Just when the weather warmed up for a week and gave us a hint of "spring", a huge storm moved in this morning and covered everything in white again! Ahhh, February and March, the months that can't make up their minds as to whether they want to be winter or spring. As you might guess, winter always seems to win out.

It's been a strange couple of weeks for me, weeks that have made me realize how very lucky I am and how good we have it. I've been in jury duty on a murder (that's right, I said MURDER!) trial in Minneapolis and have seen the worst of the worst connected to this case file through the courtroom and give their testimonies. MAN! There's some crazy stuff happening out there right in our backyards basically. I feel so grateful for the "normal" upbringing I had and the stability we are able to provide to our kids. On the bright side, I have met some cool people and am learning a ton about the jury system, a system which was formerly shrouded in a veil of mystery. I also have a new-found appreciation for both prosecution and defense attorneys!

Addison starts both swim and dance lessons in a couple of weeks and we're really looking forward to seeing how that goes. Nana is actually taking one for the team and will be "escorting" Addison to both classes since they happen on mornings during the week. Addison is typically kind of hesitant to try new things, so Nana may have her work cut out for her. BUT, Judith (Nana) has the patience of a SAINT, so if anyone can handle this it's her. Thanks in advance Nana, you (oh, and Addison too) will do great!

Isla is starting to do cute little things such as clap her hands, wave "bye bye" and shake her head back and forth as if to say "no." She still hasn't popped a tooth, nor has she figured out how to crawl, but I'm actually OK with that. She sits so nicely for long stretches of time and plays with toys on her own...I'm not ready to give that up yet.

Family...just a reminder that the big 4-0 is coming up for DJ on Feb 25th! Be sure to shoot him an email (danabarat@yahoo.com) or give him a call to say Happy Birthday on Friday!!!! We have a kid-free weekend next weekend with some fun things planned to celebrate. What we are most looking forward to though is sleeping in past 6:30am!!! Wow, won't even know what to do with ourselves. :)

Me and my girls

Playing dress up with Ba - what a sport!

Story time

Taking a walk in the freshly falling snow this afternoon

Addison "reading" to Isla

The head shake

First finger food!



I had no idea she could count in Spanish! She busted it out in the shower this morning, so I made her repeat it here.

Isla Montage

Here are a few pictures and video clips that are mostly of Isla. She's 8 1/2 months at this point, an age that I absolutely love! She's wanting to crawl, but not quite there yet. She loves to hear her voice and is constantly making funny sounds and noises. Compared to Addison at this age, Isla is a lovey-dovey snuggle bug who will lie in bed with us and fall asleep in 3.5 seconds. Addison had NO patience for any of that and always wanted her space. It's fun to notice the emerging differences in the two of them, but despite the differences, they adore each other...most of the time.

Dinnertime meltdown

They both sit in our bed on the weekday mornings while we get ready for work. Addison's newest thing is bringing every book from Isla's room and "reading" to her. She likes to control what Isla plays with, when she plays with it, and for how long she plays. THAT won't last too long - Isla will be fighting back soon, I'm sure.

Like here - she'd like to slug Addison with the Dora bat!

Obsessed with barns and farm animals

clap clap!

REEEEACH!