The Olsens

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-27T22:44:00.007-05:00

We had a wonderful Christmas and hope all of you had excellent ones as well. Here are a few pics of our fun day.

Makell got an apron from Grammy and helped me decorate sugar cookies tonight while wearing it. She loves to help me cook and always has to have an apron on. Now she has her very own! Thanks Grammy!
Just being cute...
Nick and his dad got helicopters and here they are flying them outside. It was a beautiful day here in Michigan with blue skies and sun! Nick flew his across the street and it landed on the roof of a neighbors house. The wind caught it and it fell to the ground and was pretty much dead after that. Here he is with his dad examining the damage.

Our pretty princess
Nick got a new camera and I was playing with it, taking shots of Makell. She loves to say "Cheese".

Feeding her new baby! She is in heaven!

Makell's Tricks

2011-12-27T22:11:00.003-05:00

The other night Makell was jumping on the bed and being super cute so I decided to get it on video and she did all her tricks for us. She counts, does the ABC's and sings several songs. It's a little long but oh so cute; check it out!

Aw, Snap!

2011-11-22T13:29:00.003-05:00

Makell broke her collar bone last night! It is such a bummer to see our little princess hurt so bad. She was playing with Nick and she ran herself into the couch and somehow broke her collar bone. It will be 4 weeks of a sling and pain meds. Hopefully she feels better soon!

Saying cheese for the camera. She is in her make shift sling because the Urgent Care didn't have one small enough for her.

Super Cute Gift

2011-10-10T21:10:00.005-04:00

I have worked with the Young Women at church for the past 5 years and this is what we gave the girls for their birthdays this year. They were TONS of work but I think they turned out so cute and each one was personalized the girls' favorite color, cake and icing flavor.

Here is the link to the original idea.
Cupcake Take-Along Tote

Wedding Cake Balls

2011-10-10T21:06:00.004-04:00

Check these cuties out; made by yours truly.

Somewhere over the rainbow...

2011-10-10T20:32:00.006-04:00

...skies are blue and Makell turned 2!! That's right, our sweet princess turned two about a month ago. We had a party in the park with a few of her closest friends. It was super duper hot but she had lots of fun. Thanks everyone for coming!

It was a rainbow themed party and here were her invitations. I did have some much cuter pictures but Nick deleted them, ugh!!

The spread. I had so many ideas for this party but being at the park limited my options. It turned out pretty cute anyway I thought.

This is where we put her presents and did the rainbow craft. It also held all her Thank You bags.

Her Thank You bags had homemade note pads, a big rainbow swirl pop, rainbow slinkies and a fun marker.

Her most favorite present, a stroller! She pushed it around ALL DAY!

This is what she was doing for most of the morning before we went to her party. Watching a movie while resting on her pink balloon. So Cute!

She loved her birthday and ran around the house all day practically screaming "Happy Birthday"! We love her to bits.

4th of July Parade

2011-07-19T22:07:00.003-04:00

Every year my company participates in our city's 4th of July parade and I am one of the lucky ones that gets to plan the float! (not really that much fun by the way.) This year the company is celebrating it's 50th year in business and the parade theme was American Classics so we created a 50's diner for our float with our personal theme being "Celebrating 50 years in 50's style". We dressed Makell up in a poodle skirt and she walked in the parade with us. It was pretty fun and she was adorable! Making the poodle skirt was quite fun too, and easy!

The float

Nick and Makell

Makell and me

Our cutie pie

Random Moments

2011-07-19T21:57:00.003-04:00

While camping a little while ago, we had ice cream and Makell wanted the cone. Here she is holding it side ways and being goofy. I had to eat the ice cream out for her so she could eat the cone. I guess that was all she was in the mood for.

Eating chicken nuggets while naked and sick with Hand, Foot and Mouth. (Pray your kids never get this. It is NOT fun).

Makell loves to swim. Here she is in her water wings and swim suit waiting to go to the pool. She jumps in her self and pretty much won't let us touch her once she is in the water. She just kicks and floats around with us near by and only needs us to get her out of the pool so she can jump back in. She has no fear!

Just being cute in sunglasses she insisted on taking to the bath with her.

Temper Tantrum

2011-07-19T21:42:00.005-04:00

It is very hard to take pictures of Makell right now because she learned that she can look at the pictures on the camera and she LOVES to look at pictures. Every time you get the camera out, she runs over and says "See, see, see" until you give it to her. If you want to take a picture you have to be very sneaky.

Makell also leaves to color but only with markers. She won't really touch crayons but she will color for a long time with markers. A few weeks ago I left her alone to color and when I came to get her, I found she had colored ALL over her arm. I thought it was funny and I wanted to take a picture so I got out the camera. It was right before bed time and she was extra tired so when she asked to see the pictures on the camera and I didn't agree to her request, she threw the biggest fit. In an effort to get the shot I wanted, I got a temper tantrum instead. Take a peek:

The pouty face (Notice the lovely marker on her arm)

Throwing herself on the floor

Trying to take the camera

Running away

Calming down a bit

Right before I gave in and let her "see"

All for a picture of the marker on her arm :)

Happy 4th!

2011-07-19T21:40:00.001-04:00

Flag cake balls anyone?

Ice Cream

2011-07-19T21:32:00.003-04:00

Makell had her first ice cream cone a few weeks ago and we discovered that she loves the ice cream but does not like the cake cones. She took several bites of the cone, then spit it out and said it was yucky. We did learn last weekend though that she prefers waffle cones to ice cream. :)

Makell has had ice cream before but this was her first cone for just her. She looks happy to be eating it!

She was watching Tangled and she wouldn't look at me for the picture. This was apparently the best she could do.

Infested!

2011-07-19T21:21:00.002-04:00

We recently had an ant infestation that was yucky! Nick woke up one morning with an ant on his face and a bite on his lip so he checked out the window and this is what we found. Thankfully he had just sprayed so most of them were dead or dying but we were so grossed out! Our bed is right up against this window and there were TONS of these lovely ants. We shook out the curtains that are also right by the window and tons more dead ones fell out. Nick vacuumed them up, sprayed several more times and in a few days they stopped coming in. All in all, not a pleasant experience.

On the window sill

The pile of dead ants on the floor behind our bed

A close-up for your pleasure. Notice the wings...

New Skills

2011-07-19T14:41:00.001-04:00

Makell can count to 15!! It's the cutest thing you've ever heard. Just wanted to share. :)

Huh?

2011-05-23T21:04:00.004-04:00

So if you ask Makell what her name is she will tell you it is Bo. I have no idea where that comes from but it is pretty funny and every time she says it, I think, huh? Sometimes I wonder about her!

Because every post needs a picture, here she is blowing bubbles in her cute Sunday dress.

Tangled

2011-05-14T20:57:00.004-04:00

It's offical...Makell is obssessed with Tangled. I thought this didn't happen until they were much older than her, but I guess not. We bought the movie, watched it twice and now watching "Horsey" (as she calls it) is all she wants to do. First thing in the morning, when we come from from anywhere, before bed, right after it's over; she wants to watch it ALL THE TIME! Good thing it's a cute movie.

Getting ready to put the movie on

The best shots I could get of her while she watched the movie.

Peek A Boo

2011-05-14T20:52:00.004-04:00

Anyone else's kids like to play in/behind the curtains?

Little Lounger

2011-05-14T20:46:00.003-04:00

Makell loves to lounge and she is always putting her legs up over the arms of her little chair. I think it looks very uncomfortable but she disagrees!

Marker Manicures

2011-05-14T20:35:00.003-04:00

So last Saturday Makell and I were coloring at the kitchen table when she decided she wanted her finger nails colored. I thought it would be fun so we colored them each a different color and then she colored mine orange. She loved it and it made for some pretty cute pictures!

Makell's Manicure

Mommy's Manicure

What have I been up to?

2011-02-20T22:22:00.009-05:00

Making cake balls and knitting!!
I love knitting baby hats and I have a cute book with lots of cute patterns. Here are a few that I have made so far. They have all been gifts but I hope to make Makell one soon. If you need one for anything, let me know and I would be happy to make you one!

To see this one a very cute little guy, click here

I have also been making lots of cake balls. Here are some I made for a co-worker to give to his wife on Valentines Day. I think they turned out so cute. Check out Bakerella for instructions and lots more ideas!

Catch Up

2011-02-20T21:01:00.006-05:00

Here's what we've been up to lately:

Sledding!! We took Makell sledding for the first time a few weeks ago (shortly after that big snow storm) and she had a great time. Sledding wasn't her favorite but she sure loved to eat the snow.

Learning to use the potty!! Makell is very aware of when she pees and poops so we got her a potty so she could start to get familiar with it. She really likes it and has actually peed in it a few times, yay!

Cooking with Mom: Makell loves to help me cook and I love having a helper! Here we are pounding chicken.

Lots of Ice Eating: Makell loves ice and asks for it all the time. You can often find her watching Baby Einstein with a cup of ice in hand.

Loving the "Warm Fuzzies"

2011-02-20T20:52:00.003-05:00

When we were visiting family in Arizona for Christmas, Makell found a huge jar of fuzzy pom-pom balls and loved to play with them. We got got home we decided she needed her own jar to play with and she decided that the pink ones are her favorite. Here she is loving the pink fuzzies.

First Hair Cut

2011-02-20T20:37:00.003-05:00

Several weeks ago I took Makell to get her first hair cut. I know there wasn't much to cut but it was so uneven and unruly that I had to get it done. She was so good about it but a little unsure of what was happening. It's been so nice to have all that hair out of her eyes. Here are a few pics.

Thanksgiving 2010

2011-01-09T22:18:00.003-05:00

This year for Thanksgiving we celebrated at a friend's house. We enjoyed a nice dinner and then played games with the kids. While we were there, Makell decided to follow one of the bigger kids up the stairs. That didn't work out so well and she ended up falling face first onto the wood floor and splitting her lip open. She was fine after a bit of love but it made for a fun Thanksgiving and gave her an awfully large swollen lip. Hope your's was less eventful!

Big Girl Chair

2011-01-09T22:14:00.003-05:00

For Christmas Makell got a new rocking chair. She loves to watch Baby Einstein, read and climb all over it.

Pig Tails!

2011-01-09T22:12:00.003-05:00

Makell's hair is long enough for pig tails and I LOVE her in them!

New Jammies

2011-01-09T22:08:00.004-05:00

My friend gave me some materials to make Makell cute new pajamas. Check 'em out!

Our Little Girl

2011-01-09T21:50:00.005-05:00

It's official, Makell is no longer a baby! She has been replaced by a sweet little girl that we love to death. She is so fun right now and we just can't get enough of her!

Fitting herself into a bowl
Rockin' the goggles
Playing with her new big girl toy
Playing with her pretties

She is such a goober!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-30T20:24:00.004-04:00

Last year for Halloween we bought Makell's costume but this year I wanted to make her a super cute one since she would be able to enjoy the day more. I came across the most adorable chicken costume and decided that's what she would be. It turned out so cute!! We took her to our ward Trunk-or-Treat last night and she was a hit. She loved getting all that candy. Here are some pics:

From the front

From the back

Not sure about the hat

Eyeing her treats

The costume is supposed to have super cute yellow feet but Makell was too small for them and couldn't walk with them on so we had to do without. We love our little chicken!

Messy Girl

2010-10-23T17:15:00.005-04:00

I was looking through some of Makell's pictures and noticed that many of them are when she is covered in food. I am glad she starting to move away from the really messy food stage!

Ravioli

Cake

Burrito

Peas

New Table

2010-10-23T16:53:00.004-04:00

We decided that our kitchen table didn't really match our decor and we didn't have money to buy a new one so we refinished it. I think it looks awesome and love my husband for all the time he spent on it!

Before

After

Caramel Apple Pizza

2010-10-23T16:42:00.006-04:00

I found a recipe for this delicious dessert and wanted to share it!

Get the recipe here: www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/36/Caramel_Apple_Dessert_Pizza38537.shtml

Celeb Sighting

2010-10-23T16:35:00.002-04:00

My sister lives in LA and has had the chance to see/meet several celebrities and everytime I go there I secretly hope I will get to see one too. Well, when we were in LA this summer we saw Kevin Durand at the airport! Not only did we see him, but he was on our flight and we sat two rows behind him! I thought it was pretty awesome. He sat next to this older woman and talked with her the whole flight about how he came to be in the business. He seemed super nice. He played Martin Keamy in LOST, Little John in the new Robin Hood movie and was the Blob in X Men: Origins. My celeb sighting wish has been granted!

To Make You Smile

2010-09-17T23:27:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to Makell!

2010-09-17T23:05:00.006-04:00

Makell's first birthday was last Friday and we can't believe our baby is one! We had a eventful birthday with moving and both sets of grandparents visiting! On Friday we moved from Mom and Dad's house to our new apartment. Makell had a cupcake during the middle of the move and we sang happy birthday. Then we went to Outback for dinner (cause Makell needed steak) where she had a delicious scoop of ice cream covered with fudge. On Saturday we had her cupcake party in the park with all our friends. It was a bit windy but we had a great time!

Eating her Cupcake

Her Cake (Please don't judge it too harshly. I made it in the middle of a move where time and supplies were severely lacking)

Eating Watermelon

Eating her Cake, more like playing with her cake...I don't think she actually ate any

Makell's Little Owie

2010-08-03T20:02:00.002-04:00

Last night Makell was crawling around the table and chairs in the kitchen area and she fell onto the rungs under the chair and cut her lip open. I didn't know she didn't it at first and then I looked at my shoulder to see it covered in blood and had a minor freak out because I didn't know where it was coming from. We discovered it was her lip, gave her some ice and bath and she was fine in just a few minutes. Luckily it wasn't serious but it sure scared me!

Jaimee's Big Owie

2010-08-03T19:42:00.005-04:00

Two weeks ago we went to the county fair with some friends and bought tickets to the Monster Truck Rally. After about an hour, Makell and I were done watching so I decided to take her to the animal petting area. As I go to leave, Nick says, "Don't fall." I say "I won't" and just as I step off the bleachers on to the ground, I roll my ankle off my flip flop and fall, just like I said I wouldn't. Some nice gentleman that saw me fall went to get the paramedics (really?, yes really). They came and checked it out, told me it wasn't broken, probably just sprained and asked me if I wanted a ride to the hospital. I said for sure no, but since I did need to go to the doctor cause I couldn't walk, I made my nice friends leave the fair early, take me to the doctor and stay home with Makell (thanks Hanna's!). Turns out I sprained it pretty bad; it's still swollen and still hurts but I can at least walk without limping now (yeah!) Enjoy the pictures!

I would also like to thank my brothers, Chris and Brock, for their expert medical advice and sympathy. I love brothers! :)

The inital swelling

A week after the incident
Swelling

Bruising

California

2010-08-03T19:28:00.007-04:00

A few weeks ago, we took a family vacation to California and spend an awesome week with my parents, sister, three brothers and their families. Makell was able to meet most of her cousins, aunts and uncles for the first time. We also took her to Disney Land!! (well actually it was CA Adventure, but close enough). We had such a great time and loved getting to be with everyone!

Rockin the sunglasses in the pool

Watchin' TV and eatin' cheese

Sharing her cheese

Chillin' in Mom's sweatshirt as we walked the 3rd Street Promenade

Coloring at the Skirball Museum (Coloring is Intense!)

Loving Uncle Brock at CA Adventure

Hanging out at the beach and getting her first taste of sand :)

The cutest Caramel Apple Ever (It's made to look like Mickey Mouse in case you can't tell)

Loving the Laundry

2010-08-03T19:11:00.005-04:00

Makell LOVES to play in the laundry. Clean or dirty, she doesn't care. This particular day it was clean and had already been folded twice. She proceeded to empty the basket several more times that day. In order to save my sanity, I gave up folding until right before they were put away. I think I should never fold clothes again!

Look at Me!

Examining the Clothes

Tossing the Clothes

Admiring Her Work

Post from Post

2010-07-24T15:58:00.005-04:00

Kourtney Post (formerly Hale), a good friend of mine from high school, sent Makell the cutest hand made onesie from her Etsy shop, BabyLoo!! It is a bit too big but she will grow in to it. :)

The same week I got the onesie from Kourtney I also found this gem from our good old high school days. Kourtney loved to doodle in seminary and she gave me one of her famous doodles. I couldn't believe I still had it-I miss you Kourtney! Thanks for the super cute onesie!

We love Camping!

2010-06-21T20:32:00.004-04:00

We had a wonderful Father's Day weekend camping up north in Lewiston. Makell loved it and we had tons of fun! Thanks to the Allens for inviting us up and letting us use their yard and cabin. We can't wait for next year!

Enjoying Watermelon at the Beach

Sleeping in the Tent

We camped on the corner of Hanson and Olsen Street. What a coincidence!!

Decisions, Decisions

2010-06-07T23:48:00.005-04:00

As some of you may know, Nick and I have had to make some big decisions lately about where to live and work and we finally chose! We decided that for now it makes the most sense to stay in Clarkston so we will be renting an apartment as soon as we are told we need to be out of Mom and Dad's house. I will still work at Clarkston Medical Group while Nick goes to school at U of M. We really feel like this is the right place to be right now and we are glad to finally know what we are doing. For two very indecisive people, that's impressive!

Pictures with Dad

2010-06-07T23:41:00.003-04:00

Every time I try to get a picture of Nick and Makell, Nick always makes stupid faces and ruins the pictures. Case in point...

Take One...Hiding

Take Two...Crazy Eyes

Take Three...Goofy Smile

Take Four...Squinty Eyes

Take Five...Finally!

I love him despite his quirks! :)

"Makell Loves" Revisited

2010-06-07T23:24:00.005-04:00

Since Makell has changed so much since I did this post before, I think it is time for a new one with all the things she loves at nine months!

Makell Loves...

...Anything and everything plastic that crinkles

...Electronics

...Her Duckies

...Green Beans

...Being Under the Coffee Table

...Her Sippy

...Laundry

...Playing with Her Daddy

Yay for Summer!!

2010-06-07T22:59:00.005-04:00

Summer is great, especially the beginning of summer in Michigan. It is beautiful! Everything is green and it's warm but not too hot and there is so much to do here! Two weekends ago we took Makell swimming for the first time and it went quite well. She actually seemed quite indifferent to it but we knew she was glad to be outside. Here are some pics of her cute suit and then us in the pool.

The Suit

In the Pool

This weekend we went to the Zoo and it was so, so much fun! Makell loved the turtles and the birds and was just a happy camper chillin' in her stroller for the afternoon. She really, really loves to be outside and I think it was her perfect day.

Hot stuff in her new shades

The Real Turtle

The Fake Turtle

We also had a few other firsts these past weeks: Makell had her first teenage babysitter while Nick and I went to see Iron Man. She crawls like a pro now and says Mama and Dada appropriately. It is super cute!

Up next on our list of summer adventures...Camping, Disneyland, and the Beach!

Daddy Days

2010-05-23T20:55:00.005-04:00

Makell gets to stay home with dad one day a week and I think she likes it. :)
They play Play Station Games...

...do some stretching

...get in a few push ups

...and smile all the while!

New Toys!

2010-05-23T20:48:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago I came home to a large package addressed to Makell. I opened this package and found three super cute outfits and tons of new toys, all from Grandma Olsen. Thanks so much for the surprise! Makell loves the toys. Here she is playing with the loot!

For Your Viewing Pleasure

2010-05-23T20:44:00.002-04:00

It's been a while so I thought I would post something but I don't have anything specific to post. I love this picture of Makell and I think all should see it, so here you go. Enjoy her cuteness!

This one is pretty cute too!

7 Months

2010-04-15T20:03:00.004-04:00

Makell is seven months old this month and is so much fun. Here is the low down...
She loves her binky, apples and pears, being outside, playing, being with mom and dad, and playing with her toys. She hates avacados! She has the sweetest smile and cutest laugh. She loves her jumpy seat and Finding Nemo. She likes to roll, loves her socks and loves to sleep on our bed. She lets us clip her nails, clean her ears and give medicine without a fuss. She loves the tubby, kisses and to be wherever you are. She loves to touch faces and gives fierce hugs and kisses. We love her tons and tons.

Happy Seven Months!

Favorite Past Time

2010-04-15T19:39:00.005-04:00

Aside from being outside, Makell's favorite thing to do is to take all her toys out of her basket. She will look at each one, play with for a second, drop it and then move on to the next toy. She loves this and it can keep her occupied for at least an hour. This is heaven for us when we have things we need to get done!

Note to Self...

2010-04-15T19:34:00.005-04:00

...Never feed a baby (who has prefectly good working bowels) prunes!! Makell had prunes this morning for breakfast and thought they were great! I was excited because she actually ate breakfast and didn't think anything about it until I changed the first prune blow-out. Two blow-outs and two ruined outfits later, I have learned never to feed her prunes again!

The dirty laundry pile

The littler stinker that can't keep her messes in her diaper!

The 'Grammy Face'

2010-03-28T22:58:00.003-04:00

This week while Mom was watching Makell she taught her how to make a cute new face. They spent quite a while in front of the mirror perfecting the look and now Makell does it every time she gets excited. It is super cute! We named it the Grammy Face, since grammy taught it to her. Here are a few shots of the priceless look (and a few other cute pics).

It's cuter in person but you can kind of get the idea. She does it very fast so it is hard to catch on the camera.

(sorry about the scary eyes Mom...it was the best one of the face so it had to be posted)

Other Cute Pics

We sure love our little muffin!

Moving Day

2010-03-28T22:43:00.006-04:00

Oh, its a sad day. Mom and Dad moved to Missouri this morning. It was rough to say good bye and we will miss them terribly! The movers were here Thursday and Friday and packed up all of their stuff and moved Nick and I upstairs. We do not have nearly as much as Mom and Dad so the house is very sad and bare right now. Hopefully someone will still want to buy it even though it is mostly empty. Here are some pics of the moving!

Those are fake smiles I'm sure... it was not a happy day!

The messiness

The emptiness
(Sorry about the crapy light)

Happy Anniversary to Me!

2010-03-28T22:29:00.004-04:00

Last Saturday was our 6 year anniversary! We got a babysitter (Thanks Grammy!) and went to dinner and a movie. We thoroughly enjoyed our quality alone time together. It has a been a super six years and I can't wait for more to come!

Dinner at Kruse in Muer in Rochester- Great place...if you live in Michigan, you should try it sometime. They have the most amazing bread!! Yum, Yum

We saw The Bounty Hunter. I am a fan of Gerard Butler so I enjoyed it!

Sand Dunes

2010-02-28T23:28:00.007-05:00

Another highlight of our trip was the day we went to the Sand Dunes. In order to get there, you have to drive along the beach for about 2 miles. We were slightly concerned about this but wanted to go to the dunes so we did it anyway. We drove on the beach, got to the dunes, played in the sand, rolled down the hills, and had a fabulous time. On the way out however, we got stuck, really stuck. The tide was on it's way in so we were all slightly concerned, especially my sister who didn't really want to loose her van to the ocean. We called a tow truck and 40 minutes later were safe on the real road. It was quite the adventure and I don't think any of us with drive on the beach anytime in the near future!

Driving on the beach to the dunes

Makell enjoying the sand

Love the feet!

STUCK!!

The tide...inching closer every minute

Dad-very proud of his handy work

Getting unstuck by the massive tow truck.

Another would be dune go-er also stuck. We weren't the only ones, just the first of the afternoon.

Swings

2010-02-28T23:23:00.003-05:00

Makell tried swings for the first time and loved them! She would giggle and laugh and kick her legs like crazy. She is also a fan of sunglasses. She really hates the sun in her eyes so I bought her a pair of sunglasses and she wore them the whole week and never pulled them off her face. Here are a few pictures of her enjoying the swings, the park, and her grandpa.

Madonna Inn

2010-02-28T23:19:00.005-05:00

While in Pismo, we drove North about 10 minutes to see the Madonna Inn. I have seen in featured on a few travel channel shows and it was also a recent destination for the Bachelor. It was pretty interesting and quite a site. All the rooms are theme decorated and in the men's restroom you pee into a waterfall! Here are a few pics of the outside, the restaurant decor, and the famous cakes, which I am sad to say, I did not taste :(.

Loving the Nice Weather

2010-02-28T23:14:00.004-05:00

Makell loved being outside!! Here she is outside enjoying the grass and the sun, both of which were new to her since she was born in September in Michigan and has not had a chance to enjoy either yet.

Makell also really loved being in shorts and a t-shirt, also a new thing for this Michigan baby.

Elephant Seals at Pismo

2010-02-28T23:13:00.001-05:00

Here are the Elephant Seals that are just North of Pismo right off Pacific Coast Highway One. They are HUGE...the males weigh between 3 and 4 thousand pounds and the females weigh about 1500. There were so many of them and it was really cool to see them in their natural habitat.

Pismo Beach

2010-02-28T22:38:00.003-05:00

Last week Makell and I went for a trip to Pismo Beach in California. We spent a week on the beach with my sister and her two kids, one of my brothers and his three kids and my parents. It was tons fun and we had lots of adventures, including get stuck on the beach in the van as the tide was coming in!

Makell loved being outside and really enjoyed getting to wear shorts and a t-shirt! We saw the elephant seals, went to the sand dunes, saw the famous Madonna Inn, and did plenty of shopping. It was so nice to get away from the snow and cold and we had a wonderful time. Thank you so much Mom and Dad for making it happen!!

New Look

2010-02-28T22:26:00.002-05:00

Nick has officially joined the bad eye sight club. He recently got glasses and is now sporting this very sexy look!

24

2010-01-15T21:37:00.002-05:00

Oh, I can't wait!! The new season of 24 starts on Sunday night. I can't wait to learn how Jack survived the deadly weaponized virus and how he will save America this season. If you haven't seen 24, I highly recommend it. You should rent season one and you will be hooked! Jack is my hero!

Snap Capp

2010-01-15T21:16:00.005-05:00

These are so cool! In case you aren't familiar with the Snapp Capp, they are a nifty little invention; a plastic bottle top that snaps to pop cans. I bought a few and love them. They do just as advertised; no spills, not bugs, no flat pop. I think anywho who drinks from a pop can should own one. They can be purchased from several places, however I found mine at my local Bed, Bath and Beyond for a mere $2.99.

Kisses

2010-01-15T20:23:00.003-05:00

Scratchy kisses from Dad...

No thanks!

Sweet, soft kisses from Mom...
Yes Please!

Our little MI girl

2010-01-15T20:19:00.003-05:00

Since Dad is going to school at U of M, it is only natural for Makell to be a Wolverines fan...

(Thanks to the Hanna's for Makell's cute onesies!)

Cereal

2010-01-15T20:01:00.004-05:00

We have reached a major milestone...solid foods! Makell started ceral this past week and we think she likes it. She wasn't so sure at first and spit most of it out, but now she eats it up. She also really enjoys drinking from a cup. She gets really excited when you have a glass and opens wide for you to share with her. She drinks really well from it and loves cold water! Is it wrong to be giving her water? I sure hope not, cause she loves it!

The Car Seat

2010-01-03T23:55:00.004-05:00

Makell is so funny about her car seat. She really doesn't enjoy being in it, won't sleep in it and really hates it when you cover her face. When it first started to get cold, we would just throw a blanket over her and she hated it! She immediately would start to cry and try to claw her way out. We decided that wasn't going work for much longer and luckily a friend of mine gave us a nifty car seat cover that allows the seat to be covered and has a velcro face flap. She likes this much better but on occasion still tries to get out. Maybe someday she will learn to love the car seat!

Christmas and Family

2010-01-03T23:11:00.008-05:00

We had a wonderful Christmas and hope that you all had a nice holiday too! My two brothers from Arizona came to Michigan for Christmas this year and a benefit of living with mom and dad is that when the family comes to see them, we get to see them too! We love it! Matt and Julie and their three kids and Brock, Kamalani, and Keola were here for about 2 weeks. We did lots of shopping, played games, and learned to knit. Makell got to meet 4 of her cousins and got lots of loves. We spent New Years playing rousing games of Cranium and Scattergories and toasted at midnight! It has been so nice to spend a few days at home just relaxing and being with those I love most.

A few of Makell's Christmas gifts:
A vibrating, giggling puppy from Mom and Dad
A jumper from Grandma and Grandpa Olsen
A Bumbo seat from Grandma and Grandpa Hansen

This is the almost completed hat that Julie knit for her daughter, Ashlyn. She did an amazing job for her first knitting project!

Makell and Ashlyn: It was so fun to put these two girls together. They are just four weeks apart and they loved to grab and eat each other. :)

Getting loves from Carter

Cuddling with Keola

Happy New Year! (Toasting with sparkling grape juice of course :) )

Makell Loves...

2009-12-18T18:20:00.008-05:00

...her Binky,

to be wrapped like a burrito,

her hands,

her daddy,

to smile,

to Stand,

to have the best scary hair ever, :)

to snuggle,

her rattle,

tummy time,

to drool,

and to sleep (I love that, too!)

Christmas Decorations

2009-12-08T22:40:00.006-05:00

Nick and I put up our Christmas decorations this weekend and I was reminded of how much I love all my snowmen. They are by far my favorite Christmas decoration and pretty much all I have. Here are a few of my favorites:

Makell loves the snowmen too!

Decorating the tree with Makell

Ta-Da! The finished product

Crazy Hair

2009-12-03T00:09:00.008-05:00

Makell was born with lots of soft, dark hair and since day one it has always been a mess.

We love to play with it...

but its best right after she wakes up!

We sure hope she keeps all her fun hair!

Joining the Masses

2009-11-28T17:31:00.000-05:00

Now that we have a baby and have something to write about, we decided to start a blog. Yeah! This will mostly be about Makell and will be written primarily by Jaimee but check in often and you may find updates on Nick too!