A Sick Picnic

The whole house is sick, except Dixie, but we couldn't resist enjoying the beautiful day by playing baseball in the front yard and a picnic... a sick picnic.

We had a (nowhere near) delicious meal of plain noodles and water. I don't think the kids ate more than 2 bites and 5 minutes later I was hauling all of the gear back inside.

Yeah, time to pack up. At this point, things could only go downhill!!

Spring Wonderland

Who needs a winter wonderland when you can have a spring wonderland?!?!

Zach and I had a good time playing in the snow this morning. He was so excited that we had to play in the snow BEFORE breakfast!!

Welcome, Spring

The first day of spring brings... SNOW!!

I'm a Fireman

Saturday morning conversation.

Zach: Look, mommy. I'm a fireman.
Mommy: No. You're just a silly boy with a bucket around your neck.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Daddy and I took the kids to the park for some quick playtime after school today. Both kids seemed to have a really good time. Lainey especially enjoyed going down the slide in my lap; she would squirm and giggle the whole way down.

I hope that everyone has a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day!!

New Fireplace - Yippee!!

When we were searching for a house to buy, I would make notes on the MLS sheets that the realtors provide so I could discuss them with Sal in the evenings. The comments for our house included big kitchen, floor to ceiling windows, a lot of plant ledges... and UGLY GREEN TILE around the fireplace.

Well.... I'm so pumped to say that Sal has built a beautiful new fireplace and the ugly green tile is gone forever!!

Beginning: Notice the shelf, not a mantle, and the UGLY GREEN TILE!!

Work in Progress:

Grand Finale:

Way to go, Daddy!! It looks absolutely great!!

Alaina's 12-month Appointment

We (finally) had Lainey's 12-month well child appointment on Friday.

Here are the stats:
Weight: 19lb 1oz (11%)
Height: 29.25" (40%)

The doctor feels that Lainey isn't gaining enough weight, so we need to return to formula and have a follow up weight check next month.

Alrighty, girl... eat and drink up!!

February... where did you go?

Holy smokes!! I can't believe that it has been nearly a month since I posted anything!! But the month long hiatus is now over since the Olympics have ended (sniff, sniff), we're home from vacation in South Dakota and things have almost returned to normal.

I hope the following photos will get everyone caught up with The Ribauls.

Zach and Lainey at the park. Zach has a new found obsession with sticks.

Zach and Lainey are ready to travel to Grandpa and Grammy's house.

A quick photo session with Great Grandma (aka GG). It was impossible to get everyone looking at the right camera at the same time, but I still think the pictures turned out great!! It was wonderful to spend a few days with GG before she returned home to Harlow, North Dakota.

Skiing at Terry Peak. I don't think I've been skiing in 12 years and had a blast!!

Dinosaur Hill in Rapid City. It was so windy and cold at the top of the hill, but Zach still managed to smile for some photos. Lainey stayed bundled up in the carseat... sleeping like a little angel.

We've had some changes at school also. Zach moved to the Preschool room and Lainey is now on the Older Infant side. We are very excited for the change!! Today is their official new day, but Zach spent all of Friday in his new class to help with the transition. This is the Happy Gram that he received: "Zachary had a great first day in his new class. He buddy up with Wesley. Welcome to Preschool Zachary."