Kaitlyn is 5 Years and Disney World

Okay, I have been dead tired lately, but wouldn't give up a chance to go to Disney World with the kiddos before having three!

Kaitlyn loved it and so did Jackson. She loved riding the Runaway train three times! Jackson loved the Winnie The Pooh play area. The Magic Kingdom was the best. They loved the parades and the shows. They couldn't believe that they got to meet the real Mickey, Minnie, Tigger, Woody and Buzz! It was great.

Here are some pics!
http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?token=929073658805%3A1014491585

Kaitlyn's Early Birthday Party

This weekend, we had an early birthday party for Kaitlyn and her friends. Just a little affair at the house with some friends and family. With all of the parents, it looks huge. Kaitlyn had so much fun being the magician with Toybox the Clown. She was pretty cute and had Kaitlyn do everything. Kaitlyn wasn't shy and just did everything Toybox asked. She laughed at herself too which was so cute to see.

She definitely knew what she wanted and was so excited to open the door to all of her friends. She really enjoyed eating cake with everyone and had her friend, Aditi, from school sit with her.

We go to DisneyWorld Sunday and Kaitlyn is already packing a bag with things she wants to bring for her trip. Brandon is super excited and I am super excited to ride the motorized scooter. Yes, I think I am going to need it as this third pregnancy is certainly wearing me out a lot more than any other. Luckily, I feel big, but not as big as I was with Jackson at the same time.

Lots to Catch Up!

I can't believe I haven't blogged in awhile. I guess about two weeks. It was a wonderful time to stay home this Christmas season as we got to have snow and play in it on Christmas. Christmas Eve was so great to stay home and cozy inside. Brandon even got a little Bailey's to celebrate. Dad had quite a few and I loved seeing him all cozy too. It took a lot to go to Christmas Eve Mass and luckily went at 3 pm before the bad, bad weather. We were almost blown away.

Kaitlyn and Jackson had so much fun waking up in our house for Christmas morning. Kaitlyn kept saying she wanted to wake up first and come jump on our bed. But somehow Jackson knew what was really was going on and woke up at 5:45 am and would not go back to bed. Just around the corner he could see the tree and all that was left by Santa! Kaitlyn woke up about an hour and a half later and was amazed, but she couldn't believe she wasn't first to wake up.

We spent all morning playing with everything and then in the snow. Kaitlyn and Jackson had fun riding her new bike and his new scooter with the neighbor gals. We then spent the next several days just playing games and toys.

The holidays and parties and entertaining wore me out. I feel huge and I am starting to really get all the pregnancy-related health stuff along with getting big. I still can't believe this little guy isn't coming until April!

We are glad to get back into a better routine. We are still out of whack with bedtimes. We let them slide on the holidays and it is definitely hard to get back down on time. Tonight it took about 45 minutes and that is so much better than lately. Jackson did chew through his pacifer over the holidays so he is getting used to going to sleep in a big boy bed and without that. Hopefully, by the time April comes, everything will be working like clockwork.

The Annual Santa Claus Picture

Kaitlyn was super excited to see Santa this year. Jackson didn't want to go near him; except after Kaitlyn had her picture, then he was okay.

It isn't a party until you dance!

Some friends came over for a Christmas Book Exchange this past week. It was fun! Macie McKie asked where the party was when she came over. We think she thought we needed to dance and so did the Duggan gals and Meche kiddos. So after doing a fun craft (really the parents) and eating up, the kids were ready for some dancing! Ah, the joy of laughing and bouncing around! Those are the best times!

Christmas Spirit

Ah, nothing gets you into the Christmas Spirit like making food for friends and family. Today we made some "White Trash Mix" or as I told Kaitlyn, "Holiday Mix." We also put them in pretty boxes. Kaitlyn had as much fun eating it as stuffing boxes.

It Snowed Yesterday

It snowed yesterday! Wow, what a fun morning for us! We just watched and watched and walked around in it. Then it was all done about an hour later. Ahhhh!

Big Boy Bed Time

Today we took off the side of Jackson's crib to make it a big-boy, toddler bed. He does know how to get out of the crib, but really hasn't climbed out often. He is a big boy - over 35 pounds, so putting him in the crib was a big chore for me. We probably could have moved him sooner, but he is just so cute in his bed, and after our Kaitlyn experience, we wanted to keep him in as long as possible.

As Brandon took off the side, Jackson got upset. He thought we were breaking his bed. He didn't want to go near his bed. This afternoon, it was time for a nap and he was ready for sleep. He still wouldn't go near his bed and said that it was broken. I then laid his big doggie in it and started to read to him. We talked about how it is still his cozy bed. He then got in and laid on his doggie. He then didn't want his doggie and I read to Jackson. He stayed in his bed and laid down. He got up once because he wanted another book and then stayed in his bed and fell asleep. Yippeee! The first time went well for him to sleep in the toddler bed. I just hope that this begins a good habit of going to sleep in his bed and not getting out all of the time.

With Kaitlyn, we had a rough time getting her to stay in bed and go to sleep. We moved her when she was 27 months old. We went through several different routines to see what worked best. Bedtime is pretty routine now, but it still takes longer with her because she must have a prayer, story and song before falling asleep. When we moved, we got her a new mattress, but Brandon got a very basic low-grade mattress, we finally traded it in and got her the better mattress. And man, it is so comfortable. That surely will do the trick to put her to sleep fast!!

Next up, Jackson! Keep it up, little man!

Here is a pic of him this afternoon sleeping. Don't know if you can see him well. I didn't want to use the flash.

A little bit silly

We have been focused on wrapping up soccer for Kaitlyn and getting ready for the holidays. Just trying to figure out what to do is crazy. I would love for it to just snow so we could play in it and then get by the fire.

This weekend at the last minute, our neighbor's two high school girls were going to Twilight on Sunday night for the second time and I have been dying to see it so I tagged along. It was great. Even for an evening showing and a small theater, I thought it was packed. They knew a couple of girls who came to the movie and it was their fourth time.

Halloween

Trick or Treat was the phrase of the night. Kaitlyn and Jackson had no idea going up to houses and saying trick or treat would be so much fun and allow them to get tons of candy. We only went up our street and down the next street around the corner and back. In the process, we met several more neighbors and one neighbor across the street gave us a tour of their house. They remodel homes for a living so it was fun to see.

Well, Jackson followed Kaitlyn's lead and she was so excited to watch all the kids running around the neighborhood. One lady had an open house and we could pick out a toy for the kids and a full size candy bar. Needless to say, we picked something for the parents and the kids could have the toy!

I think they had fun just getting out. We went from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. After that, Kaitlyn gave out the rest of our candy to the kids that came by. It was cute how she put a piece of candy in each bag and all the kids used their manners with her to say thank you. I think they were even being extra sweet with her.

Kaitlyn picked out a Snow White costume and Jackson picked out Broby from Yo Gabba Gabba. I think he just liked the green fur! Kaitlyn liked her dress because she could twirl. Of course, Halloween is one of those weird days, but I always had good memories of trick or treating with mom and dad. We all had fun together.

Baylor Homecoming - 100th Anniversary

Yes, we made a little day trip to BU's homecoming this past Saturday! I had been thinking for awhile that I needed to get my Baylor fix! Originally, I was thinking we could drive down early morning and get to the parade around 9 am as it finally gets to campus. Jackson was fighting a little cold late last week so it would be just me and Kaitlyn. We didn't want to drive down by ourselves so I roped my brother and Amy to go with us. Oma and Papa (my parents) went a little earlier than us.

Kaitlyn and I ended up leaving Flower Mound around 7:15 am. We lucked out with a close parking place and walked onto campus right around 9 am. It was perfect weather and campus looked great! We got a place on the curb and caught some candy and saw the floats. The parade was over by 10:15. It seemed a little short this year. A lot of organizations went in together on floats. ZTA did one with ATO. ATO???

We then went over to the Mayborn Museum that is right there on University Park by the old village and alumni center. The museum was pretty cool! If you have little kids, it was a great outing! We spent over an hour there, and that was being really quick. The gal let us in for free, but normally it is about $5 to get in. Kaitlyn really loved it and even said she wanted to have a party there.

We then went to eat. Stephen was craving a gut pack at Vitek's BBQ so we went over there and it is open on Saturdays now. We also stopped by the Baylor Bookstore, and we got a Baylor Claw and I had to get some BU flip flops! I love them!!

We made it back around 4 pm to DFW. Kaitlyn slept the whole time and I think we had a pretty good little day outing! Ah, Baylor! It helped me to get my Bear fix!!!

LAZY BOY!

We were able to get another addition to our living room last week. Brandon's "Lazy Boy" chair. He has some competition for it though. Kaitlyn has been lounging in it all week! And Jackson loves having the couch all to himself!

It's Free and Fun-Pumpkin Style

We went to the Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch. They have tons of silly fun for the kids - pumpkins to pick out, cut-outs, a hay-maze, bounce houses and even kettle corn. We had lots of fun with Emilie, Josh and Julie too.

It's A ...

Well, the latest news with us, besides me feeling ill all the time is that we are having a boy on April 24, 2010. We found out last Friday and we all guessed it may have been a boy, but some thought girl. I knew it when I started craving BBQ.



In other Meche sibling news, Kaitlyn and I went to Mary Poppins. It was a wonderful show and I think Kaitlyn enjoyed it with her friend Kali. Although, Kaitlyn got pretty cranky towards the end. It was a little too long for her, but in the end, Mary flew through the air over the audience and that was fun! Here I am with the kids. This is the best picture I have taken with Jackson. He wanted a picture with me just like Kaitlyn and he smiled on que too. We brought out some toys and things from the attic. The kids have been having a ball with cooking again. We are getting ready for a garage sale Saturday morning! Yikes! These things are a pain, but only if everything doesn't go!!!

Creativity

They say that a child's mind is the most creative between 3 and 5. Kaitlyn's little mind is working overtime. Today, she pretended to be a bunny all afternoon. She stayed in character and ate carrots and drank water. She made her own bunny-home, hopped like a bunny and didn't talk like a bunny. She then proceeded to make a map to her bunny-home.

She helped me fold laundry this afternoon and I think it was her way to get a little more creative with it. We went up the mountain (stairs) to the sticky forest (her room) and then to the secret cave (drawers) to store her clothes. Pretty fun for a 4-year old!

I love it when she is creative. The creative juices are flowing!

Little Jackson - Turning into a True 2 year old

Oh, our little man. Oh, how he is two. His little personality is just coming out in spades. Yesterday, for the first time, he told me to go sit on the couch. He said, "Mommy, sit. Go back." And he was pointing. After I picked up my jaw off the floor, I stepped out of the room. He was hiding so he could go number 2. After that, he came to me and said poopoo. I definitely think I am going to be potty training soon. I definitely don't want to rush it as I would love for the potty training process to take less time with him than it did with Kaitlyn.

He did the same thing today too. He is just so cute cause he has a determined look on his face too. At 35 pounds now, I hardly pick him up. He really is our little man. In Kindermusik class today, if you looked around the room, Jackson was a head taller than the other kids; although, I think some of them are young.

As for our little miss, Kaitlyn just can't wait until she is five. She thinks that she can do a lot more than she can do now, like sit in the front seat of the car. Yeah, but she doesn't realize that Texas has a new law that if you are under 4 ft. 9 inches, you have to be in a booster.

Kaitlyn's First Soccer Game

Calling all sports fans! If you have ever wondered, what 4-year olds look like playing soccer, take a look at some of these pics! We didn't really even know the score until someone asked the ref, but all of the girls had fun chasing and kicking the ball.

I think Kaitlyn loved it because everyone cheered for all the girls and she got to give hugs to the girls on her team when they scored. Brandon had his debut as a soccer coach and I think he was totally nervous. He did great.

We were rushed to find the field because even though we have been in Flower Mound for over 4 months, we just could not find the field or where to park. It was crazy.

The final score was 13 to 12 and Kaitlyn scored five goals. The field is a short little field with a little goal. They play 3 on 3 and there is no goalie.

We decided to try soccer this fall to see if Kaitlyn liked sports. Last year she wasn't too hot on dancing, but she is enjoying kicking the ball around.

Jackson's Birthday Party

Here are photos from Jackson's Birthday Party. He had such a fun time!! He just loved his Elmo party!

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ViewSlideshow.action?&collidparam=38085249805.280172732805.1251831523503

Jackson's Second Birthday

Happy Birthday Jackson!

We can't believe you are TWO! Have a wonderful Day Little Man!!!

We Love You!

Mommy, Daddy and Kaitlyn

Ireland

It has been a week since we went to Ireland. I still don't think I am caught up on sleep or back on Texas time, but that is okay. Ireland was a beautiful country. We spent four days in Dublin and then as the Irish say, "We hired a car to tour the country."

If you have time here is the link to our photos. I cut them down to about 350. A word of caution: I labeled the photos so they are not in order, but I will give you a quick rundown here and that may help with looking at the photos.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=hhuz2tp.4ixt43x1&x=0&y=f12b4m&localeid=en_US&cm_mmc=site_email-_-site_share-_-core-_-view_photos_album

If you see a letter in front of the description of the photo, that is for the day so I can remember which days we did what - M, T, W, TH, F, S. We arrived in Dublin Monday around lunchtime. Our luggage didn't make it with us so we wore the same clothes to the Guiness Brewery and Storehouse ADP in Dublin that night. It was so nice of the hotel to provide us with tolietries and some clean underwear!

On Tuesday we toured the Wicklow Mountains and Powerscourt Estate. You will see these photos at the end of the slideshow. It shows an old monestary where the vikings roamed and St. Patrick and St. Kevin converted the people to Christianity in the early 12th century. They began using a Celtic Cross - the circle around the cross because the vikings worshiped the moon and sun.

On Wednesday, we took a quick tour of Dublin mostly in the bus of Dublin Castle, Trinity College, Christ Church where they were filming the HBO show, The Tudors. We also went to St. Patrick's Cathedral.

On Thursday, we went took the train north to Howth. This little town on the sea sits just above Dublin on the East coast. It was cute and had a long trail around the cliffs just outside of Howth.

Surprisingly, Dublin is pretty modern and Americanized. We heard lots of American music, and they had lots of different restaurants, including tons of Italian. We had Italian a couple of nights to get away from all of the beef and beef stew. Frankie's Italian Restaurant in Dublin has great food.

The pubs in Dublin are a dime a dozen and all very Irish and very ecclectic. We went with three other couples from the ADP Dallas office and one of them brought their five month old baby.

On Friday, we got a rental car and began the drive through the country. We did rent a GPS. It helped us a lot; however, we were confused by it a lot because the maps of Ireland are not totally up to date and it showed us driving off of the roads a lot. Brandon got the hang of driving on the other side of the road and how narrow the roads were. Everyone was very relaxed and it was okay to drive slow, but most people drove fast it seemed like.

We went to Cashel, which is an old Cathedral and Abbey sitting on top of a hill. You will see most of these castles and ruins have towers. They kept a lot of valuables in it - up top and a lot of people would try to hide in the top if the town was attacked. In Cashel, the townspeople all came to this Cathedral when the town was attacked and about 800 people ended up dying here. It had beautiful views and our tour guide there was so Irish. His name was Seamus.

We then drove through Cork, the second largest city after Dublin, and to our bed and Breakfast. This is where you see the sheep pics and garden pics. It was a nice bed and breakfast owned by a really nice family. They had a pub and restaurant down the road, very Irish country and so nice. We also went to the Blarney Castle and I kissed the Blarney stone. That was a little scary laying on your back upside down holding onto bars, but Brandon wasn't going to do it and one of us had to!

Then Saturday we were up early and drove around the Ring of Kerry down in the south, most of our scenic pictures are from here. The Ring of Kerry is just a scenic route through a penninsula with tons of history and scenic stops in towns.

We then made our was to Shannon and to our next bed and breafast. I didn't have any pics here because there really wasn't anything to see. We then went to the Cliffs of Moher and those were really pretty. The wind was strong and has been known to blow people off of the cliffs. We then wrapped up Saturday at the Durty Nelly pub next to the Bunratty Castle.

We left Sunday morning early and our plane was delayed five hours. We made it home after almost 18 hours of travel at 9:30 pm. We were so happy to be home.

The kids were with both grandparents while we were gone and did pretty well. This week has been tough getting back into a routine and Jackson and Kaitlyn do not want me to leave them for long. He did cry this weekend when he saw all the family as I think he thought we were going to leave. But overall, the reports were great and they were very busy with playing!