Home Video

Most of the time, taking videos of kids ends up being a video of a whole lot of boring stuff with maybe one funny thing mixed in. But, the one funny thing usually makes up for the not being able to keep them in the frame, having them stop doing the cute thing they were doing right before you pushed record, etc. This is one of those videos. Katie had her friend Katy McClain over here the other night, and they were dancing to music. Of course as soon as I started recording, they both split and ran out of the frame, but the whole thing was worth it to get the simultaneous head banging when the chorus of the song started. It only lasts for a second, but it is so funny!

Sisters

They look more and more like sisters every day! When Olivia was first born, I didn't think that she and Katie looked much alike, but the older she gets, the more I think they look like each other.

Stephenie Meyer

While we're waiting for Breaking Dawn to come out in August, and the movie Twilight to be released in December, Stephenie Meyer has a new book coming out next month that sounds interesting. You can read excerpts from it on her website here. I'm looking forward to checking it out!

Play Dough

Katie and I made play dough the other day. We got it all made, and I was so excited to play with her and make cool stuff. But, then I didn't have any great ideas! So, we made a snowman even though it's April since rolling balls is the easiest thing to do with play dough, and we made a flower. By then, my creativity and Katie's attention span were gone! It was really easy to make though. All you need is:

2 cups flour

1 cup salt

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

3/4 cup water

food coloring if desired

Combine the flour and the salt. Add oil and enough water for a clay-like consistency. If you want to add food coloring, mix it in with the water before adding to the flour and salt. Add water a little at a time until the mixture is pliable but not too sticky. Mix and knead slightly.

Friday: Review

Looking back over last week's photos was so much fun and a good way to re-live all the fun we had. My dad and I swapped camera memory sticks before they left and got all of each other's pics - here's some more of my favorites from the week!

Thursday: The Museum of Flight, Steamer's, and Mom's Birthday!

Last Thursday, we went to the Museum of Flight and got to tour an old Concord jet and Air Force One. So cool. There were so many fascinating things to see inside the museum as well.

One of the most interesting things to me though was the Air Force One that they had on display. It was one that had been used during the time that JFK was president, and it talked about how Jackie Kennedy had redesigned the look of Air Force One - is there anything she didn't redesign while she was first lady? Pretty impressive.

Then, we had lunch at an old favorite, Steamer's, down at the waterfront.

And surprised my mom with a cake for her birthday. Happy Birthday!

Wednesday: The Tulip Festival

Last Wednesday, we drove up to the Skagit County Tulip Festival. It was so beautiful! We all had a great time. Next year, we will be wearing rubber boots however! We weren't prepared for all the mud and Katie was bummed that we wouldn't let her run through the puddles like all the other kids were doing!

Patting the flowers - she was kissing them too, but I didn't get a picture of that!

As part of the tulip festival, the local Kiwanis Club was serving a salmon dinner, so we went there to eat.

And Katie played at the playground with her uncles!

And I got some gorgeous "Dynasty" tulips - they're only now starting to look a bit faded!

Tuesday:The Aquarium

On Tuesday of last week, we went to the Seattle Aquarium. Katie was a little unsure at first, but ended up loving the fish and all the other fun things to see.

Hoop Dee Do

I LOVE these bulletin boards - such a cute idea! I'm thinking a few of these would help me de-clutter my desk and make the wall above it look darling too. Check them out here.

A Week Ago on Monday

With last week being so eventful, I thought that this week, I would post about what we did each day a week ago. Last Monday was crazy with Michael working and me taking some time out of tourist-type activities with the fam to clean house and take the girls to Liv's doctor's appointment. (shots - yuck.) We all met up for dinner though at the Cheesecake Factory. If you haven't tried the Tuxedo Cheesecake yet, you haven't lived - trust me!

While Michael and I did the mundane things, my family did the Underground Tour in downtown Seattle.

Here's my cute brother Kevin in Pioneer Square. I love downtown Seattle - I think it's so pretty.

And here's the whole gang at The Cheesecake Factory.

Catching Up

Wow. Last week was so crazy busy! I have so much to catch up on. I'll start by saying that Olivia's blessing day went so well (aside from the fact that she cried through the whole prayer, but Michael did an amazing job anyway!) It was so wonderful to have the family members who came to support us there and we want you to know how much it meant to both of us that you chose to take the time out of your busy lives to come and show us your love and support. Here's Liv's blessing day in pictures!

Busier Than a One-Legged Man in a Butt Kicking Contest

Well, Michael is home at last - hooray! It has been sooooo nice to have him back. The girls just adore him and love having their daddy back. I got my hair done, and it's been nice to have an actual hairdo again!

The cursed painting job is finally finished, and I really like the way it turned out. I was ready to throw the paint can out the window towards the end though!

a before shot...
and after...

The family is all coming into town for Olivia's blessing day tomorrow and we are excited. Michael's parents arrived yesterday and took us all out to dinner, which was so fun.

Katie LOVED her macaroni and cheese!

My family is driving up today and should be here by this evening. We have a fun week planned. More to come....

I Think I'll Move to Australia

Ever had one of those days? Yeah, I had one yesterday. I could really relate to Alexander. So, I'm going to get my hair done today to make myself feel better. It's been long over-due!!! I guess you're always going to have days like this every now and then...even in Australia.

Method

I've jumped on the bandwagon on this one. Love this stuff.

Durtschi Family Album

I started a family blog that only has family pics on it for the grandparents and such, but it seems like a lot of people are having a hard time getting in to see it, so I decided to bag the whole private thing so everyone can see it. Boo on complicated is what I say. If you want to see it, click here. Disclaimer: it has music, so if you're at work, or have a sleeping child and are trying to be stealthy, or just hate listening to other people's music, turn your speakers off before you link to it! I just couldn't resist.

I'm Impatient, Can You Tell?

2 more days...

Note: I should have added that this photo was taken by Bob Boyd - one of the most amazing wedding photographers ever...I will do a post on him later. Thanks for the reminder Bonnie! And Jenni - more pics to come!

Too Cute

I LOVE the cute crib sets from the new Gap Home Line.

The Countdown Has Begun

Only 4 more days 'til my baby's back home! Hooray!

I Have a Dark Side...duh duh duh.

This was unexpected! I saw this on Lisa's blog and was curious what flavor I'd end up. I guess I'm more unpredictable than I thought!




Find out your flavor here.