Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas

Well, the big day has come in an end. Claire is fast asleep at 7:15 tonight on the car ride home from Trav's aunt's house and never woke up, even when we put on her pajamas. Owen is now being rocked to sleep, which I'm sure won't take long.

We had a great Christmas, filled with lots of family and fun. The kids got spoiled and have been playing non-stop with all their new toys. Santa knew just what Claire wanted and she found a bitty baby under the tree, while Owen got a fisher price coope car, (which Claire also loves!!) Now I just have to figure out where to store all their goodies!!

We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year.

Christmas Season

Happy Holidays! Our tree is up, Christmas music is playing, we are playing with our new Nativity set from Aunt Angie and ready for Santa. Putting the tree up was a fun experience this year. Claire was digging through all the ornaments and Owen was helping us put in the tree branches. We decided that we will be buying a new pre-lit tree next to try and avoid some hassle. All in all the tree and decorations went up with no injuries. We let Claire put on majority of the ornaments and they are all clustered in the front right at her level, pretty cute!

Owen is busy walking with help from furniture. He's taken a few tumbles and has skinned his chin up, but no major ouchies yet. Trav and I are trying to prepare ourselves b/c we have this funny feeling Owen is our little monster Mann!!! His personality is coming out more and more, I know he will keep us on our toes and laughing!!

Claire is loving the holiday season. We visited Santa Claus at the firehall on Sat. She told him what she would like for Christmas, but wasn't too keen on sitting on his lap. Daddy had to be right there with in reach! She loves all the Christmas movies on tv, every night it seems like a different movie is on.

She recently went to her first friends birthday party. A little girl from dance class invited her to her party at Premier Gymnastics in Omaha. It was a lot of fun for Claire, but before all the jumping and tumbling started, Mommy couldn't leave her side. During cake and presents I tried leaving and as soon as I got out of the room, there she was all upset, so I stayed with her. It was a great idea for a birthday party. Claire didn't stay awake 5 mintues after we left!!

We hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! Trav and I will be headed off to Vegas with our friends right after the New Year, we are looking forward to a little get-away!! Take Care!!!

Owen loves saltine crackers. The first time we gave them to him he ate the cracker and there were plenty of crumbs. He then drank some water and of course it dripped a bunch. Well, he decided to mix the crumbs with the water and then splash, splash, splash. What a mess, but oh so fun!!! He was giggling the whole time!

Claire's 3rd Birthday Party- My Little Ponies



Claire's a South Dakota State Cheerleader for Uncle Skyler




Owen the Lovable Lion




Owen love Laundry baskets




Our first time with foam rollers- she ripped them out after mommy's fell asleep!

Slow Down

Things have been quite busy in our house these days, but it is has started to slow down a bit.

The week before Halloween the wood floor guys started ripping out our damaged floor and replacing it. The whole project took a little longer than we liked, but my parents were good sports and let us camp out with them for 6 days. So a BIG thank you to them, I know I couldn't have made it in a motel in Blair that long.

Halloween was fun, we finally went door to door for candy. Claire was an authentic cheerleader for South Dakota State University where Uncle Skyler attends college. Owen was a cute little lion. Claire had a blast getting lots of goodies. Owen was a good sport getting toted around to a couple houses. Grandmas and Grandpas watched Owen while Mom and Dad took Claire out. We still have plenty of candy. At first she couldn't get enough of it, I was worried about cavities!!! But, I think she forgot about it!!

During the whole replacement job, we had Claire's birthday party at Uncle Nate's and Aunt Jolyn. Another, BIG thank you to them for helping us out. I promised to host a birthday party for them someday! Claire had a great party with family. The cake was yummy and she got lots of nice gifts. It was a My Little Pony party, lots of fun!

Trav and I went to the Eagles concert last weekend with the Wulf's. We had a lot of fun. The concert was at the Qwest Center and we stayed at the Hilton, which is attached. It was a nice little get away!

This weeekend Trav went deer hunting with the guys. Skyler met him there, so they got to hang out. Trav got a Mule deer, which I guess is rather rare?? It's nice to have him home. I dont' know what I would do without him. The kids and I got along ok though. We played a lot and I tried to forget about all the housework that needed to get done.

I got a new computer, I'm still trying to figure out how everything works. Pictures will be coming soon!
Have a good week!

Mommy's Trying

We got a new computer, I need to install our picture program this weekend, so I can update you. It's on my to do list, it will get done!! Thanks for being patient!!!

October 08

We almost have 2 mobile children! Owen is close to crawling. He gets up on all fours and then plops down. He is great at "mountain climbing" or "army crawling" as we like to call it. He babbles Dada all the time and occasional Mama's, when he really wants something or is upset. It's pretty cute. He's starting to play more with Claire, which she loves. He has cut his top two and bottom 3 teeth and there are more on the way.

Claire is her busy self. She loves dance class and practices every night. We are getting things in order for her third birthday party. It will be a My Little Pony party. She is getting excited for Halloween and sleding in the snow.

The kids took their first bath together. Owen is in the tub, splashing around and having fun. I asked Claire if she wanted to get in. She had a huge grin on her face and asked if she could really get in with Owen. They had a good time together slapshing and playing with toys.

This week we are going to Vala's pumpkin patch. It will be our first time there, so we are excited. From my understanding it's a lot more than just a pumpkin patch. There are pig races and a train ride, so we are in for a treat! Claire and Owen also got their "annual pumpkins" from GG, (Great Grandma Donna). She hand paints whatever character they want. Claire picked Dora for her and Boots the monkey for Owen. I did my best trying to capture them together with their painted pumpkins.

We will soon be getting 9 month and 3 year pictures taken, so we'll have pictures to share soon.

Until next time......

Hello all, it's fall time and things are great at our house. Claire has recently started dance at Miss. Nikki's in Fort Calhoun. She loves it! Everyday is exciting and we come home with new moves we need to practice. She told us the other day that when she grow up she wants to be a gymnastics girl, doctor, and a trained professional. (Trav and I were rolling with laughter). She's quite comical, never a dull moment here.

Owen is cutting his top two teeth, which hasn't been too bad. I've included a video of him playing his drum. He loves that thing and has a great time banging away. We have caught him numerous times saying "Dadada". We've stated trying puffs and graham crackers while we keep a very close eye on him. He loves food though and throws a fit whenever we eat in front of him.

Travis had his 10 year class reunion labor day weekend, he's sooo old. Haha.

I'm starting a new position with MCH at the Fort Calhoun Clinic on Monday, 9-7-08. This will be a good change for me and I'll learn a lot. I'm exctied about tomorrow and I'll let ya know how it goes!

Well, enjoy the beautiful weather, we are!! Take care!

August 08

Owen is 6 months and quite a cutie. He sits up pretty well, although I know he is all boy b/c he is quite content just laying there watching his silly sister goof around. He continues to be a good sleeper and very happy baby. He has his two bottom teeth and working on the top. I know loves his food, he can't wait to eat "real" food. He eye balls us when we eat around him.

Claire is doing great. She is very excited to start her dance classes soon. We need to go shopping for her shoes and outfits. No preschool yet, next year. She has learned to spell her name. She does great with Owen, always helping me and making him giggle.

Not much else is new. Trav and I are going to Vegas in Jan with our friends, the Wulf's. We are really excited and looking forward to a vacation!!!

Take care!!

Summer

I know it's been a very long time since I have updated, so sorry. It's been a busy summer for us, but a fun one to say the least.

Claire is loving swimming in our 12 foot by 3 foot pool in the backyard. She's wears a life jacket and loves to bob around on her own with us. She's quite the character these days, always singing and dancing. She will be doing dance this fall. We would love to start pre-school but she is not old enough. She's been riding her "big girl bike" with training wheels a lot lately. She spotted my bike hanging in the garage so now we go on bike rides together. It's pretty fun!

Owen in 5 1/2 months. It's hard to believe. He's a squaker and drooler right now. He's cutting his two bottom teeth at the same time. He's a little crabby at time, but who wouldn't be. Owen is such a relaxed and happy baby. I think Claire's going to be type A personality and Owen type B. He usually has a big grin on his face. He sleeps all night, which Mom and Dad appreciate.

Since I've been back to work I have Wed. off. It's amazing how much of a difference it makes. Claire and I love "home day", it allows me to be with the kids and get some things accomplished.

Trav and I are still busy trying to tie up loose ends with the house, but we figured out now matter if your house is new or old. There is always something that needs to be done!!

I hope that everyone is having a great summer, talk to you in 2 months if your lucky!! Ha ha

Things are busy at the Mann home, but it's a good busy!! I went back to work last week. I hated leaving the kids, but I knew that they were in good hands! Mornings go pretty smooth, it's the evenings we are getting used to. I asked Trav when we wouldn't be soo tired, he thought maybe in 10 years!!!

Claire is loving the weather and her new swing set! Dad put it together this weekend and she was right by his side the whole time. She loves the outdoors!! She already had her buddy, Camden Wulf, over to play today. It was pretty windy outside, but they had fun!!

Owen is doing great. He's quite the chubby man, but we love chubby babies!! He gets up once in the middle of the night to eat, otherwise he's a good sleeper. He's quite the smiley man too! I've shared what smiles I've captured on the camera! He's giggled a few times and bats at toys in front of him!! He's a healthy and happy baby boy!!

Hope everyone is doing good!! Take care!

Claire & Owen

Life at the Mann house is twice the fun!!! Owen is three weeks now and doing great!! He's a happy baby who sleeps good at night and has started to spend more hours awake during the day! At his two weeks visit he weighted 8 # 8 oz. and was 22 inches long. So, he's growing!! I have noticed some chubby cheeks starting to form. He has his Daddy's left dimple and a cute little dimple in his chin!! We think that he's going to look like his daddy!

He gets lots of love from his big sister Claire. She loves to help with diaper changes and talk "baby talk" with mommy and daddy. She has to be reminded to be gentle, but she does great! We took her to Disney Live last Sunday, she loved it. She was hollering at Mickey during the show and wanted to know why he didn't hear her. She went to Grandma Jackie's this week for the first time to play with the kids. She missed them and I'm sure they missed her too!

Mom and Dad are good. I'm not too tired. Travis commented that two kids is a lot of work, I just laughed at him. We are looking forward to nice weather so we can venture into the world again. Take care- Nikki

Happy New Year

Christmas and New Year's has come and gone, now we are awaiting the arrival of our baby!! Everyone is getting excited. I have 5 weeks left until the arrival and we're hoping we don't have to wait that long. We have started to get out all the baby supplies. If we have a girl, we are set. If we have a boy, he might have to get used to the color pink for some things!! We have started to talk about the hospital and what's going to happen. Although we talk about the baby, I think it will be quite an eye opener for Claire. She is exicted and ready to help. She thinks she's going to change diapers and give the baby a bottle!

Claire has a great Christmas, filled with lots of family and presents! Some of her favorite items include a dollhouse, protable DVD player, and picnic table. She wasn't too into Santa, but she enjoyed leaving cookies and milk. Travis and I were more excited about Christmas morning than Claire. We, rather Mommy, made homemade Christmas cookies with frosting this year. Claire enjoyed playing in the flour and asking if we could make a mess! Daddy and Claire also enjoyed licking the beaters full of yummy frosting.

I've included a picture of Claire sledding for the first time with Daddy, Uncle Skyler and Lucy. She had a blast. We have a slope in the back yard that worked great. Mommy sat by the window and took pictures while Claire shout, "one more time" even before the ride was over!! Everyone enjoyed hot chocholate and cookies afterwards!

We'll keep you updated on the arrival of the baby!! Take care!