The babies have been learning to feed themselves and love to do it every chance they get. Tonight we experimented with re-fried beans - they loved them! Most of the beans made it into their mouths, but some made it in the hair, on the cheeks, on the hands, on the shirt, well - you get the idea! 
Catherine has tears in her eyes because we attempted to take the spoon for a minute. How rude! She really enjoyed this dinner. 
Parker and Noel had the opportunity this weekend to speak with the "Head Guy" himself. Yes. Mr. Clause was available to the kids that came to hear the Houston Symphony play this weekend. It was a wonderful concert and the kids made sure to be extra good while the musicians were playing...
We're hoping this will not be the last time they're willing to pose with Santa.
Elizabeth:"Please do not forget that this box was sent to me too. I would like participate in the fun as well!"
Both:
"Hi! We're in the box! We love it! Maybe we should use this box to go to Hawaii to visit."
Both:
"Hmm....yes. Just fold this side over, then this side...."
Elizabeth:
"You know what, maybe you should just go by your own self, Catherine. I could use the extra attention around here, and maybe a few extra cookies!"
We participated in the Texas Dare 2007 Adventure Race on Saturday. 
Here's a lovely shot of Susann's leg and shoes. Just a little muddy. Probably had something to do with crossing streams carrying a bike, trekking through wetlands, etc...
Here we are after we'd finished...21.5 miles later - 3 hours, 48 minutes. We were very dirty, very tired, very hungry, and very relived it was over! Out of 14 co-ed teams, we came in 9th place. Not too bad! We're looking forward to our next race early next year.
The 3rd Grade presentation of "Go Fish" was an excellent production. Noel was cast as a crab... type-casting? Maybe a little....
This is Noel with her wonderful teacher, Mrs. Wright, post production (doesn't Mrs. Wright look relieved?). Noel is really enjoying being in her class this year. We have been fortunate to have her two years in row - Parker was in her class last year.
This is a big moment for a little girl! She can drink from a straw now! Okay, someone is helping her hold the cup....big deal! Elizabeth enjoys this new form of beverage intake!
Here is Miss Catherine demonstrating that she is able to do the same. Oh yes, and she wanted me to mention that she was actually able to drink from the straw first! 
We are late posting pictures from Halloween, however, we've been busy!
The first broken bone in our family!!! And, hopefully, the LAST! 
This is a cool shot of the x-ray they gave us. Parker insisted it be posted on the blog. We'll update once the cast is on.
With all the rain we've had lately, it was about time to get some galoshes! They are experienced puddle-splashers now!
Yes, no pajama set is complete without a set of green frog galoshes. You are sure to see this on the runways in Paris in the spring!
Next!! Out with the old and in with the new. Time to break in a new pair.
We ran the R.O.C. 5K (Reaching Overweight Children) this morning. Ron finished second in his age group, Male 30-34. Elizabeth is here admiring the medal.
Watch out for these little devil pups! If you get in their way you might be sorry!
Here's Catherine after breakfast. How does it feel to be 15 months old?
"I'm happy about it, but I won't let you know. I am very serious. Oh, did I mention that I LOVE to wear shoes? I do."
And Elizabeth...how does she feel about being another month older?
"I love it! Of course, I am one month AND one minute older than Catherine. Just in case you didn't know that. I love to talk on my play phone. That really keeps me busy!"
Ron and I thought it would be a great idea to do an adventure race with each other to celebrate our anniversary. I think it might have been my idea (what was I thinking?). 
Here I am pre-race in the transition area. If I look a little nervous it's because I was!
Here's Ron - calm, cool, and collected as usual.
Here we are post-race holding up the clock: 1 hour 42 minutes 40 seconds.
Here's what we did in that time:
Run Bike Paddle Adventure Race #3
Ran 2.88 miles trail run, 3.5 mile bike-ride (trails), 2.88 mile bike/run (one of us running, one of us biking), 1.75 mile bike ride (trails), 1 mile paddle (in Lake Livingston). Oh yeah, did I mention we had to climb a 40 ft observation tower to retrieve our finishing medals? That was hard!
Not bad! Official postings are due next week. But, we think we did pretty well. Looks like we came in 6th place out of about 12 co-ed teams. There were about 30 teams total; male, female and co-ed.
Click here to see the official results - we're "Shock and Awe"
(next time, we're going to be Shock and Ahhhh Shucks!)
We had a blast and are looking forward to the next race - the Texas Dare. That will be in December. I think we have officially lost it.
Actually, our next race will be a "simple" 5k September. That will be the Reaching Overweight Children Fun Run in Kemah, Texas.
We're ready!
Here is Catherine trying to show Elizabeth a new technique...Elizabeth appears intriquied.
"Yes...I love the pancakes too. Can't you see the smile on my face? Mom makes these on the weekend, and used to be able to make enough to last us through the whole week....."
"Well, I think it's time to modify the recipe. We eat these things up quickly!"
School is back in session! Summer is over...
Hey Everyone! We know, it's been a while since our last post...we've been busy now that we are one! Here I am in my rocking chair. I think I am a big girl because I can climb up in it all by myself AND I can make the chair rock!
Hey guys! I can also climb up in my rocking chair by myself too. I would like to point out that I actually was climbing into the chair by myself FIRST....but who is really keeping track of that kind of stuff?
Did I mention that Aunt Jody bought us a really neat kitchen? The best part of the kitchen is that it has a phone! I love talking on it - but do not try to take it away from me.
Our cousin, Joshua came over to play and did a little cooking in the kitchen. He is a good cook. He also helped us fix the sink. Oh, and he showed us how to open the oven door - that is important!
Here I am cleaning up! A clean kitchen is very important. You all will have to come over and join us for a snack some time. We would love to have you!
Here is little Miss Catherine....So serious, so intense, so driven - wait, she's only 13 months old! We see this little one running a Fortune 500 company some day. But, for now, she's happy with running the play-room and telling her sister what toys she can play with.
Elizabeth is our future doctor. She is so compassionate, caring, and concerned for others. She did try to take her temperature the other day with the thermometer. She listens to you and wants you to tell her how you're feeling. Her favorite treatment: A good snuggle and soft pats.
