Lots of new posts

It's been awhile since I've put any new pics on the blog. I guess it's easier to spend an evening doing it after the kids go to bed rather than a few here and there. Bear with me, there are lots of posts added today, the 27th. So while playing with my new iPod, I've updated the blog - enjoy!

Merry Christmas from the Azores. Stacy

All by myself...

Owen decided he wanted to ride his tricycle to the park all by himself today. We let him, but I really wanted to say "no - you can't, you aren't big enough yet!" But yes, he is. Owen can pedal and steer his tricyle without the help from mom or dad (except when we get to the hill). How can this be?
A few other shots from our outing today.


Owen had fun, I guess Paige didn't think it was very exciting.

Sweet Cheeks!

Look at our little girl and those chubby cheeks!

Christmas Morning

Christmas day was very fun in the Solether house this year. Owen knew that Santa was coming but still didn't really understand what it meant. We didn't put out any presents before Christmas morning so needless to say, he was quite excited when he came downstairs. Sesame Street got trumped by presents...who would have thought?

I really tried to get a good shot of the kids together on Christmas morning but it just wasn't working out. Jared said I was torturing Owen making him sit there for a picture with all those presents just waiting...I gave in.


Owen sitting patiently, wondering if it is finally time to open presents!

All dolled up!

Just a few pictures of Paige all dressed up for church on Christmas Eve. She looked beautiful in her pretty purple dress.

Tuckered out!

Last weekend we went hiking and Owen, sticking with his independent streak, wanted to walk as much as he could vs. riding in the back pack carrier. That's okay with us, it wore the little guy out. Owen fell asleep on the way home and looked pretty cute sleeping in his seat, especially with Sadie watching over him.

Getting ready for Christmas

Setting up the Christmas tree was a little easier this year than last...Owen was big enough to help this year. And yes, unfortunately this fake tree did require the use of hammer here and there.
I think Jared would have preferred watching football instead.
The fun part for me, decorating the tree. Owen had fun unwrapping all the ornaments, especially the little train.
The finished product, not too bad.
Yes, the tree topper is the paper plate angel that Owen made in Sunday school and those are cotton balls glued to it. Not sure how long it will last but it works...

I'm a Big Kid now!

Owen has been out of diapers for almost two weeks now and it is great. We've certainly had some accidents, but nothing we can't handle. We are very proud of our big boy (Owen is pretty proud of himself too!)

Owen was on a chocolate high for several days (we use M&M's as a special treat for success in the bathroom) so we decided Craisins would be better. Owen didn't mind that we switched up the rules on him, though he does ask for a big craisin everytime.

For any friends embarking on this potty training business - use Craisins or the mini-M&M's from the beginning! Owen had never really had candy up until potty training, he's certainly had his fill now.

Now we just have to get Paige out of diapers...

Our sweet girl, almost 5 months old

Here are some pictures taken of Paige this month. When we found out we were having a girl I was looking for as much non-pink clothing as I could find...to much pink was going to get to me. Looking at these pictures - I've definately gotten over it. Isn't she adorable!




And of course - the obligatory chubby baby photo...the kid can drool!