which one?

I took these pics this morning in the natural light in our family room . . . just wondering which you think is the best? Any photographic eyes out there? I am thinking of submitting for a photo contest.

Party Animals!

The dynamic duo were fabulous for their first b-day party . . . they interacted with their guests and each other. No meltdowns to report and they loved presents and cake. If you notice a lop-sided distribution of pictures between the twins, just remember this is my FIRST daughter's FIRST b-day:) I was really thankful that just about everyone bought them separate gifts, so they each had something to open from each guest. They even seemed to understand gift opening . . . advanced wouldn't you say? Here is the link to the full album. The ride-ons were given on the morning of the party and are from Mommy and Daddy:) http://picasaweb.google.com/sdriesse/BestOfTwinsFirstBDay?authkey=Gv1sRgCPSos-fdicjxxgE#

1 year old!!

It is COMPLETELY unbelievable to me that my babies turned 1 today, but they did! Though we are having their party this weekend, I wanted to do a few things to make their day special. While Owen was in preschool, I took them to BJs with me and sat them side by side in the cart. They were so good and cute! I let them pick out their own birthday book and picked out a special outfit for each of them. We put a candle in a muffin for each of them and sang happy birthday and then let them go at the muffin after that . . . Judah dove in and Layna took her time and took little bites. I wouldn't want to relive the past year, but I do look back with joy on our times together and am thankful for the pictures to remember the moments that seem to be such a blur at times. Twins are really so much fun . . .

matching jammies

Even though the picture quality isn't great, I love these matching jammies the boys have. This is the first picture (we're in Florida here) that I have of them together in these pjs. My little men . . .

splash!

Owen had a great time in the pool at the "Florida House" as he liked to call it. He splashed around so much and went under water and more than once floated around with just a noodle or two. When MeMa came, she helped him in the little "circle" pool, a heated jacuzzi since it was too cold for the big pool most of the time she was with us. We are so proud of the big boy he is becoming.

family update

I know that it's been awhile since you've heard about us . . . that's because we spent 9 AMAZING days down in sunny Florida only to return to gear up for all-out potty training of Owen. The former event went way too fast and due to camera and internet "issues," no pictures from Florida have been posted. But here is the link to my twin's blog. She's got some great shots from our wonderful time down there: http://www.jaredabby.blogspot.com As far as the latter event, due protecting Owen's privacy, no pictures will be posted; however, I will say that he is becoming quite the pro at telling Mommy and Daddy when he has to go #1 and is actually going now with success. As far as #2, he is getting the hang of that as well. Please pray for our little guy as he tends to hold both in. We are so, VERY, VERY proud of progress he's making at becoming a "big boy" though. Thanks for checking in!