We Are the Crooks

Sledding

2012-02-04T16:15:00.001-05:00

We haven't had much snow yet this year but we try to take advantage when we do!!

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around he goes

2012-02-02T18:01:00.001-05:00

2012-01-21T15:30:00.001-05:00

So I thought it would be a fun project to take a picture a day of my kids for a year and see how they change. Here is what I've done so far...

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COSI

2011-12-29T12:17:00.001-05:00

We went to COSI today and I got to play (follow) Jack, he had LOTS of fun! Especially fixing the sink with all the tools and driving the car!! Chris will post pictures if Avery later, they explored outside the Kid Zone...

Dr Jack

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Downtown Lights

2011-12-03T12:16:00.001-05:00

I took the kids to see Santa downtown the other night. Avery was excited to see the big guy and Jack was excited to see daddy while he was working!

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New App

2011-12-03T12:12:00.001-05:00

These are s few of the pictures I took with the new app I got... Enjoy

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2011-11-07T22:00:00.001-05:00

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Location:Jack and Mommy

playing in the leaves.

2011-10-30T16:13:00.001-04:00

Outside on a leafy afternoon.

Trunk or Treat

2011-10-24T21:11:00.001-04:00

On our way to Trunk or Treat!

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Cow-boy.

2011-10-24T19:01:00.001-04:00

Jack before Avery's trunk or treat.

Just woke up

2011-10-22T16:02:00.001-04:00

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MacDonald's Farm

2011-10-16T21:26:00.001-04:00

MacDonald's farm and corn maze was lots of fun this year! The kids really liked the corn maze and no one got bit, just pecked.

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Dillon

2011-10-15T19:49:00.001-04:00

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2011-10-14T18:55:00.001-04:00

I can't believe she is five!! We had her birthday at Glow Putt with all her friends, she had a great time!!!

This year her birthday cake choice was horses AND dinosaurs!!

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Location:Avery turns 5!

2011-10-04T11:42:00.001-04:00

Avery had her five year check-up yesterday and she weighed 58.5lbs and was 46.5 inches. That means she is only 1.5 inches from being 4 feet and she is ONLY five years old!!!!! I can't believe how tall she is...

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Location:Check-up

2011-10-01T14:20:00.001-04:00

Playing on the mower's in the mall!

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Location:Smile!!

Tackle

2011-09-21T21:13:00.001-04:00

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2011-09-17T21:38:00.001-04:00

Today was a busy day. Shopping for Avery's birthday, while the kids played with daddy. Then Avery went with grammie and grandpa to a big festival called the Backwoods Festival. Jack and I went to visit daddy who was shooting a soccer game then to the park to play. Everyone has a good time!!

Daddy and Jack playing

Avery got her face painted at the festival.

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Location:Busy days..,

Day off with the kids.

2011-09-15T11:57:00.001-04:00

Since I had to work on Sept. 11, I have today off. Despite the threat of rain and rather brisk temps, we went to Dillon SP to go for a walk. We saw a few neat caterpillars. Then it was off to Picnic Pizza for lunch.

Cricket

2011-09-13T21:18:00.002-04:00

Once Avery calmed down after the lose of her Grasshopper she looked into her bug carrier and realized that daddy had caught her a cricket. She takes a closer look and realizes that the cricket is eating a dead caterpillar. So a few minutes later we are walking daddy outside to send him back to work. As his car pulls away she turns to me and says " I can't believe I have a scavenger! It's eating the caterpillar"

Grasshopper, we hardly knew ye.

2011-09-13T19:43:00.001-04:00

This weekend Avery caught a large grasshopper (above). It was her favorite pet. Today she threw him up in the air and he flew away.

We are in mourning here at the crook compound. Avery was in hysterics for a solid half hour.

We have donned black. Feel free to bring a pie over, that always helps.

sliding down the hill

2011-09-13T18:57:00.001-04:00

Washing the car

2011-09-12T16:39:00.001-04:00

Washing the car at grandma and grandpa's house.

What's wrong with this picture?

2011-09-08T18:46:00.001-04:00

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The first day of school.

2011-09-08T08:52:00.001-04:00

Avery had her first day of Begindergarden on Wednesday, while Jack had school too. Grandpa took Avery, so Jack and I went out for a donuts.

2011-09-06T20:54:00.001-04:00

Hanging out after dinner

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Another walk in the woods.

2011-09-02T12:42:00.001-04:00

The crew and I went to Dillon for a walk in the woods. This time we ventured off the paved loop and into the woods quite a ways. We discovered 4 more caterpillars for Avery, too, and discussed the several kinds of fungus to be seen.

2011-09-01T17:58:00.001-04:00

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Buggy

2011-09-01T13:34:00.001-04:00

Avery's chalk drawings on grandma and grandpa's driveway. Nuff said.

Wednesday adventure.

2011-08-31T12:40:00.001-04:00

Jack had school on Wednesday, so we dashed off to Tim horton's for breakfast. When we got there, Avery saw a praying mantis, so we had a look. Then we went to Dillon SP while jack was at school.

Horse show

2011-08-27T15:17:00.001-04:00

Another horse show. Avery got first out of 10 or so in lead line.

This is her fifth show, her third location to show. She has 2 first places, a second, a 4th and a 5th in lead line and a 4th in showmanship. She has placed every time she has shown. This might be the last show of the season, we will see.

Toothless

2011-08-23T18:56:00.001-04:00

Avery lost her first tooth today!!!

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Watercolors

2011-08-17T15:08:00.001-04:00

Avery and I were painting today during Jack's nap with some watercolors. I asked her what she was making and she says "it's abstract mommy, it's one of my masterpieces, it belongs in an art museum."

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Dance.

2011-08-17T10:22:00.001-04:00

I came down stairs this morning to find Avery performing in the living room. When I tried to get some video, she objected and went to perform for her mother.

Good Morning!

2011-08-16T14:11:00.001-04:00

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Fair 2011

2011-08-16T14:07:00.001-04:00

Avery had lots of fun on the rides and Jack liked the animals.

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Backyard visitor

2011-08-12T12:36:00.001-04:00

We found a newly hatched cicadia on the grill today, and Avery git a good look at it.

New room

2011-08-12T09:19:00.001-04:00

We spent the past week painting the living room, tearing out the old carpet (and then cleaning up the aftermath) and then putting in a new floor. A few details remain, but the room is now livable.

swimming lessons.

2011-08-02T13:34:00.001-04:00

Backstroke

Pittsburgh History Museum.

2011-07-29T08:37:00.002-04:00

Yesterday we took the kids to the museum to see real dinosaur skeletons. Both of them love to play with dinosaurs so we thought it would be a good mini vacations. After the museum we explored a little of what Pittsburg has to offer.

On the way there...

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Another Horse Show

2011-07-17T22:00:00.006-04:00

Avery had another horse show today, and on a whim, her instructor decided to enter her in showmanship for the first time. This would entail her entering the ring by herself, leading the horse at a walk, then a trot, and then stopping the horse, and then moving to the opposite side of the horse as the judge.

Waiting to enter the ring.

Walking the horse across the ring.

Judging.

Avery finished fifth out of a field of 13, in the under 8 age group. She was the youngest there. She was very pleased with the horse brush they gave her as a prize. Only the top 5 are announced.

About 2 hours later, she did lead line again, her fourth showing in lead line.

She was led by Shelby, a very capable young lady who won second in her class in showmanship. They make a good team. Avery finished fifth out of 14. The show was very different from the last few we have been to. The kids just walked around in a circle, and there was no interview with the judge, and the kids did not have to back the horse. Avery won a lead (horse pulling rope) this time. She was quite pleased by that, too, and when we got home she attached it to her stuffed horse.

Salt Fork

2011-07-16T13:11:00.001-04:00

After I got back from my trip on Thursday, we took a trip to Salt Fork State Park on Friday. It was the kids first trip to the beach.

Silly Jack

2011-07-13T20:20:00.001-04:00

Jack thought he was funny wearing over sized glasses.

Playing at Avery's swim lesson.

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riding the horse

2011-07-10T17:41:00.001-04:00

Horse lessons for everyone!

Grandma Crook

2011-07-08T21:29:00.001-04:00

Read a bedtime story

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Cousins

2011-07-05T21:35:00.001-04:00

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Another horse show

2011-07-03T16:33:00.001-04:00

I took Avery to Coshocton for another horse show today. She did well despite the heat, placing 2nd of around 10.

swimming lessons

2011-06-28T16:50:00.001-04:00

COSI

2011-06-25T14:15:00.001-04:00

Grammie and I took the kids to COSI last week. They had a bunch of big machines to climb on which Jack enjoyed! We are going to go back soon for their dinosaur exhibit.

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Second Horse Show

2011-06-25T14:11:00.001-04:00

Avery was in her second horse show a few weeks ago. She participated in the Lead Line for eight year olds and under. There were 11 kids in this category and Avery won first place!!!!!! Here are a few pictures of the happy day.

Avery and her teacher Carol Ackers.

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Zoo

2011-06-25T14:01:00.001-04:00

Had a great time at the zoo yesterday, we made it to the Tigers just in time for their feeding. We saw flamingos walking around, got to pet a baby alligator and lots more!

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Jack's new ride

2011-06-25T13:19:00.001-04:00

Mommy bought Jack a battery powered ride. He rides along until he hits something, then backs up so he can do it again.

Horse Show

2011-05-02T21:45:00.003-04:00

Avery had her first horse show on Sunday in Coshocton. She was all dolled up in her fancy shirt and cowboy hat.

Avery teamed up with a young lady named Shelby.

Inside the arena. Jack did a good job too, watching his sister.

Avery came in fourth place out of about 7 or 8. Pretty good for her first show ever.

Avery with her winnings. A very pink plastic cup.

Easter Eggs

2011-05-02T21:35:00.005-04:00

Easter morning the kids came down and discovered their Easter Baskets.

We colored Easter Eggs the day before Easter. Jack was as interested in coloring his fingers, but he did a good job.

Before we went to grandma and grandpa's, we had a quick portrait session.

Picnic and playtime

2011-05-02T21:28:00.003-04:00

We had an easter egg hunt in the back yard and invited several neighborhood kids to come over and take part. We hid 200 eggs.

Glasses in the back yard.

Relaxing in the back yard with sunglasses on.

Hanging out in the back yard with 3d glasses on.

Braving the cold during a picnic at Dawes Arboretum.

Grandma and Avery wrapped up in blankets during a picnic at Dawes Arboretum.

Jack and Avery got out their sleeping bags and hung out in the living room.

Birthday Boy

2011-04-24T22:32:00.005-04:00

Jack turned two last month. Megan made him a cake and cupcakes. The cupcakes were for his birthday, because daddy was in Indianapolis. The cake was for the next weekend, when we had the cousins over for a big blowout bash.

More catching up

2011-03-16T22:10:00.005-04:00

Playing in the mud next door.

Jack and Daddy.

Playing in the toy box.

Avery's long hair, straightened after a hair cut.

Playing.

Jack copying Avery playing her video game.

Snow.

Catching Up Slowly

2011-02-13T21:42:00.001-05:00

Some pictures from the recent past. We are a bit behind.

Grandkids

2011-01-11T20:44:00.004-05:00

For Christmas Grammie and Grandpa wanted a new picture of all their grandkids together so, we took one on Christmas Eve. I can't believe how big everyone is getting. It's so much fun getting them all together and watching them play. Their other presents is a trip to see the Disney Princesses on Ice later in the month. Pictures will soon follow...

December Part II

2011-01-11T20:26:00.007-05:00

Here are the rest of the December pictures. Starting with the most recent trip to the zoo to see the lights. The kids loved the zoo, Jack really liked the fish and Avery the turtles.

We also had a great Christmas morning with Avery excited to open all of her presents at once and Jack being interested for a few presents and then not so much. They both loved the sled and practiced riding it in the house for a few days.

December Part I

2011-01-02T20:36:00.009-05:00

I'm a little behind in posting. I didn't realize how busy our December was until I went through pictures today and realized I hadn't posted anything all month. Here are some pictures from earlier this month of us putting up our Christmas tree, making a gingerbread house (Jack just eat the candy) and of us going to visit some amazing lights that a man set-up east of town (you can get out of your car and walk through his yard or drive through).

Fall

2010-11-14T14:22:00.010-05:00

Here are some of the pictures we have taken this fall. We have been so busy with Chris's football, and everything else that comes up I haven't had a chance to update in quite awhile. I'll give you a brief update of what we have been doing as posted in the pictures...

The kids love to play outside and we have been trying to get out as much as possible. Avery has learned to swing independently (which she loves to do now) and Jack loves to play in the car or take a walk.

Jack also loves to sit on the potty, which you will see. Although he is not ready for potty training he watches us and thinks he should have a turn as well.

A few weeks ago we took the kids to McDonald's farm which was lots of fun. We did the corn maze and then the kids got to play in the corn bins and pet some of the animals. Jack loved the pigs whenever they would make a noise he would just laugh!!! Until one bit him, which made him stop laughing for a few moments and then all was well.

One nice fall night, we took the kids to Dillon State Park and Avery played by the water and Jack on the playground. Then we took a nice family picture with the pretty leaves behind us.

Henry and Audrey came to spend the day at Grandpa and Grammies house around Halloween which was lots of fun. Henry and Jack had lots of fun playing in the Jeep while Avery and Audrey jumped on the trampoline. After their nap and before Avery's Trunk or Treat with her school all the kids got into their costumes and we took a nice picture. (Jack wanted nothing to do with the spiderman costume grandpa picked)

We carved pumpkins this year again and Jack liked to help mommy clean them out. Avery didn't enjoy that as much and instead tried a kit I bought her with little pegs she hammered in to make patterns.

Jack found the wagon that great-grandpa bought a few years ago and he loves to go for rides in it. He even likes to pull it around the yard while Avery swings.

Last are some pictures of Halloween. Avery was a Cowgirl this year and Jack Spiderman (grandpa picked it out, I wanted a puppy instead). Since the first time we tried to have him wear it he refused I wasn't sure how he would be, but he ended up wearing the outfit just not the mask. I was really cute with all the muscles. Avery had lots of fun trick or treating and liked to pass out the candy as well. We had LOTS of kids this year, Chris and I guess somewhere between 250-300.
I hope you enjoy the pictures!!!

Avery's Fourth Birthday

2010-09-30T15:35:00.010-04:00

We celebrated Avery's birthday on her birthday which was Sunday. She decided on a horse party with all her friends and family. I found a horse pinata and we made little horse decorated bag to collect all the candy in. She had a great time and got lots of new horse things.

Jack had lots of fun with the box that one of Avery's presents came in.

She decided on a horse cake.

I love this picture!!!!!

Horse Back Riding

2010-09-30T15:28:00.002-04:00

Last week we went to horse back riding as a family. Jack loves to go because Mrs. Ackers has lots of dogs and even a cat (he like the horses as well but not quite as much). Jack even got to sit on Timmy with Avery.

Avery working on Showmanship.

Riding on a hot sunny evening.

Avery and Jack

Labor Day Fun

2010-09-08T21:52:00.006-04:00

This weekend we had so much fun playing outside. We were outside every chance we could, mostly playing in the yard and going for walks in the neighborhood. Avery and I went to the farmers market on Saturday morning and she got a pumpkin for herself and one for jack which he carried around most of the day. One night we made smores outside and played tag in the dark. The weather was so nice and we had such a great weekend.

The Zoo

2010-09-08T21:46:00.003-04:00

We took the kids to the Zoo last weekend. Jack LOVED the goats, he didn't want to leave and he let everyone know it. He kept trying to sit next to the goats and give them hugs and kisses(he love to give hugs and kisses). We also checked out the polar bears and again they were so active (the last time we saw them they were also). I was surprised how playful they are, they are lots of fun to watch.

Grandparents

2010-09-08T21:44:00.001-04:00

Grandma and Grandpa Crook came for a visit at the beginning of August. It was lots of fun seeing them and playing with them

Summer 2010

2010-08-18T09:52:00.011-04:00

Here are some pictures from the summer. We had lots of fun and I'm sad to say that the summer is ending.

Being funny with daddies camera.

Early morning with Avery and jack.

On Tuesday's Aunt Shannon and I tried to have play dates. Here are the cousins with us eating lunch at our house.

Jack hanging out and playing. He loves to wear daddies hat!!

This summer we found two new parks in Zanesville. Here we are having a picnic with daddy at Meadow Oaks. It was a very hot day but we had fun exploring.

Avery has been waiting forever to give Timmy a bath. One hot summer day during lessons Mrs. Ackers said Avery could, she was very excited!!!

Red Dog, this dog LOVES to play fetch!!

Cuddling with daddy after Jack's nap.

A picnic with Grandpa at one of our new parks.

Getting dressed-up for Nicole's wedding reception.

This summer Avery and I found "Fancy Nancy" books and we really enjoyed reading them. So we decided to have a Fancy Nancy tea party with her friends Anna and Adelaid.

Jack woke up from his nap with a sock hanging out of the back of his shirt. It was pretty funny. He hates to wear socks!!

Our cousin Claire came to stay with us for two weeks this summer and Avery loved playing with her. Her are a few pictures of the two of them.

Avery and Her Dog

2010-07-10T21:12:00.002-04:00

Avery always wants me to take a picture with her and Rosie. Here she dressed Rosie up as a princess and another with her and her new sunglasses.

Jack

2010-07-10T20:50:00.008-04:00

It's hard to believe Jack will be 16 months in a few days. He is such a happy, loving baby who is ALL boy and into everything. He is our little climber as some pictures will show. I have been having such a great time playing with him this summer! Here are a few pictures of our summer fun.

Grandpa and Daddy put in a new fan in the T.V. room a few days ago. Jack LOVED the ladder and wanted to be right up it with daddy. So when they were done we let Jack play for a little while on the ladder. He was able to climb all the way to the top with no help. Soon he will be rock climbing at the rate he is going!

Watching television with his sister. He loves to sit on the couch.

Peek-a-Boo

We moved Jack into a booster chair instead of a highchair a week ago and he loves it. He sits with everyone and eats his food.

Of course with that I need to rethink my tablecloths as well. Here he thought he was so funny playing peek-a-boo for daddy and his sister.

Family Reunion

2010-07-07T14:17:00.010-04:00

A few weekends ago we had the first Haas Family reunion in Zanesville. It was a lot of fun to see everyone and all the cousins got along really well. It was a weekend long reunion at grammie and grandpa's house. Now our cousin Claire is staying with us for a few weeks. Avery is very excited!!!

Avery and Claire

Claire, Lauren and Avery

Aunt Teri brought presents for all the cousins. Thanks Aunt Teri!

Aunt Lilly helping Avery open her present

Some family had left by the time we got around to doing a group shot. But here are those who remained.

Haas sisters and Mimi

Daddy

2010-07-03T19:59:00.004-04:00

I would like to take a minutes and say how wonderful Chris is as a husband and a dad. He is so hands on and loves to play with his kids. We are so lucky to have him. These pictures were taken around Fathers day. The one with him and the kids was on Fathers day in the morning. I took one just like it last year. The rest are just him and Jack playing. He LOVES is daddy and it is so sweet to see them together.

Avery's Dance Recital

2010-07-03T19:44:00.005-04:00

Avery's dance recital was the second weekend of June. She got her hair done with Ashley and was so excited to get to wear make-up. But once we got there she wasn't so sure about going on stage. Chris and I weren't sure if she would actually go on stage, but to our surprise she did it and loved it!! By the end of the night when she got flowers presented to her she has had no problems with being on stage. She now tells me every now and then that she is a Star!

Avery and Anna are best-friends!

Ashley did such a great job I didn't want to take it out.

Jack's First Hair Cut

2010-07-02T21:50:00.007-04:00

So we took jack to get his first hair cut a few weeks ago. I was sick of having hair hang down in his face, so I thought it was time. I was nervous because I didn't want all those cute curls to go away in the back. Since Chris cut's his own hair I went to the place where my dad goes thinking it wouldn't be a big deal...boy was I wrong. The girl says, just a little around the ears and the front, and I say yes. So I took him and put him on my lap. He wasn't sure about it and didn't really want to be sitting still. We gave him some food and that helped. She started cutting and I started crying. I kept telling her that was enough but she really didn't listen and continued. By the end it was all gone. I know it had to happen eventually but I just wasn't ready for him to look like such a big boy.

The Twins Turn Three

2010-07-02T21:30:00.005-04:00

On June 6th the twins turned three. We celebrated at their house with cupcakes and water balloons. Audrey has been talking about her cousin Avery to everyone which is really sweet. The other day at the zoo they were holding hands and telling each other jokes, it was really cute!

So Sweet :)

Swimming

2010-07-02T21:22:00.002-04:00

I am so glad to have my computer back. These pictures are old but still cute. We have been going swimming a few times a week up at the Dresden pool. Avery loves it and Jack likes to play in the small pool. He still isn't so sure about the big one yet.

Dance

2010-06-16T10:42:00.002-04:00

Dance recital pictures coming soon.

Horse Ridin'

2010-06-07T22:05:00.003-04:00

Avery has been taking horse riding lessons every Thursday for the past few weeks. They start out by brushing the horse.

Then Avery leads the horse for a while (with help) and then gets to ride the horse on the lead. She tries to sit up straight, witch some times leads her to make a funny face.

Horse Lessons

2010-05-21T21:36:00.008-04:00

On Thursday Avery started her first horseback riding lesson. She didn't actually ride any horses yet but she did brush the horse, clean his hooves, see a horse get a shoe put on, back the horse up and lead the horse around the stable and the barn. She did a great job and loved doing it! She will be going once a week and when she is ready she will start riding!!!

Brushing Timmy the horse. The horse was twice the size of her!

Funny Pictures :)

2010-05-21T21:27:00.003-04:00

A couple of weeks after Easter, Chris and I went to put Jack to bed and when we came downstairs we found Avery like this. She had decided she wanted a piece of Easter candy that was half melted while she was watching a show. She was dressed like a fairy that day and I we thought it made a funny picture :)

So after not napping well from the zoo trip Chris put Jack in the swing and he fell asleep. This isn't typical for him especially because he slept for a half an hour like this. He looked so cute sleeping there!!

Hello Zoo

2010-05-21T21:21:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago we took the kids to the zoo. Avery as always loved every minute and Jack enjoyed the fish the most. I think he would have liked more if he would have taken his nap in the car like we had hoped!

Easter Break

2010-04-20T06:46:00.009-04:00

Well, sorry it took me so long to put up our Easter pictures. These are from all of Easter Break. We decorated Easter Eggs, found a new park, went through old cloths and played around the house. It was great fun. Jack after a few bites of pie learned to jump or something close to it. It was so much fun watching him try and laugh when he did it. I can't wait to be home with the kids ALL SUMMER LONG!

Birthday Party!

2010-04-03T21:34:00.005-04:00

Jack turned 1 on March 12, and grandma and grandpa Crook flew in for the party. It was only the second time they had seen young mister, and he had grown just a tad since then.

Below are some pictures from the weekend, including the cake Megan made.

Jack turned 1 on March 12, and grandma and grandpa Crook flew in for the party. It was only the second time they had seen young mister, and he had grown just a tad since then.

The Cousins

2010-04-03T21:31:00.000-04:00

The cousins came over to Grandma and Grandpa's house a while back (a long while back) and Audrey held Jack. Then we corralled them all together and took a picture of all four grandchildren of the McGees.

Jack!

2010-03-14T22:39:00.002-04:00

Some recent pictures of the boy, doing his thing.

Jack loves to get into drawers, to the point that we have to rig the drawers so he won't lose a finger. One of his favorites is the one with the zip lock bags. He likes to pull them out and scatter them around the kitchen.

Jack likes to be naked, and earlier this week he felt like showing the world.

The Sun!

2010-03-14T22:13:00.002-04:00

We saw the sun again the other day, for the first time this year.

Maybe not. But it felt like forever, so we all went out on the front porch to get some fresh air.

Jack and his doggie. He is doing well with Rosie, not grabbing big chunks of fur, instead patting the dog nicely.

Avery and her dog. The same dog.

Doggie kisses. Or maybe doggie bite, not sure. He didn't come up with a mouth full of fur, so we will call it a kiss.

Haircut

2010-03-14T22:08:00.002-04:00

Avery got her first haircut last week. The bottom pictures if the before, the top, the after, because you know, that makes perfect sense.

Mommy says she did a great job, sat quietly and did as she was told. Our hairdresser Ashley first straightened her hair before she cut it, so that was fun to see. It got its waves back after a bath, but we are both very proud of the what a good job Avery did getting her first hair cut.

Broccoli Boy

2010-03-14T22:04:00.002-04:00

Jack LOVES broccoli. Gobbles it down and demands more.

Snow

2010-02-20T20:49:00.003-05:00

It has been snowing a lot lately so here are some pictures of what we have been doing to keep busy while cooped up inside. There aren't a lot of snow pictures because the kids were sick during 2 out of the last 3 snow storms we have had.

Jack loves to climb inside of Avery's stable, he thinks it is so funny!

Videos

2010-02-15T22:38:00.002-05:00

Jack is learning to walk. This is an example of his early efforts. The curtain was never the same after that.

Us making noise in the kitchen.

11 months

2010-02-12T20:55:00.006-05:00

It's hard to believe that Jack turned 11 months today. He is growing so fast and changing so much. Here are a few things that he likes and is doing now:

He love to crawl and climb things like the stairs, chairs and anything else he can.
He loves to play with cars or anything on wheels. He likes to push them all over the room. Sometimes he will even get the dinning room chairs out and push them around the room.
He has five teeth.
He says momma, dadda and something close to more and up.
He love to eat any big person food and at times refuses to eat baby food :) Which can be a challenge since he only have five teeth.
He can take a few steps toward something and sometimes thinks he can walk much more. (He took his first steps on Feb. 7th)
He cruises along things quickly.
He love his sister and bothering her whenever he can. He always want to join in when she is wreseling with daddy.
He likes to put shapes in their designated holes and is so proud of himself when you tell him what a good job he does. and he love to bounce a ball and can throw it to you when you ask him to.

He is such a happy and determined little guy and I love him SO much and I can't believe he is 11 months old already!

Here are some pictures of Jack and Avery. I'll post more soon.

These pictures are from a trip we took to COSI to meet up with Uncle Chris, Audrey and Henry. They all had a great time. Jack loved the kids area and just wanted to be put down to crawl around. He also loved the smoke match which they had to demonstrate what a cloud is like. He kept trying to grab the smoke. Avery loved the puppets and the little stage they had there.

Henry liked the lions...

Everyone was all tired out by the end and ready to go home.

Picture post

2010-01-22T23:04:00.001-05:00

A whole bunch of photos from the past month.

Avery and Jack looking at the newly fallen snow. Jack loves to look out the window.

Speeding Jack, his normal state.

Avery and her new camera.

Reading. Avery loves to be read to, Jack sometimes.

For a while, Jack would close his eyes when we tried to take his picture, because the camera focus assist light would shine in his face.

Avery getting her jewelry on.

Cheese!

Mom, can I borrow the camera?

I call him the handsome boy.

Videos

2010-01-17T21:27:00.002-05:00

Some videos of the kids, ours and otherwise.

Henry, karate hero.

Jack shaking a box of noodles. He likes little bits of noodles- he likes any "grown up" food.

Christmas, pt 2

2010-01-17T15:08:00.004-05:00

The rest of Christmas, pictures actually taken before the last batch in the previous post. The order is all messed up, but you get the drift. There wasn't really an explosion or anything, just Avery opening her presents. No one was injured.

Christmas, pt 1

2010-01-09T22:43:00.003-05:00

Here are some Christmas pictures. First, Avery in her new Snow White dress. She loves Snow White- we read it every night. I don't know who that unshaved brute in the background is.

Avery in her Christmas dress. Note the little "high" heels. Someone is growing up a bit quick, methinks. But she looks adorable.

My goodness, what a handsome group.

The kids at least.

We went to grandma and grandpas house in the afternoon, and hung with Henry and Audrey. Jack hung with his chair, which he loves.

More soon. The camera with the pics is in the car, and it is cold out.

First Snow of the Season and for Jack

2009-12-27T22:11:00.004-05:00

Last week it snowed a few inches so we all bundled up and headed outside to enjoy the snow. Avery of coarse loved it and made a snowman. Jack liked it as well and really like riding in the sled with his sister.

Pre-Christmas

2009-12-27T21:51:00.007-05:00

So we have been a little behind in posting pictures this month. A lot has been going on and we have been busy. So here is a bunch of pictures that we have taken over the past month leading up to Christmas (which I will post at a later date). They are out of order as you will see the finished gingerbread house that we made before the pictures of us making it, same thing with the decorating of the Christmas tree, oh well, enjoy!

Sometimes the box is better than the present!

Looking back at pictures of Avery, Audrey and Henry as they were babies for a book I made my dad for Christmas, I realized that all of them wore this sleeper so I had to post a picture of Jack in it as well.

The other morning Jack pulled himself up to the coffee table and started drinking Avery's water. You can see by his face it was very cold water.

Fighting already...

This years Gingerbread house turned out much better than last years. This one had all six sides :) Next year I'm buying the kit again!

We took Avery and Jack to sit on Santa lap. Avery did well but Jack wasn't having any part, which is why there is not picture to post. He started screaming the second Santa took him.

This picture was from Thanksgiving dinner at my parents house but I had to post it because Avery looks so grown-up, putting on grammies shoes and everything.

The boy

2009-11-29T21:51:00.003-05:00

Jack crawls. This was done about a week ago, and he crawls even better now.

Jack, just before he is disowned by his father. He learned to shake his head, and does it with great vigor.

Busy Weekends

2009-11-17T21:43:00.006-05:00

The past few weekends have been very busy (really ever since football started) but I am SO glad to say that now this past weekend was the last home game for Ohio State which means Chris doesn't have to shoot them anymore.

Two weekends ago I took the kids to the Veterans Day parade. At first Avery didn't want to go but once she saw a few horses and realized that they were throwing candy from most of the things that past she started to enjoy herself much more!!!
We also found some time to play together, give the dog a bath and had the cousins over for a pajama party. All the kids and me wore our p.j.'s and took turns feeding each other. Then we popped popcorn and watched the Muppets. Fun was had by all!

More Halloween

2009-11-02T22:11:00.004-05:00

We carved a pumpkin for halloween. Avery's interest has decreased even more since last year. She didn't really want to touch the guts, and used the spoon to pull out a single seed before losing interest.

Jack on the other hand, like the pumpkin.

But not as much has he likes his mommy!