Emma & Evan

Christmas at Disneyland

2011-12-20T09:04:00.000-08:00

We were blessed with another opportunity this year to visit the happiest place on earth and it didn't disappoint. The kids, as well as the parents, had a magical time.

A Very Behrend Halloween

2011-11-10T15:51:00.000-08:00

Rest when your sick...it's overrated. At least it was in our house on Halloween. What a weekend for the entire family to come down with a nasty bug. Thank goodness the kids were feeling better for their trick or treat outing; however, Mommy and Daddy were another story but troopers nonetheless. Costumes and all the Neverland crew were out in half force to enjoy the festivies of Halloween.

The Patch

2011-10-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

Yeah! Fall is here, our favorite time of the year, and what better way to spend the day than with our most magical of friends. We lasoed some steer, rode a horse, played with some animals, took a hay ride, and got silly.

I'm a Big Boy Now

2011-09-13T09:33:00.000-07:00

Currently, the Behrend house is diaper free...Evan we're so proud of you little man!

Play it Again

2011-09-01T14:06:00.000-07:00

Last month before Emma started school we took one last trip to California to see our cousin graduate from the Marines bootcamp and play at a couple of parks. We're so proud of you Cody and happy that we got to be there to see you graduate.

Miss Emma with her face painted. So sad that we didn't get a pic of Mr. Evan's snake. Such is life...but he was oh so adorable too.

Clowning Around

2011-07-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

Emma and Evan decided to join in when we decided to do some much needed spring cleaning. These two are so much fun and have so much fun with each other. It fills this Mommy's heart with happiness, love, and, gratitude.

Disneyland

2011-06-25T15:30:00.000-07:00

And the party continues for Emma's 4th...On our way to Disneyland.

Our arrival at the castle...Evan saying tada and Emma with some 'tude.

Emma at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique.

Post make over...Evan's not so sure about the look...

Daddy and Evan in line.

At the princess show.

Emma's favorite part of the trip...meeting Sleeping Beauty.

Loved it that Evan was open to posing with the characters.

Meeting Minnie with her princess Minnie doll.

Meeting Mickey Mouse

The kids REALLY wanted in this door.

Toon Town

Emma Reese's Birthday dinner and dessert.

On the tram back to our "adventure room"...We told the kids when we left Phoenixthat we were going on an adventure. Hence the name of our room.

LOVE LOVE LOVE this little guy...Evan being Evan.

Love the BEES

Happy Birthday!

2011-06-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

~Dear Emma Reese~

Happy 4th birthday!! It seems like yesterday that we were bringing you home from the hospital. It's amazing how quickly time passes once you become a parent and watch your little hearts grow into their own beings. Through your eyes Mommy and Daddy get to see the world from a newly refreshed perspective. Everything is new and exciting. It reminds us that everyday, every encounter, every activity is a gift and for them we are blessed. We love you Emma Reese!

The birthday girl arriving at her princess dance party.

The tiny dancers learning some moves.

Ready set here we go...

The Birthday Girl

And pièce de résistance...the presents!

Breakfast with Elephants

2011-06-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

Last month our adventures took us to the Zoo to feed the elephants. We had fun participating and watching the kids light up as they played and hid treats in their habitat.

My Pocket Full of Sunshine

2011-05-31T09:36:00.000-07:00

Love, love this adorable boy!!

Not The Wall

2011-05-24T13:39:00.000-07:00

A few months ago Emma surprised us all by walking into the kitchen and saying, "look my name". And sure enough that little genius spelled her name without any help on a piece of paper. Fast forward to the other day when she decided to autograph the laundry room wall in marker. Now here's a dilemma...in our laundry room we mark the kids growth on the wall. So in pencil there are their names with dates showing how much they're grown. So I say to Emma, "what are you doing writing on the wall?" and she says to me that she measured herself and that's how tall she is today. So there I stand thinking that's a pretty logical answer so now what??? I took a deep breath, had a little "inside" chuckle and said, "that's good that you can measure yourself, however, we only do that with Mommy or Daddy present and we use a pencil." Even as I share this story I'm laughing. It was seriously one of those priceless Mommy moments. Life is good.

And who could be mad at this face?

Easter Medley

2011-05-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

Here We Go Again

2011-05-09T13:59:00.000-07:00

We've been making excellent use of our Christmas gift from Uncle Chris and heading to the zoo very regularly. The new Orangutan exhibit is amazing and the kids love the children's area. Beno and I just love spending time with each other and the kids.

Family Fun

2011-04-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

April has been a whirlwind and there's more to come. Earlier this month our cousins from Idaho came to visit and we had soooo much fun with them. Come back to visit us soon Skerjancs : )

Monkeying Around

2011-03-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

Rodeo Days

2011-02-18T13:12:00.000-08:00

The kids were delighted to celebrate Rodeo Days at St. Maria Goretti's. We panned for gold, learned a little two step, enjoyed a pony ride, and played with all the animals at the petting zoo. It amazed me how both Emma and Evan showed no apprehension when approached by the animals and loved holding them. I think our next house will have a farm.

My Babes

2011-02-13T18:14:00.000-08:00

“This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your hearts, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, love to complete your life.” Winnie the Pooh and your biggest fan...Mom

Jump Up Jump Up and Get Down

2011-02-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

Weather permitting, and we don't say that much in AZ, the kids have been out on their favorite gift from Santa...our jumpoline. Every morning our “in house” meteorologist opens the door to the backyard to inform me that, "it's not cold, come on Mommy let's go jump". My response these days has been, “yes it is honey, we’ll jump later this afternoon”. Now with some this conversation might be over, however, my daughter seems to be working on the art of negotiation. And I have to say that I often forget she’s 3! She has these logical, thought out retorts. Although I also love it when she tells me that Evan’s sad and wants to go jump too. These days my baby journaling includes all of the fun quips that my kids bless me with daily.

Happy 2nd Birthday Evan!!!

2011-01-26T11:43:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Evan!
I love you and while I write this I don't feel that it adequately describes the LOVE I have for you in my heart. It seems like yesterday that you blessed my life and entered the world. Evan, I will always be by your side; I will always stand up for you. All that you desire, I will do my best to help you attain. No one could ever take your place in my life, my heart, my darling son, I love you...always and hereafter.

Play Time

2011-01-13T11:41:00.000-08:00

Hey Gracie, I'm doing my hair.

Do you want me to do yours?

That sounds fun Emma but I'm showing Evan how to play.

Hey everyone, check us out!

A Musical Kind of Day

2011-01-06T15:49:00.000-08:00

And so begins our Thursday music class...oh wait- squirrel.

For any of you that enjoyed the movie Up the above is what I think about when I look at this picture of Evan.

And sister Emma anxiously awaiting departure.
Happy New Year!

Choo Choo!

2011-01-01T18:05:00.000-08:00

Our family Train park adventures are always fun, even more so at Christmas. We decided to go see the lights before our rain and snow storm in Scottsdale. It was a chilly night, however, we had a great time and arrived early enough to enjoy the festivities before the crowds. The things I enjoyed most about this Christmas were seeing the kids faces light up and take in the wonder of the season.

Express Route

2010-12-27T09:30:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas adventures were in full swing well before the jolly fellow visited our house. A couple of weeks ago we traveled to the North Pole to pay a surprise visit to St. Nick and the kids were so excited to go. We even roped in our Uncle Stephen and Drama for our ride on the Polar Express.

Happy Christmas

2010-12-14T07:52:00.000-08:00

-Keeping Christ in Christmas-

Are you willing...
To forget what you have done for other people, and remember what other people have done for you;
To ignore what you think others owe you, and contemplate what you can give;
To close your book of complaints against others, and look around you for a place where you can sow seeds of joy.
To accept that the reason for life is not to see what you can get out of it, but to see what you can give;
To make a grave for your ugly thoughts and gossip about others, and plant a garden for your kind feelings and welcome all.

My (early) New Year's resolution is to surround myself with positive, loving individuals that value my family, friendship, and aspire to be the change they want to see in others and the world.

Emma and Evan you make me want to be the best person I can and I love you. Mommy

Grandma and Grandpa Time

2010-12-05T09:31:00.000-08:00

We were pleasantly surprised this weekend when we learned that our grandparents from Idaho were coming for a visit. We had fun spending the day and celebrating Pop-pop's birthday with him a few days early, and hope to see them again soon!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-29T10:16:00.001-08:00

Our day of thanks spent with family and friends has come and gone all to quickly but lasts forever in our memories. Thanks for Pop-pop for the pictures, blurred or not they're perfect.

Zoo Time and Everything in Between

2010-11-18T17:01:00.000-08:00

We've been filling our days with various activities to keep busy. I find that if we go out and do an activity each day it's seems to be a brighter day for all of us. Even if it's just a walk to see the birds, which Evan loves. You'd think Angels were flying over us when sees the ducks fly by. It brings a smile to my face everytime and reminds me to slow down and enjoy the little moments. On our walks Emma has been bringing a bag of carrots because we so frequently see bunnies. She spots them like a hawk, crouches to her knees, takes out a carrot and calls the bunny. To date none have braved the hop over but we always leave a few behind for them to nibble on. This week would be the first week, in I don't know how long, that we've just hung at the house because we're all still recovering from being sick. Little Evan is still nursing a wicked cough that I wish would go away. Nonetheless he's a ball of energy and would rather scale the walls than rest. Ahh to be young again. I love you Bees (Ben Emma Evan Shannon)!

Fall Fun

2010-10-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

Today started with rain and turned into sunshine, which is one of the reasons we love Arizona. So after it cleared up we decided to enjoy the wet weather on a walk to GG and Pop-pop's house. Just in the past week or so have we been venturing out for walks without a stroller. So fun! Yes, that means I carry a little travel bag, camera, and an occasional child but it's so worth it. Today we found a lady bug, practiced our agility, and played dress up. I feel blessed at how ewel the kdis get laong. They're always looking out for each other, being considerate of each other, and quick to lend a helping hand to one and another. Now don't get me wrong we have our power and sharing struggles but their love for each other out weighs anything. It's pretty cute to hear Emma trying to get Evan to say more words. We'll always hear her saying, "EVAN, say Emma...say Nala...say Midnight". And in the last week his vocabulary has grown by 3 words: Pop-pop, Emma, and (Mid)night. Emma continues to amaze us. Last night on our walk we approached a stop sign and she says,
"S-T-O-P...stop Mommy, look it says stop". Beno and I almost fell off the curb.

Summer Lovin'

2010-09-15T19:36:00.000-07:00

My girl and boys!

2010-07-11T08:44:00.001-07:00

Our Little Dancers

2010-06-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

Our Little Dancers

Cousins Three

2010-06-11T12:57:00.000-07:00

Summer fun is all around us and we're having fun with our cousin Grace!

Well Hello.......

2010-04-16T08:27:00.001-07:00

We've been having so much fun these past few months that blogging has taken the back-burner. Emma has mastered the potty and even sleeps through the night without a pull-up. We're super excited for her but I never thought saying goodbye to poop and pee would be part of my daily routine...but lucky me. She's also says the darndesed things. Some of my current favorites are: "I can't like this", "I love Evan my sister, brother", "oh darn it", "and someday". We also sing happy birthday daily so I'm sure we've sung to you too.

Evan is growing in leaps and bounds trying to keep up with his sister. My favorite passtime is now watching them play together. His teeth are sprouting and he's starting to look like a toddler...not my little baby. Before we know it he's going to be talking in sentences. He might not say much but understands EVERYTHING (but that doesn't mean he always chooses to listen). This little man wants to climb on anything that looks like it might support him, which keeps me on my toes.

Random

2009-12-02T17:48:00.000-08:00

Play With Me

2009-11-24T08:16:00.000-08:00

It's Music Time

2009-11-11T13:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween

2009-11-03T08:01:00.000-08:00

Fun In The Morning...That's All Folks

2009-08-29T09:10:00.000-07:00

Yum, Fun, and, Sun

2009-08-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Leaps and Bounds

2009-07-30T14:07:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it my baby is already army crawling, pushing up on all fours while catapulting himself forward, and oh wait, his FIRST TOOTH has broken!!!!!!!!!! I feel like he just arrived a few weeks ago and now I'm feeding him rice cereal. It's bittersweet to watch your babes grow up so quickly, or so it seems. Emma is now talking in sentences, which makes me smile every time I hear her voice. "Mommy, do this please" "Mommy, read to me" "Mommy, dance with me" these phrases and more are music to my ears. We're starting to work on potty training but are definitely easing into the process. On several occasions this week I've found her in the bathroom naked, but in the bath tub coloring with her water crayons. At least she's naked in the right place. We got her the cutest little panties and now she asks to put them on and hold them. Yesterday she was going through them putting them in a pile while talking to herself and stops, looks at me and says, "Emma's panties...poo poo ah (and) pee pee on potty." I smile just typing it...she's so stinking cute.

Summer Time

2009-07-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

I've been remiss in my postings, but not in the picture taking. Most of our days are spent playing, swimming, and, napping. Emma is talking so much that it seems like she says a new phrase everyday. I love to hear her say sandwhich, naked, and, diving board. It's also fun to see our families faces when she counts to 10. Not only is she our "Little Whiz", she's truly the best big sister. She interacts with Evan so well. His nickname, as coinded by Emma, is "Buddy". Hey Buddy...come here Buddy...love you Buddy. He's such a joy. When he smiles I feel my chest float with happiness. That's the best way I can describe the feeling that overcomes me when I'm holding him. He's moving all over the place. I can put him down on a blanket and two seconds later he'll be across the room checking out the sights. I went into his room the other morning and he had pushed himself up so much that I thought, "we need to lower the crib". My how time keeps on slipping into the future...

Family Fun

2009-05-31T14:25:00.000-07:00

We've had many visitors over the past few months and wanted to share a couple of pics. We're still wondering how time passed so quickly, and Evan went from 1 month to 4...He started to smile socially and laughing around 6 weeks, and just rolled over for the first time last night (Saturday, May, 30). Emma's growing before our eyes as well. She turns 2 in two weeks!! She's talking up a storm and has learned to count to 10. She's the best big sister and loves helping mommy take of care Ephen (that's how she says his name : )

Evan's Baptism

2009-05-19T19:45:00.001-07:00

A beautiful day shared with family and friends.

A New Dawn

2009-03-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

We've decided to start a new blog for Emma and Evan. Mommy thought it would be easier than tinkering with what was Emma's for 19 months.

So it's been 3 months since the arrival of our little man and he's more than found his way into our hearts. I know this sounds silly but it's amazing how two children can be so different out of the gate. Emma arrived sleeping 3 hours at a time only waking to eat. We were the luckiest parents in the world. With Evan we're lucky if he sleeps for 45 minutes. I guess he knows that Emma, Mommy and Daddy are playing up a storm and doesn't want to miss something. The other biggest difference is in responsiveness. Emma was our stoic daughter, and Evan is our interactive son. All we have to do is talk to him and he's all smiles and coos. IT'S THE BEST!!! We love them for their similarities and differences, and can already see what friends they have become.