Wednesday, January 2, 2013
1/2/13
Today we celebrated Emily's 5th birthday. She requested a dinner of chicken nuggets and french fries, with ice cream for dessert. She got to do pretty much whatever she wanted, which included skipping rest time in lieu of watching her Felicity (American Girl) movie, having a lot of chocolate milk, and opening another round of presents. We love you, Em!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
1/1/13
This year, my resolution is to capture our everyday life in snapshots, and upload the pictures to our blog. I have no idea who will be interested, or if I can really keep it up, but it seemed like a good goal. To start things off, here is a picture of the girls after they have "helped" me bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies!
Monday, December 24, 2012
Merry Christmas
It is Christmas Eve and after a long drive back to Pittsburgh last night, Sophie woke up this morning, ate breakfast, and just spoke her longest sentence yet. She is repeating it like a mantra.
"I can't wait open presents. I can't wait open presents!"
Merry Christmas!
"I can't wait open presents. I can't wait open presents!"
Merry Christmas!
Friday, November 16, 2012
Happy 2nd Birthday Sophie!
Dear Sophie,
Two already?! How did that happen? Just today I was recounting the story of how we packed up our entire house and moved two states away when you were only three weeks old. Telling that story makes me feel like superwoman, and also like I might be a teensy bit crazy. Why would someone voluntarily do that? But I digress. When I was talking about that time period, it didn't seem all that long ago. Yet when I look at you, in all of your spirited, toddler glory, there is no denying that you no longer even remotely resemble that newborn who travelled to Pittsburgh with us two years ago.
Sophie, let me begin by saying that you possess a lively spirit. All someone has to do is look in your eyes - at the way they positively glow when you smile, or when you're being chased, or when you have just stolen something that you know you shouldn't have - and your exuberance for life is abundantly clear. But this spirit also means you have a strong opinion on, well, almost everything. At home, you're not shy about letting us know when you feel something is not going your way. Oh the squealing sounds that you can make! I feel certain they would rival a stuck pig. In other people's care, though, you seem to be slightly more amiable. At church, where you play three morning a week while I work, they ADORE you. They tell me of your kindness, your empathy, your intelligence, and your enthusiasm. And I believe them, for I have seen these things too. But they do not believe me when I mention the squealing, Sophie Grace.
You never stop, and while I know people say this about most little kids, it seems even more true for you. You conquer physical feats that continue to surprise and amaze me; walking down steps with no railing, climbing up slides, hanging from tree branches, turning every curb into your personal balance beam, outrunning kids older than yourself, and once, climbing out of your crib when you were not happy about being placed there for a timeout. Thankfully, that feat has not been repeated. I will not be at all surprised if you excel in a variety of sports later in life, my little monkey. You love to sing, to dance, to jump (you'll follow me around sometimes, saying "I hopping!" over and over again), to color, to swing, to read. But most of all, you love to do whatever your sister is doing. You're learning about sharing, though we've got a long ways to go.
Some of my favorite things about you are the way you'll read books with me, almost always finishing a sentence if I stop. I love the concern that you show when anyone else is upset, frequently being the first to comfort your sister. I love the way you sing every word of "Silent Night" and "Jesus Loves Me" with me when I am putting you to sleep. I love that you sleep almost twelve hours at night and still usually take a two hour nap during the day. I love that you have a passion for footwear, often changing your shoes several times a day before settling on yellow and pink polka dot rain boots. I love the way you giggle, the way you frown, the way that you yell "I gotch you!" after you tag me. I am so thankful that God chose me to be your mommy, and I will always, always be there for you. Happy second birthday!
Love,
Mommy
Two already?! How did that happen? Just today I was recounting the story of how we packed up our entire house and moved two states away when you were only three weeks old. Telling that story makes me feel like superwoman, and also like I might be a teensy bit crazy. Why would someone voluntarily do that? But I digress. When I was talking about that time period, it didn't seem all that long ago. Yet when I look at you, in all of your spirited, toddler glory, there is no denying that you no longer even remotely resemble that newborn who travelled to Pittsburgh with us two years ago.
Sophie, let me begin by saying that you possess a lively spirit. All someone has to do is look in your eyes - at the way they positively glow when you smile, or when you're being chased, or when you have just stolen something that you know you shouldn't have - and your exuberance for life is abundantly clear. But this spirit also means you have a strong opinion on, well, almost everything. At home, you're not shy about letting us know when you feel something is not going your way. Oh the squealing sounds that you can make! I feel certain they would rival a stuck pig. In other people's care, though, you seem to be slightly more amiable. At church, where you play three morning a week while I work, they ADORE you. They tell me of your kindness, your empathy, your intelligence, and your enthusiasm. And I believe them, for I have seen these things too. But they do not believe me when I mention the squealing, Sophie Grace.
You never stop, and while I know people say this about most little kids, it seems even more true for you. You conquer physical feats that continue to surprise and amaze me; walking down steps with no railing, climbing up slides, hanging from tree branches, turning every curb into your personal balance beam, outrunning kids older than yourself, and once, climbing out of your crib when you were not happy about being placed there for a timeout. Thankfully, that feat has not been repeated. I will not be at all surprised if you excel in a variety of sports later in life, my little monkey. You love to sing, to dance, to jump (you'll follow me around sometimes, saying "I hopping!" over and over again), to color, to swing, to read. But most of all, you love to do whatever your sister is doing. You're learning about sharing, though we've got a long ways to go.
Some of my favorite things about you are the way you'll read books with me, almost always finishing a sentence if I stop. I love the concern that you show when anyone else is upset, frequently being the first to comfort your sister. I love the way you sing every word of "Silent Night" and "Jesus Loves Me" with me when I am putting you to sleep. I love that you sleep almost twelve hours at night and still usually take a two hour nap during the day. I love that you have a passion for footwear, often changing your shoes several times a day before settling on yellow and pink polka dot rain boots. I love the way you giggle, the way you frown, the way that you yell "I gotch you!" after you tag me. I am so thankful that God chose me to be your mommy, and I will always, always be there for you. Happy second birthday!
Love,
Mommy
Monday, September 17, 2012
Emily's First Camping Trip
Dear Emily,
We just got back from your first ever camping trip, something we had both been looking forward to for a long time. We originally thought of camping in the backyard, but finally decided to just do it right and go real camping, which brought us to Ohiopyle state park. We set up camp, put on our adventure hats, and set out to find some fun.
Our first adventure was to Cucumber Falls, which looked a little dry this year, but still very nice.
We dipped our feet in the mighty Youghiogheny, and watched a few kayakers take on the rapids.
Next we went into the town of Ohiopyle to see the sites, walk along the river, and visit the famous Ohiopyle falls, which is much more impressive in person.
After a long afternoon of adventures, we went back to camp, where you learned how to build a fire, which you thought was pretty cool. However, once the fire was lit and roaring, it took quite a bit of coaxing to convince you it was OK to get close. This was worked out fine while you helped me prepare the potatoes and I did the cooking. After dinner we stretched our legs with a quick drive to Baughman's rock, and then back to the campground as it got dark. Your extreme caution regarding the fire became a problem when you wanted to roast your marshmallow for s'mores (something you had been excited about the whole day), but did not want to get within arm's reach, stick's reach, or arm+stick's reach of the fire. Eventually, we worked it out, and you had a great s'more. After that, it was off to the tent for stories and sleeping. It was quite chilly outside, getting down to the low 40's, but we stayed cozy warm in our sleeping bags and blankets.
The next morning you and Emily (your new favorite doll) had power pancakes with me before our hike.
You were quite excited about hiking, especially reading the signs and finding things in the woods. We hiked from our campground over to the Great Allegheny Passage trail and Ferncliff Peninsula Natural Area, which was quite a long hike for you (you got a few rides on my shoulders to get up some big hills at the end).
We picked flowers, told jokes, threw sticks in the river, took in some breathtaking views, and just enjoyed God's creation. You even told me: "Daddy, I think God's creation is really good over here".
By the end of it all, you were tuckered out. We got in the car for the drive home, and as soon as you finished your peanut butter sandwich, you announced you were going to take a nap. A few minutes later, when I pointed out a nice view, you said "Are you talking to me? I'm trying to take a nap". I quickly apologized. Over an hour later, you woke up and announced that you were only halfway done with your nap.
Even though it was only one night, we both had lots of fun, and I really enjoyed spending quality time with you. When we got home, we both agreed that we should go again. I hope this is the start of many more outdoor adventures.
Love,
Daddy
We just got back from your first ever camping trip, something we had both been looking forward to for a long time. We originally thought of camping in the backyard, but finally decided to just do it right and go real camping, which brought us to Ohiopyle state park. We set up camp, put on our adventure hats, and set out to find some fun.
Our first adventure was to Cucumber Falls, which looked a little dry this year, but still very nice.
We dipped our feet in the mighty Youghiogheny, and watched a few kayakers take on the rapids.
Next we went into the town of Ohiopyle to see the sites, walk along the river, and visit the famous Ohiopyle falls, which is much more impressive in person.
After a long afternoon of adventures, we went back to camp, where you learned how to build a fire, which you thought was pretty cool. However, once the fire was lit and roaring, it took quite a bit of coaxing to convince you it was OK to get close. This was worked out fine while you helped me prepare the potatoes and I did the cooking. After dinner we stretched our legs with a quick drive to Baughman's rock, and then back to the campground as it got dark. Your extreme caution regarding the fire became a problem when you wanted to roast your marshmallow for s'mores (something you had been excited about the whole day), but did not want to get within arm's reach, stick's reach, or arm+stick's reach of the fire. Eventually, we worked it out, and you had a great s'more. After that, it was off to the tent for stories and sleeping. It was quite chilly outside, getting down to the low 40's, but we stayed cozy warm in our sleeping bags and blankets.
The next morning you and Emily (your new favorite doll) had power pancakes with me before our hike.
You were quite excited about hiking, especially reading the signs and finding things in the woods. We hiked from our campground over to the Great Allegheny Passage trail and Ferncliff Peninsula Natural Area, which was quite a long hike for you (you got a few rides on my shoulders to get up some big hills at the end).
We picked flowers, told jokes, threw sticks in the river, took in some breathtaking views, and just enjoyed God's creation. You even told me: "Daddy, I think God's creation is really good over here".
By the end of it all, you were tuckered out. We got in the car for the drive home, and as soon as you finished your peanut butter sandwich, you announced you were going to take a nap. A few minutes later, when I pointed out a nice view, you said "Are you talking to me? I'm trying to take a nap". I quickly apologized. Over an hour later, you woke up and announced that you were only halfway done with your nap.
Even though it was only one night, we both had lots of fun, and I really enjoyed spending quality time with you. When we got home, we both agreed that we should go again. I hope this is the start of many more outdoor adventures.
Love,
Daddy
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Summer Isn't Over Yet
It's been a busy few months here at the Plantinga household, and we've neglected to keep the blog up to date on all sorts of things from vacationing in Michigan with the kids (and in Hilton Head without the kids), to visiting Kennywood, swimming lessons, Emily's first day of school, and a slew of other things that I am probably forgetting.
Tonight was a warm September evening, and it wasn't anything momentous, but it was special. It was special because we all ran outside after dinner, forgot about the dishes and spent two hours running around truly enjoying one another and the last of the warm weather. I may not have written about some of our milestones this summer, but we'll probably naturally recall many of them. Nights like tonight, though, would be easy to forget. So instead, here are some pictures.
Tonight was a warm September evening, and it wasn't anything momentous, but it was special. It was special because we all ran outside after dinner, forgot about the dishes and spent two hours running around truly enjoying one another and the last of the warm weather. I may not have written about some of our milestones this summer, but we'll probably naturally recall many of them. Nights like tonight, though, would be easy to forget. So instead, here are some pictures.
This girl can really catch some air.
Sure to make grandmothers everywhere a little queasy.
Dancing in the backyard, such an expressive little girl.
Her bright smile is because she just completed a somersault on her own.
Friday, May 11, 2012
A Day to Remember
This past Sunday was definitely a day to remember in my book, one that I had been looking forward to with anticipation for weeks. And it didn't disappoint. The day started early, as I had to set my alarm for around 5:30 a.m. in order to battle traffic and road closures to make it to the start of the Pittsburgh Half Marathon. I had trained hard for this race, and was planning to run a lot of it with my awesome friend, Sara. We started off fast (too fast, as it would turn out) and cruised along at a stellar pace for the first 8 or 9 miles. Sadly, the combination of sunshine + warm temps + hills eventually took their toll and we both slowed considerably in the final miles. Also, mile 12 was totally uphill. That's just cruel, course designers! I had really wanted to finish in under 1:50 and despite passing the 1:50 pace guy on my sprint (okay, fast jog) to the finish line I clocked in a few seconds over that. Still, I had a blast and my time was significantly faster than last year. Now to attack my PR of 1:44...
After the race, I drove home, showered, and ate and drank as much as I could cram in before getting in the car again to drive to Hershey, PA to meet my favorite band, Lady Antebellum. I am so glad that you don't have to stand up to drive, as my legs were definitely protesting all the movement at this point. I stopped to pick up my sister (who offered to come along the night before a final exam - who is this person?) and we hit the road again. I was able to meet all the members of the band, ask them a few questions, and just hang out for a bit. They are amazingly wonderful, and the whole experience was one I will not soon forget. A big shout out to Eric and my mom for covering childcare for the girls so I could make this happen!
.JPG)
After the race, I drove home, showered, and ate and drank as much as I could cram in before getting in the car again to drive to Hershey, PA to meet my favorite band, Lady Antebellum. I am so glad that you don't have to stand up to drive, as my legs were definitely protesting all the movement at this point. I stopped to pick up my sister (who offered to come along the night before a final exam - who is this person?) and we hit the road again. I was able to meet all the members of the band, ask them a few questions, and just hang out for a bit. They are amazingly wonderful, and the whole experience was one I will not soon forget. A big shout out to Eric and my mom for covering childcare for the girls so I could make this happen!
.JPG)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)