Kya's new bike

Thursday night, I went to a presentation called, "Taming the Spirited Child" by Michael Popkin. It seems that Friday Kya needed to demonstrate just how "spirited" she is. The first full day she had this bike she got it taken away after arguments over wearing a helmet and shoes (not flip flops or barefeet); as well as not biking more than half a block in front of me. She loves this bike; through it, she may learn some lessons in responsibility and the importance of listening and following instructions. We'll see, in the meantime it's nice to have her moving faster on her own.

Fairy Water

My sister, Julie, lives in Switzerland. Recently, my parents and sister went to visit her and her husband. I asked them to bring some Sigg water bottles back for the kids as souveniers. This is the one they got for Kya. I love that she asks, "Where is my fairy water?" Rather than, "Where is my fairy water bottle?"

Therin's lastest drawing obsession

Can you guess who these guys are?

We have pictures everywhere!!!

Practicing their wrestling stance

Travis is quite determined to turn Therin into a wrestler. He has begun teaching him a few basic things. Unfortunately, I think Kya enjoys it more and last night asked to practice with her daddy. Travis yells, "Hit it!" and the kids drop to the floor on their bellies and try to get back up as fast as possible. It's quite entertaining.

Visiting the zoo with Granny and Grandpa Doc

So, we went to the zoo about 6-8 months ago with Aunt Ashley and made the mistake of going to the Primate house first. The first exhibit as you walk in are the gorillas. The largest one was walking around upright looking mad. It terrified Kya and we had to spend the next half hour convincing Kya to stay and see the other animals. Since leaving, she has become obsessed with gorillas. This visit the gorillas were the first animals she wanted to see. There was a statue of a gorilla named Samson that had lived at the Milwaukee zoo for 30 years and had died a few years ago. On the way home we were peppered with questions, "Why did Samson die? Why do the animals have to die? Will I die? I don't want to die." Over and over we answered these same questions. That night she fell asleep crying because she was so distraught over Samson's death. I suggested maybe we frame a picture of him to remember him. Thankfully, the Samson obsession has passed!!!

Thanks for taking the picture Aunt Ashley!

Best Buds: Kya and Gabby

Miss Pronunciation

wurm = warm
(Travis is trying VERY hard to get her to pronounce "warm" correctly. He makes her say "WAR!" in a deep, energetic voice; then "mmm." I just laugh.)

sishter = sister (Kya has been expressing interest in a sister recently. We explained to her that if we had a baby, we couldn't guarentee a sister; she might get a brother instead. To which she replied, "Well, we could throw him away.")

elegator = escalator

the beaver = fever (lifts up her shirt and shows me the rash she had with her fever)

Kya started calling me "Mama Shoebuyah" a few weeks ago. I have no idea where she picked this name up but she uses it so frequently, Travis is starting to refer to me as "Mama Shoebuyah" as well.

Visiting the Whites in TEXAS!!!

Kya's first flight (that she remembers). Both the kids did a lot of studying of the emergency manuel on the plane which I found funny! =) Kya asked about a million times, "Are we in Texas?" once we got there.

Enjoying the warmer weather while it's snowing back home. We spent a lot of time outside- biking, hiking, playing at the park and getting wet!

Miss Abby, Kya, Abby, George, Bradley, Therin

The whole gang.

It was great to see our friends-everyone gets along SO well and had so much fun just playing and talking, we hardly left the house! We'll have to save some of the more touristy things to do in Texas for another trip. It was hard to leave-I feel like I'm greiving the separation of the distance all over again. We can't wait to see you again (and maybe meet your new brother or sister =). Thanks for having us!