Vitamix

We finally broke down and purchased a Vitamix. We hesitated so long because they are so pricey, but boy is it awesome!! We use it every single day and often twice a day. I make our green smoothie every morning in it. We also make soups, sauces, hummus, etc. in it. We had a Ninja blender before and it was good, but not this good!!

First haircut!

Nolan got his first haircut yesterday! It was quite the experience. I held him in the chair and we didn't use a cape for fear it would freak him out. They gave him a sucker to hold to distract him. The fact that he was super sticky from the sucker and all the hair falling on us both was a bad combination. We were a sticky, hairy mess! But the job got done nonetheless. It was just a trim, but he looks so grown up now!

Petting Zoo

We capitalized on the gorgeous 'fall-like' weather and went to the petting zoo. Because it was Nolan's normal nap time, he was a bit tired, but the girls had a lot of fun. Kate was hesitant at first, but she warmed up to most of the animals by the end. They each took a pony ride, and Addy wants to do the camel ride next time. We love going to this zoo versus the Pittsburgh Zoo because you can get up close and personal, and usually it isn't too crowded. We packed a lunch and had a great time!! We will be back for sure!

Cancun, Mexico

We recently returned from a six day trip to Cancun, Mexico with my brother and sister-in-law. We had a great time! It was so relaxing and fun! We had never been to this resort before, and it was awesome. The food was delicious, the grounds were gorgeous, and the entertainment was awesome! I took absolutely no pictures while I was there (that's how relaxed I was), so I apologize in advance that this is it, all the pictures that I have from the entire trip! We had a great time catching up with Doug and Kelli. Jason and I took a kayak out one day into the ocean and Jason took a paddle board out as well. Other than that, we sat at the pool and read, floated the lazy river, ate, drank, and chatted! We met an amazing couple while we were there named Buddy and Mary Holley. We ended up having dinner with them a couple of nights and hanging by the pool as well. We feel like we have known them a long time even though we just met. I am so sad I don't have a picture of Mary Holley, but Buddy is here with Jason and Doug. Sorry about the last two pictures, we were quite sweaty from dancing like we were in our 20's...ha! Doug and Kelli are great to travel with and the resort was awesome. We had a wonderful trip!!!

Nolan is walking

Nolan has been taking several steps for weeks now. At this point he is officially walking. He chooses to walk more than crawl now, so I think I can say he is walking! He is still wobbly for sure, but he is mobile! He is growing up way too fast!

Lifestyle Change

We have embarked on a lifestyle change! I read a book that really changed our lives (sounds dramatic, but it is really true)!

We cut out all dairy, gluten, meat, and just stick to plant based foods. We do have chicken or fish or egg whites every now and again. The kids are not all the way on board yet....we didn't want to rock their world. They try what we have about two to three times a week, but they are still sticking to their majorly unhealthy foods like hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, pasta, etc. I am working on ways to get them involved and interested in eating healthier foods. We started by letting them each pick a vegetable at the store this week. Addy picked carrots and Kate picked asparagus. Addyson wants to make some carrot raisin muffins and Kate says she hates asparagus...go figure! We have seen DRASTIC results from just changing the way we eat. Jason has lost 29 pounds and I have lost 12 pounds since we started eating this way. I haven't started back into my work out routine in months, but I want to get back into it. Jason works out 3-5 times a week at the office. We don't really talk about it with anyone unless they ask (excpet family- sorry y'all have to hear too much about it!) because we get a lot of, "oh gosh I could never cut out dairy" or "that sounds way too hard" or "how do you get any protein if you don't eat meat?" It is hard for us not to talk about though because we feel great!!! We joined a community supported agriculture group (CSA) and we get a load of organic fruits and veggies each Wednesday. It is fun to come up with ideas of what to do with all this food that you get in your 'bag'. I am going to try and post one recipe a week on my blog of something that Jason and I come up with. This week I put the white bean hummus, which we eat all the time (we have done it with black beans too)! Yay for healthy eating!!

Medical Updates

We have been to lots of doctor visits lately! I am glad to say that everyone is doing fine. Nolan had to see our ENT to check and see if he has strider or paralyzed vocal cords. (narrow airway) like Katelyn. He has been getting croup a lot and choking on solid food. The visit was not fun, and one that I am all too familiar with. He had to have a camera put down his nose so that the doctor could view his esophagus, etc. The doctor determined he indeed had acid reflux, but functioning vocal cords. Now he is on medication twice daily for the acid reflux. So far, I haven't noticed a difference in him wanting to branch out and try different food. He mainly sticks to soft foods like breads and bananas and anything pureed. We will wait a bit and if nothing changes we will revisit the ENT to see about a stronger medication or even an upper GI to make sure everything looks okay on the inside. When we went to the beach we noticed Katelyn needing to use the restroom more than normal. This worried us because she only has one kidney. We took her to her pediatric eurologist to get checked out. She had an ultrasound done and her one kidney looked fine. He gave us some tips on ways that she can better empty her bladder all the way when she goes so that she is not needing to go so much. We also got a list of the 5 things to stay away from that put stress on the kidney. Her urine analysis came back clear of infection which was good news as well. Hopefully, this will be the end of that and we won't need to go back. While Jason and I were in Mexico, all three kids got ear infections, colds, and fever! It was not a pretty situation for my mom who was watching the kids for us. She ended up having to take them to Urgent Care over the weekend. They are slowly on the mend. It was pretty bad for all of them. Addyson ended up having to go back to the pediatrician the day we returned from Mexico and she was put on a stronger antibiotic. She finally has her hearing back thank goodness. Hopefully that was the last of doctor visits for a while!!! Here is a picture of all 3 at Kate's appointment. Pure chaos!!!

BIG Haircut for Addy

Addyson had been asking us if she could cut her hair for a few weeks. We had agreed on getting 4 inches cut. When we went (we go to one of my friend's house to get our hair done/cut), Addy decided she wanted a lot more cut off. It ended up being almost 8 inches!!! I almost shed a tear. She looked so grown up when it was all said and done. She is loving her 'short' hair and says that it is much cooler having shorter hair. Jason and I were sad to see her very long hair go, but it is hair and it will grow again. She looks gorgeous no matter how long or short her hair is!!

Fenwick Island 2013

We decided to take a last minute beach trip to Delaware. We had never been to Fenwick Island before, and it didn't disappoint. It is right on the border of Ocean City Maryland. We had gorgeous weather while we there. We rented a four bedroom condo about five minutes from the beach. It worked out perfectly because the condo had a pool which we visited every single day! We went to the beach 3 times and that was plenty for us (since none of the kids are independent swimmers, it was more just playing in the sand). Jason and I had to divide and conquer most days because of Nolan's two naps. One of us would go back with him and the other would stay with the girls at the beach or pool. It was great family time for us! We had two nice dinners out and enjoyed some great seafood! We would love to go back someday!