased to be a part of!
So in celebration (...I mean, pseudo-celebration because there's no cursing allowed), I thought I'd post some pictures of the "other child" enjoying the benefits of Brayden's potty training. Yes, that's right, Layna has discovered her own way of enjoying Brayden's progress (and yes, they're clean!).
Introducing Layna's adventures in big-kid accessories. Enjoy!
So in celebration (...I mean, pseudo-celebration because there's no cursing allowed), I thought I'd post some pictures of the "other child" enjoying the benefits of Brayden's potty training. Yes, that's right, Layna has discovered her own way of enjoying Brayden's progress (and yes, they're clean!).
Introducing Layna's adventures in big-kid accessories. Enjoy!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Got Church?
In case you missed it yesterday and are interested, here are links to Sunday's scripture lessons and for my sermon, click here to listen to it (or click here if you'd rather read it).
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Spaghetti Time...
Our kids love to eat (where'd they get that??) and we typically encourage them eating what we're eating... unless, of course, that food is "messy" for kids. However, they had none of that when we made spaghetti the other night. Brayden loves spaghetti, and when he started chanting for it, Layna joined right in. Keeping them clean was a lost cause. So, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em -- off came the shirts and the fun began!
After the Spaghetti Massacre of 2009, Layna rested...
And after a big meal comes dessert... some fresh blackberries!
After the Spaghetti Massacre of 2009, Layna rested...
And after a big meal comes dessert... some fresh blackberries!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Kissy face ...and growth update
It occurred to me this morning and I haven't updated you on the kids' growth for months! They both had wellness checkups over a month ago, so I can't report on their current weights, but as of their checkups, their weights are:
Layna - 23 lbs (50th%)
Brayden - 33 lbs (65th%)
I just measured their height two nights ago, and they're currently:
Layna - 31.5 in (70th%)
Brayden - 40.25 in (90th%)
They're still doing just fine! The doctor was very impressed with Brayden's verbal development (ability to read the whole eye chart, etc ...what he didn't realize what Brayden was able to do that at his 2-year appointment, too!). He thought Layna looked great, too, except that she screams bloody murder when we're there. Like Brayden at 1.5 years, Layna has a terrible fear of the doctor's office. We're trusting she'll outgrow that fear like Brayden has. A couple visits without receiving inoculations will certainly help!
As promised in the title, there is a cutie picture to show you. Layna's really taken to giving everyone (and everything!) kisses... but it's not just the kisses that are cute, it's the face she makes! It speaks for itself...
Layna - 23 lbs (50th%)
Brayden - 33 lbs (65th%)
I just measured their height two nights ago, and they're currently:
Layna - 31.5 in (70th%)
Brayden - 40.25 in (90th%)
They're still doing just fine! The doctor was very impressed with Brayden's verbal development (ability to read the whole eye chart, etc ...what he didn't realize what Brayden was able to do that at his 2-year appointment, too!). He thought Layna looked great, too, except that she screams bloody murder when we're there. Like Brayden at 1.5 years, Layna has a terrible fear of the doctor's office. We're trusting she'll outgrow that fear like Brayden has. A couple visits without receiving inoculations will certainly help!
As promised in the title, there is a cutie picture to show you. Layna's really taken to giving everyone (and everything!) kisses... but it's not just the kisses that are cute, it's the face she makes! It speaks for itself...
Friday, August 14, 2009
Playing Around
It's hard to think of anything new to write about a trip to the playground... So here you are, some pictures of our recent trip to the playground. I especially like Brayden's action shot at the end!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Hand-print (and stamp) Shirts
One of the last projects Gigi did with the kids was to make hand-print shirts. She had each of them do one print on each shirt, and then made each hand into one of the kids, with a "B" and an "L" on each body! They loved them:
After those shirts, Gigi cut out sea animal shapes and helped the kids make aquatic T's, too! (I think Brayden liked these even more!)
Thanks again, Gigi, for such a fun 2 weeks!!
After those shirts, Gigi cut out sea animal shapes and helped the kids make aquatic T's, too! (I think Brayden liked these even more!)
Thanks again, Gigi, for such a fun 2 weeks!!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
A Fond Farewell
You may have noticed... we got a new car! (minivan, whatever)
That was certainly an exciting moment, and I'll have pictures to follow... but until then, I wanted to give a tribute to my Explorer. Ah, she served me well lo these 8 years. I will miss her. Just before I sent her off to be slaughtered in the name of fuel efficiency (cash for clunkers, ya know), we had a special moment:
Bon voyage, my friend!
That was certainly an exciting moment, and I'll have pictures to follow... but until then, I wanted to give a tribute to my Explorer. Ah, she served me well lo these 8 years. I will miss her. Just before I sent her off to be slaughtered in the name of fuel efficiency (cash for clunkers, ya know), we had a special moment:
Bon voyage, my friend!
Monday, August 10, 2009
New Car
Surprise! We just bought a new car ...and it's a minivan! We're so suburban. I'll have pictures to share soon. Until then, we'll be enjoying our hot new ride (it's red!!). :)
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Puppets!
At the end of the week, Gigi broke out a couple packs of puppet-making supplies. Brayden absolutely flipped over these puppets and wanted to make every single one at once!
As you can see, there were quite a few... but what was most fun was the way Brayden helped Layna make one (the pig) and kept giving it to her to play with afterwards. Such a sweet brother. They had great fun pretending the animals were Wonder Pets (a cartoon you must watch -- you'll love it) and proceeded to name them all over and over and over...
...and the fun continued the next day!
As you can see, there were quite a few... but what was most fun was the way Brayden helped Layna make one (the pig) and kept giving it to her to play with afterwards. Such a sweet brother. They had great fun pretending the animals were Wonder Pets (a cartoon you must watch -- you'll love it) and proceeded to name them all over and over and over...
...and the fun continued the next day!
Friday, August 07, 2009
Break out the pasta
The crafts continue... On Tuesday, they dyed pasta in preparation for Wednesday's craft -- pasta necklaces! Brayden strung the pasta very well, and Layna loved wearing her little princess jewelry. So cute!
(Admittedly the picture below is not the most flattering of Layna... but I wanted you to see the jewels!)
(Admittedly the picture below is not the most flattering of Layna... but I wanted you to see the jewels!)
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Let the crafts begin!
That's right, bloggers, it's time for crafts with Gigi! Gigi has been staying with us for almost two weeks now, graciously watching the kids while they are out of school (BIG thank you!!!). Being a former kindergarten teacher, she spent weeks (probably months) planning dozens of crafts to do with the kids during these two weeks. I promise, she has 2-3 planned every day, people! Impressive to say the least!
So, here begins a tribute to all things crafty...
MONDAY
One of the first hits was having the kids make frozen chocolate covered bananas. If you haven't tried this, you need to. Frozen bananas are super creamy (not hard) and are practically desert in themselves... but when you dip them in chocolate and sprinkles, that's when the magic happens! Needless to say, Brayden and Layna loved them ...almost as much as Nicole! ;)
TUESDAY
The next day began with some baking action. Gigi helped the kids make their own pretzels ...and who doesn't like a nice, warm, salty pretzel? Brayden mixed up the dough, and he and Layna both rolled out the pretzels. (NOTE that both kids are making the same facial expression ...these must be their "serious pretzel" faces.)
So, here begins a tribute to all things crafty...
MONDAY
One of the first hits was having the kids make frozen chocolate covered bananas. If you haven't tried this, you need to. Frozen bananas are super creamy (not hard) and are practically desert in themselves... but when you dip them in chocolate and sprinkles, that's when the magic happens! Needless to say, Brayden and Layna loved them ...almost as much as Nicole! ;)
TUESDAY
The next day began with some baking action. Gigi helped the kids make their own pretzels ...and who doesn't like a nice, warm, salty pretzel? Brayden mixed up the dough, and he and Layna both rolled out the pretzels. (NOTE that both kids are making the same facial expression ...these must be their "serious pretzel" faces.)
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