the graduate

Spencer graduated from Pre-School and will be on his way to Kindgergarten in August! So exciting!

catch-up

Woah, where have we been? Not blogging apparently!

Here's a quick recap of the last two months:

In February we had a Superbowl bash. The boys were a little disappointed that the Packers weren't in the big game, but they still got super wrapped up into all the excitement. We had actually asked them one night if they had to choose would they rather go to Green Bay for a visit or Disneyland. Their initial response was Green Bay! Then they said, 'both!'.

In March we bought (and assembled) a little outdoor playhouse for the boys. The assembly part was a little nightmarish (as to be expected) but the finished product is cute and a fun hideout for the boys. We've been reading a series of books called 'The Magic Treehouse' and the kids go to different places and times via the treehouse. Before we knew we'd be moving back to Arizona I had been talking to the boys about building a treehouse. Well, Spencer's elephant memory coupled with these Magic Treehouse books created the perfect opportunity to get them a little 'house'. Unfortunately, we don't have a tree to make it a treehouse, but it'll do for now :) They call it 'Lizard Lounge'. 

The boys started swimming lessons - which they really enjoy and are quickly becoming good little swimmers!

We've had some amazing weather which has enabled Mason to become an excellent bike rider! He is doing a great job keeping up with Spence now.

We also celebrated St. Patty's Day in our usual traditional way. Green attire + green food + Irish dance party = good times! 

Update on: shut it

You may recall I had mentioned we had a neighbor (who shall remain nameless because I don't know her name)....that has a few barking dogs. Did I mention there are six of them? Not all barkers, but 6 is a lot of dogs to have when you live inside the city limits, just sayin'.

The barking has quieted down a bit. Micah's theory is that it wasn't our friendly note that we left, but rather the fact that the weather has cooled down. But wouldn't that make them be outside more? We are in Phoenix afterall, it's not like they have to go out into the snow. I am trying to stay positive and hope that we won't see a huge increase in bark-bark-barking as we approach the warmer months. Fingers crossed!

HaPpY nEw YeAr!

We rang in 2012 with our little family having a night in. We had tons of snacks, decorations and noise makers. We were ready to make it a night. Well, most of us were ready. Mason, not so much.

Mason was 'that guy' at the party - you know, the one who is buzzin around half dressed, the one being super clingy, the one who vomits all over the dessert plate. Wait, what? Yeah, that's right. The littlest Odahlen was sick on New Year's Eve - poor buddy :( In true Mason form though he refused to miss out on any of the action and rang in 2012 with all of us!

2011 was a year of us getting settled, once again. We finally adjusted to the work/school/living in Arizona and away from everyone - and bought our new house. The year also brought ever growing and changing boys. We are so proud to be their parents and so very thankful they continue to be healthy.

We're looking ahead to the new year and hopeful for everything it may bring. Here's to wishing everyone a 2012 filled with many wonderful moments, lots of laughter and amazing memories created with the ones you love.

Celebration!

Christmas. Was. Great.

This is the first time (ever) that we haven't had the opportunity to celebrate the holiday with extended family. We made the best of it and ended up having an excellent holiday! Christmas Eve we had a traditional dinner (well traditional in my family) and Mason said 'Mom, this is the best Christmas Ever!' Mind you, this was the night before we opened gifts.

Christmas morning was perfect. The boys woke us up ecstatic that Santa had been here. Lucky for them, they got everything on their Christmas lists and more. They were so happy with even the smallest of gifts. We had a very low key day and truly enjoyed the spirit of the holiday. Our boys are so awesome!


Let's open presents already!

 This is the one I wanted!



Mobigo aka Kid iPad - so excited!



Optimus Prime!



 

Jack & Annie books - thanks Grandma!

 

  

Some presents were for two  



Cutest brothers

  

Air hockey anyone?

 

A December to Remember

December was jam packed for us - as I'm sure it was for most of you.

At the beginning of the month we were busy decorating our house for the holidays - the first year at a new house is always a challenge to figure out where everything will go. The boys picked out our live Christmas tree (and chose a great one!) and the time spent decorating was fun! Did I mention we had Batman here to help? That always makes a difference :) 



We had to put the star on top a couple of times



                                            

  

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We also had our annual St. Nick's celebration. My mom and nephew Zach were here for the event. We had a great time celebrating and decorating our houses. Spence was pretty detailed in his and Mason was very focused on loading the candy up on any bare spot...he also wanted his picture taken 'eating' the candies (case in point below). Zach had a very unique house as it was falling apart before he even got started...we had to super 'glue' it together with lots of extra frosting. He made it work though.

   

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Micah and I attended our 2nd annual GoDaddy Holiday Party. It is an amazing event held at the Ballpark. With an all American theme they went all out - they had a Mt. Rushmore made of sand, a smaller scale version of the Statue of Liberty, a Hollywood red carpet complete with paparazzi and the Golden Gate Bridge (among other things). Not to mention some great food and entertainment! Some big name country music stars - Trace Adkins & Dirx Bentley - and Kid Rock were the main performers. The founder gave away a ton of money to the employees, but as we are not very lucky, we didn't win any. But all in all a very fun evening.

More to come about the end of the month in future posts :)