Shetland Cubs - Game 1

It's so cute to watch the little kids play t-ball!! They really have no idea how the game is played. There are no outs, no score, no positions, everyone gets to bat, and they have a BLAST! Who knew sporst could be so stress-free and fun?

It's true. Nathan played right field the first inning and catcher the second inning. They pick grass, sit down, roll around on the ground, play with their hat, talk to each other, and generally just look cute. They all mob the ball when it comes near them and they all slide into the bases (even first). It's just a great no pressure situation and I am in love. Now, wait a few years and I'm sure that I will have a different opinion about it but for now it's just adorable.

We got there a bit late (cars EVERYWHERE) and had to stop and talk to the cop giving out tickets to all the parents who were unfortunate enough to park in the no parking zone. I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt because it was the first day at the new park. I'm sure they really didn't care where they parked as long as they were able to see their child play. Oh well. As some lady put it, "It's just $35 and well worth it." Keep it up the city needs the money!! John needs a raise (that's a whole other blog...for later)

T-Ball

So, I got up exceptionally early (I didn't do it on purpose, a kid happened to be up at 3am) and went to the opening ceremonies at the new Aera Park. Nathan got to stand out on the field with his team and by the time it was over, he'd had quite enough. Poor thing said his knees hurt from standing out there so long (at least and hour).

Mom, Kim and I were talking (about A LOT of things) and I left them to walk the girls around. When I came back they were telling me how the guy in front of them told them, "Shut up! I've had to listen to you fot the last 15 minutes!" It's really rude to tell someone to "shut up" but you expect that sort of thing from a kid, not an adult. It could have been said better as not to offend. It turns out that it's our team mom's husband. Nice huh?

They honored Shun & Debbie with a bat (innagural year at Aera Park) and named a field after Brandon (Brandon Field). They had one at the old fields at Cal State. Debbie was told that they probably wouldn't have a "Brandon Field" at the new park. I think it was really hard for her to think about embracing the new park with out him. Baseball was one of his favorite things. It's the first thing you see as you turn into the complex. Very cool. Shun made a short speech and he was struggling not to cry...it's just breaks my heart and we all cried.

We miss him so much. He would have turned 30 this month. Doesn't seem possible that he's not here with us. Wally is missing too. Brandon played his first game without his dad today. Hard to imagine how those kids will make it through without him. He was such an incredible dad. Kim is such a rock and I am amazed at how she has coped. Pray for them to continue to recieve strength and support from friends and family.

I'll be back later to report on Nathan's t-ball agme. Should be quite funny. Everyone can throw and no one can catch.

PICTURES!!!

Easter, Gym, Eggs, and others

I know, it's always a list of current activities that the Dunn clan has going. If it seems busy now, wait til they all get older!!! UGH!

So, Easter was good. The eggs did the job and due to numerous tears at the thought of throwing them away they have a semi-permanent home in a bowl in the fridge! They will be thrown away one at a time so as not to arouse suspicion. Nathan got a skateboard, numerous candy filled eggs, a jumprope (funny to watch someone learn to do that!), money (from Nana), video games (Nana again), clothes (Papa & Grandma), and a rock growing kit (the Elliott's). Seems like Easter is better for presents than Christmas. Spoiled kid! The girls got ponies (the pink ride-on variety, not the real thing), baby snacks, Peeps (haven't tried it yet...bet they like it though), stuffed animals & clothes (Papa & Grandma), and the cutest baby tea set (the Elliott's). Again, they are spoiled. We went to see the "Dunn" family and had dinner in Santa Clarita. Six little kids is just too many for the number of adults present. It's chaos! They do seem to have loads of fun though so maybe it's worth it. John's twin brother & his wife came by to get their dog (they took a trip to the Philippines and John's mom and dad babysat the dog) had dinner and chatted for a bit. It was nice to see all of the sibblings together. It's been a long time since they were all close enough do be together for the holidays. Very Cool.

The girls went to My Gym for the first time today and had a great time! I'd forgotten how much stimulation they get from that one hour of activity. It's great for them because they get to interact with other kids. They are tired but it's worth it. Nathan was supposed to be the other "adult" helping with the kids but he's not very good at it. He just wants to play.

The girls has their first eggs the other morning and true to personality Kate ate them and liked it and Tara spit them back out at me. Tara is likes to eat but only what she likes. She hates to try new things! We tried the yogurt today and she made faces at John and Kate ate it all! She'll probably end up living on Oreos & waffles like Nathan does.

The party date is set (Kate and Tara are turning 1!) so be ready to party with the twins on their first b-day, July 4th!!! I hate that their birthday in so close to the holiday but what can I do? The party is from 1:30-3:00pm so you'll all have pleanty of time afterward to BBQ and light fireworks! WOOHOO!

Also, please save May 16th for a joint 30th b-bay party for Jill & John. More details to follow. We have to get going on that soon...Seems like time just flies by! Yeah on them turnign 30!!! I don't feel so old now that there is going to be company in the 30-something group.

Gotta go now, I have to feed some children....

Doctors, Dentists, Plants and more!!!

So, the girls had their 9 month check-up with Dr. Ho on Wednesday. He thinks that they are doing great and growing well. He told us they didn't look at all like twins!! Most people ask how we tell them apart so it was nice to hear someone tell us they look nothing alike. We think they are so different that it's obvious who is who. Weights and measurements as follows:
Tara 17 lbs. 9 oz. (25%) 28 1/2 in. (75%)
Kate 17 lbs. 3 oz. (25%) 27 3/4 in. (50%)
Nathan saw the doc too (for a cough) and he's at 47 lbs.

Can you believe that the girls are now only 6 oz. apart? Kate is definately the eater in the family! Tara is way too picky to be keeping the weight distance on Kate. I like it better that they are about even.

Nathan and I had dentist appointments on Wednesday as well and all is great with the teeth. Nathan lost is second tooth on Monday night and was so proud to have pulled it out on his own. He took a day to "decide" what to ask the toothfairy to bring him and then put the tooth under his pillow on Tuesday night. He asked for a car that drives on the wall and a picture of the toothfairy! The car was much easier to get than the picture. I called John and he and a few buddies at the department found a picture that was "perfect"! Toothfairies are hard to find.

We've spent the last few days trying to revamp the yard with flowers for the Spring. John and I had to compromise on a few things but it seems Nathan got just what he wanted. He planted a small garden near his playhouse and it's actually really cute. I'll have to post siome pictures when I get the chance. He planted flowers, ground cover, watermelons, and strawberries. He has been saving seeds from various fruit and veggies (peach, pear, pumpkin, and potato) over the last few months and will eventually get to grow them. Planting is a lot of work and I keep telling John he should let me hire someone to take care of the lawn so he can spend more time with us. Guess he needs more "alone" time because he keeps refusing to let it go! Who can blame him? I leave him home alone with the girls 5 days a week (granted, it's only for a few hours a day...but he's a guy).

I tackled the job of dying Easter Eggs today and well...they look okay but man were they a pain. We tried a new kit this year where you spin the eggs with droplets of dye. Nathan LOVED it and it just made a BIG mess. I got caught up playing a game on the Wii with Nathan and I forgot about them so they are no edible anymore (how long can you leave them out?). Oh well. They'll make good Easter Eggs for the bunny to hide. Sad to see 20 eggs head to the trash afterward though. I had to shop for three kids this year and just now realized how much more expensive all the holidays will be. UGH! Can't wait to see how the girls react to the plastic eggs. I'm thinking I'm just putting "baby" snacks into them. They 'll just LOVE that!

Here's a look at what's to come....

4/11/09 - Walking with the Dinosaurs at Rabobank
4/12/09 Easter! (We'll be traveling to the Dunn House in Valencia)
4/13/09 Girls take their first Gym Class!
4/14 & 4/16/09 Nathan's last T-ball bractice before the season starts
4/18/09 Opening Ceremonies for Bakersfield Southwest Spring Baseball League
4/18/09 Nathan's first T-ball game at the new Aera Complex (5 P.M.)
***Check in often for more t-ball game news!!!***
5/6/09 Jill turns 30!!!!!
5/7/09 Open House at Nathan's school (Stockdale Elementary)
5/22/09 John and his twin Jeff turn 30!!!!
5/29/09 Last Day of School!!! WOOHOO!!
6/26/09 My mom's Birthday!
6/27/09 Ian turns 7!!!!
7/3/09 Kate and Tara turn 1!!!! (Birthday Party will be at My Gym...more info soon!)

Guess that's all for now. Just enjoying my time off for Spring Break! (Maybe all the sleeping in will help me get over this nasty cold I've had. Ya, right!)