Testing

Well, it appears as though I can get pictures on here. Perhaps it's the particular pictures I have been trying to post that are the problem. I guess we'll find out soon! This is typical Aunt Catherine when she has to leave Nolan. She always cries and says she doesn't want to leave him, and misses him before they're even separated.

Avery Our Story Teller

Since my pictures are still malfunctioning, all you get are some written updates. This morning we had story time and read a book about peace and how to be a good listener. Then it was Avery's turn to read to us. She picked a book all about the fun of sharing with your friends. The mom in the story was me, and the boy was C.J. The two friends coming to visit were Avery and Chance. She did a good job telling the story by looking at the pictures (and probably a little bit from memory too).

Evan and Nolan were being funny together again today. They're going to be two peas in a pod. Nolan has started taking more scheduled naps today in his bassinet versus falling asleep at random times in the swing, moses basket, my arms, etc...

Avery just woke up from a 2 1/2 hour nap and Evan is chowing down!

Evan & Nolan, BFF's for Life!

Can I just say how great these kids are? How often is it that a kid decides it's time to take a nap without any prompting from the babysitter? Chance fell asleep sitting on the bean bag chair while Avery and C.J. continued playing. Then a few moments later, C.J. climbs onto the couch and drifts off. Avery was feeling a bit bored without having her friends to play with (or a babysitter for that matter, since I was caring for the babes) and after walking around in circles for a bit, decided she needed to climb up onto the couch too and take a nap. They've all been doing this for awhile now which is nice for Nanny Dani! I guess I just wear them out!

It was time for Evan's nap too, so up he went to his bedroom to fall asleep. Nolo and I sat on the floor and were playing when we heard Evan crying. So, down he came where he got to join us on the floor for some playtime, where he almost fell asleep. Seems all he needed was his buddy Nolan.

Don't worry, you'll get to see some cute pictures soon!

The Critter Kid Band

Something is in the water today. These kids are super hyper and excited. They decided to get their new instruments out and have a little jam session. C.J. on the "clippers" (I forget the actual name for them), Avery with the maracas, and Chance rocking out with the jingle bells and vocals!

They were putting on a show for Evan and were super loud and super cute. They first did their rendition of Old MacDonald, then Twinkle, Twinkle, and moved on to Dr. Knickerbocker. They ended the show with Itsy Bitsy Spider. Evan loved it. All the while Nolan slept through the whole thing. The kid sleeps through it all...

The little ones just got their tummies full and are snoozing, so the big kids are headed to the backyard to do some exploring. I am using a new laptop, so I'm able to do some updating throughout our days to let the moms know just what their kids are up to. I usually forget all of the cute things they do by the end of the day, so this will hopefully help me to share all of our fun stories.

I will hopefully begin uploading our picutres to this computer too, so I can share those more quickly! Off to have some fun...

Why oh, why?

Oh my Blogger friend, why will you not accept my photos???? The world wants to see the most adorable kiddos in all of their craziness and fun. Why is it that every time I attempt to upload sweet pictures of the Critters, you tell me it's a "bad request"??? These photos are not bad, they are good and cute and silly, and will make their families and friends smile! Don't worry world, I will keep trying. Until then, I will fill you in on life in Critterville.

As I mentioned, we got to have our precious Cailyn back on April 7, so her mommy and daddy could go to a very special doctor's appointment. I'm pretty sure they have told everyone what they are having, but just in case, I'll leave you guessing whether or not Cailyn is going to have a little brother or sister.....

The kids loved seeing Cailyn and she had a great time as well. It was like she never left! She is going to be such a good Big Sister - we can't wait!!

C.J. and Avery still have a love/love friendship, while Chance and Avery continue with their love/not so much love friendship. Luckily, Nevaeh gets along with everyone and is willing to join in any game whether it's playing baby dolls, ring around the rosey, or racing cars. It is awesome watching kids interact with each other, especially when they are in their own little world. They act like grown ups at times, and it's so darn hilarious! I wish I could have hidden cameras in the basement to capture all of their golden moments. I spend half of my days just laughing at them.

Here is a conversation I overhead Avery and Chance having the other day:
Avery: I love you Chance.
Chance: You do?
A: Yes
C: I don't love you.
A: Well, I love Cailyn then.

Some of the funny things Avery has been caught doing include, telling me to "take a picture of this Danielle" while she moons me! Sleeping with C.J.'s "blue checkered blankie" while he is at preschool (she misses him), and telling me when someone "breaks the law". She also enjoys randomly singing in a high pitched voice for long periods of time while she goes around in circles! Chance will often join in with her. They tend to make up songs or sing Twinkle, Twinkle.

They are all wonderful little helpers when it comes to taking care of Evan and Nolan. Chance can make them both smile and laugh, and is very caring with them.

They also love to sweep the floor -especially C.J. He continues to get sweeter every day. He has such a kind soul...unless you mess with his cars!

The kids are sweethearts and often demonstrate their good manners with me and with each other. I know I say this often, but they are all so smart! I enjoy my days more now, because I can sit down and have good conversations with them.

Nolan and Evan are getting acquainted quite nicely. Evan is becoming such a clown. He makes silly noises with his mouth and he knows he is funny. He loves to be-bop whether there is music or not. He definitely has good rhythm and may even become a famous musician someday. Nolan seems to love having all of the kids here. He receives a lot of love and affection from the big kids and seems to be more content throughout the day when we have a full house, versus it just being us. The one thing we need to work on, is Evan and Nolan both waking up in the afternoon at the same time, and both being hungry hippos! Don't worry, they both get their fill - after they've spent a few minutes screaming at me to hurry up!

Hopefully I can display all of our fun moments real soon....stay tuned!

Like Sister Like Brother

Both Avery and Evan demolish the bead coaster. It stands no chance under the little fingers of a Suver.

Evan loves the boys - they make him laugh!

He can eat yogurt melts all by himself!

Nolan in the kiddie cage, Evan sitting pretty with his "minky", and Chance eating a plain 'ole hamburger bun.

Comfy??