Austin...is a BIG boy!

I think I can officially say we are finished "potty training"!! Woohoo!  We tried last summer without too much success, and then decided to wait til he turned three to try again.  So, around Christmas time we took it up again, and it went SO much better and much smoother.  He was definitely ready this time, which made such a difference.   Nate and I were talking the other day, and we both agreed, "Wow, that was way easier than we thought it would be!"  So, glad it worked out that way, and I didn't push him before he was ready (even though I was ready!).
Austin also just finished his first "round" of swim lessons.  He has a long way to go, before he is actually a swimmer, but I'm so glad we did the lessons.  He had so much fun, and it was really nice for him to learn from someone other than one of his parents! 
That's about all that is going on in his little world...!  Oh, and he is trying to give up his naps. :( Ugg...

Chloe, 11 months...

Chloe at 11 months...
Chloe is growing up right before our eyes, and we love getting to watch her.   She is quite the determined little girl, and so strong.  We think if either of our kids ends up being a gymnast it will certainly be her!
*She has discovered her new love of toilets and of course toilet paper, and loves to make plenty of messes for Momma to clean up.
*She finally started on a few consistent bottles in the past couple of weeks, and I love it (and so does she!).  I love feeding her a bottle, I guess since I've never done it before(?), but it is so nice to be able to feed her in public!  What is not nice though, is the price of formula.  Goodness...how does anyone afford to buy that for a year? 
*Chloe has started "cruising" around on the furniture, and also recently started climbing the stairs.  She is really good at the stairs, and so far hasn't wavered once on them.
*She finally got her first tooth last weekend!! Woot, woot!
(Its her top left canine tooth).  
*Chloe wears 12-18 month clothes...

Kincaid Park

We went to Kincaid park last Saturday for a quick little outing.  It was really cold and windy that day, so we didn't stay out long.  We pretty much just ran in and out of the warming house to take pictures. 
**On the way home we saw this guy snow boarding with a kite...doesn't that look like fun?  Ah, the things you will see on the side of the road in Alaska. :)  Love it.

Downstairs Bath redo...

We've been busy doing some updates on our bathrooms.  Here is a quick peak at the downstairs bathroom.   We framed the mirror, replaced the countertop, sink, and faucet, painted the cabinet, and tiled the floor.  I love how quickly bathrooms can look so much better.   I wish I had a before picture, but they are all on my laptop, which is currently "in the shop".  Now we are working on A's bathroom!!  By the time we get done making this house "pretty" we will be putting it up for sale. :(

Favorite Pics of Hawaii, Part One...

We had a wonderful vacation with my whole family.  We all met up in Hawaii the week before Christmas and soaked in the sun to our little hearts content.  It was WONDERFUL, especially coming from the freezing cold state of Alaska. :)
Pictures are as follows...
1. Hiking up to the Lighthouse.
2. Looking down at the Lighthouse.
3. Christmas tree Hawaii style.
4. Nate and Austin resting in the park.
5. Waimea Falls. 
More to come soon!