The Landgrafs

What a ride...

2010-06-07T14:58:00.000-07:00

Aidan turned 5 today....FIVE! at 6:41am to be exact.

How crazy things were this time five years ago. I had spent 29 hours in unproductive labor to then have a c-section. Boy was I ready to be done with the whole experience...not great to say the least. Being a new mom after no sleep for two days and a baby who cried a lot, couldn't get the hang of nursing, didn't sleep much...it was scary!

But things got better and life has been fun, loving, frustrating and amazing with Aidan in our lives. Seeing him grow, learn, become a big brother has been a joy. What a personality he has!

Kindergarden this fall - another big, scary milestone - probably more for me than him. Aidan just cares about riding the bus (which of course is one of my fears - no restraint system)!

Happy Birthday our wonderful, sweet, smart, independent boy!

Tiaras, Tumbling and Toddlers

2010-02-17T09:16:00.001-08:00

It is hard for me to believe that my little girl is so into tiaras, dress up and other girly things. I was such a tomboy and she has a big brother...but she is...very.much.so. She does however like to put on her fairy costume and sword fight with her brother. That is more like it!

For Makena's 2nd birthday party we decided to do it at Roach Gymnastics. It was great - 1 1/2 hour party, the whole gym to ourselves, and "coaches" to have the kids to activities or just play with them on all the apparatuses. The favorites seemed to be the foam pit and the trampoline. But the kids (and parents) ran amok walking on balance beams, swinging on bars, and yes, even trying some tricks (the adults). Think some of us grownups may have been a bit sore the next day! It was a great party.

How life changes in two years

2010-02-12T07:19:00.000-08:00

My life changed drastically two years ago. At 12:12pm Feb 12, 2008, Makena Lacie Landgraf was extracted from my belly via c-section. She was 8lbs, 5oz and 19.5in.

Not only was she my first (and only) daughter, but now my second child. I was so happy but so scared...how was I going to deal with two kids? How would I deal with a teenage daughter? The last two years have been crazy, hectic, hysterical (good and bad), loving, frustrating...basically wonderful! Took some time to get into the groove, and I know each stage brings great joy and incredible frustration but I wouldn't do without it.

It is amazing when you look back how much she has grown - physically and intellectually. Makena is definitely testing out the terrible twos lately, but she also brings daily smiles, laughter, hugs, kisses and joy to my heart. The smile on her face when she learns a new "trick" or when we congratulate her on knowing her colors, or being able to buckle her seatbelt is amazing.

It is so wonderful to now see Aidan wanting to be the big brother, play with her, teach her and love her. I hope that relationship continues to grow because it melts my heart.

I realized the other day, that sometimes Makena calls me "mom"...not "mama" or "mommy" as it has been. Don't think I like it! Means she is growing up.

Makena is an extremely intelligent, loving, friendly, funny girl and I cannot wait to see her continue to grow in all these areas. Everyone comments on how cute she is, even with her cracked tooth smile. She is just a happy kid!

As I write this I am getting ready to get you from daycare and I know I will get a huge smile, you will run to me, jump in my arms and give me the biggest hug. You might even grab my face and give me a big kiss. That is the highlight of my day.

I love you my little princess "Noonie", our "Macaroni Penguin", "Macadoodles". Thank you for being in my life.

Christmas 2009

2010-02-02T10:09:00.000-08:00

This year we traveled to Fountain, CO to spend Christmas with Jim's family. This was our first time traveling by air with both kids, need I say more? Actually, outside of the fact that from start to finish it takes about 8 hours, all went pretty smoothly.

So we had a house full of people - Jim's mom and dad, brother Tod, brother Greg, his wife Meg and their two girls Jennah (10) and Kelsey (6), Jim's sister Kayte and her son Michale (3 mos), plus the four of us! Oh and 3 dogs! Even with all the people there is was a wonderful visit. We don't get the chance to get together very often and do enjoy each other's company.

Makena was enamoured with Michale, Kelsey and Aidan played the whole time, and Jennah, well she took turns entertaining Makena and hanging out with Kelsey and Aidan. A lot of Wii was to be had! Aidan and Kelsey also went to the Dinosaur Museum.

The kids loved playing in the snow and then hanging out in the hot tub.

Christmas eve not a creature was stirring...

Christmas morning was mostly about the kids, and they really did a great job being patient waiting for their turn to open a gift.

During our trip Kayte set up a photo session so we could get some pics of the kids. Makena wasn't really wanting anything to do with it so our session was short lived. Not the greatest pics (really wishing now I had cut Aidan's hair and I had worn a different top) but at least we got some family shots.

When we returned home, we had a second Christmas (so we didn't have to drag all our presents to and from CO) which the kids loved! We also had our only snow so far this winter.

Prior to Christmas we did our yearly visit to Santa - once again, Makena wanted nothing to do with taking pictures with him. Maybe she is a Navajo Indian - they believe that if your picture is taken your soul goes with it?

2009 Postings that never were

2010-01-05T07:29:00.000-08:00

I look at the drafts I have waiting to be written and posted from last year...oye! Since it looks like I won't ever get to them, here is a little list and a blurb of things I was GOING to blog about:
(also I have spent too much time trying to format this and I give up)

Aidan's 4th bday party - June
As you can see, I did the Martha Stewart thing and made Aidan's cake - it is a Stegosaurus in case you couldn't tell. Not sure Martha would approve but Aidan loved it! I will definitely try again...depending on what he wants!

All Aidan's friends showed up for outside fun, bbq, water slide, jump house, and crazy kid running around.

The pinata took awhile to break but the kids had fun trying, then the traditional scramble to get all the candy!

Can't believe next time he will be 5!

Trip to the Great Wolf Lodge - July
With Jim being out of work we didn't take many vacations, but decided to take a "staycation" at the Great Wolf Lodge which is an hour from us. It is a giant place with an indoor water park, arcade, restaurants, etc. All based around family and kid fun. Aidan wasn't brave enough to go on the big slides but they still had fun playing in the water. Aidan also got to have his own "wolf cave" with a bunk bed all to himself! Definitely a fun place to go close by.

4th of July!
Our great friends - Leisa, Jason and baby Corbin - came up from Portland for a visit! This was our first meeting with Corbin and he is a total doll! So great to spend time with friends we don't get to see often.

Aidan plays soccer
Aidan started outdoor soccer this year - played indoor in the fall. He is a natural - but needs to work on paying attention to the coach! He enjoyed indoor more because they actually got to play "matches". Basically it is a room full of screaming kids running after the ball - no matter which way it goes. Very amusing!

Aidan has surgery

For years, due to sleep apnea issues, we have been watching Aidan's tonsils to see if he would grow into their huge size...but finally at 4 we decided to see an ENT. He suggested that Aidan get his tonsils and adenoids out. They told us it would be a rough 10 days and boy, they were NOT kidding!

Days of crying, not sleeping, popsicles that were too cold, not cold enough, wrong flavor, wrong everything! Plus the fits over taking his meds! ugh...

But Aidan recovered quickly after that and actually has grown 2 inches and gained 6 lbs in just 6 mos! He is an extremely quiet sleeper now so should be getting much better sleep these days - if only that would have reflected more in his daily behavior!
(first pic is waiting for surger, 2nd is post op...looks happy huh?)

Trip to meet Hannah and other old friends

Hannah is the daughter of Carrie, who grew up with my best friend Julie, thatI have recently become friends with. Hannah is a very sick little girl (you can see her story through the button on my blog's home page) but her birthday was in July and the family was going to be in Tarzana so we were able to meet in person and celebrate Hannah's 1st bday!

Makena had a great time meeting everyone and playing with Hannah's older sister Abby. I was honored to be able to be there for that very important milestone in Hannah's life!

While down there I also got to meet up with Julie and a very old friend from Jr. High - Jody. We went to the beach with the kids - Makena's first trip - and had a blast! So great to reconnect with Jody. I also snuck in a quick visit to my other dear friends The Randazzos. Makena instantly fell in love with Joe and wouldn't get off his lap. It was a great weekend!

The zoo and the Puyallup Fair - Sept
Jim's Aunt Jeannine and Uncle Bill were in town so we met up with them at the Woodland Park Zoo. They also came to stay with us for a night and went on a hike with Aidan and Jim. Great visit!

The Puyallup Fair comes around every September and we always try to go. Kids love seeing all the animals and Aidan is now into the rides. Makena went on her first pony ride and didn't want to get off!

My 4oth bday

Ugh. That said it was a great weekend! My bffs Julie and Cara came up to celebrate. Julie from SF and Cara all the way from VA! We had some much needed girl time while they were here. My local friends came out to celebrate and karaoke as well. Thanks everyone for making the start of my demise a memorable one!

Thanksgiving Week

2009-12-01T14:06:00.000-08:00

The Saturday before Tgiving Jim surprised me by taking me out to dinner and a movie. Of course, while we were out, Aidan was horsing around with the babysitter and ended up face planting into a wooden side table. Bad....we won't know for a bit but there is a good possibility his front tooth (that was already chipped) and the next one over may fall out or have to be taken out. They are loose but seem to be doing ok. He goes back for another xray later this month.

We went down to my parent's house in So Cal for Thanksgiving. Decided to go a couple days early so we could take the kids to the Natural History Museum and the La Brea Tar Pits. Both kids really enjoyed it even though the museum dino exhibit was not out since it is being redone. The Page Museum (tar pits) had a bunch of skeletons from the Ice Age which Aidan loved looking at.

My sister Melissa and her boyfriend Ben came from New York. My grandparents and Aunt also drove up from Riverside and Yucaipa. This was the first time my grandparents had met Makena so that was great. We had a wonderful dinner and it was great to spend time with my family. The two things missing were my sister, Cyndi who couldn't make it down, and my other Grandfather who recently passed away.

Also got to visit some of my long time friends which is always fun. And there is a park near my parents so we went there a couple times to get the kids out of the house. Of course the weather was great...except for the wind!

The one negative thing was that both my kids got bit by my parents dog. Of course we can't have a trip without any injuries can we? Nothing bad but not fun for either. Makena is still talking about it ("hunter bite").

The kids did wonderfully on both plane rides so that is always a relief.

In about three weeks we get to do it all again, but this time to Colorado for Xmas!

Halloween 2009!

2009-11-02T10:19:00.000-08:00

I have been such a slacker when it comes to blogging...so instead of trying to catch up (and never doing it) I am just going to start fresh with Halloween - and if I can get back to some older good stuff I will post! My goal is to post at LEAST once a month!

Usual Halloween stuff -

going to the pumpkin patch to get our pumpkins:

carving the pumpkins:

going to the halloween carnival - Aidan was a Ninja and Makena was supposed to be a fairy but she got too tired and didn't go.

and of course trick or treating! Aidan was a knight, his dog was a devil, and Makena was a dragon (hand me down from Aidan!) Gabe Messer came over as Bumblebee. They had a great time until some neighbors were doing scary tricks and then Aidan wanted to go home. :)

Look who's 4 - and a first...

2009-06-08T15:00:00.001-07:00

Wow, Aidan turned four on Sunday...crazy! I still remember vividly being in unproductive labor for 29 hours that ended in a c-section four years ago! How time flies.

We took a couple pictures on the day to commemerate (you can see the cooperation gleaming in his eyes), but will obviously have many more from his party this coming weekend.

He got some great dinosaur gifts from his Great Grandparents, Aunt Di, Patty. He also was able to purchase his own items (mostly dinosaur related) from gift cards he received - which he really enjoyed!

On his birthday, we went to his friend Reese's birthday party - she turned 4 on the 8th. It was a bowling party and Aidan had never bowled before! He had a blast and bowled a 70!

Here is a video of the master in action:

(if getting this via email you will need to access the blog to see the video)

Visit from Grandpa Jim!

2009-06-08T14:11:00.000-07:00

It was great to have Jim's dad out (Grandpa Jim) for a visit a couple weeks ago. Sad that Lois and Tod couldn't join them! Saturday Jim and Grandpa took Aidan to see "Night at the Museum 2" which they all enjoyed. I unfortunately had to take Makena to the clinic because a cut on her palm got infected!

We had really nice weather so on Sunday we went to NorthWest Trek - a local place where they only have animals native to the NW. The best part is the tram ride that takes you around the 400 acre open space! The massive bison were RIGHT NEXT to the tram in many spots along with their cute little babies. If you were allowed, and were so daring, you could actually put your arm out the window and pet them - that is how close some were.

We also saw mtn goats, big horn sheep, elk, caribou, deer. Makena would actually see some things before I did - especially the sheep - and would tell me by pointing and saying "baaa!". It was very cute.

I didn't get many shots but here are a few - do you see the bison in the background?

They have bears, wolves, big cats and more (basically all the carnivores) in enclosures too. The two furry brown lumps in the background here are grizzly bears playing. It really is hard to get shots of animals AND people!

The rest of the afternoon was spent playing in the backyard.

Grandpa Jim had to leave too soon for our liking!

Sunny days and new tricks

2009-06-08T13:44:00.000-07:00

Been meaning to post for a few weeks...but here are some pics of recent great weather days.

And one of Makena's many new tricks - climbing! The other is opening doors...fun!

Easter!

2009-04-13T14:23:00.001-07:00

We had our first ever Easter Egg hunt this year - but of course, true to WA, we had to have it inside because it was pouring rain and cold.

Aidan had fun looking for all the eggs, especially finding ones with candy or money! Makena found some on her own as well.

Grandma Lois made a beautiful dress for Makena - I wish we had more places to have her wear it!

Taking pictures got a little old for both of them, but we got some good shots! Keepers!

Sunny spring day

2009-04-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

So from snow to sun...finally! We had a really nice weekend and that means getting the kids outside as much as possible. Crazy to think but this was Makena's first real encounter with grass! Last time we were outside much she wasn't even crawling.

She was a bit hestant at first, but then was running all over the place. She also took a liking to Aidan's mower...

Aidan found a new outside pasttime as well - tree climbing. I turn my back and there he is, like a little monkey, up in the maple tree. Thankfully it is a small tree, low to the ground, perfect for little kid climbing. He did find that you get scraped up in trees, lose your shoes when they get stuck between branches and sometimes find yourself hanging and afraid to fall. Good lessons!

Having these recent nice days, plus it staying lighter later in the evening, makes me very excited for summer!

We also colored easter eggs for the first time this weekend. Aidan had a great time but of course wanted to dunk the eggs in all the colors - so I think most of the eggs look exactly the same - kinda muddy.

Now we wait for the Easter Bunny to arrive!

Aidan goes ice skating!

2009-03-30T09:52:00.000-07:00

Cyndi and I took Aidan ice skating for the very first time this weekend. I knew it would be a total hit or a total miss. Well a hit it was!

He could actually walk in the horrid plastic skates, but the ice was a different story.

Aidan had a great time having us drag him around the rink. Luckily Cyndi and I didn't fall either but I was worried that Aidan would fall and clip our skates and we would all go down in a heap. Nope! We did have to switch sides every so often so each arm could get a rest for awhile. There were times that I barely had to hold Aidan so maybe next time he will be able to balance by himself a little more. I think the problem is that he has no fear and is TRYING to skate (or do what he sees other people doing with their feet) so he doesn't cautiously glide on the ice.

But he was able to just stand there on the ice for a minute with no help!

A helmet may be necessary - or a couple hats!

If you are getting this via email - you will need to go into the blog to see the videos.

Then we went for an early dinner and Aidan slept over at Aunt Cyndi's house! Thanks Cyndi!

Fundraiser for Hannah!

2009-03-27T12:41:00.000-07:00

A Magazine Fundraiser for Little Hannah - have a subscription you want to renew or a new magazine you want to subscribe to PLUS help us raise money? http://www.magfundraising.com/LittleMissHannah

Please help if you can and pass along to all your friends and family!

I love it when the kids entertain each other!

2009-03-18T10:45:00.000-07:00

So Monday night, Jim was in Portland and I was on my own with the kids - not a fun prospect these days with Aidan being...well...3 1/2.

Dinner started off well and Aidan decided to do anything to make Makena laugh.

Here is a video from dinner - is there anything better than the laugh of a toddler?
(reminder to those of you receiving this update via email, you will need to go into the blog to see the video)

Of course, it all fell to pieces after this when Aidan started his normal snarkyness and ended up in bed without being able to watch a show.

Good times!

Fun on a crappy weather day

2009-03-18T10:34:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday we had the strangest weather here - woke up to unexpected snow that turned to rain that turned to hail and wind on and off all day. So what do you do with kids on a day like that? JUMP HOUSE!

Luckily our bonus room is big enough to put up the jump house inside. So we got it going and threw the kids in. Makena would just sit there while Aidan jumped and made her bounce. I got better shots on the video camera than the still.

Later that day we had our neighbor Sasha over to play as well. The kids had a great time! Of course Aidan had to wear his Spiderman "suit" and Sasha was in her tutu. What other attire to jump? Aidan was also the perfect gentleman helping Sasha up the slide to get in.

Then we had a bit of a scare when the kids left the stair gate open and Makena fell down the stairs. All is well, she only has a little bump on her lip but boy was I in a panic and shaking for at least a half hour! Lesson learned to make sure all visiting kids remember to shut the gate and that Aidan remembers as well. '

All on a Sunday!

Blog Giveaway for Hannah and Gaucher Awareness!

2009-03-03T14:47:00.000-08:00

Please visit for details on how to enter and win some great prizes!

http://littlemisshannah.com/2009/03/hannahs-first-giveaway/

Please watch, and share - Hannah's video

2009-02-25T14:28:00.000-08:00

I know most of you have seen my posts about Hannah - so could you please watch this video, and if you have a blog, website, community board, FB or MySpace account, please post the link so your friends, family and blog followers can hear about Hannah and her story. And then if they could post to their blogs, etc!

This disease needs as much exposure as possible in order get more funding for research and a cure. Networking and word of mouth is key. Thank you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKEQHHNcBn8

And if you care to donate (any amount no matter how small) to the Children's Gaucher Research Fund (the only research currently being done for Gaucher Type 2/3 at this time) please go to:
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/fundraising_pledges/50402?m=f274b976

I personally have a goal of $500 to help raise by Hannah's 1st birthday in July and would love to overachieve that goal.

If any of you or anyone you know has experience with fundraisers and or PR, please let me know!

"You don't have a name for it yet here on earth"

2009-02-24T16:23:00.000-08:00

My mom bought Makena a very fitting print from the Story People that says:

"Are you a princess? I said. And she said, I'm much more than a princess but you don't have a name for it yet here on earth."

EXACTLY!

I am late in blogging - since this post is about Makena's birthday weekend (Feb 13-16). My mom came up from So Cal Friday night and stayed until Monday afternoon - that was great! So Friday night after picking my mom up at the airport, Aidan, my mom and I met my sister Cyndi for dinner. Then Saturday was gymnastics (see Aidan's awesome pike jump below) and cake baking. Cyndi then drove down Saturday afternoon for dinner, cake and presents.

Makena didn't love getting her fingers dirty with frosting - not like Aidan who dove in on his first birthday! Or maybe she just didn't like my cake!

Makena actually had no idea what to make of Cyndi's little dogs Emily and Milo. Our dogs are big, not these little furry, wet faced things! She was a bit timid at first to touch them!

Then Makena opened her presents and got a big hug from her Power Ranger brother. I am sure it was not his choice.

And this picture - well I have NO idea what they were doing when I took this but think it is so funny!

Got a little video of Makena and her awesome dance moves - hard to get on camera these days! (those of you getting via email will need to log in to view)

My mom and I took Aidan to see "Hotel For Dogs" on Sunday afternoon, then met Cyndi for lunch before my mom had to head back to the airport.

Busy but good weekend! Makena loved all the gifts she received from everyone! I still cannot believe she is a year old and Aidan is on his way to 4!

Would you buy one to help raise money for research?

2009-02-19T15:51:00.001-08:00

http://littlemisshannah.com/2009/02/would-you-consider/

Happy 1st Birthday Makena!

2009-02-12T11:15:00.000-08:00

What a year this has been...I really can't believe that Makena is already a year old, but also it seems like forever ago that I was waiting in the O.R. for her to make her way into this world.

Makena is doing wonderful today - she is walking, babbling, loves music and dancing, starting to sing (I think), loves her brother and daddy like crazy, and can say "Dada", "Aidan" (sort of) and "dog". If you ask her "where is Makena?" she will pat her chest like a gorilla.

Makena loves books - especially "Animal Babies" and "10 Tiny Tickles". She is perpetually attached to her lovies and has a smile that will light up a room.

She loves looking at pictures of herself and Aidan, and has already learned that the camera has pictures so hard to get a photo or video lately because she wants to see herself in the screen (hence the many close up shots). She is learning how to sword fight so she can play with her big brother.

Makena has learned some signs (sort of) such as "more", "all done", and "down". She is starting to learn how to say "no no bark dogs" with the pump of a fist. She can shake her head "no" and nod "yes" but doesn't always get when she should do each so she does them both to cover all her bases. We also have taught her to say "ah" after she takes a sip of juice. She doesn't say it but opens her mouth as wide as she can.

We are excited to have Grandma Carol coming up this weekend to celebrate. I will be making her cake so she can have chocolate for the first time! Aunt Cyndi will be coming over as well.

I can't wait to experience all the new things she will learn in this next year!

Happy Birthday my sweet Makena - we love you!

Help for Hannah

2009-01-28T09:55:00.000-08:00

I know I don't have very many readers of this blog, but it is the old adage "I tell two friends, then they tell two friends, and so on and so on...". So here I am...sharing another's story in the hopes that each of you will share with your friends and readers to get more exposure, help, advice etc.

I would like each of you to take a look at this blog, share with your friends and encourage them to do the same. If you have a blog, maybe you can post a message such as this. Or if you know someone that can help this adorable little girl and her family, please contact the family directly! Thank you!

http://littlemisshannah.com/

And She's Off...

2009-01-22T18:11:00.001-08:00

Makena is walking more and more...took her first real alone steps a little over a week ago and just has kept going! She is now to the point that she will walk until she falls down - choosing to walk over crawling. No major falls yet, but she already thinks she can run so I am sure they are coming.

(for those of you getting this via email update, this is a video so go to the blog to view)

A typical day at work...

2009-01-21T10:54:00.000-08:00

Thought this was funny...this is what I see on a daily basis working from my home office. I took this with my webcam atop my computer.

Don't you feel bad for her? Or maybe for me?

Today I have a break since we are sending her to daycare 1 day a week - today is the first day. The house seems so quiet...too bad I actually have to work!

Starting off 2009

2009-01-08T12:05:00.000-08:00

2009 started with a visit from my Mom! It is always great when she can get up here for a few days.

It was great for me to have a two week break, although I didn't get most of the things done that I had hoped. Harder when you have a sick baby at home! Plus just laziness I guess. Oh well.

So things are now back to normal - I am back to work, Aidan is back to school and Jim is still job hunting, taking care of Makena and trying to get his book sold - http://www.themonstermasters.com/ - if you haven't checked it out. We would appreciate your support and the word of mouth!

Makena really is getting close to walking - has taken a couple very baby steps on her own and can stand by herself forever. She is in love with the dogs...and they love her!

The snow has gone, and the rain came hard and fast with much wind. Lot's of flooding here, thank goodness we live on a hill and really don't have to drive very far!

Wrapping up 2008

2008-12-31T11:29:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe that is will be 2009 tomorrow...where did this year go? Seems like just yesterday I was big and pregnant awaiting the arrival of Makena...now she is almost a year old! And I look back at pictures of Aidan from Christmas last year - even just 1 year ago he seemed so small. He is definitely growing into boyhood. Makes me happy, and sad.

We loved our snow days these past couple weeks. Sad to see the rain take it all away. Aidan and the dogs got to play in the yard, then Aidan and Jim cooked hot dogs on the out door fire.

Makena got to take her first sled ride and loved it! Not so sure she loved being forced into the pink marshmallow suit though...a bit constricting. So other rides were just in warm clothes and wrapped in a blanket...much better!

Christmas was different this year - just us at home. Was nice but seemed to go fast! Aidan loved all his presents, but especially the suit of armor (another) that "Santa" brought. Love those $15 gifts! He wears this every day and won't let Makena touch it - imagine that.

Makena was miserable on her first Christmas - turned out to be a double ear infection! Poor thing.

And you can see in pretty much every picture of the kids, the snot running down their face. Just couldn't keep up!

Makena is getting ready to walk, and just starting to try and color! 2009 will be a big year for her.

2008 held some crazy times for us, so here's to hoping for more of the good, less of the bad in 2009. This goes for all of you as well!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Signing off for 2008...

Christmas tree hunting

2008-12-14T11:06:00.001-08:00

Went out to get our tree today. So nice to have snow on the ground, but it was freezing cold! Then home to play outside in the snow for a bit. Aidan and Jim made a fire.

Let it snow!

2008-12-13T20:30:00.000-08:00

Yay, the first snow of this "winter" is here...so exciting! Can't wait to see what morning brings. This will be the second year we go cut down our xmas tree in the snow. I love it!

I also can't stop singing "Let it Snow"...

Pictures with Santa

2008-12-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

Always a fun adventure...never knowing how the kids will react. Both were great, with the exception of Aidan's super fake cheesy smile. Luckily the wait wasn't very long.

Makena didn't even realize someone was behind her. I think she thought his soft coat was just a fuzzy blanket. She was very cozy. Too bad Aidan wasn't looking. But there is that smile painted on!

Then she realized that he was there and couldn't stop staring. No wonder the photographer wanted to make sure she didn't look back at the beginning!

Pictures with Santa...check! Now on to the tree...boy we are so far behind this year!

Giant baby eats little baby

2008-12-11T10:54:00.001-08:00

Our giant baby Makena (10 mos) loomed over Payton Ward (5 mos) and decided to give her a kiss...but it looked like she was trying to eat her...watch out Payton!

They each thought the other was quite interesting. Fun to watch. Amazing to see the size difference.

the fun of xmas picture taking

2008-12-11T10:38:00.000-08:00

oh those of you with kids (or dogs - sorry ours didn't make it in the pics) know how fun it can be to get everyone looking AND smiling at the camera for pictures. Especially when you are doing it on timer, and not someone behind the camera making funny noises. So here we are...pics for our xmas card. Aidan had to be bribed and insisted on wearing his new snow boots. He was NOT happy about the hat.

Here is the winner and others taken along the way...

Don't have any girly xmas outfit for Makena, so in true Landgraf form, she is wearing the same outfit Aidan had on for his first xmas photo - seen here. And I just realized that Jim is also wearing the SAME shirt! LOL...

Makena kisses and recycling

2008-12-05T15:02:00.000-08:00

Makena is learning how to kiss...although she seems to think open mouth is appropriate for everyone. Gotta nip that in the bud!

(for those of you receiving an update via email, you will have to log into the blog to view the video)

And we have found that recycling old electronics is the way to go! Found this very old walkman (can you tell by the size and color?) but Aidan loves it! Keeps him busy and quiet for awhile...until he moves the knob that changes the station, but oh well!

Still amazed how time flies. Aidan will be 3 1/2 on the 7th...and Makena will be 10 months on the 12th.

Makena Amadeus Mozart

2008-11-12T10:50:00.000-08:00

The start of an amazing music (muzak?) career...

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Look at the passion she has for music.

Don't you also love the fangs? We call her "Count Chunkula". Too bad she isn't a happy baby. 9 mos old today!

Look who's crawling!

2008-11-05T19:04:00.000-08:00

Finally! ugh...can't believe Makena is almost 9 mos (in 1 week) and JUST started crawling. She has been rolling and pivoting for awhile, but we finally got her to crawl. Daily training! Still a bit wobbly and she will give up quickly and do the belly flop, but hopefully she realizes that it is faster to crawl in a straight line than to roll, pivot, roll, pivot...

And here is Aidan voicing his opinion on the latest change in our country:

Fall Colors and Rainy Weather

2008-11-03T11:33:00.000-08:00

It most definitely feels like winter is coming. The trees have been changing for awhile, and the rain is cold!

Aidan likes to get out in the rain,

but Makena likes to stay inside, be lazy and hang out...having a snack.

A lobster, a Power Ranger and Spiderman walk into a bar...

2008-11-03T11:23:00.000-08:00

...ahh Halloween! Didn't get too many pics (they wouldn't hold still) and completely forgot to get pictures of the pumpkins (we had to throw them out on Saturday since the were molding!).

Aidan had a great time trick or treating with Gabe. Makena thought it was all very interesting and everyone loved her lobster costume (much thanks to my friend Lisa Rokes!).

"Girls Can't Smell", Pumpkin carving and bottles

2008-10-27T15:01:00.000-07:00

I just had to post how funny little kids are. Saturday, while carving pumpkins we were dancing around to an 80's compilation CD and Duran Duran's "Girls on Film" came on. Aidan was dancing around singing "Girls Can't Smell"...it was hilarious.

And just because I am too lazy to create another post - have to share that although my lazy daughter won't crawl, she DOES hold her own bottle now - something her brother NEVER would do...yay!!!! Maybe it is because she loves her "milk" more than he ever did...

Photo Craziness

2008-10-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

After 4 days away for business, I came back and had camera craziness. God I love my kids! They, to me, are the cutest things alive. Especially sans clothing.

So here are some new pics where Aidan actually asked to have Makena sit next to him...amazing. Now he wouldn't share his toys in the tub...but that may be asking too much.

Makena is now 8 mos, still not crawling but oh so close! She is a large bucket of joy, so just takes a little more to get her mobile.

Pumpkins Pumpkins Everywhere

2008-10-17T15:11:00.000-07:00

Can't believe we are here again...October and time to get pumpkins for halloween. Crazy I tell ya.

So last Saturday we headed out, bundled up, to get our pumpkins for this year. You really could look all day for that perfect pumpkin...

Aidan had fun looking at the animals and especially leading us all through the corn maze.

Puyallup Fair

2008-09-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

Jim's dad (PopPop) and brother Tod came for a visit this past week. On Friday we went to the Puyallup fair...Aidan had a blast! He loves to see the horses and go on the rides.

Big Jim and Jim Jr worked on a closet conversion project most of the time and it turned out great!

Aidan loves spending time with PopPop and Tod, and Makena was so happy to meet the both of them for the first time!

Makena the Moose

2008-08-20T16:59:00.001-07:00

So The Beast (aka Makena) had her 6 mos check up and she weighed in at a whopping 19lbs, 11oz (95%). She was 27 in long (75-90%). We all love her chubbas.

At this rate, she will be bigger than Aidan by the time she is 1 (and I mean bigger than he is now!). Let's hope not!

Two funny videos

2008-08-18T15:00:00.001-07:00

was downloading more pics off the camera so Aidan could go at it again...and found these two videos from the other day I forgot to download...

Makena loves her Lilly doll so much she eats it.

And Aidan is a hip wiggler with his "oh yeah" dance.

Aidan...Ansel Adams Jr in the making?

2008-08-18T11:36:00.000-07:00

So Aidan decided the other day that he wanted to take pictures...thank goodness for digital cameras! But amazingly some turned out pretty decent for a 3 year old. Sorry if this post seems big, can't figure out how to get rid of the empty space after fiddling with pics so many times!

He does like to take pictures of "things" - as you can see...and sometimes forgets he can't be so close!

Apparenly he likes feet.

And self portraits.

Just getting started

2008-08-18T10:33:00.000-07:00

So I finally decided to get with the times and start a blog, thank you Tishelle!

Nothing else to say at this point...will continue to set up the blog site in the next couple days!