Monday, June 22, 2009

Father's Day







We had a great Father's Day yesterday, and I thought that these pictures of the kids and Bryan were really cute. Tyler and Ella have been busily making arts and crafts for Bryan for WEEKS, and so they were so proud to give him their creations. Spencer evidently had a paper from church that he had yet to fill out, that he lost sometime between 4:00 and 6:00 yesterday. So he decided to give his dad "an interpretive dance" for Father's Day. I am not making that up. Those were his words. And you can see above the moves he's got! I love these pictures of Tyler, because he was so excited to give Bryan his gifts. And he has the best toothless smile EVER! What a cutie. Ella and Ruby just smothered their dad in kisses all day, Ella saying how lucky they are to have the "best dad in the world." The highlight for Bryan (and Ruby) was the day's food. He picked quite a feast for Father's Day - and Ruby's favorite was obviously the cinnamon rolls! We love you daddy!!!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

The Girl's Room


Last night was a big night at the Carlson home. In fact, it was a night that I have looked forward to since we found out that baby #4 was on the way. It was made even more exciting when we had a GIRL - Ruby. Our girls are now officially bunking up together! Our master plan was to have Ella move in to Ruby's room this summer, making this the new "Girl's Room." The boys were the same age when (out of necessity) they started sharing a room in Korea. And they have loved every minute of it! And having a sister of my own, that I shared a room with until I married Bryan, I have been so excited for my girls to have that same fun. Of course as the day grew near, I have been a bit nervous about putting the two of them together. Will either of them ever sleep again? Will Ruby be able to settle down and fall asleep? All of these things were going through my mind as I said goodnight and closed the door behind me. What were they going to do?? Well, here is how it began... First, Ruby cried. She has been used to drinking a nice warm bottle before bed, slowing relaxing into sleepiness. Now she gets a story and a song and is put into her crib next to her sister? She was a bit unhappy about this change. Then Ella started cheering her up. Singing to her, talking to her, sharing her dolls,... Pretty cute stuff to listen in on. Then they are BOTH talking up a storm in there. (I use the term "talking" loosely, since Ruby is not saying real words yet.) I hear Ella saying, "Ruby...we're going to a movie tomorrow! Aren't you excited?" To which Ruby responds, "Ya Da Da Ma Ba." This goes on and on until I can no longer hear Ella contributing to the conversation. Ella has grown tired of talking?? I thought I'd never see the day! Then the calling for mom began, from Ella. Knowing Ella I know that unless I answer she will never stop. So I walk upstairs and whisper from outside the door, "What Ella?" To which she says, "Ruby won't quit talking to me and I can't TAKE it!" This is so hilarious to me, since this is exactly what the boys have been saying about Ella for the past 3 months! So anyway, Ruby gave up a few minutes later and they slept soundly until the wee morning hour of 6:40 (which is evidently when Ruby woke up, promptly stood up in bed, and started talking to Ella again). All in all, I would say it was a successful first night of the new Girl's Room!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Ella's Dance Recital



Yesterday was the big day...Ella's dance recital!!! The dance recital is really the highlight of the year for moms of girls, as well as the little girls themselves. It's all about the hairstyle, the "manditory" make-up, and the outfit. We look forward to this day all year!! And then the dance on the big stage, in which they look as darling as can be, followed by the applause, tears from mom, flowers from dad...what else could a little girl want?? Ella looked so beautiful in her costume, with her make-up on. And she loved every minute of it! She posed for about 30 pictures for me, and was just so glad that there was a dress rehearsal AND a performance that she could get all dressed up for. Isn't she a knock out?