The Florida Gatchel Daily

We're Moving!

2011-08-17T14:26:00.002-04:00

Since we're no longer going to be the "Florida Gatchel's" you can now follow us at: http://maizeandbluegatchels.blogspot.com Hope to see you there!

Rain - Finally!

2011-03-01T21:03:00.002-05:00

So glad to report that we finally got some rain today! There have been fires north of us (they actually shut down I-95 and US 1 they got so bad) and hopefully this diminishes the threat at least a little. We are still way behind on rainfall, but it's better than nothing. The kiddos acted like they hadn't ever seen rain before :)

He kept telling me the mulch was getting wet...

End of February Already?

2011-02-28T21:05:00.002-05:00

I can't believe today is the last day of February? Where has this month gone?? Didn't I just say that about January? I'm so excited that my mom comes in Friday and that this time next week we'll be getting ready to leave for Ohio. How is that possible?

I ddin't take any pictures today but I think I forgot to post these that follow the other night. Hopefully tomorrow I'll do better :-p Until then...

Noah was reading Good Night Moon to Mikayla and All Star bear. It is too cute that he actually knows the majority of the book!

Mikayla post swiss cake roll :-p

CHOCOLATE!

Fun in the Sun!

2011-02-27T20:48:00.005-05:00

Have I mentioned lately how blessed we are to live in Florida and be privy to the wonderful weather in February? My kiddos played in the pool and the sprinkler today, that's how nice it is here. We of course got lots of fun pictures we had to share. Can you tell they had a blast? Until tomorrow...

They are quite the twosome

Splish splash!

And then they got the lawn mower out!

Freaky Friday

2011-02-25T20:24:00.003-05:00

Today has been weird... We did make it to the Inlet this morning but didn't end up staying as long as we had originally anticipated. While the website said there would be trails, we wrongly assumed that we would be able to pull the wagon on them. Oops... We did check out a couple of the peers and some of the other park area, but ended up heading back into town and having lunch at (Noah's favorite) Melbourne Beach Park. He has been obsessed with this lately and we're not sure why. Grant and I have only taken him there a couple of times, but he has been asking constantly for the last couple of weeks to go there all the time. We ended up having our picnic there and then the kiddos played for awhile.

On the way home we told Noah that if he took a good nap there would be a surprise for him when he got up. Yesterday, I got a free movie from Redbox via Facebook and we had gotten a movie for Noah to watch tonight as a treat. Somehow it seems every time we tell him he has to take a nap he does just the opposite. He and Mikayla got themselves into quite a bit of trouble for absolutely refusing to take a nap today. Two and a half hours later Grant and I finally realized it was a losing battle and got them up.

After much discussion we caved and decided he could watch the movie anyway. Bad idea. Because of the movie he refused to eat dinner. So instead he got a fast bath and bedtime at 7pm. The crummy behavior was quite a letdown after we had so much fun this morning at the park. Oddly enough, he was happy to go to bed and went of smiling and giggling. (Further frustrating his parents, I assure you) Not sure why he's in a funk but hopefully tomorrow will go better. Until then...

Mikayla riding the shark!

Ready for the weekend

2011-02-24T21:01:00.002-05:00

I am so ready for the weekend, I feel like I have been going non-stop this week! I think we need a rainy day here soon, just so I feel like it's OK to slow down for a bit. That and maybe to eliminate a bit of the fire threat :-p Not much exciting to share from today, but a few pictures anyway. We weren't able to see the launch from here today due to clouds, so unfortunately no pictures of that. Grant's off tomorrow and we're taking the kiddos to the Sebastian Inlet State Park so hopefully we'll get some good pictures then. Until tomorrow...

I thought she was too cute this morning

Picnic!

2011-02-23T20:48:00.003-05:00

Have to spend the beginning of this post bragging up my big boy - Noah went all day today without any accidents! Including nap time!!!! Yay! We were even out of the house this morning at the store and a trip to the park for a picnic (he used the big potty while we were out!) I am so proud of him :) As my mom said, it was like a light came on in him. I can actually tell that he gets it. It is ridiculously adorable to hear "Mama, may I go pee pee on the potty?" Can you tell that I'm one really thrilled Mama right now??? :-D

Otherwise, we had a fabulous time going to the park for a picnic today. The kids had a great time with lunch and then playing. As I've mentioned before, Mikayla thinks she's much bigger than she actually is and today was no exception. She's climbing up slides, crawling through tunnels and getting into everything! I have to say that she is so different from Noah. She is absolutely FEARLESS. Noah would have to be prodded into doing any of those things. Mikayla just goes after it. I think it is because she doesn't want to be left behind. She spends most of her time chasing after Noah which she seems perfectly content with at this point. It is so wonderful to see the way each of them is putting out their own personality.

Until tomorrow....

All of a sudden I hear "Mama, I was keeping my eyes peeled and I see a turtle!"

He did actually get brave enough to touch the turtle after I convinced him it was OK

Yummy lunch at the park

Mikayla, too!

Giving All Star Bear a ride on the swing

He told me he was being a frog

And she's off!

Only Tuesday?

2011-02-22T20:46:00.003-05:00

Is it really only Tuesday? It feels like it must be at least Thursday! Noah was all kinds of cranky today - maybe that explains why I feel like this week is just dragging. He did so well yesterday - we made it all day in big boy underwear with the exception of nap time (which he did get up twice to go potty), then today he still did OK with the potty but he is just super cranky! He is complaining his throat hurts, but dang child! I'm willing to sell him off to the highest bidder at this point :-p

We did hit up the park and the beach this morning for awhile before a major tantrum erupted. It is so gorgeous this week, we are outside as much as possible. Planning a picnic for tomorrow! Until then...

Woo hoo - slide!

Mikayla steering the ship

She thinks she can do it all

And then she just chills

We took a bit of a stroll on the beach

Too beautiful

And if Noah wasn't enough of a handful, this is the remnants of Mikayla's lunch...

Riding the alphabet train

Oh Monday, Monday...

2011-02-21T21:21:00.002-05:00

Overall, I do not enjoy Monday's... They are crammed full of cleaning and laundry here at the Gatchel house. But given how nice it has been outside, we still managed to get in some time at the park today. We've been checking out lots of different parks in the area lately, taking full advantage of the gorgeous weather. Thinking of going up to the beach park tomorrow. Until then...

Giving All Star Bear a ride on the train

Kayla wanted in on the action, too

She thinks she's one of the big kids

(See, I told you she thinks she's a big kid!)

Noah is getting more adventurous with the slides!

Yet Another Busy Day...

2011-02-20T20:46:00.005-05:00

What a full weekend! I think I need a weekend from my weekend at this point :-p We had another full day again today as I'm sure the pictures will prove. Until tomorrow...

Daddy took the kiddos to the park for awhile today

Playing with the Play-doh Noah got for his 'potty toy'

Noah even let Mikayla play

It was all fun and games until Mikayla started eating the play-doh....

2011-02-19T20:51:00.004-05:00

What a full day! I am exhausted to say the least - I can't imagine having any trouble sleeping tonight :) After my usual Saturday morning routine of checking on the Kunkle's house (it's still there, guys!) and doing some grocery shopping I came home to turn around and rush out with Noah again. We ran to Lowe's and got some mulch to fill in out front. He was so excited that he got to help me pull the cart! Such a big kid...

After lunch we laid the mulch and then I spent a good chunk of the afternoon raking the front yard. The yard has become overrun with leaves from the tree across the street and given the dry conditions, it was past time to do something about it. Sisters - you'd have laughed at me and told me I was related to Uncle Joe. At one point I was actually out there sweeping the street... I managed to get the larger side in front of the house done so here's to hoping for another beautiful day again tomorrow so I can finish it up. The thought of a fire terrifies me...

After the kiddos got up from their nap we took Charlie to the park. I've been meaning to mention that Noah has begun to personify objects. His favorite is "All Star Bear" which now comes with us EVERYWHERE. Just when I thought I'd gotten rid of the tee-tee. Anyway, you'll have to check out All Star Bear on the slide. And start watching for him in pictures - it could be like the spider in the Little Critter books ;-)

We headed home for dinner and then bath time. Now for the very super exciting news of the day - Noah poo-poo'd on the potty! FINALLY! He was actually in the bathtub and told me that he had to go. He got out, sat down and went right away. I never thought I'd be so excited about a poop before! I made a HUGE deal out of it and as soon as we got out of the bathtub we ran to the store so he could pick out a toy (that was our deal). As for him, he's only worried about one thing - going to school. I had told him a long time ago that he couldn't go to school until he started using the potty. Apparently that made quite the impression because the first thing he says to me is that he now gets to ride the school bus to school. The kid isn't even 3 yet and he already wants to leave me!

See what I mean about a full day? I'm sure tomorrow will bring much of the same. Until then....

Noah and All Star Bear playing with play-doh

Mikayla going for a spin

There was a cricket on the mulch

So Mom, he says to me "Gramma says their legs go like this" and he showed me!

Then he told me that when the cricket jumped in the grass he was camouflaged. Thank you God for Sesame Street because that's the only place I can think of that he learned that...

Getting ready to try out the slide

Down goes the Noah man

Then Kayla

And All Star Bear, too

Sending All Star Bear down the slide

Fun Friday

2011-02-18T20:48:00.004-05:00

I know there are times that I really hate living down here and being so far away from everyone up north. But it is days like today that I can find many reasons to be thankful that we're down here. It is when I stop to think that it is February and I can take my kiddos to the zoo and both Mikayla and I come back with slight sunburns that I realize it's not ALL bad ;-)

I asked them what the heck they were doing and Noah told me that Mikayla was giving him a back rub. I almost cried I laughed so hard

At the zoo zoo zoo!

Noah LOVES the otters

Kayla got in on the action, too. They were too cute

So this is proof how mean of a mom I am. All morning he kept telling me that he wanted to go play in the cave (though the last few times he's shied away from it every time) This is him very very slowly going up to it... He eventually went in, climbed through the tunnel to the top.

So now he's up there. After a 5 minute tantrum about going in the cave...

Kayla wanted to play, too

He then refused to come down. So I told him I was going to leave without him :-p Funny, he came down ;-)

Petting a goat

Mikayla taking on a mozzarella stick

Cookie Kids

2011-02-17T20:19:00.002-05:00

I took Mikayla for her echo cardiogram this morning and she handled it like a champ. (Special shout out thanks to Miesje for letting me drop Noah off shortly after 8am this morning for a few hours!) She was smiling, laughing and playing through most of the test and didn't seem to mind any of it. We will hopefully hear if we need to be concerned about anything in the next few days.

The weather has been gorgeous here, so I packed up the kiddos in the wagon late this morning and we trekked off to the park to meet up with Daddy to have some lunch. I unfortunately forgot the camera, but believe me when I say we had a fabulous time. Thinking we'll do the zoo tomorrow since it's supposed to be just as nice!

Below is why I shouldn't allow my kiddos to eat in the wagon ;-) More tomorrow...

Mid-Week fun

2011-02-16T21:20:00.002-05:00

Playing together this morning (she was giving him back rubs)

My tulips are opening and looking gorgeous!

Park time with Miesje and Coen!

The best monkey friends!

Mikayla playing, too (she desperately wants to do whatever the big kids are doing)

Noah being a spider

Coen made it all the way to the top!

Everyone swinging!

My teenie

And my big kid!

Mikayla the Bubble Princess

2011-02-16T21:15:00.002-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T20:16:00.004-05:00

I made breakfast for Grant this morning :)

Noah ready to make cookies

He loves to frost cookies!

Mikayla wanted to help, too

Our cookies ready for distribution

I've been meaning to post a picture of this. Last week Grant brought me home a 'grow your own flowers' vase. My tulips just started blooming!

Funday Sunday

2011-02-13T19:56:00.004-05:00

Donut time!

Kayla, too!

Ready to go to the park

Playing!

This picture cracks me up for some reason...

Noah the Big Boy!

2011-02-12T19:45:00.003-05:00

Noah and Daddy spent the morning working on some projects. First, they made a potty chart for the week! We're making more and more of an effort to work on Noah using the potty. It is an uphill battle to say the least. But we did make it through almost the entire morning without an accident. We're trying to think of ways to inspire/praise/encourage.

Then while the Mama moved everything and hand-scrubbed the floors in the kitchen this morning (what a gross job that desperately needed to be done!) Noah and Daddy fixed all the chairs and put feet on the bottom of them so they would slide across the floor more easily. Noah loves to help (especially Grant) so he was most excited.

Working on the potty chart

Noah begged us to take this picture so he could show everyone he's using the potty...

His new chart

Working on the chairs

Such a good helper

So this afternoon, apparently both kiddos refused to take a nap until after 4pm, when Noah was finally so tired he fell asleep on the floor :)

Florida State Fair

2011-02-12T08:30:00.005-05:00

Yesterday the Gatchel and Stinson clans decided to head over to the state fairgrounds and check out the Florida State Fair. Other than it being a little chilly (mid 50's in Florida, I know...) we had an excellent time. The most fun was seeing all the animals! Noah really loved the bunnies the most and now wants to have his own. Grant tried crispy corn (deep friend corn on a stick!) and we were all grossed out by the booth we saw selling deep fried butter! We saw lots of cool arts and crafts, some really neat vendors and I tasted the most amazing white hot chocolate. Grant made a trip through the "candy warehouse" which is literally a huge area of the expo center with bins of bulk candy that you can mix and match. I have to say, we Gatchel's had a blast. I would definitely go back again next year - or even this year if it was a little closer. We were there for over 5 hrs and didn't even really see half the fair!

Arriving!

Miss Alaina all decked out and ready to see the fair

The Stinson family

We made it through the main gate

Cebu! (achoo ma moo!)

Baby chicks actually hatching!

Noah and Daddy at the petting area

My boys

Alesha and Noah feeding a baby goat

Mmm, goat slobber ;-)

Bunnies!

He thought this was so cool!

Alaina got to pet the bunny, too

Noah was very gentle

Putting a quarter in the dino

This guy was building this sand sculpture as everyone watched. It was incredible

Grant's shot of one of the midways

And she's spent!

Paging Dr. Noah

2011-02-12T08:26:00.002-05:00

Noah's imagination has kicked into high gear lately. I often come across him playing with his doctor's set with Mikayla or his bear now.

Giving Mikayla a check-up

And now the bear

Painting a Valentine's Day project

Kiddo Play time

2011-02-09T20:41:00.002-05:00

Sorry we missed everyone yesterday, I didn't manage to pull the camera out. Just an update, we took Mikayla in to be checked out after her weekend experience, and she is A-OK. She has a slight heart murmur that they want to check out, but otherwise that girlie is right as rain, it was just re-inforced that she has quite the temper!

Today we went to the mall for awhile to catch up with Miesje, Coen, Alesha, Alaina and Alesha's nephew, Cole. Afterward we grabbed lunch at Jason's. Too many kids in one place with all those people! It just reminds me that I am so not ready for another one ;-) It looks like rain tomorrow, so maybe getting Valentine's Day crafty around here, we'll see! Until then...

Kayla in her oh-too-cute skirt!

Mikayla and Alaina

Alaina was so proud of herself today! And she was up and climbing on all kinds of things. Go girlie, go!

Just Another Monday...

2011-02-07T20:18:00.003-05:00

Nothing too exciting to report from here today - just a typical Monday. As Noah informed me today "it's Monday, so we need to do the laundry and clean the house." Yes Noah, that's what we usually do on Monday... ;-) We also managed a trip to the park because even though the silly forecasters said it was going to be yucky and rainy, up until about an hour ago we had a beautiful day here (though when we took Charlie out for a walk this afternoon it was WINDY!) and I hate being cooped up all day if we can avoid it. So even a 40 minute escape to the park was wonderful. More tomorrow...

I 'caught' Noah reading to Mikayla. It was too cute

I only let her go up the slides when we're the only ones at the park...

He's getting much better about exploring on all the equipment

Miesje's Shower

2011-02-06T21:02:00.003-05:00

Some of the girls came over today so we could celebrate the pending arrival of Baby Carlsen 2.0. We are so thrilled that Miesje, Cameron and Coen are going to be adding a little girl to their family soon! It was fun to have some MUCH NEEDED girl time for a little bit. In case I don't tell them enough - I am so thankful for my girlfriends, especially with everything that I've been going through lately. Girls, I was really really struggling earlier today and you were all WONDERFUL and helped more than you know today. Just knowing that you are behind me 100%, even while I'm struggling means the world to me.

Noah trying out Daddy's shoes

Half-Time with Noah

2011-02-06T20:57:00.003-05:00

Noah is enamored with the Black Eyed Peas and was thrilled when we let him watch the half-time show for the Super Bowl, tonight.

Play-Doh, Uncle Arthur and a Fireman!

2011-02-06T20:37:00.004-05:00

Fun with Daddy and Play-Doh!

The Kunkle's came into town this weekend (YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and we were fortunately enough to get to spend quite a bit of time with them. Noah has so been missing his Uncle Arthur and Aunt Kristina so I know it meant just as much to him to hang out as it did to Grant and me. We miss them so much now that they're in Maryland and are so thankful for every chance we get to see them. We love you guys!

Mikayla took a bit of a tumble on Saturday night and the rescue squad (and two police cars and a fire truck...) came out to check on her. SHE IS OK -EVERYTHING IS OK! But Noah was so excited about the fire trucks and had to put on his fireman's uniform and show the fire fighters. The story about Mikayla is too long to put here, but I promise she is OK. Call if you want to hear the whole story.

Gotta Loves Those Gatchel Kids!

2011-02-03T19:14:00.004-05:00

Have I mentioned lately that I am crazy about my kiddos? They never fail to make me smile. Today they have been excellent. Noah was a fabulous helper around the house this morning, they played together so well here at home and at the mall play place and both of them are in the bathtub right now, having quite the time. They've already been playing for 45 minutes! Today is one of those days that I really love being a Mom :)

He 'raced' her around the house for 20 minutes this morning

Then it was time to help Mommy clean the house. He was in a great mood because I let him scrub the toilets. I guess it's the little things...

Kayla wanted to help, too

Play place!

Noah and Coen jumping off the car

Cookie disaster

I've gotten wiser and stripped her down to her diaper prior to the cookie this time ;-)

New Park

2011-02-02T20:31:00.005-05:00

He was pushing her all over the house

Snack time

It had a nice playground

And a cool lake with fountains

Spiderman

She is infatuated with the mulch

Swinging

She wanted to climb, too

When we got home they colored together

Playing play-doh

Bowling and Brushing!

2011-01-31T19:08:00.004-05:00

Can you believe it's the end of January already? I just flipped up the calendar so we'd be ready for tomorrow and it boggles my mind. Where did the first month of 2011 go?

Setting up the bowling pins

Knocking down the bowling pins

Kayla got in on the action, too!

Noah helped me vacuum

Brushing his teeth!

Fun at the Park!

2011-01-30T20:02:00.007-05:00

What a beautiful January day in Florida! Low to mid 70's with lots of sun! We decided we couldn't pass up the opportunity to take the kiddos to the park and let them run around after lunch today. I'm not sure who had the most fun - the kids or Grant and me. I think it's supposed to stay nice for the next couple of days so you better believe the kiddos and I will be taking advantage of the gorgeous sunshine! Until tomorrow...

Noah playing the drums

My boys!

Look, it's a bean in a swing

She thought it was funny to 'kick' Mommy

Cutest little girl in the whole wide world!

Me and my teenie

We walked all over the park so we could find Noah and go down the slide

One! Two! Three! GO!

She thought it was great

Again!

Daddy's turn

Too cute for words

Noah and I climbed the rock wall!

Playing the 'boo' game

Weekend Fun

2011-01-29T19:52:00.002-05:00

Noah made me a crown - I am now Queen Mommy :)

Back from taking Charlie out

Mikayla had a chocolate chip cookie while she was out in Charlie - think she enjoyed it ;-)

Doesn't he look so big?

Bath Time Fun!

2011-01-28T19:46:00.004-05:00

Check out bath time fun at the Gatchel house on Friday night!

The Meanest Mommy in the World

2011-01-27T19:51:00.003-05:00

So today Noah told me that I'm the meanest mommy in the whole world. Wow, did that hurt more than I ever thought something could coming out of the mouth of a two year old! I know he really didn't mean it and that he does love me, but dang! This mean mommy got her bootie out of bed early this morning just so she could finish everything around the house, take care of you and work for a couple of hours before taking you to the zoo and then the park, kiddo! Sad that I want to be appreciated by a toddler! After the zoo we did attempt the park for lunch and then playtime, but this mean mommy said he had to eat his lunch before he played and he decided he wasn't eating so we left without playtime. Hence the mean mommy comment. He's still mad at me currently and he also told me he doesn't love me anymore and that he'd rather have Miesje as his Mommy. I'm hoping he forgets about it by morning ;-) Daddy read him the riot act when he got home but it didn't seem to make much of a difference. We're all hoping tomorrow will bring back our sweet, wonderful Noah. Thank goodness it's a long Harris weekend if it doesn't ;-) More tomorrow...

Playing at the zoo

Kayla at the zoo

Noah and Coen

Watching the otter swim (which we did for about 15 mins...)

Full Wednesday

2011-01-26T20:16:00.003-05:00

Noah wanted to be in the big kitchen while I was working to play with his kitchen.

He and Mikayla made me brownies and donuts!

Washing the dishes

We met up with Daddy and the Stinson's for lunch!

Kayla at the play place

The gorgeous Alaina!

Alesha saving Mikayla as she literally dove into the car

Makin' Chili

2011-01-25T20:24:00.002-05:00

Racing his fire truck

And she's off!

Noah helped me make dinner for tonight

He was a good helper

Mikayla wanted in on the action, too

Sunday Chillin'

2011-01-23T20:43:00.002-05:00

Story time!

I'm gonna get the Mikayla

They're not two peas in a pod or anything, right?

Mmm, slobbery kisses

Pizza Party!

2011-01-22T21:18:00.004-05:00

So tonight we had some of our friends over for a make your own pizza night. It was a blast! And we had five crazy kiddos all under the age of three having a great time together! Wait 'til you see pictures of them devouring the cookies Alesha made :) We really enjoyed having everyone over. It is great to be able to let the kids just run rampant and really enjoy being in each other's company, especially when all the adults get along so well, too! Hopefully we'll do it again soon. More tomorrow!!

Mikayla showing off her new big kid shoes (Thanks Miesje!)

And she's mobile

Trying to show Grandma how big we all are

She is one long bean

Mikayla and Alaina, the cookies begin

Ethan and Noah getting in on the cookie action, too

I have a feeling they are going to be quite the pair...

Mikayla showing the toys to Justin and Lainey

This is just the beginning of the disaster ;-)

Isn't she the cutest?

What a good Daddy!

Justin and Alaina

Playin' at the mall

2011-01-21T17:48:00.002-05:00

Good thing we had planned some errands and a trip to the play place at the Mall today as it has been a rainy overcast day here in Palm Bay. We all awoke to quite the thunderstorm this morning and it never really cleared up for the rest of the day. Fortunately we were able to meet up with Miesje and Coen for some fun at the mall. Us and about 100 other kids it seemed! That's the only problem with days when it rains it Melbourne - there are truly so few indoor things to do with kiddos the size of Noah/Kayla out and about, the mall play place is quickly overrun. Oh well, they had tons of fun regardless!

Noah climbing the cow

And he made it!

The best close-up I could get of his haircut :)

Me and my beanie!

French Toast and Haircutting!

2011-01-20T20:19:00.003-05:00

For breakfast Mikayla ate a whole piece of french toast and two slices of my asian pear - the girl is like a tiny hoover!

Noah showing how big he is with his french toast

Who me, Mama?

A girl after her Mama's heart...

Yay for vacuuming!

And Noah, who's a little more intimidated by the vacuum

But he loves the magnadoodle

Aunt Miesje cut his hair!

Mikayla watched

He was so good about it! (pictures of the 'new' Noah tomorrow!)

Sun in January!

2011-01-18T19:39:00.003-05:00

It was a beautiful sunny day here in Florida and the kiddos and I took advantage of it by spending lots of time outside! Noah went out and played with sidewalk chalk and his bike for awhile and then we caught up with Miesje and Coen at the park! Noah is now big enough that he wants to try all the playground equipment and this Mama is having a hard time letting go and not being a "helicopter" parent 24/7. But I am glad that he is wanting to do things himself :)

Bike time in the driveway

Mikayla came to hang out and play, too

And he's off!

He bit the dust on these at one point, but got right back up and climbed on again. He's such a boy....

Mikayla hangin' out

1, 2, 3 GO!

Mikayla playing with Ginger (Thanks Coen!)

They are the bestest buddies

Daddy's Weekend

2011-01-17T22:45:00.006-05:00

With Kristi spending some quality "Mommy time" out of town this last weekend, the kids and I tried to enjoy some of the nice weather in the only state in the union not covered in snow (without getting ourselves in too much trouble...)

Noah ridin' his "favorite" bike

Chalk, then ride, then more chalk, then ride again...

Mmm... Giraffe crackers....

Boo!

... then some chalk, then ride, then more chalk ...

Don't watch the movie... Play with me!

Bubble Time!

Yaayy! Bubble Time!

Playing and Chairs

2011-01-12T20:19:00.004-05:00

Mikayla playing in the new playroom

Noah and the playdoh

Look Grandma, I found the mirror today!

Noah helping Daddy build the new bar stools

Such a good helper!

Playroom and Living Room

2011-01-10T20:55:00.003-05:00

Look at the bow!

The finished artwork

Playing away

And so the Mommy and the Daddy took back their living room

New Playroom, Fingerpainting and LOTS of play!

2011-01-09T20:50:00.009-05:00

The excitement to report for Florida Gatchel headquarters this weekend is that we decided to turn the front room into a play room! Grant and I have been discussing this for a long time now because the toys were starting to take over the whole house. Some in the front, most in our living room, some in their room.... It was kind of getting out of hand. We wanted the kids to feel like they had a place that was theirs, and we also wanted to feel like we could start to take back the rest of the house a little bit, too.... So we did!

I am so excited with the results! In the process Grant and I decided to totally reclaim the living room again. I will get some pictures of that tomorrow. But there's lots of pictures below of the new playroom! And in order to start to get it around, the first big thing we decided to do was let the kids make the first piece of artwork for the walls. So we invited Miesje and Coen over and got to work finger painting! What a blast that was! And who thought you'd have to convince kids to get dirty? Mikayla was no problem, but it took a little bit to convince Noah to dig in. Once he did though - well you'll have to see for yourself :)

We had a great weekend. Both Grant and I said we're totally wiped out but we feel so accomplished. I also worked some the past few days earlier in the week cleaning out the kitchen, getting a bunch of stuff ready to go to Goodwill and re-organizing in there, so I actually feel like the front half of the house (not including our bedroom) is like a sparkly new house at this point ;-) Now only the spare room, the kids room and our bedroom to tackle which is slowly but surely on this week's agenda. I will try to take some pictures of the playroom in its natural state in the morning before its daily destruction occurs, too ;-) More tomorrow!

Noah and Coen enjoy a cookie in the new playroom :)

Noah with his pumpkin coffee, of course

Getting ready for the finger painting project!

Mommy giving Kayla some tips

Noah after a 10 minute explanation of "It's OK to put your hands in the paint"

Coen was never too sure about it...

Even I got covered

Not sure who was having the most fun at this point :-p

I love it!

Toes, too!

Coen thinking about it....

Noah going for broke

Right foot on blue, left hand on green....

She tried to escape...

And a bath was totally necessary then!

Lunch!

Paging Dr. Noah to the playroom, Dr. Noah

Miesje and Coen came back for dinner (not sure why we needed pictures of this :-p)

The boys (and Eeyore) having dinner

Noah and Daddy at the Park!

2011-01-09T20:40:00.004-05:00

Saturday morning while Mommy and Mikayla stayed home and played, Noah and Daddy went to the park for some playtime and a picnic! Boys will be boys...

Grant says he's "growing into his face"...

I think he's just growing, period.

Monkey!

And a picnic lunch besides!

Random Catch-Up

2011-01-09T20:23:00.005-05:00

So sorry we went missing in action for awhile! After the craziness of Grant and Kayla being gone, it was nice to spend a day catching up with them and then the Gatchel clan came down with a multitude of illnesses! Grant didn't even make it back to work until Wednesday because of it. So here's the first of lots of catch up pictures!

Kayla and Ethan (God Bless Giselle and Nathan for coming over Friday night so Grant and I could go out to dinner by ourselves!)

Kayla kisses!

Can I have a kiss beanie?

Doesn't this just have trouble written all over it?

She got on and was going all by herself!

Movie time!

Noah and Ethan

They loved playing with the kitchen :)

Recent Developments

2011-01-08T23:50:00.004-05:00

Mikayla Stands.

Mikayla gives kisses :-*

Mikayla walks!

Noah and Mommy - Day 4!

2010-12-29T20:21:00.004-05:00

The kiddo and I had another good (but busy!) day today. I worked this morning and then we ended up going to the park and the beach. After I convinced him the water was NOT going to get him, we even took a nice stroll down the beach together. Home for lunch, hanging out and playing, nap time and then out for a few supplies at Target and then back home tonight for dinner, bath and now he's watching Veggie Tales before bed :) Phew - another jammed day!

The first thing he wanted to do was sit down - what a goofy kid

And then he was off!

He's a climbing machine

Too cute

He found a feather on the beach

It was finally not "too" cold - I think we might have hit 60 today

And at least it was nice and sunny!

Me and my buddy

He had to sit down again when we got done with our walk since we went back to play for awhile

He wanted to show off his new fire fighter pjs - thanks Grandma and Papa Larry!

Noah and Mommy - Day 3!

2010-12-29T09:06:00.006-05:00

Fish!

Noah and I went to the Florida Aquarium :)

Noah's favorite - the otters!

He wanted a picture of the yellow fish...

Birds were flying all over

Turtle!

Time for some lunch (and he got a special straw!)

A shot from the top of the Aquarium

A perfect Noah size window to look in

Eels - eeewwww

String rays!

We found Nemo!

He was THRILLED to see a penguin this close (and Aunt Shellie would be proud)

We caught up with the Gatchel's in Orlando then!

Playing with cousin Abby

He fell in love (seriously)

Listening to the band with Aunt Vickie!

He so enjoyed seeing some more of his family!

Noah and Mommy - Day 2!

2010-12-27T20:23:00.002-05:00

We went to see Yogi Bear!

He did fabulously!

Ready for the movie

Noah and Mommy - post movie!

Showing off that we're going to play Candy Land!

He beat me!

And was super proud of himself because of it

He beat me not just once, but twice!

And we tried out dominoes, too :)

Noah and Mommy - Day 1!

2010-12-26T20:02:00.003-05:00

I love him in this outfit!

He told me he was drinking pumpkin peanut butter coffee

We were ready Little Critter and having a lot of fun together this morning (we found the spider on every page, Grandma!)

Working his new chair while watching a new Veggie Tale movie

We went to the mall for some play time since we really wanted to go to the park today but it was waaaaayyy too windy!

Christmas!

2010-12-26T08:12:00.022-05:00

Santa was here!

Mikayla's haul ;-)

And Noah's haul

In my Christmas PJ's :)

Seeing that Santa has been here!

It's gone!

This one's Noah's!

He handed out all the stockings

Big boy underoos!

A train!

Mikayla was a little overwhelmed I think

A glow worm!

Noah got a Dr.'s kit

Bella is in love with the turkey Santa brought her

A tool kit just like Daddy's

Buzz and Woody!

Aunt Shellie and Uncle Dudley got them a table!

They love it!

Eating breakfast at his new table

Bella got a special breakfast, too

Kayla ate 4 powdered donuts....

Yes 4

Noah and his cool new chair!

He thinks it's great!

Mikayla got one too! (Thanks Papa Larry and Grandma!

Perfect!

Mikayla really likes playing in the chair

A pillow pet!

Yay!

Chatter chatter chatter

Mikayla could have played with the paper all day

Toy Story 3!

Nuts about Grandma :)

I was saying "awww" I thought this was absolutely perfect for Kayla!

And it's off!

Toy Story dominos, too cool!

Snoopy!

Yay - the Mama is in desperate need of clothes!

My husband got me a new laptop - I was completely blown away!

And overwhelmed by the chaos :-p

A bit of the aftermath

It only looks this OK because I was trying really hard to stay at least somewhat organized...

Ready for Christmas 'linner'

Isn't she such a big girl?

Grandpa Gary got Noah and Mikayla a kitchen!

This was a complete hit!

Everyone post-linner

Christmas Eve!

2010-12-24T19:42:00.006-05:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

Adjusting the car seat for a happy Mikayla

My pretty table ready for Christmas Eve breakfast with the Carlsen's

The kiddos playing

Noah got to hand out the presents

Singing into his new microphone from the Carlsen's

Cars!

Coen giving Mikayla her present

Aunt Miesje made her a Tutu!

ADORABLE

Lots of playing!

He got a phone call from Santa!

My babies ready for Church

Cookies for Santa

2010-12-22T20:45:00.003-05:00

I can't believe we're only a few days away from Christmas! Today I ended up going a little cookie happy... It had been my intention to only do some cut-outs so that we could frost some with Noah tonight so we had special cookies to leave for Santa. Well, then I ended up making peanut butter blossoms and then I did some no-bakes, too. And tomorrow I'm going to do some more of the peanut butter cracker sandwich ones that we like so much and two different kinds of nut/candies and I still have to make the mini cheesecakes for dessert on Saturday. Now to find people to pawn them off on ;-) Anyway, I got some pictures of Noah helping with the cookies, all of us had a good time!

Trying to convince Noah that Grant should frost and he should decorate :)

And so it begins...

Gently with the sprinkles!

Noah decided he had to frost, too

All done!

What a good kid ;-)

2010-12-21T21:01:00.002-05:00

I think Noah know that Santa is coming - he has been really really good the past few days! He and Mikayla have been doing a lot of playing together (nicely), he has been saying such nice things to everyone and just being a really good boy. Thought that some proof of how much those two love each other would make for some good pictures for today :)

Happy Birthday Miesje!

2010-12-20T20:51:00.002-05:00

Today Miesje and Coen came over so the kids could hang out and play and Miesje and I could spend some time together to 'celebrate' her birthday. I hope that she had a wonderful day - I so enjoyed catching up for awhile! And the kids had a great time playing together, which was an added bonus :)

Mikayla going for spin

Coen and Noah playing with their Magna Doodles

A Visit with Santa

2010-12-19T21:09:00.002-05:00

So there is a very cool Christmas store downtown that we found out if you brought a non-perishable donation you could take your own pictures with Santa (SOOOO COOOOL!) So we met up with Giselle, Nathan and Ethan for lunch and then took the kiddos over there. We had told Noah yesterday we were going and this morning when he got up the first words out of his mouth were "I am so excited to go see Santa. He makes me happy." Grant and I both thought that he did pretty well (just a little shy) and he was thrilled!

He got a candy cane (the really important stuff ;-) )

Thinking what he wanted

Talking to Santa

Mikayla on the other hand was having none of it ;-)

We tried, though :)

Playtime and Christmas PJ's!

2010-12-19T20:46:00.008-05:00

So we had lots of time to play with the new toys from the party and we finished making the Christmas PJ's today! What a day it's been...

Noah getting ready to bowl

And he rolls!

Strike!

Then we were working on some jumping skills :)

PJ's ready to go

Painting Noah's hand

Push

And perfect!

He did great :)

Mikayla was next

Mama too!

All done!

This is only a little bit of the disaster...

The finished shirts

I can't wait to wear them on Christmas Eve!

Noah and Mikayla got a gift from Uncle Nathan and Aunt Giselle

Kayla had a lot of fun with the tissue paper

Noah got a fire truck!

Kayla got a baby doll (Thanks guys!)

And he's off!

And so is she

He thinks this is about the coolest toy ever

Mikayla tried out her princess towel tonight for the first time - thanks Aunt Shell Shell and Uncle Dudley!

Florida Family Christmas Party!

2010-12-19T08:52:00.013-05:00

Last night was the fifth annual (how scary is that!) Florida Family Christmas party! Major kudos to Beth and Dan for hosting a wonderful party full of good friends, good food and good times. Everyone had a blast! In case I don't tell them enough - I am thankful for all of our "Florida Family" You are all a treasure to us!

Mikayla and Noah playing before anyone else arrived

Ethan and Nathan

Noah, Dan (yes, in a tux!) Justin, Erin, Cameron, Miesje and Coen

There's Ethan!

Beth, Brie, Giselle holding Mikayla and Thomas

Cameron watching Coen and Noah

The boys playing with Nathan

My two favorite boys in the whole wide world

Lots of climbing

Coen and Kayla

Playing with Aunt Giselle

Waiting patiently to open presents

Arthur and Kristina skyped in and joined us for awhile! They were even 'in' the picture

What a big Mikayla present :)

It was fun to have them there with us - we miss them like crazy!

Noah and I opening his present from Mike and Becky

Ethan, Giselle, Nathan and Beth

Kayla and her big box!

She was having a good time unwrapping

Noah got a Magna Doodle! He LOVES it! (That Aunt Miesje, she's so smart!)

A bowling set!

Dan 'walked' Arthur and Kristina around the party so they could see everyone :)

Mikayla got the coolest block wagon from Uncle Thomas and Aunt Brie!

The bowling set was from Aunt Beth and Uncle Dan for both of them

Officially looking like trouble;-)

She thinks this is the best thing EVER

Ethan liked to give her rides

They are too cute together - do I smell a future romance?

The most content Mikayla ever :)

The best friends playing with their Magna Doodles

Ethan and Erin

Ryan, Dan and Nathan

I <3 these two together!

And everyone is happy!

Ethan, too!

Hard to remember when Noah was this little

The boys playing with the iPad for a little bit

Watching the annual slide show