Flower Arranging!

Beauty Prep

Here's the groom getting a few pointers from his brothers...
And the bride applying some finishing touches in the lovely daycare bathroom!
Here is the pre-wedding Elena...
There is no stress in Christine's face. I am muttering...you have 8 minutes to produce a gorgeous updo!

More wedding fun!

In October, we were blessed to be able to be a part Jesse and Angie's wedding as a family. We would like to thank them for planning the wedding on a weekend that was a 4 day break for Kevin. Also, we are requesting that no weddings/birthdays/anniversaries/births be planned until after Feb 2010 (okay, just kidding about that part)! Our entire family crashed at the Carlson/Chan Household for 2 very busy days. That was the weekend we transformed into flower arranging, hair updoers, dress fitters, seamstresses, photographers, models, and party planners. NO ONE was given a moments rest, except apparently, Al, who we caught on a few occasions, not only watching TV, but also, getting a massage? Okay, so in all fairness, you can see we caught him working from time to time as well.

Quiet time for mommy...

I finally caught up on the cleaning. Although never ending, I felt I could sit for a moment. I positioned a chair in direct sunlight and curled up with Lori's cookbook. I'm not sure she meant for it to be read as a novel, but it is perfect for my attention span. Lucy was within hands reach...playing with Kevin's chess set. The girls think this is great, it has a ton of potential for creativity. Hope Dad doesn't mind... One moment she is there, the next moment...gone. "Hi Mommy, I am cleaning my arms with soap (and face, and shirt and pants...its not soap, its lotion). 2 days in a row Lucy has gotten into lotion. She is so quiet about her little escapades, and typical discipline doesn't seem to set in yet. It quickly became naptime for Lucy...

A few more...

Elena and Me

Precious Lucy

Couple thugs we found on the street...

More unedited portraits

Eric and Rachel

The girls in age order: Lucy, Elena, Abby, Maya and Kayla

Kevin and Me

Sisters: Kayla, Maya, Abby

Youngman Portraits unedited

Mom with her kids

Me and my older brothers

Oldest and youngest cousins, Kayla and Lucy

The Kiss

Everyone!

Some unedited Youngman Family Portraits

Kevin, Emily, Elena, and Lucy

Eric and Rachel

Rachel, Emily, Tanya

Elena

Grandma, Great Grandma, and the girls

The Steps

This is Elena in 2004.

This is where Elena and I found Lucy napping today!

Fun Pics

The Girls at Elena's school for Harvest Fest. They loved the train ride. The driver made mom nervous as he swerved through crowds of children!

This is the bright one!

Elena's Kindergarten Portrait

Sweet!

Bikes

We found a bike for Lucy at a garage sale, she got about 10 ft from the driveway, then it was discarded in the ditch for a smoother ride, the stroller. You have to give the girl some credit, we have a heck of a long driveway!

Elena's 1st Day of School

Yesterday we all went to school together for an hour of orientation. Elena had pictures, meet your teacher, etc. Kevin flew home from Georgia for this but had to go back last night. Today was Elena's first official day. Elena, Lucy and I waited for the bus out in the cold, brrr! When the bus came Elena was a bit hesitant but got up there on her own, and turned around for her picture to be taken with a great big smile on her face. The first picture I have is fuzzy and crooked. I am holding Lucy back who is screaming because she wants to go to school, too! The bus pulls away and Lucy runs a full block chasing it, frantic the whole way (rainboots and all!). I finally pick up the screaming ball, carry her back to the house, kicking and screaming the whole way. Well, I had to deal with the 2 yo tantrum, so I didn't cry until now, when I got a little teary thinking about it! I'm sure Elena is charming all of her peers and teachers as we speak!

Grand Ole Days

and she steals the show...

It's 7am, do you know where your children are?

I was sifting through pictures, trying to get the number down to a manageable amount. Then I came upon this:





I suppose there are many worse things Elena could be doing....for instance, "making eggs" like Ava did while her parents slept....

Crazy Dancin' Fools

Lucy's 2!

Here are some great pictures from Lucy's 2nd birthday! Her birthday was in March (oops - little late!)