tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773Tue, 13 Oct 2026 20:26:23 +0000kidsfamilylifeholidaydecoratingsewingrecipescraftshome repairphotographyslipcovershttp://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (sonya)Blogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-7100501214866830999Wed, 30 Jan 2013 21:35:00 +00002013-01-30T13:35:00.605-08:00familyThanks to GJ, Brandon and I were able to go on a quick trip to Washington for his cousin Warren's wedding.  Here is the view from our cottage.  Whidbey Island was so charming. We walked all the way down to the water the first morning we were there.  The beach was mostly pebbles, it was beautiful. Daddy and Bumpa decided to work on a little project to let the kids know we were http://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2013/01/warren-and-katelins-wedding-on-whidbey.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-8194455656947610045Wed, 23 Jan 2013 19:20:00 +00002013-01-23T11:20:00.467-08:00kidslifeWe took another quick trip while in OH down to Cincinnati to catch up with old friends. We killed time at the Montgomery pool. The girls had trouble making themselves at home. This time Jenny hosted and invited Heather, Lindsay and their families over for a little birthday celebration for moi!  Jenny is sneaky like that, it was so fun to get together.  It was not quite like the http://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-little-trip-to-cincinnati.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-8370025378530611286Wed, 16 Jan 2013 13:57:00 +00002013-01-16T05:57:00.647-08:00familyholidaykidslifeWe took a little trip to the Chesapeake this past summer.  Isn't the it beautiful? We actually stayed at the Hyatt, but that gorgeous home was just down the shore from us. They had a beautiful pier that we would walk out to each night. It was our first family vacation outside of going to OH, and it was super fun! I promise I was there, here's a picture to prove it. Elle spotted http://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2013/01/good-times-in-maryland.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-5468134847450293697Sat, 12 Jan 2013 13:57:00 +00002013-01-12T05:57:37.408-08:00holidaykidsElle turned five this summer, we celebrated three times.  First we had a birthday with my parents in Florida. Tommy was excited to have a cupcake of his own. Elle was excited to be turning five early. Khera helped Elle read her cards. And Elle was once again spoiled by Grandma, Papi and Aunti Jena and Uncle Ram.   We also had a tea party with a few of Elle's BFF's in St. http://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2013/01/elles-5th-birthday.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-4483662785497893301Wed, 17 Oct 2012 14:00:00 +00002012-10-17T07:00:04.129-07:00familyholidayI went to Cincinnati for 24 hours for a baby shower.  When I came back, Columbus looked like this.  A terrible storm knocked out the power in most of the city for a week.  Luckily aside from this tree down at Bumpa and Kathy's house, they still had power.  They also have enough food and water to last for at least 6 months. We crashed in the basement cave.  The kids slepthttp://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/put-in-bay-adventures.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-5055279349621139165Sun, 14 Oct 2012 14:45:00 +00002012-10-14T08:54:48.056-07:00familyWe have taken a major hiatus from blogging, sorry to keep you hanging!  With the kids in school everyday I thought things might slow down a bit, however I feel like we are running on a treadmill 24/7!  So before this summer gets away from me... We headed up to Ohio for a good part of the summer to escape the heat and catch up with family and friends.  The girls made a new friend http://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/columbus-summer-fun.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-2327974224677518143Sat, 23 Jun 2012 14:12:00 +00002012-06-23T07:12:00.776-07:00familykidslifeThe Easter bunny brought the girls a set of Legos this year and they have been busy ever since. Now, if they had legos like these when I was a little girl, I think I would have been over the moon for them.  Back then legos were primarily for boys, red, yellow, blue, black, white and BORING. After a trip to Downtown Disney's Lego store, we have been HOOKED. Here are the kids with a http://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2012/06/legomania-package-and-mothers-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-6332732312939232238Sun, 17 Jun 2012 02:00:00 +00002012-06-16T19:00:02.682-07:00holidaykids Source: sweetrosestudio.com via Bethany on Pinterest Source: the36thavenue.com via Angela on Pinterest Source: simpleasthatblog.com via Samantha on Pinterest Source: blogginwithbobbi.blogspot.com via Bobbi on Pinterest Source: sissyprint.blogspot.com via printable on Pinterest Source: the36thavenue.com via Desirée on Pinterest I http://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2012/06/happy-fathers-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-712974817861753108Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:29:00 +00002012-06-19T12:36:59.469-07:00familylifeNot too long ago we found some super cool snails and salamanders out back . Isn't it so cool how he blends in so well? Over Memorial Day weekend we headed down to spend some time with Bumpa and Kathy on Anna Maria.  And boy did we have a great time--treats were flowing like water down there!! We spent some time at the beach too, Khera found some delicate clam shells.  Daddy, http://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2012/06/anna-maria-island-fun-and-schools-out.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-5543331439619700642Sun, 10 Jun 2012 14:00:00 +00002012-06-10T07:00:00.602-07:00kidsOur little Tommy-boy turned three this spring and to celebrate we got him a sweet little cupcake from our local cupcake shop.  This video was after the kids took a dip in the pool and showered, hence the "hosed-down" look they are sporting in this video: He's growing up into such a big boy and has come so far in the past year we are so proud of him. He had a party with his preschool http://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2012/06/i-be-three.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-8517918043447071251Fri, 08 Jun 2012 19:22:00 +00002012-06-08T12:22:15.066-07:00familykidslifeAfter living in Florida for seven years, we finally made it to Disney three times this spring.  Once just the two of us during Brandon's annual work trip below, and once with each side of our families. On our second trip, GJ and I took the girls to have dinner in Cinderella's castle where they met some of their most favorite princesses. My personal favorite was Ariel, the little http://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2012/06/disney-love.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-6938134140258568243Tue, 29 May 2012 00:50:00 +00002012-05-28T17:50:50.695-07:00kidslifeThis year is going to finally be a lot of fun in the pool department.  Tommy is comfortable wearing floaties and the girls have proven to be little fish, so I can now relax poolside while the minis splash around. I love my delicious little man. The girls have come such a long way in the pool in just a couple summers. Elle looks like she's ready for a synchronized swim competition. http://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2012/05/pool-fun-soccer-and-teacher.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-7679204079375035690Tue, 08 May 2012 22:24:00 +00002012-05-08T15:24:28.647-07:00familykidslifeSt. Pete finally joined the new millennium and opened up a cupcake shop...that serves Tommy-safe cupcakes! Mommy's Tommy's thrilled that mommy no longer has to make these from scratch!!!  Can't you just see the relief in his eyes? He prefers chocolate frosting, he must get that from his mama's side... Here he is plotting his next move. Love http://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2012/05/cupcakes-spring-breakers-and-tampa-bay.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-7381901722874160670Tue, 01 May 2012 23:27:00 +00002012-05-01T16:27:09.228-07:00familykidslifeBack in March we took Tommy to meet his all time train idol: Thomas the Train.  It's an understatement to say his dreams came true that day.  Here he is, with Daddy all to himself. Tommy is checking his map, making sure we are in the right spot to board the passenger cars. He had a blast riding the train. He was thrilled. He also had the bug-version of his mommy all to himselfhttp://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2012/05/day-out-with-thomas-and-bedtime-lately.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-7257598162395773865Sun, 18 Mar 2012 19:18:00 +00002012-03-18T12:18:32.784-07:00kidslifeLast weekend Elle and Tommy's preschool held their annual carnival.  This year we put on a photo booth for the kiddies to get a snapshot with various props.  It was a lot of fun. What's a carnival without a little....cotton candy. I couldn't tell, but I think Elle liked it. Tom-tom thought a bow tie was a mustache. He hopped in with some shades and a sombrerohttp://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2012/03/photo-booth-gymnastics-and-instagram.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-6301849531422486805Fri, 02 Mar 2012 19:43:00 +00002012-03-02T11:44:16.403-08:00kidslifeTommy is an extremely picky eater, the only problem is he can't afford to be!  Back when Khera was a tot of few words, I made a picture book of her doing things and we'd flip through it and chat about what she was doing in each picture.  She LOVED it, so I thought "Why not make a food book for T-Man?"! Here are some snaps that will be going into his book.  He is allergic to dairy,http://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2012/03/food-photo-album-dairyegg-free-cupcakes.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-6102972875902081996Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:35:00 +00002012-02-14T13:05:51.843-08:00holidaySending love your way this Valentine's Day!  Here are some little pics that made our day so special. "You Light Up My Life" Candle and Heart Necklace, by Elle. A candy airplane, by Kher-bear. And a Heart Puppy, by Khera. The most adorable piece of candy I've seen in a long time. A Valentine's feast by gastronomy expert, Chef Elle. And one more glamour shot by Tom-tomhttp://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2012/02/happy-valentines-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-3565087170877870713Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:26:00 +00002012-02-07T16:26:00.408-08:00liferecipesLately we've been happier in the kitchen around here for several reasons. FOODISCOVERY #1 The "food on the table" app/website. It has really taken the hesitation and guesswork out of dinner planning.  Besides the fact that it's free, I love that it takes your local grocery store sales and crosses them with rated recipes for you to choose from.  After you select the recipes it creates http://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2012/02/foodiscoveries-and-turkey-lettuce-wraps.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-2611251051781090292Sun, 05 Feb 2012 23:16:00 +00002012-02-05T15:16:00.265-08:00familykidsIf you've been wondering what we've been up to this year, you're looking at it... A small part of me has enjoyed the excuse to slow down, the rest of me is chomping at the bit to get some work done around here! The kids have been taking it easy, doing a great job sharing their germs with each other. I love it when they snuggle together. Elle was home sick all this past week, and http://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2012/02/january-randomness.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-8282664782737988191Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:28:00 +00002012-02-03T09:23:48.847-08:00familykidsKhera's 6th birthday was LAST YEAR, and I need to record it before it gets away from me.  First let me say that I am SHOCKED she is 6 already, where has the time gone?  Words can't describe how proud we are of her and how much she has grown in these short six years.  She is my little helper, accountant, and a 2nd mommy to Elle and Tommy.  Happy Birthday sweetheart! On her http://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2012/02/kheras-birthdays-news-and-confession.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-6543750433926646889Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:18:00 +00002012-01-20T14:18:00.548-08:00familyholidayHey there, we are back for our final post on Christmas.  I may have bit off more than I could chew with this post.  It took me a lot longer than I anticipated,  but once I started I couldn't quit.  I tried to include as many folks as possible, but a lot of you were a bit camera shy, or I was too busy sipping mommy juice to get a pic that fit into "the box".  Just rememberhttp://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2012/01/12-days-of-christmas.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-5137742012574952482Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:45:00 +00002012-01-18T12:45:00.614-08:00familyholidaykidsWARNING!  Do not read this post while you are hungry!  We celebrated our last Christmas of 2011 at Bumpa and Kathy's house.  Just like years' past, their feast did not disappoint. Twelve pounds of juicy beef tenderloin... Amazing roasted vegetable medley... They even  found a spot that sells allergen-free baked goodies. They tasted just as good as they looked. http://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2012/01/christmas-in-powell.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-7829001190664064196Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:58:00 +00002012-01-17T14:29:07.854-08:00familyholidaykidsI'm going to start this post with a big ol'... After having 2 Christmases in 24 hours, working on very little sleep, packing 4 bags, checking 3 carseats, flying with 3 kids, undergoing a drastic change in climate, and wrapping 7 presents upon arrival, mama needed a beer--or three. I did not get as many pictures as I would have liked and had to again "borrow" shots from Amy for this post. Thankhttp://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2012/01/upper-arlington-christmas.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-5719767561606420251Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:15:00 +00002012-01-14T13:15:44.171-08:00familyholidaykidsYes, I am still blogging about Christmas.  The reason it's taken so long is that I have had to beg, borrow and steal photos from others to put together the posts.  I completely forgot to take photos, do you ever do that? This Christmas all of my siblings came down to Florida to be together as a family.  Unfortunately my parents were feeling ill most of the time, so they were only http://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2012/01/florida-christmas-and-photo-shoot.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197543831869845773.post-4256143539011396647Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:23:00 +00002012-01-05T17:23:42.839-08:00craftsfamilyholidaykidslifeThis Christmas we took the kids downtown to check out the lights and displays.  Straub park is Christmas perfection and you can even see Santa there. Tommy was freaked out by Santa... So I jumped in to see if he might stop crying...no go. The girls dropped their wish lists in Santa's mailbox. No winter wonderland is complete without a little "glice" skating. These three crittershttp://thenorthnest.blogspot.com/2012/01/christmas-memories.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (sonya)0