busy, busy, busy

What a week! It is green-up in Alaska. Green-up is the week that the state transitions from the gross, bare tree, dull Alaska to the gorgeous, green, picturesque landscape that attracts so many tourist during the summer.

It's when Alaskans finally come out of their igloos, take off their fur coats, and shave their beards. More importantly, there's a narrow window to get outside and plant flowers and do yardwork before the mosquitos (and tourist) arrive. In addition to the yardwork, which there will be plenty of pictures in the future, we've been keeping up with our daily walks and even took a bike ride with the girls today. This is a great time of year.

So this little game is called "attack of the babies!" They love to crawl on us. Just lay down on the floor and babies will come from all directions and ATTACK!!

This picture was taken for a couple of reasons. First...Tom got the girls this toy that we couldn't use until...well, now. It's a walker and we've been waiting for the right moment to get it out. Now that they are pulling themselves up on everything, we thought it was the perfect moment to bring it out. They LOVE it!! Thanks Tom.

Second...check out how brave Alyssa is getting. She is now letting go with on hand while standing. She also let go of both hands a couple times but immediately fell down on her butt. She's getting very brave...only a matter of time before she takes her first step!
Happy little babies.


Mom...this was taken when I was talking to you on the phone. Katy had worked her way under the high chair and pulled herself up...another first. Alyssa saw what was going on and had to get in on the action.
Katy playing with the new toy from Tom.
And waving. Notice the blurred hand from the furious waving motion back and forth.
...and proof that we took the girls down to the lake yesterday. Isn't it gorgeous!

a reason to celebrate

After our big walk on Saturday, we threw our friends an engagement party! They are getting married in 2 weeks in Arizona so this was our chance to give them a party from the Alaska friends that can't make it.
Our friend Shaun hosted the party at his house. Lisa and I (mainly Lisa) did the decor and it came out great.
We ordered the plain white cake and Lisa put the flowers on herself. She did a great job.

Shaun is a big wine connoisseur. He provided an awesome spread of wine.
Bride to be (Lisa) kicking off the party.
Lots of outdoor games were played. Cornhole (or Bags...depending on your geographical preference) was a big hit.
What started as a perfect day was interrupted by an untimely rain shower...imagine that...a rain shower at an engagement party for a meteorologist thrown by meteorologists. HMM, go figure.
It didn't last too long and the games resumed.
This is a quality photo of my Lisa graciously losing a spirited game of Cornhole. I love my wife!
Chef Andy grilled up some FANTASTIC wings. It was the first time I'd used this recipe and they came out really good.
THe happy couple practicing for the big day.


I think it went well.
PRESENTS!!
Happy couple.
And finally, one more game of Cornhole before we ran home to the babysitters. Lisa and I took on Sam and Ben. Funny how we lost even though Ben and Sam are both holding wine in their non-throwing hand!!
I blame Sam for the loss...he was making strange noises every time he threw the bean bag.

It was a thrill to throw them this party. We left a little early but it seemed like everyone had a great time. Thanks Shaun for letting us use your house.

The babysitters (3 ladies that Lisa worked with) did great with the girls. It sounded like things went smoothly. Only problem was we came home and there were 2 naked babies running around!!!

just kidding.

March for Babies...a HUGE success!!!

We did it! Thank you everyone that sponsored us. We walked for all of you, for ourselves, for our girls, for the babies yet to be born and need our help. A little hokey, I know but we got pretty emotional today. There were some people who spoke right before the walk began that shared their stories. It brought back memories of our 39 days in the NICU and while we had it relatively easy, many of the babies around us didn't. It reminds us of how fortunate we are to have our girls and for them to be as healthy as they are today.

So Saturday was GORGEOUS! It was the first real sunny day in more than a week and probably the 2nd warmest day so far this year. Here's Lisa checking on the girls before we got underway. The starting point is a mile or two away from downtown Anchorage.
The girls did fantastic. They slept off and on but never complained....they had a great time.
I'd guess maybe 150-200 people showed up including....
The governor of Alaska and her 1 month old baby who was born early and I believe was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. It was great to see her there.
Getting under way.
We had 4 people join us for the walk. Shaun and Sam (friends from work) and my boss' boss and her friend. She also brought along her twin 3 year olds who were also born premature. They spent about 4 weeks in the NICU.
Laura and her twins and her friend Chris (I think).


Lisa and Shaun talking about....the beautiful weather, probably.

The proud parents sporting their Walk for Babies shirts.
Lisa taking a breather and sucking down a delicious Capris Sun.
The girls soaking up some vitamin D.
Shaun and Sam. Thanks guys for coming out and walking with us. (these guys are weird)
Another quality photo of the happy family.
Lisa and Laura sharing stories about being mothers of twins.

Group photo.



Thank you for helping us raise over $1400. Our "Touched by Twins" team raised over $4000!!!! Thanks for making this a huge success!

LAST DAY TO DONATE!

If you've been putting it off, now is the time to donate. $10...$20...whatever you want to give. It's going to a great cause.

I'm going to exploit my cute little baby girls. We're raising money right?...so here are some cute baby girls.