The DuPre Double

Frozen yogurt

2012-01-21T11:29:00.001-08:00

This was the first time they tried it but surely not the last.

A Bellingham highlight...

2012-01-14T13:01:00.001-08:00

As a vegetarian I can truly appreciate this.

The Holiday Season

2012-01-08T20:03:00.000-08:00

We did not travel is holiday season. It was great just to stay home and spend some time as a close family unite. So we took lots of hikes, took up geocaching and just enjoyed being outside.

We spend alot of time at Whatcom Falls Park

Addy on a "hike"

This is the last picture every taken of Vern. It was two days before she died. its strange she is the only one looking at the camera. We talk about her alot and miss her even more.

We did alot of snuggling and reading books.

Addy make coffee in the morning.

Morgan took to doing her own hair.

We went for boat rides with Wilber and Teddy.

Addy lead trips to the park.

She likes to carry the bread for the ducks and encourage Scout and Morgan along.

So sweet

We practiced yoga. . .

and practiced some more

We dressed up for holiday parties

and dressed down for Sunday football. Addy is an early fan but not pleased with the record.

We lite the hanukah candles

I lite the real one and

The girls lite the electirc one. Morgan really took to the candles and wanted them on all day and cried when we had to take the Menorah away. "Were did mine Hanukkah candles go" she still asks.

Morgan and I did alot of baking.

Morgan dressing for the season.

On Christmas morning Addy tried to put on all the cloths she got (at one time) she started with the sweet socks Aunt Mica and Uncle Rich got her.

Morgan was thrilled with her Elmo jamies from Grandma (I have to wash them alot)

And now we have two little artists in the house.

Unfortunately we spend alot of time sick (all of us) in the bed.

But thanks to Jill A. Morgan is taking up doctoring skills

All and all it was a great holiday and we hope all our readers have a happy and a healthy new year.

Geocaching

2012-01-07T16:50:00.001-08:00

A family geocaching event. We did not find this one (has not been found in over a year). But we had fun looking and will be back.

Nature babies and baking

2012-01-02T13:18:00.000-08:00

This video shows Morgan and Addy in early Fall with a local group called Nature Babies. Here parents and babies "hike" the local trails and discover nature. In this video the girls where looking for mushrooms.

Morgan has taken a liking to baking, which is nice because while she does not have a sweet tooth, Addy most certainly does. Morgan bakes and Addy eats the product. I love to bake and eat baked goods so it works out for all of us.Above you will a short video of Morgan and I baking.

The Time in Cafe

2011-12-29T14:54:00.001-08:00

Thanks for a good morning with Mei and Kelly. Here are some highlights before Morgan got jumped by a 18 month year old boy. She is fine.

Disappointing Reply

2011-12-29T08:04:00.000-08:00

I woke upo to Jon's kind very very short email
"very lovely note, Jon"

Well I think that is the end to my fan mail for awhile. But the letter made me feel good to write.
Scout told me it was a bad idea anyway, I will listen next time.

An Open Letter to Jon Katz

2011-12-28T20:20:00.000-08:00

Jon:

Until recently, I have never been a blog follower of anyone I did not
personally know, I have never written a letter to someone who did not
know me (but Santa). Yet I have been thinking about writing you for
some time. I was moved when you wrote that you would read all the mail
that came your way. And so I hope my words find you well.

Your name first entered my home in Bellingham, Washington when The
Dogs of Bedland Farm was given to my then one and half year old twin
daughters Morgan and Addy Baye. It was the first book they had with
photographs rather than illustrations and instantly became a family
favorite. We have all the read the book so many times the binding is
bent and the pages have been taped together—several times.

At the time our family had two dogs Laverne and Scout. Laverne was my
fourteen year old Springer Spaniel. I had gotten her when I was twenty
and my husband and I know her age had caught up with her. There is so
much I could tell you about Vern (if you are truly interested her
eulogy is on my blog
http://www.thedupredouble.blogspot.com/2011/11/my-dearest-laverne.html)
but all you really need to know is that she was my first dog and my
best friend.

On November 9th Vern died. Her death was quick, but not unexpected.
None-the-less it was so hard. My husband and I had rushed her to the
vet when her body opened up. We left our girls with a friend and with
the heaviest hearts we returned to the enviably questioning of two
year olds “Vern home?.”
How was I going to explain to two year olds what I did not understand
myself? How was I to hide the stabbing pain I felt? How was I going to
tell them my closest friend of fourteen years was gone? Yet, how could
I hide my hurt? I could not and if I tried they would see right
through me. So I held them and cried reading All Dogs go to Heaven (a
book my thoughtful Mother had hid in the closet, knowing I would need
it sooner than later). “Vernie has gone to play with friends in
heaven” was the explanation I offered them, and the one I hoped was
true. “Play with Rose?” Morgan asked. And without thinking I answered
“yes”

A few days after Vern died I left on a trip for work with a library
edition of your recent book in my carry on. As I traveled from one
coast to another I read it cover to cover through my tears. I am a
university professor often writing and reading thick theory but the
simplicity of your type and depth of your teaching nurtured my heart.
Through your words I believe I understand Vern’s purpose and will
always be grateful for her gifts.

To this day the questions of my twin two year olds keep coming “Vernie
home?” “Vern play?” “ I draw Vern?” and the my mantra continues “Vern
is in heaven playing with Rose.” Yesterday I heard the girls
whispering to one another in the early dawn. Addy Baye asked Morgan
“Vernie home?” “No” Morgie replied “Vern run and play with Rose. .
.Vern in heaven.”

I am sorry for your recent lose, thankful for your words, and hopeful
Rose and Vern find one another on their journey.

Rae Lynn Schwartz-DuPre
Bellingham, WA

Swiming in the Winter!!

2011-12-27T18:35:00.001-08:00

How about a fish

2011-12-27T11:36:00.001-08:00

Morgan, Addy, and Justin seem sold. I am more hesitant.

Breakfast with the crew

2011-12-27T10:44:00.001-08:00

Vacation Time

2011-12-26T22:04:00.001-08:00

Here are some of the things we have done:

Getting Lighter

2011-12-22T22:43:00.000-08:00

My title is both literal and figurative. Today Bellingham had three more minutes of daylight then it did last night on the solstice. Twenty-one minutes a week is alot to gain.

I am going to resist apologizing for not posting, although I want to. More than anything I want to apologize to my future self for leaving big gaps. Really I have not posted before now because the act of writing this blog, as I see it, is not present. Rather it is about recalling for friends, family, but mostly my future self what was. The journey I am on is so amazing I do not want to miss anything. So readers missed the girls second birthday, great family visits from Grandmothers, Papa, Granddaddy, Diane, Mica and Rich. In the time that I have not written the girls have started preschool, developed a vocabulary, been potty trained, stopped sleeping in cribs, stared drinking from cups, feel in love with Elmo, smoothies, animals, and in general have grown up. While they have a ways to go, not documenting these mile stones is what has kept me from writing. I feel so bad to have missed writing about them I think, how I can write about today when I missed last week. Yet in retrospect I did not write because I was living them. I know from my yoga practice, one I have just started revisiting (a big thanks to Sara Greenwood), that I should focus on the present. So I will.

Scout and I took a big walk yesterday (ok maybe not exactly present but close). It was the first long walk we have had in a while. The girls where with Nancy (our beloved Nanny sent by angles), Justin was at work, and I left the office to spend some time with Scout. I had no guilt for not doing work, caring for the girls, cook dinner, I was free to be in the woods with Scout and it felt so good. We hiked off to find a geocaching sight (which we did not find do to extensive leaf cover) and I realized how much I missed just walking the dogs. Not that I would trade it for time with the girls or Justin but that life has changed so much. Scout is such a quite simple guy, much like Justin (before kids). I felt good about bonding with Scout because I had never really spent time along with him. It was always the three, four or six of us.

I miss Vern everyday but I am proud to say that I have come to peace with her death. Much credit goes to the writing of Jon Katz. If you have ever lost a friend like Vern I truly recommend his book Coming Home. In his book and his blog http://www.bedlamfarm.com/ ,which I am now a religious follower of, he talks about animals as service. They pay service to individuals in ways we might not understand while they are there. In exchange for their service we give them a good life of love and care and a good just death. I am at peace with Vern because I now know the service she paid to me and I know I did my best (as did Justin) to give her a good life and just death.

Vern took me from 20 to 34. In that chapter she helped me find my family.—first, just the two of us, then Justin, Scout, and then Morgie and Addy Baye. And when our family was solid, secure and full of love she felt her job was done and we let her go. The house is so quite without her tipping around. Scout is a quite sole and many have asked about him. He is well, we are all well. And I know where every she is Vern is well. The girls still ask about her. “Vern home?” It is hard to teach them what I do not understand. When one asks, usually Addy, before I can answer Morgan reminds her she is playing ball in heaven with her friend Rose (a dog they read about in Jon Katz’s children book The Dogs of Bedland Farm).

With are all on vacation now. We are gearing up to cook a big dinner for friends. We miss family but are content to be with family as well. Morgan and Addy are such a gift. Most of you know getting pregnant was not easy for me. I like to be open about that because so many people struggle with infertility and fell as though it should be a secret. But Justin and I are proof that if you want children you can have them. They may come from your body, your biology, or neither. But when they are the people your life revolves around, they are your children. My thoughts are with Kim and her family as they return from China having officially adopted their two year old son Kai and a case of the chicken pox. You can follow their blog at http://oursprout.blogspot.com/.

As I type the girls are upstairs sleeping, the Beatles lullaby plays throughout the house and sound of rain taps. The Hanukah candles are flickering in the kitchen, the Christmas tree lights in the living room and I am in the rocking chair near the fire. Scout is dreaming on the couch and Justin in finishing making dinner (poor guy I am not a great cook and do not eat meat). Morgan and I are fighting the never ending cold, I and all is quite. I know I will miss the girls at this age. They amaze me everyday.

Last night Justin and I laid them to sleep at 7:30 and at 8:15 when I could still him them chatting I went to up to encourage them to rest and found them both naked and giggling. Addy was quick to tell me it was Morgan’s idea and Morgan proud to report that her bed was dry. There is little more I want in life them for them to be at peace and comfortable with themselves. A few months ago Justin and I were asked by the girl’s teacher to pick three things we want for the girls. As always I took our homework very seriously. Justin and I word shopped, sought suggestions, and final came up with three wishes. We wish them to be compassionate, honest, and courageous.

We get a lot more sleep them we did last year and as the New Year approaches I have a few goals in mind but one overarching challenge to myself. I want to be present without guilt. When I am playing with the girls, I do not want to think about work, when I am at yoga or running I want to be in my body, when I am working I want to be focused on teaching and writing a career I really love, and when I am with friends and family I want to enjoy every moment rather this wish Bellingham was closer to them.

Below are some pictures from the last two months. I hope to keep you updated but make no promises and have no guilt. Happy holidays and thank you for reading.

Rae

Learning how to make meatballs with Papa

A visit to san fran to see Aunt Sara

The Greenwood and DuPre Mama's and Kids

Aunt Mica (baby in belly), Rae, and Addy at the beach

Mica and Morgan

Mica, Rich, and baby in belly

A ride on the bus

Grandmothers and girls picking wild berries

September 17th, Morgan and Addy's second birthday trying out their first bikes

Nana and Morgie

The girls and Grandma

Morgan, Freyja and Addy

Rae running the Bellingham marathon

The next few images where all taken on Taylor dock with Bellingham bay in the background

Addy is hiding

Morgan hiding

Pumpkin picking at Stoneybrook farm

A visit from Granddaddy John

Halloween goes great with Hawaii

Good friends and a last bit of fun in the cribs before turning them into beds

My Dearest Laverne

2011-11-10T11:55:00.000-08:00

Last night Justin and I were forced to let Laverne go. It might have been the hardest thing I have ever had to do. We both knew it was for the best. But we miss her so. For those of you who knew Vern you new what a happy dog she was. She walked, played, and brought love to our home until the day she passed.

Vern was born in Michigan in March of 1997. She lived with my mom and I until I went to college. She played in dog parks, had a wonderful sister Shirley (who I am sure was waiting to welcome her home) and knew all the dogs on the block, Emma, Buster, Pepper and Sonia. When I left for Vermont Laverne took care of my mom. She provided companionship, comfort, and slept next to her every night. When Vern got sick my Mom took her to and from the New York Vet Hospital until they got every last pine cone out of her nose. Mom even took care of her when Vern tried to play with the local skunk. Mom took her on road trips throughout the northeast and she came to vitis me for sleep overs.

After college I moved to Winston Salem NC and Vern came to live with me. It was there she met my love and her father, Justin. From that moment until last night Justin took amazing care of her. He walked miles with her, though parks, beaches, and trails. I will never forget the smile on her face when she smelled salt water. One day, we took her to the Outerbanks of North Carolina, missed the ferry and had to smuggle her into a hotel for the night. She loved to run on the beach and play in the ocean. On holidays we took Vern to Justin's mother house and his grandfather would give half of his dinner to her under the table. Everyday, no matter what the weather (and trust me Iowa brought on some weather) Justin and I cared for Vern and she cared for us. In North Carolina Vern learned to walk off the leash, run on the beach, and fell in love with an amazing Golden Retriever King. When I traveled for debate Laverne and King would play ball, chase goose in the lake, and cheer on their Dads at poker.

In 2002 Vern and I moved to Iowa. It was just the two of us at first and she took great care of me. She laid with me through every required reading, stayed up late while I wrote papers, and ran miles in Hikery Hill park with Sarah Allen and I. We walked every day in the pint-a-crest (aka Vern-a-crest) where she took sandwiches from innocent students with no apologies. In the fall Vern and I loaded up in a rent a car and drove to Louisville KY to reunite with her Daddy and meet her new brother Scout. Scout is King's biological nephew and he and Vern hit it off. They played, wrestled, and he licked her like a lollypop. The next day we all got in Justin's red pickup (Vern's favorite) and road home to Winston. It was cold in the back with no heat but Vern and Scout snuggled close and became best friends. For the next year and a half Vern traveled back and forth from Iowa to North Carolina with Justin and I. The four of us where a family and we took camping trips, beach visits, and began what is now our loving DuPre family.

In June 2004 Justin and Scout rolled into Iowa City trailer in tow. The four us moved into a small apartment with big windows and lots of love. Each day the dogs went for two 1 hour walks to the park. In the winter Justin and I wore crampons through the ice and brought sleds through the snow to play with Vern and Scout. Vern loved sledding. She would runing up and down the slope after us. In the summer we took walks to dairy queen and Vern got her own scoop of vanilla. When the heat was too much we went to the water plant or the lake so they could cool off and chase the goose. In the spring Vern and Scout raised money for charity at the annual dog wash. And in August of 2005 we all jumped in the truck and when to the lake where Justin asked me to marry him. Vern and Scout cheered (or jumped around and swam) and our family moved forward.

In the spring of 2006 Vern and Scout huddled together as the great Iowa City tornado rolled through our building. Safe and sound, we all moved into the nicest hotel in town (and the only one that would accept dogs). We lived with our camping gear for a few months. Vern liked the idea our bed on the floor because it gave her easy access to the down pillows she grew to love (and took from me every night). And in July of 2006 we all piled into the subaru (we sold the pickup before leaving town) and drove cross country.

We survived a storm in the badlands, Vern tried to make friends with the buffalo in Yellowstone, we braved 100 degrees in Montana and spent our last night on the road in Eastern Washington. Scout played in the water as Vern floated the rapids, again and again. Tuckered out they both passed out in the tent. The weather in Bellingham was great for Vern and Scout. No ticks, no heat, and no ice. After renting for a while we moved into our for-ever-home (we think) in Sudden Valley Washington. The yard is big and had lots for Vern and Scout to do. The porch is big and made a great place for squirrel watching. With nearby swimming spots and lots of off leash logging roads near by, it was all a dog could ask for.

When I was 7 months pregnant Vern laid in bed with me respecting my bed rest orders. We snuggled and I read her Go-Dog-Go a book that lead to Morgan's first sentence "Go-Dog-Go." When Morgan and Addy came home from the hospital Vern snuggled with them too. She tried to share their pack-in-play. The girls loved her. They shared their food , gave her rubs and read her books. In the last two summers we went to the lake together, swam, and played as a family of 6.

While still running and playing Justin and I knew Vern was getting older. Her body was not as strong as it use to be. We had a 6lbs cyst removed from her side this summer giving her another four months of playing. Just monday she rolled in the grass. Yesterday after Justin played with Scout and Vern in yard she came inside for dinner. She ate the whole meal and then her cyst began to slowly open up. With heavy hearts Justin and I drove Laverne to the doctor. She laid in the back with me resting. When we arrived it was clear that her time had come. It was not fair to force another surgery that would cause pain for her and just a little more time for us. She was tired and we had to say goodbye. We laid together on the floor, I softly whispered her amzing grace, and we thanked her for all the love she gave us.

Today we had to explain to the girls that Vern went to dog heaven. She is reunited with friends and we miss her deeply. But she was and will always be my first baby girl and life long companion. Scout is sad but we will all heal, not forget, but move foward with time. Where every she is, I know she loves us and will be at peace. Thank you Laverne you will always have a big part of my heart. -your mama and friend.

Summer Videos

2011-10-16T11:52:00.000-07:00

The days of summer

2011-08-24T20:37:00.000-07:00

While summer might have been slow coming- it has arrived. It is why we are all willing to tolerate the rain and clouds for so long. 75 degrees, sun, no bugs, and cool nights.

Here are some of the things we have been upto:

pool parties at Morgie and Addy's friend Henry's house

Picnics with friends

Berry picking at the lake

Playhouse in the yard

Twin outings in the park

Playing in Hovander Park

Addy in the garden

Addy checking out the farm animals

Morgan and Matilda gossiping

Miss Morgan at the barn

Patty and Uncle Steven came to visit and it was awesome to see them.

We took the girls for walks in the woods

Can you believe I live less then 5 miles from this amazing spot

Miss Addy Baye playing in the trees

Miss Morgan following her sister

More wild berry picking

Watching the water fall

back to hovander park

loving my Addy

Miss Morgan

Addy checking out the flowers

So amazing

Morgan getting a ride back to the car

So sweet

Playing in the lake

The North Cascades National Park

2011-08-20T19:36:00.000-07:00

Justin and I have always shared a love for the outdoors and hiking. Bellingham has so many amazing outdoors spots. Yet for the last two years we have not spent much time on the trails. A twin pregnancy and girls less then two years old had us trading in our hiking boots for bibs and bottles. Yet now that the girls are getting older and stronger we have turned to the trusty "hiking with your kids in Western Washington bible" and took our kids on their first hike. Above is Morgan and I at the start of the Roserio hiking trail (1.5 miles each way) in Deception Pass State Park.

This beautiful park is part of Deception Pass State Park and the beginning of many salmon runs. At this point the puget sound meets rivers.

Morgie enjoying the nice warm weather

Addy Baye on the dock

After a successful hike near home we took our hiking team on the road to the North Cascade National Park. The Park is the least visited national park in the US because it is very hard to access. There is only one road that winds through a small portion of the expansive park and it is only open in July-Sept (when the snow melts). There are countless glacial valleys in this 505,000-acre expanse of the North Cascades, which actually encompasses three diverse natural areas. This is an utterly spectacular gathering of snowy peaks, glacial meadows, plunging canyons, and cold, deep-blue lakes. The park is home to some of the largest and rarest animals in the US and it truly majestic. Figuring Addy and Morgan where not up to hiking glaciers (nor are their parents) we opted for shorter but still beautiful hikes.

Addy hiked for part of the trip

Then rode in a backpack for some other

Justin showed Morgie how to take breaks by sitting on rocks, she test out alot of different rocks. Movement, while enjoyable was not too speedy.

More hiking

After leaving the trails the girls road in style checking out the scenery

The next day we set out again for a sunny hike. this time Morgan and I were partners. here we are overlooking sun valley lake.

A family trail picture

Our hotel had a great lake and the girls loved to play in it

Every time we rode by the horse farms the girls went crazy, so we decied to stop and give them an up close look. I have always loved horses and rode for many years so this part of our trip really touched my heart.

The girls enjoyed eating out

And alittle post meal ice cream

And then more playing in the lake - this picture is one of my favorite

Up late partying in the hotel

A final swim before we hit the road

The mountains of the North Cascade Range

A totally crashed out DuPre Double - but an amazing trip

A Western Washington July

2011-07-30T20:41:00.000-07:00

Every wonderful place to live has a drawback. Yet if you are privileged enough to decide where to live you are willing to take the draw back to reap the benefits. LA has great weather but if grossly overcrowded, the Midwest has four seasons but is land locked, the South has mountains and beach but faces unbearable summers and big gross bugs etc. So for those of us in Western Washington we are willing to tolerate darkness, clouds, and rain for 9 months a year because we know the 3 summer months (here it is July, Aug and Sept) are long, in the 70's during the day, cool enough to sleep with a blanket at night, and free of mosquitoes and flies (that's right we do not even have a screen door). The mountain snow is low enough to hike in August and lakes warm enough to swim in without a wet suit. They say July5 is the start of summer, and while it is usually true, this summer has been the exception.

While the rest of the country hid in their AC for most of July, we froze in the 50s and 60s with all too much rain. The girls wore summer dresses inside with the heat on and put on jeans and sweatshirt outside. Moral was a bit low. Yet knowing that the rain would return in just a few months we made the most of every summer moment we could. After a day at the pool, I think it is safe to say summer is here. No AC needed but blue skies and sunshine have finally arrived. Below are some of our June and July highlights.

Meals on the deck

The Washington beaches have more rocks then sand but the girls do not seem to mind. The views and wildlife are truly amazing. The picture above was taking at Birch Bay State Park

The girls taken in the scenery

Healpee (as they say) Daddy wash the windows

Morgie watching squirrels play in the cedar in our front yard

Washington's three biggest exports are apples, marijuana, and berries.

So we took the opportunity to go strawberry picking.

Addy tasking the product ( it is a good thing she did not have to weigh in

and out it would have cost us a small fortune)

Morgan actually put the berries in the bucket, Addy just ate them off the vine

If Morgan put a good one in Addy removed it to taste for quality

We left with 22lbs of strawberries.

No big surprise who likes strawberry ice cream

So we froze some and Justin lead the jam making party with the rest

Us girls assisted

We have also been making the most of our lake side sandbox

Our crew hanging by the lake

I took the girls to nature baby class at marine park.

They loved looking for crabs, purple star fish, and playing with seaweed

Vern has a hard start to the summer. The tumor on her side got very large and we feared her time was short. So at the recommendation of our beloved vet, who believed Vern would do well under surgery (she is 14), we had the 6.5lb tumor (mind you Vern is only 35lbs) removed. Well Dr. Johnson was right. Vern did great, drank a big gulp from the fountain of youth and is a much happier girl. She is my first baby and we are so grateful for her health and every day she shares with us.

We have spent alot of time at playgrounds

Alot of time

Laughed a ton

And helped Vern heal - hear she is sporting her Iowa City American Leagon poker tee shirt

Stay tuned for more summer adventures with the DuPre family

some sweet moments with the girls

2011-07-26T21:09:00.000-07:00

Our East Coast Trip Part 3- Myrtle Beach, SC

2011-07-03T13:11:00.000-07:00

We left Atlantic Beach and drove three hours south to spend some time with Justin's dad and Diane. There we enjoyed some good meals, quality pool time, and a great visit with family.

John always makes a point to dig up some great kids toys. Addy and Morgan loved the big piano.

Addy and Grandaddy playing in the yard

Addy really liked the multch

A good night story the night before we left to go home.

Thank you for a great visit!

Our 2011 East Coast Trip- Part 2 The Carolina's

2011-07-03T12:57:00.000-07:00

From New Jersey we flew to Myrtle Beach SC. We spent a few hours with Justin's dad's family and then drove 3 hours to Atlantic Beach NC. The beach is always a highlight of our trip. The weather is warm, the beach is 2 blocks away, and Justin's friends come from all over the state to hang out. Within a few minutes of arriving the girls jumped in the wagon and Grandma Judy pulled them to the beach. They love the wagon. we fill it with beach toys and head out to the sand.

Morgan took to the beach quickly. She played in the sand and put her toes in the water

(Oceacee as she calls it).

At first Addy admired the sand from the safety of my lap but in no less then a day had toys in hand and was planning the next castle

Miss Morgan's toes in the sand

The biggest highlight of the beach was meeting our new nephew Brock. "Baby Brock" as Addy and Morgan now refer to him is sooooo cute and Jill is an amazing mom.

Brock Nelms

Cousins

looking too cool

walking out to the beach with Grandma

Addy showing off her water shoes (thanks Gena! Great hand-me-down)

Riding out on the pier

What a view

Addy loving it

Pier and Reed Williamson (one of Justin's oldest and closest friends)

Addy enjoying the beach scene

Addy helping Grandma with Brock

Mark (another great hometown friend of Justin's) came down from the mountains with Phil (a great college friend) and he awesome son Wilson.

Addy building a sand castle with Grandma

Paul, Justin and Phil hanging on the beach

Lauren and Macy Ford look so cute in the their matching suits

Jason, our Bellingham friend who moved back to Virgina,

drove down to hang with us and make sand castles

And what is a good beach day without ice cream?

The start of another beach day

The next set of photographs

were all taken by Justin's close friend Mark Newton

He is an very talented and it is so nice to see him each year- thanks Mark

One day we hope to live closer so that the Carolina beach is not so far away. Until then we are grateful to have had such a nice visit with Justin's mom, sister, cousins, and quality friends. Thank you to all that made the drive- we miss and love you.

Our 2011 East Coast Trip- Part 1 New York City

2011-06-26T20:50:00.000-07:00

I have noted before that the time that passes between posts is time I am spending in the present. Time, I am enjoying the girls, watching them grow and learn. Being challenged and overwhelming with patience, love, and life. June has been such a month. One month ago the girls could say a few words, now they are speaking small sentences and communicating their desires, needs, love and humor. One month ago today we left Scout and Vern in the loving care of a former student and current friend, Kendall while the we traveled to Seattle to begin our annual east coast trip. As always if was wonderful. We spend the first night in a hotel close to the airport and in the morning flew from Seattle to New York to celebrate Ella's bat mitzvah.

We traded in our sweatshirts and jeans for sandals and bare feet. We forgot about cars and took the double stroller all over New York.

After a beautiful service in the nicest temple I have ever been in, the whole family was invited to party on a great boat that traveled the Hudson River.

It was great to spend alot of time with my cousins Mica and Rich. After a day on the boat Justin, Rich and cousin Eric spent the night in a sports bar while Mica and I hung out in the village eating ice cream, hanging in bookstores and enjoying the scene. It was so nice to see them and get to spend quality time.

Rich, Justin, Cousin Warren and Uncle Mike enjoying a sunny day on the boat.

My West coast buddy Kate and I also got to hang out - always fun

My Mom looked great and it was fun to watch her spend quality time with my girls

Looking amazing in blue, Ella was a fantastic host

Mike and Donna made a wonderful speech during the candle lighting ceremony.

I have made it my point not to dress the girls alike. But for the occasion I went for it (all but the shoes) and boy did they look cute. They also had a blast.

Miss Baye with a neon bracelet

Miss Morgan with a colorful lay

Addy looking cute as ever

The whole family stayed in a hotel inNew York and Morgan really took to the pool.

Here my Grandfather, Morgan, and Justin are chatting it up.

It is always wonderful to see family but a special treat to enjoy time with my Grandparents. I was lucky enough to know four of my Great Grandparents and it is so nice that my girls get a to spend time my mother's parents. In fact Addy's favorite word is now "Papa" and she requests to call him regularly. So sweet.

On Sunday Steven and Patti came to visit us. They were in town from Boston and stayed an extra night in NYC to spend the day with us. Here are the girls swinging in central park. They were totally blow away by all the kids in the park but really liked to see the horse and carriages roll by.

It was a great day and so nice to stroll along in Central Park

Latter that day we took the girls for a walk through Times Square on our way to Ella's bowling party.

I do not think the girls had ever seen so many people in one place.

As soon as we arrived Morgan picked up a bowling bowl, and gave it to Addy, who gave bowling a go.

My Grandparents and the birthday girl.

Miss Addy Baye posing and looking at all the people down below.

Morgan really took to ski ball

And then to cap the family party off we all jumped on the bed and stayed up late.

In the morning Justin and left the girls in the trusted care of my Mom, friend Leddi, and cousin Hillary and took a night away to celebrate our fifth year anniversary. We drove up to New Patlz New York, had some good food, took a great hike in the mountains, stumbled upon a nudest colony in the woods (no we did not join them) and enjoyed a long well deserved night rest at a great lodge my mom found and treated us to.

Such a wonderful gift all around.

Justin soaking his feet in a clean mountain creek.

We then returned to my mom's house in New Jersey for a few days and

I got to see my oldest and dearest friend Jill and her son Jorden.

We sat by the pool at my grandparents house.

Morgan could not get enough of the water.

Addy showing off her gymnastics skills to her Nana and Aunty Nors

We ate at Holstens

And played in the sun. It is so cool to see my girls playing ball where I grew up playing ball.

And then the girls and I tried to fit all our stuff in our suitcases. It did not work and my Mom ended up shipping things to Bellingham so we where a bit lighter for part II of our trip.

Stay tuned for details of the Carolina vacation.

Time

2011-05-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

Every time I think about posting I decide to remain present and enjoy the girls in the moment. Yet I know that the lost record of the past is something I'll regret in the future (yes I have already thought about empty nesting-that is how fast they are growing). Thus, I return to the blog with no apologies for time lost and a clear acknowledgment that nothing I write and no pictures I post will ever come close to the moments I share with my girls. My family has brought me to my highest heights and touched my heart in a way I think only parents might be able to understand. The six of us rely on each other, make one another laugh, releave each other, and with all that we have, we love each other. The girls are now 20months old, they are talking, dancing, and a total blast. Here are some of our more recent pictures:

Now that the weather is warming up, we have spend alot of time outside. The girls explore the yard, play ball with Scout, landscape with Justin, and pull out my flowers. They just love it.

We have spent time hanging out with other twins and at one play date, Addy took up the piano (I think she was motivated by the dog on the side).

Parks are big favorite, if it not raining (so about every other day) we make it one of the many parks around. On a sunny day we hit up a few. Here Morgan is very proud of her "big girl swinging."

If the weather is nice, the girls are big enough to walk to the park.

The slide is a big hit

The gym is still a favorite hot spot.

The teacher was even impressed with this move.

Trips to Mom's office are always exciting.

When Morgan will leave her pigtails in, they are super cute.

Addy is such a Daddy's girl, I get so jealous.

Drinking homemade smoothies from a straw is a popular.

Morgan's first haircut.

We went over to their friend Evan's house to celebrate passover. Morgan ate a whole bowl of haroset and Addy was impressed by the chocolate covered matza. After dinner Even read them the story of Passover.

For Easter, our friend GiGi (generic grandmother) came over to make eggs with the girls.

Plastic eggs were fun.

This is a picture of them eating all the fruit snacks they got at the easter egg hunt.

That made for a really wild night.

Family days at the park are still my favorite.

If you remember, I took the same picture last year- I put it below so you can compare.

At some point Addy is going to get too big to throw in the air.

Can you believe this was just a year ago?

This is Addy Baye by the bay inspecting the gravel.

Here they are front row at the Parade of the Species.

The girls I agreed the owl was the best.

Stayed tuned for adventures from the East Coast.

Spring in Here

2011-04-03T21:10:00.000-07:00

Alot has happened since February, the girls are talking and they have alot to say. In the hopes of being more current, the photos that follow should catch you up on some of the many highlights:

Addy and Daddy watching squirrels and birds outside

Playing with the strollers Aunt Rachel gave them for the holidays

Justin's mother came and visited.She spent quality time with the girls, reading and playing. Then she took the whole family to the Westin in Bellvue to a huge bluegrass fest. The music was amazing, and the girls loved staying in the hotel.

We are also so lucky to have a park near the house. The girls love to walk to the park and play.

In March my mom (Nana) came to visit and took us to the zoo

The girls loved the animals and did not know which way to turn

Addy took charge and we tried to keep up

Morgan really liked the zebra

Cousins Amy and Kare came up from Seattle and played with the girls

So Pretty

Morgan has also developed a thing for shoes (no idea where she got it) and loves to try on everyone's shoes

Stay tuned as adventures in spring continue

Addy is still dancing . . .

2011-03-27T20:53:00.000-07:00

and this time Nana is joining her. What a team!!

Valintines day

2011-03-27T13:55:00.000-07:00

I am sorry it has been so longs since I posted. I will try to get caught up. Here are some valentines day highlights

hanging around the house

2011-02-13T17:13:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the girls just get in silly moods. Here are some recent pictures - a big shout out to cousin Mica for getting us the dress Morgan is wearing- so cute!!

Morgan driving around

One day will will get a good family picture


Morgan on the move

Addy laughing


Addy dumping 104 lego pieces on her sister


Addy chasing Morgan around the couch

Miss Morgan at breakfast

Every day

2011-02-11T20:51:00.000-08:00

Every day we get to enjoy the daily routine of our ladies. We can count on them loving hand washing, Morgan's hugging, Addy's dancing, and some quality shopping practice- take a look:

Gymnastics is Great!

2011-02-11T20:43:00.000-08:00

Every Monday I take the girls to gymnastics, and we all love it. It is the perfect mix of structure and freedom. Plus it is a dry, warm, toddler proofed gym as big as a warehouse. What more could a Mom living in wet Western Washington ask for? Take a look at a recent compilation of our classes:

Growing So Fast

2011-02-07T21:00:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have not posted in so long. Yet the time it takes to post has been spent hanging with the girls and working. They are growing so fast we are trying to hold on to each moment.

Both girls are really into hugging. Morgen especially loves to hug Scout and Vern.

Morgie's her hair is growing so fast. But she only lets Nanny Nancy do her hair. When ever I try she pulls it out. So on Wednesdays we come home to super cute hairstyles. As soon as Justin or I walk in she pulls them out as if it is their little secret. We are so lucky to have Nancy, she really loves the girls.

The girls are really into doing things themselves. Opening doors, turning on the lights, washing their hands. In fact, running water is so popular I think they would stand in front of the sink all days if we let them. So we started letting them get up on a stool and wash their hand and do dishes.

While it was really cute, it was a bit of a hazard because they were always trying to push one another off.

So their Nana came to the rescue and bought them the learning tower:

This beast is awesome!! They can claim up and down, stand together, and "help" around the kitchen.

So often they just want to see what is going on up on the counter and now they just climb up and watch.

We have come to really love the park. we are lucky enough to have a park just 1/4 mile down the road.

When the weather is dry, the girls get in the stroller and we head off to the park.

Addy loves slides and her friends are showing her how to go down backwards and get a running start.

Be sure to notice Addy's pink shoes in the picture above. These were her first pair of shoes and fit perfect until she kicked one off in the supermarket the other day. Gone! So she suggested she could wear her rainboot (which are too big for her) everywhere. She insisted they matched every alfit.

She tested out her theory by walking around the house in her boots. She loves wearing shoes so much some times we let her nap with them rather then getting a tired girl really angry -

some fights are just not worth having.

The girls are also really into their bumper cars. It took them a while to get the hang of them but now that they have it, they are unstoppable.

They love bumping into one another

Addy gets a kick out of turning the lights on and off.

she also knows to close the gate at the top of the stairs.

Morgan's pretty smile

Laughing out loud

And what could be better then making their own cream cheese and jelly sandwich.

I love these girls so much I hate being away from them for even a moment--for the moments are moving so quickly. What a wonderful family I have, I am really lucky.

We drive, love dogs, and Addy is a dancer

2011-01-23T21:33:00.000-08:00

The post title says it all: More evidence below.

Our Weekly Routine

2011-01-09T21:00:00.000-08:00

Justin and are are very lucky to be able to work jobs we love and spend so much time with the girls. With the rain and darkness of winter our park time is limited but we try to keep the girls out and socializing with friends. Last week they started gymnastics and a parent and me sibling class. Our nanny Nancy helps us out one day every week. She met the girls in the hospital and has been helping us ever since. She is a wonderful women. She teaches the girls so much and they really loved her. It was great to have her at the first gymnastics class. Take a look:

We also started a siblings parenting class. This was a huge jump for the girls to be in a preschool classroom with kids ranging from infants to six. There was so much to stimulate them they did not go which direction to turn. So they spent most of the class at the sink. The sink is about 3 feet off the ground so they can use reach the water. This had them fascinated. At one point in the class we separated into parent discussion groups. The girls had a bit of a hard time with this part so they sat in with the adults for a while and spent time at the sink. But I hear this is normal. I am really excited about this class because it is an opportunity to learn from other parents and children. As we enter the new stages of sharing (or lack there of) and tantrums (super fun), it will be good to know how others have meet these challenges. It was a very busy class so I had little time for video, but I will try to get some more in the future weeks. the girls were so stimulated they could not settle down for a nap all day, but boy did they crash that night.

With two activities a week we still have alot of time to meet up with friends and play on our own in the house. Last week I came home to find Justin helping the girls carry my purses. They thought this was great.

The simplest things make the best toys

2011-01-08T10:56:00.000-08:00

I love these girls more and more every day. Each day is a blast and when I come home from work to see the girls and Justin playing I am am grateful for life I have. Here is a short but oh so sweet clip:

Like the French

2011-01-08T08:22:00.000-08:00

Do not say you have not been warned. If you are grossed out by kids eating and being messy this video is not for you because this is a very messy video. But I have decided to post it anyway.

Let me set the scene. The girls love whole milk yogert and it is very good for them. I try to buy the organic brands and limit the sugar content. The little packs can get expensive. So I recently found a European varity that comes in the large containers for only $2.50. Yet the only problem is that by the time you get to the end of the tub the yogert is very watery, so we got creative:

New Years day

2011-01-07T21:12:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the highlights of new years day:

December

2011-01-02T20:01:00.000-08:00

December was a great month. It began with an awesome visit from my cousin Mica and was followed by some quality time with Uncle Steven, Alex (a west coast convert), Patti, Jenny, and Joe. Included a perfect intimate family christmas, and some good friends on news years day. Thank you all for coming so far and caring so much. A happy and a healthy new year to our readers.

Addy made sure Mica spent most of her visit reading

Hanukah bumper cars practice was also a daily task- so fun

Thanks to the help of their Aunt Mica they now move around the house on their cars without help

Then Great Uncle Steven arrived with Alex's wooden boat, a very popular present

It was great to hang with Alex and he also put in his time reading to the ladies

My favorite boys

Morgie picked out a Christmas Eve present to open

Grandma Judy and Aunt Jill spoiled the girls - we can not wait to see them

Aunt Jill's shopping carts were the hit of Christmas

Addy was really into the books

This last week was really great. Neither Justin nor I had to work and we got to spend some quality time with the girls. We went to multiple children's museums, out to eat, and played alot. It was great, we have an awesome family. The picture above is Morgan at the Skagit museum.

Morgie sporting some winter gear

On new years we played with some of our friends.

Henry shares a birthday with the girls and is a good friend.

Legos + Laundry basket = happy toddlers

this game lasted for a while

Want to play? Come visit us!!

A trip to the children's museum

2010-12-30T21:29:00.000-08:00

We had a great day at the Everett Children's Museum. We went with our friends Karen and JB and their 2 kids and it was a blast!!! And while the museum has lots of areas, Morgan keep our crew in the watering whole. Both girls tried alot of new things and managed the crowds well. Addy took to the performance area, the construction area (although she did more destruction), and the slides. Morgan just keep coming back to the water area. If/when the girls get sick from all the strange things they put it there mouth, it was well worth it. Here are some highlights.

video of the girls at 15 months

2010-12-29T21:23:00.000-08:00

Family Time

2010-12-23T14:42:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving has always been a big holiday for my family. But in the last few years we have traded the hassle and cost of holiday travel for a trip to the east coast in June when we can enjoy warm weather and the beach. So as we geared up for a low key thanksgiving when my Aunt Donna got an idea? Why not go to Rae and Justin's for a quiet relaxing thanksgiving? We welcomed the company and before we knew it we were making plans for 17--if we could not go to thanksgiving, the Astions were coming to us. Thrilled to host this important event, my Grandfather starting to plan. By mid- October he had a four page excel sheet of dishes, grocery lists, preparation dates, menu items, and discussions of serving dishes. Having had many thanksgivings of bread and potatoes I managed to squeeze in a pasta dish, a salad, and some vegetarian stuffing--the rest remained the same. I am not sure how long the menu has been the same but I know it is at least 34 years (with exception of the jello mold substitute).

To ensure there was enough preparation time my Grandparents gave themselves a week in Washington before thanksgiving With the sacred thanksgiving polyester, brown and orange table cloth in tow, my Grandparents left sunny Florida for the Pacific Northwest.

Nan and Pop arrived in Washington and the weather instantly changed. Our forty degree rain turned to frozen tundra conditions with several snow storms, roads of ice, and temperatures in the single digits. To make a long crazy story short, my cousin Jamie got sick (so Mike F and Shana spend thanksgiving in Portland), my girls got a case of hand, foot and mouth (a bumpy contagious condition that forced my Uncle Mike and Aunt Jen to cancel-- the snow would have deterred them if they had not). Aunt Donna made the monster trip with Gena and Ella in tow and my Mom would not have missed it for the world.

After days of cooking, juggling the girls, dealing with a frozen washing machine, and transporting everyone in sub-teen conditions (the very temperatures my grandparents tried to avoid by moving to Florida), Thanksgiving morning arrived and so did a major snow storm. Since our roads do not get plowed (it never snows here) we trouble shooted how to get my grandparents to our house, or if we should pack the food and bring it to their hotel room. Finally, Justin deiced to pick them up in the Subaru. After sliding a 50 yards down our road the car stopped and I helped my frozen grandmother (earmuffs, thermal underwear, and all) into the house. Donna made it out with her girls, we provided the sleds, and thanksgiving was a go. All and all it was a great visit. It is so nice to have my family spend time with the girls. Since everyone has left, the temperatures have returned to the 40s, all the snow melted, rained resumed, and we have another great thanksgiving story. Thank you for everyone who made the long, cold, journey to our corner of the world.

Addy in her apron helping with the cooking

Morgan getting in a bath after cooking all day

Amy and Kate playing with the girls

Addy's first experience with snow

Morgan is alittle hesitant

The girls are really into books and they got everyone to read to them

Great Nana reading

Great Papa reading

Even Gena took a shift

Nana taking her reading shift

If no one was reading to them, they read to each other - its really cute

And after alot of reading, Nana insisted we return to cooking,

so she showed the girls how to make the famous Adele Astion sour cream coffee cake

The view from our door thanksgiving morning

Everyone dressed for the holiday,

hoping the rest of the family would be able to make it out of their hotel rooms

(Addy seemed worried she would have to eat all the cranberry meatballs)

Morgie and Mom (note the table cloth in the background)

Turkey carving lessons

Me and my Nana

Addy thanking the chef

Post meal sledding

Addy was unsure at first but really got into it

Morgan was less impressed

Gena loved it

A big thanks to Donna who volunteered to photograph the event

Lavern is always up for play in the snow

The girls liked up hill just as much as down

So sweet

A Family Thanksgiving (minus a few important members)

Morgan seemed sad to see everyone leave

And Addy did some serious meditation.

Distance

2010-11-15T20:39:00.000-08:00

When the second trimester of pregnancy hits people ask you if you are "nesting." And, until you start cleaning the house, throwing away horded crap, and searching craigslists for bouncing and swinging plastic you are not sure exactly what they mean. But it was not until I spent a weekend away from the Bellingham did I realize that we have been nesting for well over a year.

While I knew I would miss my family, I felt totally confident that Justin had the situation until control, and in all honestly I was glad to have a weekend to care for myself. I left on Friday for the NCA conference in San Fransisco and came home today with a fresh perspective. I forgot that even though I go to bed at 9, there are people partying through the night every night of the week. I had forgotten that not everyone sits down for three meals and two snacks a day. I forgot how nice it is to feel the buzz of a city. I had forgotten how much I love to think about theoretical ideas and that the sun comes out in November. But most of all I had forgotten how much I missed my girls.

While I have a great community in Bellingham, I am constantly straddling the life of a working mom. Running home to see my babies after a long day and staying up late to respond to student emails. Yet there are few people who can say they truly love their life, and I can. My job is intellectually stimulating and my family loving and tender. But I have been lucky enough to have meet some really amazing women over the years. I have great friends from each chapter of my 33 years yet the closets lives farther than I could drive in a day. With exception of the southwest, I have close girlfriends living in every US region, the shortest distance between them is a eight hour drive. Some I talk to daily, others weekly or monthly, and some not at all. Yet this weekend, for a short time, I got to spend quality uninterrupted time with many of them. Together we ate great meals, talked about great ideas, did a little shopping, laughed ourselves to tears, and danced in ways I forgotten how much I missed. I tried to cherish each moment drawing on my yogic practice, pushing to be faithfully present ignoring both past and future. Yet when it was over, I could not hold back the tears (transition has never been my strength).

I was not sad to return, for I missed my family. Plus Morgan can now say socks and Addy has grown at least ten more red hair. But my heart hated they my girls did not know my family, that they did not live close, and that I had no idea when I would see them all again. It is so nice to know how well of these girls are doing. They are all loved, brilliant, and beautiful, but missed. A special thanks to Lindsay, Helen, Jen, Karen, Danielle and many others for a truly a great weekend.

PS: Staring Saturday the Astions start pouring into Bellingham, stay tuned for a family thanksgiving - my Grandfather has already packed the traditionally Thanksgiving tablecloth- there better be no luggage problems between Florida and Washington.

A diary is always a rendition of the past for the future

2010-11-05T20:24:00.000-07:00

People always tell me “your time with your children flies by,” and it does. It has only been 13, almost 14 months and I have already forgotten so much. I almost forgot how Addy would do hundreds of sit-ups each day, or Morgan would curl up on her Daddy’s chest and sleep away. Their love of the swing, Addy’s soft singing in the car, Morgen’s fear of a diaper change, or the sleepless nights that have passed so quickly. How Vern would attempt to jump into the pack and play just to get glimpse and Scout would sit patiently close to each one of them offering comfort when they cried.

It is possible my obsession with photographs is my attempt to remember. The time in my life when I have taken the most pictures, family parties, summer camp, my travels with Justin and now, are the times I long never to forget. Yet I hope this blog can be for our family an extension of those pictures—an insight, ever so small, of what I was thinking. But now I as I juggle a loving family and a stimulating career I have too little time to write. So before I introduce new images let me take a moment to fill you in on some the things I hope not to forget.

For the longest time Morgan would rev her fists like she was riding a motor cycle and when Morgan learned to point she would often forget to put her finger out, so she’d point full fisted like a super hero ready to take off. And take off she might. Now instead of riding a motor cycle, flap her arms like a bird when she is excited, sad, happy, or frustrated. She loves to climb the stairs and she is fast. When she reaches the top she could not be prouder of herself. Yesterday she must have had a run in with flinstones when I was not looking because her favorite phrase is now yabadaba. She is also proud to call he sister by name - AADEEE. Morgan is a great kisser (open fish mouth style) and also a super dancer. When you put on music she shakes her little butt back and forth from side to side with a big smile. She hates when doors shut, even if everyone is on her side of the door. She also loves to feed me her food – so generous. And when she likes what is being served, which is most the time, she does a little shimmy.

Addy loves to run, everywhere. She is the cutest runner I have ever seen. She picks her feet up real high and takes off regardless of what is in her path. Today she ran right into a women’s knee. Dog, Scout, and Ut-oh are her favorite words but she says them real slow—maybe a throw back to her southern roots. Unlike Morgan, Addy’s voice changes when she says real words. It is almost as if she knows all her other vocalizations are not comprehensible. And while other toddlers eat pasta she prefers peas, tofu, and yogurt. She is ticklish under her neck and loves to read but mostly in the bath. We have nicknamed her Dewey because she meticulously empties the bookshelf as if she has a better system of organization. As Addy grows longer and longer her waist and butt stay the same size. But she is catching up to Morgan, she is no longer 5 lbs lighter, now it is only 2 lbs difference. Now that I think about it, I will get her running hurdles early. Addy also loves the gravity game, let go, it falls, and mama picks it up. Her favorite toy is Leo the plastic dog. Up until recently, when I begged my friend Chelsea to let us keep him, he was also the only toy we did not have. Addy walks Leo on the leash everywhere. She gets frustrated if she does not have all four paws on the ground (the prerequisite for him to make the click-click sound) but always holds too far up the leash so that he is hanging by his neck. Then she stops firmly places him on the floor and goes at it again.

Both girls love Scout and Vern. They pat-pat them every day. They play ball with Scout all day and he loves it almost as much as they do. They also love playing tickle games with their Daddy. Today I came in from walking the dogs to the sweet sound of both girls laughing hysterically. Justin is great father and husband. Not in just the support way-although he does that, but in the action way. He takes care of the girls not because I ask him to or because he has to but because he truly wants to. Each Tuesdays and Thursdays are days with dad. I leave for work at 7 and when I come home at 5 the girls are happy, the house is clean, both girls are wearing their blue jeans, Addy has on her owl shirt, Morgie her stripped shirt (their cloths are washed on Wednesdays) the dogs have been walked (which is a huge feet in the land of rain), and dinner is made. He asks for nothing but a few minutes of sports talk with buddies in NC and a half hour of online free fake-money poker. In return he gives us love, support, and never ending care. In my wildest dreams I could not have asked for a more amazing man. We make a great team, we can sense when other needs a break, sleep, or care and do our best to provide. As I type he is scratching the dogs’ belly.

I cannot imagine the girls not having each other to play with. After a good meal or nap they play and play and play. They take out every piece of Tupperware, all the folding napkins, and anything safe enough for me to store on our lower shelves—plastic dishes, dish towels, sippy cups, the smoothie maker, diapers. You name in and it is off its self and on the floor in a matter of seconds. As we clean up one mess they made another. We joke they are trying to destroy the house, and are doing a good job. They play hid and seek around the kitchen table and laugh at each other all the time. They also love to be pushed in their carts, so one gets in and calls the other over to push.

Each night after a bath we play and read before better.

It is some of my most cherished times. It is usually just me and the girls, they are always in a good mode, the day is almost done and they are full of love. Justin cleans up downstairs and comes up for a final cup of milk. Then, ours after Justin and I lay them down to the lullabies of Bob Marley or the Beatles, I go up and look at the heavenly gift I have been granted. So sweet, so precious, and so loved.

This past weekend was Halloween, my favorite holiday and not Justins. But I rallied some DuPre spirit (with the girls at least). On Saturday we went to an infant Halloween party. I am so lucky to have meet a really nice group of mom’s with great kids. Here are some highlights:

First they girls thought they would go as a reggae band- their good friend Freyja would be Bob Marley

Then they decided they should go as something a little younger at heart.

Addy starred as the lion, and together with their friends- they went as the Wizard of Oz

Mom's dressed up too

They won the award for best group custom, but Addy was about done with all the paparazzi

Morgan was bit sad when the party ended

But she cheered up when I told her it was a Halloween weekend. Sunday morning they put on the super cute Halloween dresses their grandma Judy got them

Then they got dressed up ago to go trick or treating down town. Since we had some extra customs we figures we should put them to use So. . .

Addy was a frog

And Morgan a rabbit.it was a great weekend!

October

2010-10-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

Vern in the Park

September was so rainy, but October made up for it. We had so much fun this month I really have not had time to write. Things are still really busy but great. The girls are learning to run and talk. Addy has so many bruises. But while Morgan lead the motor skills charge, Addy is leading the way on talking. Both girls can say Mama and Dada but in the last few days Addy has added ut-oh and dog to her vocab. Dare I say we have finally got sleeping under control and are getting some good rest. But of all the time I spend with the girls, the time I enjoy most is when all six of us make it out for a day at the park. October has made parks days awesome. The weather has been warm, sunny, and dry. Here are some highlights of October.

Addy Baye loving the leaves

Really loving the leaves

Miss Morgan

Morgie in the grass

The girls and I went with some great moms to the pumpkin patch. They also sell tress in December. Addy found one she really liked.

"Can we get this one?"

The DuPre girls at Stoney Ridge Farm

So we set out looking for a pumpkin . . .

The girls on the lookout for a good one

Still looking

Morgan picked out two - one for Scout and a 28lber now on our doorstep

I carried the heavy one and Morgan carried Scouts

I have always loved Halloween and the pumpkin patch was so much fun. Both girls were in a great mood and loved the wheelbarrow ride. At one point Addy was the lookout directing me and Morgie was holding on to the pumpkin for dear life It was so cute. Stay tuned for the Halloween pictures coming soon.

First Birthday

2010-09-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

A summer full of picnics is over but things great. The girls are one, they are both walking, and they are so fun to be with. Below are some more recent pictures.

The girls and I at the park by the bay

So tickelish

Love Cherrios !!

Addy and the kites of summer

Addy and Daddy

Freyja slept over and read Addy a bedtime story

Morgie opening her birthday present

The girls and their Daddy on their first birthday

Miss Addy

Their first taste of chocolate

Very interesting

So cute

Reading with Nana

And more reading with Grandma (Addy loves books)

The only thing the girls like better then pushing their carts is being pushed in the carts

Big girls wear cords

And know how to climb up the stairs.

We look forward to sharing another year with you!!!

From Babies to Toddlers

2010-09-10T20:04:00.000-07:00

In one week my daughters will be one. Crazy! What an amazing year it has been. I have learned so much, they have learned even more, and we are all so happy. Most recently I have learned the difference between a baby (which I used to have) and a toddler (of which I am the proud parent of two).They toddle. Morgan is walking, although she has a very stiff Frankenstein style at the moment. Addy took her first steps Wednesday and is not far behind. And these girls can eat. Today we were out so I packed a lunch. After a zip lock of carrots, string cheese, a container of soy yogurt, a bag of cheerios, and a ton of strawberries and blueberries the girls looked at me as if they were starving. Both downed 6oz of milk when we got home. That was just lunch not to mention to other meals and two other snacks. I think they are beefing up for the big weigh in next week at the doctor.

We had a great time with my uncle Steven and Patti this past weekend. There were so helpful and really had a good time with the girls. If only we lived closer. But having my cousin Alex on the west coast will be a nice incentive for them to return. We are gearing up for my mom and mother-in-law to visit next week for their birthday. Below are a few picture highlights.

Patti hangin with Miss Addy Baye

Steven reading to Morgie

The girls playing

And then a birthday present came. I told them not open it before their birthday but. . .

It turned out to be a great gift from their Grandma's

Addy pushes her toys around

Morgan pushes her friend Frejya around

(who is coming for a sleep over tomorrow- we are very excited)

And now they are getting older we have put them to work:

Sleepy eyed Morgan making french toast

(do not worry Mom there is adult right next to the counter)

Addy made meatballs

and she did the wash

They are too much fun. We are in a really great phase now.

The Lean

2010-09-03T19:22:00.001-07:00

After getting a C in judo fourteen years ago I decided to fill my one remaining gym credit at the University of Vermont with yoga. It is a practice I am grateful to have. I have turned to yoga almost consistently over the last decade. Leavening for months at time and then returning to my mat, as if going home after a long journey. Whether scared (knowing I was leaving Vermont), confused (while living in Mass after college), falling in love (in Winston while at Wake), heartbroken (in New Jersey before going to Iowa), reading and writing (while in Iowa), or starting my first real job (in Washington)—yoga has always been there for me. I practiced while pregnant until I was put on bedrest and returned shortly after giving birth. It was 5 weeks to be exact. My aunt Donna helped me bring my babies to baby and me class. At the time I was heavy in both body and heart but the practice helped me through the transition to motherhood. Yoga has never turned me away nor giving me anything for free. My mat has received me whether in tears or in strength. I have always returned knowing it is what both my body and mind needs.

Last Monday night, after a very challenging day with a sick baby (Morgan- who is doing a lot better now) and a VERY active baby (Addy has decided to come out of her shell) the thought crossed my mind to go to a night yoga class. But I was tired and how could I leave Justin (who had worked all day) with the girls knowing Morgan might not sleep. I filled my mind with plenty of reasonable reasons not to go to yoga and sat down in the rocking chair with Addy. Justin walked over took Addy out of my arms and told me—it was a clear demand—to go to yoga. I changed and ran out the door. Five minutes late and with a nod of approval from the teacher my mat welcomed me. Knowing I was tired I did not push my body too hard. I even leaned against the wall once or try (I know better and should practice in the middle of the room). Yet when I least expected it I got sweep up in the practice. With fifteen minutes left in the class I realized why I was there—because Justin loves me enough to know exactly what I need.

Children are a lot like yoga—when you are in it you can do little else. Balance is the key and sometimes it is pure bliss while other times it takes all you have to practice slow patient breathing. Yet I am lucky enough to have a partner to lean on when things get hard and they often do. Together we share the joys and there are so many. Too many to capture on film and remember though I try to document each phase in my heart and mind with great care because it is easy to get sweep up when you least expect it and then in a flash it is over. We take care of each other. When I see him slipping or frustrated I instinctually feel stronger. When I am tired and fed up he puts me to bed or, in the more recent case, sends me to yoga. There is little more I could ask for then two healthy daughters, two great dogs, and a man who truly loves me.

The End of Summer

2010-08-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

The girls really love the water:

And Hovander Park is always a big hit:

Summer Highlights

2010-08-27T20:20:00.000-07:00

It is really hard to believe that summer is almost over and the girls are about to turn one. We have had such a nice time and great visitors. Here are some highlights:

Grandma Judy comes to visit

She brought the girls the cutest bloomers! So if the twin factor gets you confused now you know who is who.

Morgan doing alittle bird watching.

Miss Addy looking very serious.

All dressed up.

Addy all smiles.

Morgan and Mom at a concert on the library lawn.

The DuPre girls did alot of swinging.

Nana (my mom) came to visit and did lots of playing.

Then my mom, Addy, Morgan and I went to Port Towsend, Washington to the Women's Debate Institute. We slept in the army barracks, walked by the ocean, and enjoyed what I am sure will be the first of many summer camp experiences. In the picture above Addy is looking through the box of shirts only to find they did not have one in her size.

We had to improvise at bath time. Lucky not all teams have gone paperless yet (dorky debate joke- do not worry if you do not understand it).

Morgan and I on the beach.

The amazing Washington shoreline.

What Addy might look like when her hair grows in.

Back home cooling off in the swimming pool.

Washington Part 3 of 3

2010-07-20T22:26:00.000-07:00

Years ago when Justin and I first met we decided to save our money and go on a week long camping trip. We have always shared a great lover for the outdoors. After months of saving we looked on line to see where we could afford to go. We were living in Winston Salem, NC at the time and found some good flights to Seattle. We had heard the camping was great and ten years ago we took our first trip in the Washington wilderness. As luck or fate would have it we ended up in this amazing state and have continued to take a camping trip each summer.

Last summer it was hard to stay put but 7 months pregnant with twins did not allow for travels out of the bed never-mind the trails. This year offered a different challenge. Our girls love to crawl around but cannot yet walk, so camping seemed like more of challenge than a vacation. So we decided to shorten our trip from the usual week to two days and splurge on a nice hotel room almost as remote.

Washington is an amazing state. It has more ecosystems than any other state and we live within a few hours of three national parks each of which has more glaciers than any other state beside Alaska. Tonight we returned from our first trip to the North Cascades National Park. The Park is the least visited in the United States and also the most remote. There is only one road that passes through the park and it is closed from October to June because of snow. The number of grizzle bears and mountain lions makes it an unsafe place for dogs, so Vern and Scout stayed with a friend and we took Addy and Morgan to their first national park.

The edge of the park is only about an hour from Bellingham but we planned to drive Rt 20 from west to east and stay in a small town called Mamazo on the eastern and warmer side of the state. Traveling with 10 month olds has its restrictions. You drive when they are sleeping and hike when they are awake. So we got an early start and stopped at the park visitor center. There we washed bottled, changed diapers and confirmed some of the shorter and handicap (read stroller) accessible trials locations.

Hanging at the park visitor center

Addy practicing for her leg of the trip

Our first hike took us across a foot bridge overlooking the Skagit River. All of the river and lakes we saw on this trip were glacially feed making then a very cool color aqua green and very cold. Here in the trails twisted around old growth cedar trees over 1000 years old. The trail of cedars was great and we picnicked in the park till the girls seemed tuckered out.

The trail of the cedars

Big Cedar that fell in the path and was cut in half

Addy having lunch in the park

Miss Morgan with a fist full of cheerios

From there rt 20 twisted our into remote wilderness passed over many glacial lakes prettier then you have seen. My pictures cannot even do this place justice; you must come see it with your own eyes. We passed trail head after trail head and I was salivating to hit the path. But I tried to steer my eagerness towards thoughts of our family hiking these trails together a few years down the line.

The glacial fed Lake Diablo

Addy slept through Lake Ross but Morgan seemed to like it

No sooner did the park end then we arrived at the awesome Freestone Inn. It is in the middle on nowhere, no cell service, tons of hiking, a lake, pool, and a great deck we can hang out on when the kids go to bed, you can be sure we will return.

The next day we drove 13 miles on a dirt road to Harts pass. It is the highest point you can drive to in Washington at over 7000 feet. From there you can see dozens of glaciers and peaks both in the US and Canada. It just might be the prettiest place I have ever been. From the top we got onto the Pacific Crest trail (the national trail that goes from Mexico to Canada- we were 31 miles from the Canadian border) and hiked. I wanted to walk for days losing touch with everything but nature. Morgan and Addy were less eager to be through hikers, so I will save that dream for another time. But it was amazing to show them such sights. I hope we can return to hike a larger portion or the Pacific Crest Trail in the future but for now, I think we did pretty good with 10month old twins.

Morgan and Daddy at the top of the world

Addy is a great hiking partner- although she suggested I sing to her the whole way, and I did

Morgan would not stop looking around, she loved it - or so I think

Mom and girls

Our final stop was Rainey Lake. It has an amazing water fall and glacial aqua water. Words and pictures cannot do justice to the many sights we saw. It was a great trip and really cool that we did not have to travel over three hours away. Yes, you should come visit, we will be happy to show you around the great state of Washington.

The girls chatting over lunch at the lake

Rainey Lake

Washington Part 2 of 3

2010-07-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

Washington is an agricultural state (over 60% of the population lives in Seattle) and while famous for its apples, few know what a huge berry producing state it is. Washington is often ranked first in the nation in production of red raspberries (90.0% of total U.S. production) and about fifth in strawberry production. This is berry season and our girls love them. Smoothies are very popular in our home. So Justin and I deceived to save money and have some fun by taking the girls berry picking.

Morgan loves rasberries

Addy and I on the tractor out to the picking fields

Justin and Morgan picking/eating berries

So sweet!

Morgan in the strawberry fields

Addy picking flowers

Washington Part 1 of 3

2010-07-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

If you like the outdoors, Washington is an amazing state. Even our local parks are truly beautiful. Justin and I make it our point to take the family to lots of natural places and the summer is the time to do it. For at least three months, the gray and gloom gives way to sun,degrees in the seventies, no humidity and no bugs. That’s right no bugs, a hikers dream. These next three posts are devoted to some of our most recent adventures.

Morgan loves to play in the summer grass

Recently my dear friend Anna came to visit us.

She had never met the girls and she is really a loving Auntie.

One Saturday Justin played with the girls while I took Anna to the Mt. Baker national forest. This area is about an hour from our house and overlap with parts of the north cascades national park. Mt Baker. “After Mount Rainier, Mount Baker is the most heavily glaciated of the Cascade volcanoes; the volume of snow and ice on Mount Baker (0.43 cubic miles or 1.8 cubic kilometers) is greater than that of all the other Cascades volcanoes (except Rainier) combined. It is also one of the snowiest places in the world; in 1999, Mount Baker Ski Area, located 14 km (8.4 mi) to the northeast, set the world record for snowfall in a single season—1,140 inches (95 feet or 2,896 cm) (wiki).” Yes you should visit and go skiing! Anyway, Anna and I took a great hike. I was unable to hike last summer so it had been a while since I had been, it was just as amazing as I remember.

The Road up to Aster Butte trail head

Looking out at Mt. Baker from the trail

Anna cooling off in the fresh spring

The snow line is pretty low this time of year so most of our hike was on snow. It is great when its 80 degrees you are hiking in the snow.

A view of goat mountain.

Anna was brave enough to swim in the glacial water of the Nooksack River

Old growth cedar

Nooksack Falls

A Northwest Summer

2010-07-13T19:22:00.000-07:00

Since we have been home we have been enjoying the northwest summer. It took a while for the warm sun to arrive but that did not keep us from the beach. Three years ago we took our Vern and Scout to a beach on Whidbey Island call Double Bluffs. It is about 2.5 hours south of us but well worth the drive. It is beautiful, has great wild life, and is a dog off leash zone. Vern feel in love and eat fresh crab all day. We always promised her we would return. So last week we did.

While we much more than last time (little people require alot of big stuff), we had a great day.

Justin carried Morgie and the metaphorical weight of our crew.

Morgan and Addy looking up unknown birds in the Northwest Audubon Guide

The girls and I after a bottle on the beach

Scout showing off the big stick he found floating in the ocean.

Vern as happy as can be--unlimited seafood and swimming

The DuPre Family

Daddy and Addy sharing a moment

The beach was filled with tons of great driftwood. Vern, Addy, and I explored this old tree.

And as we left, so did the Great Blue Heron we had been watching all day.

The East Side

2010-07-05T10:37:00.000-07:00

We had a blast on the east coast. The girls were great travelers and the it was actually summer. It was wonderful to see everyone and introduce them to Morgan and Addy Baye. Here are some of the many highlights:

We began in Atlantic Beach, NC. The water was warm, the sky Carolina blue, and the girls spoiled by their grandmother Judy and Aunt Jill.

Morgan did some great playing with Macy Ford (Justin's friend Trey's daughter).

They both loved their wagon!

They found the sand was alittle scaring but boy did did they look cute.

Justin's friends came from all over to hang on the beach.

Addy rocking with Aunt Jill

Morgie hangin on the beach

Just rocking on the front porch

We loved the summer sun

Justin's good friend Mark took these great pictures

Addy was singing a great song

Then we traveled south to see Justin's Dad in Myrtle Beach, SC

Granddaddy and Addy having a heart to heart

More beach life

Then we went up to NJ where Addy hung out with cousin Ella

Morgan and Daddy

Great Aunt Donna doing nails

Morgan and Great Great Aunt Linda gossiping

Addy hanging at the pool with Great Nana

Great Nana, Rae and Morgan

Cousin Alex and Mom doing the Addy bop

Loving Great Uncle Steven's mustache

Morgan and Auntie Mica

The best part of the presents

Addy and cousin Amy

Big Family Picture

Pool Party

Addy wondering if she will be as tall as Great Papa

Nana reading Morgan a book

Thank you to everyone for a great visit. We can not wait to do it again next year.