Olsingchs

Michael

2011-05-22T23:45:00.001-07:00

Grandma took Michael and Reagan to her Lake Elsinore Women's Club St. Patrick's Day something or other and they had such a good time. Michael wouldn't stop talking about all of the fun that he had at the "women's playhouse".

Michael loves to play with Malia. He enjoys making her laugh, although mom doesn't approve of some of his methods. . .

Michael loves being silly. It is kind of hard to find normal pictures of him because he is normally making faces for the camera. This was our April Fool's Dinner, so silly was definitely allowed.

This is typical Michael. He has always loved the blanket Auntie Sherelda and her mother made for him. He takes it everywhere, and it is pretty much a rag now. He still loves it, but he's started doubling up on blankets. He is all tucked in for bed in the rocker in our room with his animals tucked into their bucket. Somehow he has slept all night in this position. He, at almost 5, still does not understand why he should have to sleep in his own bed. Actually, I think that Malia is the only kid in our family who doesn't complain about being put in her own bed.

And here is Michael super happy on Easter because the Easter Bunny brought him a kite, and a Batman one at that. Michael will be starting kindergarten in the fall and I am excited for him. Though I am looking forward one less head to count for a few hours each day, I will miss him. He is a sweet and sensitive little man, and also lots of fun to be with and listen to.

Kaela

2011-05-22T15:56:00.001-07:00

Kaela is always begging to go to the snow, so she really enjoyed our Utah trip. I don't know how many snowmen she made! Here she is after a fun sled ride with Samara. She's got that cute tooth gap. I miss that. Sometimes she is pulling a loose tooth out before I even realize it was loose.

Kaela enjoying our April Fool's Dinner. She is quite the drama queen. Recently at open house her teacher asked if she is as quiet at home as she is at school. I could not help but laugh out loud, because she is so full of life at home. I'm grateful she remembers her indoor voice at school at least. Her teacher complimented Kaela on being a very sweet girl and a very good student, and I have to agree with her.

Kaela got glasses!! We noticed she was really squinting while reading scriptures at night, and sure enough, she needed glasses for reading. Thankfully she was excited about it and picked them out all on her own. We are grateful that she is such a responsible girl. She takes good care of those glasses.

Here is beautiful Kaela with her Easter stash and new best friend Ping. Kaela LOVES animals and always has a few friends tagging along with her. She is also very thoughtful with her little friends and is quick to share them with little cousins and brothers. She is actually very thoughtful with everything and blesses our family with her gifts of kindness.

Kaela awaiting the tooth fairy. . . again. . .with 2 teeth. . .I borrow money from her. Kaela will finish 2nd grade this week. She has done very well in her class this year and recently received "Student of the Trimester" which was pretty fun for all of us. She never needs to be told to do her homework. She enjoy being outside riding her bike or playing with her brothers or cousins.

Leneah

2011-05-22T15:24:00.001-07:00

Here is Leneah holding Malia on her blessing day. Leneah adores her baby sister and is super helpful with her.

Leneah got braces! She had a retainer for a bit but had one stubborn tooth that didn't fit. We went in for a bracket, and I was surprised to see this smile coming out of the orthodontist office (I don't know much about braces. . .). This was back in January, and they were removed just in time for Easter and STAR testing treats at school. She looked so much older with them on, but we quickly got used to them. She enjoyed all of the fun colors as they changed her bands, but missed gum. That's about all she missed because I wasn't very good at remembering what she couldn't eat. Caramel and lifesavers will break brackets by the way. . .

We took a whirlwind trip to Utah to see cousins and snow, and the kids had a great time. Here's Leneah and Nani enjoying the freshly fallen snow. Leneah LOVES to be with her cousins. She also loved the snow and spent the most time in it of all the family. She learned that snowpants and boots are wonderful.

Leneah REALLY wanted to do a science project experiment this year. It wasn't required, but she was very excited and determined to do so. It fit well into my schedule with 5 children, a very busy husband, and a new baby, so typical Carrie style, we finished it together in the early morning hours, but darn, we did it and had fun doing it. Her experiment involved testing yeast and the temperatures it works best at, inspired by an experiment I did with my mommy about wheat oh so long ago. Leneah did a marvelous job and won first prize for her grade at the school. Typically 3rd graders don't get to go to the District science fair, but they sent her project and she ended up with a 2nd place there! It was so fun for her. Her winning project will be available for a nominal fee next year. . .

And here she is at Easter (note the expensive smile. . .). Leneah will be finishing up 3rd grade this week. She has had a great year and has enjoyed trying new things. She enjoyed mastering handball and tetherball this year and also served on the school student council. It is hard to believe she used to be so shy and afraid to try new things. We love Leneah!

A bit of Catch Up

2011-03-01T22:38:00.000-08:00

Here's a fun generation photo -- Nanny and Dad holding Malia wearing Dad's baby PJs. Pretty darn cute PJs too. Amazing how great of shape they are in being that they are soooooooooooo old. (Dad doesn't check blogs to my knowledge, so I'm safe in saying that). Actually, recently the girls and I were looking at some of Dad's pictures and saw a picture of him in what may be these exact jammies. He was an adorable little baby, but really, what did we expect? The Crippen genes don't always stand out with my kiddos, but I saw Dallin in baby Grandpa. Very fun.

This is just to irritate many of you ice-dwellers. And to show off two darling girls. This was taken on January 16. Hee Hee. My kids dream of going to the snow though. . .

And this is what I get to deal with all day. The job certainly doesn't pay the bills, but what a marvelous job it is!!! I'm highly underqualified. . . They keep me quite busy, but very happy. The boys love their little sister (yes, even Dallin). We were not quite sure how Dallin would take to his new rival, but it was sweet music to my ears when he yelled at somebody who was holding her "Put baby back!!!" He did not want anybody taking his Weah.

Isn't she fun! I agree with Dallin. It's hard to imagine life without this happy face.

Thanks Auntie Amelia!!

2011-01-19T11:14:00.001-08:00

Auntie Amelia the Amazing sent a fun little package for Malia (should've spelled it Melia). She crocheted those cute little shoes and headband! I'm very impressed and grateful. Malia is growing like a beautiful weed. At 6 weeks-ish she was 12 pounds! She is a happy girl with beautiful smiles and coos. One of my favorite things about her--SHE SLEEPS THROUGH THE NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!! I've never had that before, and appreciate it so much because I need it.

Thanks Amers!

Happy Girl

2010-12-12T07:27:00.001-08:00

I finally got one. Malia has been smiling since days old (and I have witnesses--many of them--it wasnt' gas. . .) They are big happy whole face smiles like this one I managed to snag when we woke up this morning. Darn, it makes her look so old. The little butterball keeps growing!

Finally!!!!!

2010-11-29T20:13:00.001-08:00

It's a GIRL!!!!!

Malia Grace Olsingch

9 lbs 13 ozs (just like big bro Dallin)

November 27, 2010

We are so BLESSED!

I truly thought this little gal would have come prior to her due date, but that was crazy thinking. We went in for an induction 8 days after her due date, and though I really wanted to come on her own, I don't think letting her grow any bigger would have been very wonderful for me. She is beautiful (this is definitely not her best photo, poor thing. Labor is probably as much fun for the kiddo as it is for the mom). I am in LOVE.

Our first family photo. The girls came to the room shortly after Malia was born and were SO EXCITED. They would have been excited if Malia had been a boy, but they had been rooting for a baby sister all along. It is fun to have a little girl after the boys, but I keep catching myself calling her little buddy or fella or even, oops, son. Michael is happy with his little sister, but was most impressed with the buttons on mom's hospital bed. Dallin was just not too sure of everything, but gave Malia a few sweet kisses anyways. It's going to be fun to see how they adjust.

Our pretty "little" girl. She's got dark eyes and plenty of hair (on her head, and shoulders, and legs) and the sweetest little lips. Harvey and I have seen a bit of each of her siblings in her, which has been fun.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-29T20:07:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving wasn't quite what I'd expected it to be this year. I imagined I'd be holding my new baby, (NEVER thought I'd still have a bun in the oven. . .). Here's Angie and I and our stuffed bellies. Angie's due at the end of March, so we'll have buddy cousins again. Angie and I have been pregnant together 4 out of 5 of my babies. FUN!!

Mom bought our stubborn little turkey a cute thanksgiving onesie. Ooh--perhaps this should be my first blog give-away or whatever all of those fancy blogging ladies do. Have a baby closest to Thanksgiving next year and it's yours!!

The kid table--notice we were blessed with a visit from the Hopoates this Thanksgiving. They actually raced the forecasted "biggest blizzard ever" to get here and it was so much fun. Thanks for making the trip guys!

We're still here. . .and waiting for #5!

2010-11-14T13:12:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty darn bad at blogging, but here are a few pictures for those of you loyal checkers. We had a fun halloween, even without the trick-or-treating. The kids (AND PARENTS) had plenty of junk to rot their teeth and fatten them up for them the harsh southern california winter.

Dad was running for school board. Here's a picture of Dallin on the campaign trail --Bote por Beepah (Vote for Grandpa)!! We had fun helping out the little bit we did--note the "Stan Crippen for School Board" balloon and punch ball in the background--Dad makes everything fun.

And here's the big kiddos after their church primary program today. They did a marvelous job. I can't believe how big they are getting.

Hopefully the next post will include pictures of the newest Olsingch! He/she's due Friday, though I'd welcome anything sooner.

We're testing out the 2010 Model

2010-05-11T14:08:00.000-07:00

The 2001 model was adorable and so much fun,

We didn't think it could be matched, but the 2003 model was just as wonderful! (Though it did require a bit more maintenance)

We were used to the girl models, but in 2006 we opted for a male version and thought it just couldn't get any better

But the 2008 male model certainly added to our Olsingch family joy. (This picture just makes me laugh)

The more the merrier!!!!! We are sure that the 2010 model is going to be pretty darn amazing.

We'll be welcoming the newest Olsingch sometime in November.

Who do you think he/she looks like?

It's Great to be 8!!

2010-01-09T19:58:00.000-08:00

Leneah turned 8 on December 22 and was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on January 2. It was a fun way to start a New Year, though I am still shocked that my baby girl is that old. She was EXCITED for the big day, as were we!

Apparently, Kaela was EXCITED too. Michael is just a goofball. Every time he's in front of a camera he's got some ridiculous pose. This is mild.

Leneah is a sweetheart. She has grown from our chubby baby to a beautiful, thoughtful, sensitive, energetic little lady. We are so grateful to have her as the big sister and example for her siblings. She is patient and forgiving with her parents as we are learning to raise our kiddos, and we are so proud of her decision to follow the example of our Savior and be baptized.

Another Merry Christmas from the Elfsingchs (yes, we're still alive)

2009-12-13T21:47:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Quiet Times with Cousins

2009-04-11T00:43:00.000-07:00

It's always FUN to get together as a family. Here are 12 of the 22 Crippen grandchildren (plus a darling Gleason cousin) enjoying one another. Sorry, I should have warned you to turn your volume down. If you'd like more of this (it's even better live!), ask me for a calendar of our summer get togethers. We're expecting the Chris Crippens here in CA very soon, the Lows in May, Hopoates in June, and since we don't get to see each other much, a family reunion in July. . .

Bunch of Fools

2009-04-07T09:22:00.000-07:00

Growing up Mom frequently treated us to theme dinners on the holidays, one of our favorites being April Fools Dinner where we ate messy foods with crazy utensils, tried to drink colored water out of cotton filled straws, wore toilet seat cover bibs, ate babyfood squash dressed up as butterscotch pudding. . . Thanks Mom! She's always made everything so fun. I want to be a fun mom too now and then!

Here are the fancy fools waiting for their delicious dinner and the lovely waitress bringing them their first course.

And the meal: the rice crispy sushi was by far the hit, though Kaela devoured two meatloaf cupcakes once I removed the mashed potato frosting and convinced her that it really was the meatloaf she typically loves. The disquise really disturbed her. Leneah was quite surprised that the "dirt" Angie dropped her apples into smelled so good. Could my kids really be this gullible?

Harvey got home from work late and didn't eat his dinner but opted to bring it to work the next day and received a few strange looks. Boring accountants!

Poor Michael

2009-04-07T09:01:00.000-07:00

Pretty sad, isn't it. . .but, everything is cuter smaller, don't you agree? We spent a nice day at Disneyland for my birthday and ended the night having Michael fracture his leg while dangerously walking on a newly dumped pile of crayons on the kitchen floor. Yes, he really lives on the wild side. For all of the crazy things he does (and survives w/out a scratch) he breaks his leg slipping on crayons! Thankfully it isn't a bad break and he will only be casted for 3 weeks. He was quite the trooper through it all and has started hobbling around on his cast the last few days already. We'll be anxious to have him healed up soon. I must admit that it has been much easier to keep up with him, but no fun to put up with his frustrations nor try to give him a bath while keeping his leg dry.

STUFF

2009-03-20T09:50:00.000-07:00

Since I'm not so hot with blogging, he's another random update on the Olsingch Family:

These pictures are to lure many of you snowbirds out here to visit. What did you do at the beginning of March? I'll bet you put your bathing suits on and went outside to wash your car, didn't you? I was looking for some pictures I took in November of the kids playing on the slip-n-slide outside, but couldn't find them though they do exist. It's been almost too hot this week here and I am not looking forward to summer weather yet, but I sure do love our winters!

Here's proof that milk does do a body good.

Here's our little man Dallin. This picture shows Dallin as he typically is. He is just a happy fellow full of smiles for anybody. He just turned 6 months yesterday and sits up so nice and tall and straight. He's got Kaela's good posture. He figured out how to scoot around recently and is very pleased at how accessible things are to him as he scoots around the living room. I found a nice little scrap of paper in his diaper yesterday and could still make out the print "california" on it. Amazing.

And here are our future olympians. Leneah and Kaela started taking a tumbling class and are really enjoying that. I truly impressed them by showing them I could do a pretty good cartwheel. I truly depressed myself by realizing that doing a cartwheel takes a lot more effort than it used to, and though the girls were proud of me, I'm positive it wasn't near as graceful as it should have been. At least I didn't break any bones. . .sorry Amelia.

Michael is really impatient to post.ghddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddwd3333333e34fffffff ygyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfyfygguuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhbgsdbzcfgt4bbfbfcevwssgggggggedgesAtg5tgbqQAZ oiuygfdsattttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttjjgtjgu5yvb54by654gegy63g5t57g86tfvvvvggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggtfgfggggfggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggffffffffffffffffffffffffffffgggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggvuyyhrh4hfhfh

Your guess is as good as mine.

2009-01-19T07:42:00.000-08:00

I missed the best part of the performance, but this was a fun thing to come downstairs to find. Here we come PCC!

Sweet Tooth

2009-01-19T07:16:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure why our kiddos each have such a sweet tooth.

Perhaps Harvey can explain it. If you know Harvey, you know he's got a great passion for food, and he can't wait to share this passion with the babies. Leneah was 6 months old when Harvey braved nighttime with her while I was at girls camp. I was so impressed with him when each evening she anxiously greeted him as he came to the camp to pick her up after work. How did he do it? Tootsie rolls of course. . .Dallin is not yet 4 months old and already I've caught him sampling Harvey's root beer, ramen, ice cream, and, for mom's sake, carrot stick and apple slice. Who knows what he's tried when my back is turned. Thanks Dad!

Leneah's 7!!

2008-12-30T00:15:00.001-08:00

It's very hard to believe that my little Christmas baby is getting so old! It seems like a short time ago we were bringing her home to our little apartment in Saipan. She is a wonderful big sister and is such a sweetheart.

Our Christmas Stars

2008-12-29T23:46:00.000-08:00

In the midst of all the Christmas preparations I frequently found myself needing reminders of what the season is truly for. As I downloaded pictures of Christmas from the camera with the intent of posting some pictures of our Christmas to the blog, I came across these choice shots from our ward Christmas party. Dallin was asked to be the star of the nativity, with Angel Leneah and little mother Mary Kaela watching over him. The girls were so excited for the opportunity, and Dallin did a wonderful job looking adorable in his swaddling clothed carseat manger. I was worried he wouldn't be the peaceful baby we sing about in Christmas carols, but he was impressed with the stage lights, and I'm sure the spirit of the moment and just laid in his manger kicking his cute legs and sucking on his fingers. I love Christmas. I love the lights, the tree, the goodies, the gifts, the songs, the parties. . .but mostly I love the feeling of peace I have as I think of a tiny newborn baby being cuddled by his young new mother, who must have felt so overwhelmed with the knowledge of who her little son was and what he would do for us.

Merry Christmas from the Elfsingchs

2008-12-10T20:10:00.000-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

November Review. . .Mid December

2008-12-10T14:24:00.000-08:00

We had fun celebrating little cousin Reagan's 2nd birthday. Michael (Guygo, as Reagan calls him) and she (Yayen as he calls her) are so much fun. They are best of friends and worst of enemies one minute to the next.

Here's Dallin enjoying the party. He's grown so much in the month, and he's lost alot of his hair

I'm noticing as I write this blog!

Here's Dallin in his blessing outfit--SMILING!!! He's got a very fun smile. It's more like a silent laugh. The best smiles are available at 5am each morning, a special thank you to mom for keeping him happy all night I guess.

Here's Leneah with lost tooth #3. She lost this one at school much to her pleasure because the school nurse has cool tooth necklaces for the kiddos that moms don't have at home. She is going to have a gorgeous and expensive smile in the future because her baby teeth are forced out of her mouth by her impatient adult teeth, which are forced to grow in crooked. Those ought to be some fun bills.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY - O!

We got grandpa his very own baseball team for his birthday. They are the California Cousins, and they are looking to be pretty good. . . in the future. Dad gave the kids some tips and we had alot of fun with him. I remember going to softball games as a kid when dad coached at the high school and it was fun to see him in action again. Isn't he a good looking coach!

Here's Leneah playing catch. This is pre-pointers from grandpa, which would explain why she's got the glove on the wrong hand. We've got some work to do.

Kaela and her invisible bat intently listening to Grandpa's instructions.

Michael looking cute and innocent before he ran off and ran through a nice mud puddle.

The team minus Angie the photographer.

The fun finished with Dejongs Dairy chocolate milk, vienna fingers, and a quick ride through the parking lot in Grandpa's truck.

THANKSGIVING!! The Southwicks went away for Thanksgiving, so it was just us and mom and dad for the feasting. Harvey really wanted to cook underground so we had quite a feast for such a small group, but it was much enjoyed. I don't at all mind when Harvey wants to do the cooking! Here's Michael helping out with the pit.

Dallin's first Thanksgiving

Bringing in the feast. Don't you love our serving dish? It doubles as a fun kiddie ride when not loaded with food. Oh, and you could use it for yard work I guess.

Happy Harvey with the masterpiece. It was delicious!

The hungry family. Nanny was able to come over for Thanksgiving and we were also lucky to have my cousin Shannan and her darling little guy Cai for a visit from Canada, and Sara down from Fresno.

Here's our family with Shannan and Cai. They were here for a week and we really enjoyed the visit. Cai is almost one and is an only kiddo and grandkiddo in Canada. Our kids enjoyed playing with him and even taught him how to throw his first temper tantrum, much to Shannan's pleasure.

And now, our tribute to Disneyland. Our annual passes expired last week, so the kids and I made a few trips alone, and Harvey took a day off so that we could get in our fill until we renew our passes again. . .someday. Yes, I took 4 kids to Disneyland a handfull of times. I'm know that some people thought I was nuts, but we had fun. The kids are good, or I wouldn't even try it. I only lost Michael twice. . .not really.

We won Mickey ears as part of the year of a million dreams. The kids thought that was extra special. Doesn't Harvey look great with big ears!

Dallin enjoys Disneyland as much as any 2 month old can. He sleeps on me for the most part, but this Winnie the Pooh ride actually did interest him a bit.

Harvey flying with Michael and Kaela on Dumbo

My little bugs going to see the Bugs Life movie

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2008-11-27T10:18:00.000-08:00

I think that it is wonderful to have a day set aside especially for being grateful for all that we have. I feel especially blessed to be living the wonderful life I wake up to each day. Today, I am especially glad that I am not a turkey. I'm also grateful for friends and family like you and wish you a wonderful holiday!

Meeting Princess Aubree

2008-11-16T19:17:00.000-08:00

Here's my big brother Chris and his sweet treasure Aubree Nicole. I thought they looked so sweet on the couch. (If you don't know Chris and his family, Aubree is child #7 and girl #1, so she is pretty exciting!) Chris and Sherelda came for a quick weekend visit so we could meet the loooooooong awaited princess.

And here's the princess and our little man. While Chris was here we had Dallin blessed, and Harvey gave him the sweetest blessing. I should be posting pictures of that here, but I don't have them right now. . .Ughh. If you're lucky you'll get to see them sometime.

OOPS!!!

2008-11-16T18:59:00.000-08:00

On the night of November 4th, election night, I was making phone calls for the Yes on Proposition 8 campaign when I answered a call from my husband who was calling to share the news that he had been in an accident. It was the phone call we all dread. . .however, Harvey was laughing as he told me, so I was instantly assured that he was okay, thank goodness for that. If you don't live in CA, you are probably still aware of the HUGE deal this proposition has been here, but doesn't it shock you that someone would intentionally rear-end my husband all because of a bumper sticker?!! No, that is not what happened (though the man that Harvey bumped into told him that was the problem). Somebody couldn't stop in time in traffic and in trying to avoid the car in front of her swerved and sideswiped two cars and then ricocheted off to hit Harv who then hit the person in front of him. Yikes!! He was able to drive the poor car home, but it is considered totalled (it doesn't look so bad in the pictures, but it wasn't pretty). We are so grateful that Harvey wasn't totalled. He's got some back pain that bothers him, but otherwise he is well. For as much as he has commuted in his CA life, I'm grateful he always makes it home safely.

Halloween

2008-11-03T23:29:00.001-08:00

Halloween has come (and come and come and come and come) and gone, and it was busy. We started our holiday fun a week and a half before the fun day with a few costume birthday parties, a school harvest fair, church trunk or treat, and finally trick or treating. It was fun, but truth be told, I am quite happy that November is here. Here are a few pictures of the kids from the trunk or treat. Michael was supposed to be Squirt the turtle from Finding Nemo, but he hardly wore his turtle jacket, and when he did, never wore the hat. Because he has had a few too many terrible two moments lately, I certainly didn't force the issue. He loves his "mumkin andy" (if you need a translation, that's his pumpkin bucket filled with candy), and woke up moaning for it the other morning as he frequently does for a sippy cup of milk. Very fun.

Kaela was going to be the cutest pirate you've ever seen, at least since last year when Leneah was the cutest pirate you've ever seen, but she was set on being a cat. Michael loved having a little cat to take care of.

Here is Leneah dressed up as a good witch. I think that she is too cute to be scary, so we didn't even try.

Here's scary. . . I'd cry too if my mother did this to me. Dallin actually had a cute snugli penguin costume, however, since he wore it only minutes in this beautiful socal fall weather (we reached 100' one day last week) this is the best we can do for this post.

Happy Halloween!

I haven't given up blogging. . .

2008-10-24T14:48:00.000-07:00

We just haven't done much worth reporting around here lately! With Halloween right around the corner, we've got a few events that will be more fun to document, so don't give up on me! I enjoy reading all of your posts!

Here's Boys Night Out (In)

. . .and Family Fun Night!!! I guess I was the party pooper.

It's not much to look at, but our couch sure is comfy.

Growing Dallin

2008-10-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

Here are some more recent pictures of Dallin for those who've been asking for them. At 2 weeks he's up to 10 lbs 1 oz, finally has white eyes instead of jaundiced yellow ones, and loves to eat and sleep. He has even slept 6 hours straight at night on 3 different occasions!!!! I'm so grateful for that. I don't think that Michael did that until, umm, last year maybe. We love having this sweet little baby here in our family.

Kaela's 5!

2008-10-06T09:02:00.001-07:00

Our little Miss Kaela Wailah is 5! (This is a little late I know, but I'm just getting used to this blogging thing) She's a wonderful 5 year old, I must add. She started kindergarten this year and is doing so well, in fact she just got her first student of the month award this month for knowing all of her letters and sounds. It took a few weeks of morning tears to get her used to school, but she now loves it thanks to her marvelous teacher Ms Burke.
She is a great little helper at home and is so full of energy and silliness.

Doesn't she look marvelous? Be grateful this is not a video with sound. . .

One Big Happy Family

2008-09-28T18:39:00.000-07:00

Here's Dallin waiting to meet his sisters and brother. We left them all sound asleep in our bed the night before when we went to the hospital, and they woke a little confused as to why grandma was asleep on the couch and mom and dad were missing. They have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of their little brother and were very excited to come and meet him.
Little Miss Kaela and her baby brother. He looks most like her so far, except for the size issue. Kaela's comment: "I don't want to go to school. I want to stay here all day and hold him."

Mom and kiddos. Michael wanted nothing to do with me, though he was interested in the little baby, but not more than he was into the balloon and mom's breakfast bacon. A VERY happy big sister Leneah and her new favorite toy. Her comment: "I don't want to go to school. I just want to stay here and hold him all day." She actually got half her wish and played hooky with grandma.
Grandpa and his newest grandson. He makes grandchild #20 for the happy grandparents!
And, the birthday girl with her newest birthday present. Happy Birthday Mom and Dallin!

And even more birthday fun!

2008-09-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Family Dallin Yul Olsingch!

September 19, 2008 1:22 am

9 lbs 13 ozs

The fun wasn't over yet. . . Not long after grandma's celebration we started another BIRTHday celebration with the birth of our "little" boy.

Here's the happy grandma finishing Dallin's first bath. Grandma and Dallin will share birthdays! (We celebrated the day before her real birthday at Build-A-Bear) Dallin was born at the hospital mom works at, so we got some royal treatment there, and mom royally treated all of the wonderful nurses on our behalf.
And here's the proud daddy x4. Dallin's got a lot of Daddy in him - Daddy's nose, Daddy's ear lobes, Daddy's upper lip, Daddy's chin, Daddy's eyes, Daddy's hair. . . I think that mommy can take credit for his size and big feet.

And here is the proud and relieved mama x4 and my beautiful new son. His original due date was 9/14/2008 so, though 5 days late isn't bad for our babies, for some crazy reason I thought he might have come early. The delivery went well and I'm glad its over, and now I cannot get enough of my little guy.

More Birthday Fun

2008-09-28T17:13:00.000-07:00

The party continued at our house with a delicious corndog (yes, we went ALL out for this one)dinner and lots of noise.

Cubby helped blow out the candle,
And here are the happy kiddos, ages ranging from 2 to 58 (going on 22, or that night, perhaps 9). Leneah went to bed that night saying it was the best day ever--and it wasn't even her birthday. I hope that mom enjoyed it as much as we all did.
And, grampa makes the night perfect with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, and from the look on mom's face, one heck of a birthday kiss.

Grandma's Bearthday!

2008-09-28T16:29:00.000-07:00

Grandma has really enjoyed getting the grandkids new friends from Build-A-Bear, so we thought it would be fun to celebearate her birthday there. 1 Grammy, 2 mommas, 8.9 kids, and at 8 or so little animal friends filled the store searching for the perfect buddy for Gramma.

It was a very difficult decision, but little curly bear won grandma's heart,

was stuffed with lots of love,

given a nice cleaning by the experts,

and given the seal of approval by a very happy birthday girl.

Welcome to our big family, Cubby Gordon Crippen!