Absolutely Most Recent Kids Pictures

OK, now I'm posting pictures that I took 2 minutes ago. This way all of you can be totally updated with our family. Thanks for being patient with me and my inconsistent blogging! We love you all!
Our happy Dallin. He sleeps well night, rarely fusses, loves to cuddle, and smiles when anyone starts talking to him. We are SO glad to have Dallin in our family.

Sweet, sweet Kiersten. She is growing up so much and trying to follow in her big sister's footsteps. She is the MOST ticklish little girl that I've ever met and laughs so hard that she can hardly breath. Of course, that causes the rest of us to laugh that hard as well.

*FYI: Altough this pic doesn't show it best, it looks like Kiersten's hemangioma is finally getting a little bit smaller, so maybe soon everyone won't think she hit her head really hard (:

Kaitlin, oh Kaitlin.... She looks so innocent in this picture, but this in the only one out of 2o that didn't have her making a goofy face. Before each one, "take a picture of this one mommy." I wonder where she gets it from? She is so full of imagination, love, and spunk.

Let's Go Fly a Kite

Mary Poppins is one of our family's favorite movies. The girls will actually sit and watch the whole almost 3 hours of it. Actually, they get up, run around, sing and dance a lot while they watch it. Kaitlin knows almost all of the songs and Kiersten sings along too, just using her own "words." Their favorite song is "Let's go fly a kite." Kaitlin got a kite for her b-day in July, but we haven't had a chance to go fly it yet. Then, a couple of weeks ago, the wind was PERFECT. Even Kaitlin and Kiersten had no problem getting the kite into the air. And, yes, we did sing "Let's go fly a kite" the whole time(:
Kaitlin loved running back and forth across the field. The wind was strong enough that she had to work pretty hard.

Kiersten loves her daddy so much. She always brightens up when he's around and she definitely obeys him better than she obeys me.

This is a field in front of the elementary school just a few blocks away from our house. I love being together as a family!

Here we are on our way to the field. The residents in Brandon's program all pitched in and bought us a Sit-n-Stand stroller that actually fits all three kids (and a dog). I just strap Dallin's car seat in the front, have Kiersten sit on the bench and Kaitlin stand on the foot rest. It really makes it so much easier to go from point A to point B. Otherwise, the kids decide to scatter or just refuse to walk. It also folds up pretty well and has been a lifesaver for me.

Halloween

I know that it's been over a month since Halloween and that I'm just mass posting today, but since I only took down my Halloween decorations a week ago, I don't feel too far behind(:

The girls were fairy princess ballerinas. Basically we used an assortment of dress up clothes from our grandmas and our neighbor to put together these darling outfits. Dallin was handsome and so cuddly in his pumpkin costume. It was beautiful weather so we didn't even have to wear jackets. I remember most Halloweens in Chicago having to wear a coat over my costume because of the cold. I always thought it defeated the purpose of dressing up if you couldn't tell who or what someone was dressed up as.

I love these pictures that Brandon took. Sweet, sweet girls.
I tried to go trick-or-treating with the kids while Brandon passed out candy, but the girls didn't want to leave him behind. We ended up only going to 3 houses and spent the rest of the time passing out candy.
The girls called out to the trick-or-treaters, telling them to come to our house. They were so excited when people came. However, Kaitlin was stingier with the candy than we were, only giving one piece to each person. When we had half the bowl of candy left, she started telling people, "sorry guys, no more candy for you tonight" or "hey guys, this is your last one." We couldn't stop laughing. I think she was afraid that there wasn't going to be any candy left for her.
She was right, because there wasn't much at all. Luckily, by the next day they had both forgotten about the candy.

Fall Fun

A few weeks before Halloween we went to pumpkin farm, called Devine Acres, about 45 minutes away. They had a huge variety of activities for the kids. We actually never got around to picking a pumpkin because we had so much fun doing everything else.

The girls loved running around the maze. It ended up being a pretty warm day, so I felt bad that I had dressed the girls in long sleeves. They were quite hot after running through the maze. They didn't even cheat and climb over the bales until we were on the way out. Mostly, Brandon and I were tired of going back and forth and figured the kids wouldn't mind if we lifted them over a few bales of hay.

They made it to the mountain in the middle! The kids are so lucky to have such a fun dad.

They had a little catch and release fishing pond with lots of tiny little fish. We didn't catch anything with our bits of corn, but the girls loved their first fishing trip with dad. And they could see the fish attack the bait.

The girls favorite part, by far, was petting the goats, pig, and llama. We actually went there first and they didn't want to leave. They both threw little fits, but we were able to distract them. I used to LOVE pettng zoos too, so I know where they get the fascination with animals. Wait, who am I kidding, I STILL love petting zoos.
Kiersten especially liked this pig. She would scoop up dirt and try to feed it to him. He didn't seem too interested.

Kaitlin may look a little standoffish here, but she was running from goat to goat petting and hugging them. She begged us to bring one home for her, and I think Brandon would have if our rental agreement allowed. Seriously.
Kaitlin asks us for a new animal several times a week. Just last week she asked for a kitten, puppy, duck, and a goat. I think we may end up living on a farm.

The last thing we did was play on a big playground they had under some old oak trees. We really needed the shade and the girls loved playing in the sand.

Kiersten also experimented climbing up the rope ladder. She kept on getting stuck, but as soon as she got down, up she'd go again.

It was so much fun spending time together as a family and enjoying the fall spirit. We're excited to go again next year. We didn't have time to go on the hayride, make little crafts, and do all of the other activities.

Catching Up

I know that it's been forever since I last posted pics, so I thought that I'd do a little catch up. (Ok, it's really a lot of catch up).

We loved having Uncle Michael stay with us during the ADA Conference. Dallin sure loves his uncle.

I tried taking a picture with all of the kids about a week after Dallin was born, and this was the best one I could get. Admittedly, I didn't try very long, but I could tell that things weren't going to get any better(:

This is Dallin at 1 week. The shorts were WAY to big on him, but it's a cute outfit that says "My Daddy Loves Me." Very true. Our neighbor gave us this super-soft and cuddly blue bear. The girls love cuddling with it almost as much as I do.

Dallin Creg Kofford

For all of you who were wondering what we named our little boy, we decided on:

Dallin Creg Kofford

Dallin: from the Dale (dweller of the valley); Brandon's Dad's name is Dale
Creg: rugged rock; Marian's Dad's name is Creg
Kofford: Seems like a good way to end a good name (:

Dallin is a wonderful little boy who just learned last night that nightime is for sleeping. So, now I am very happy and well rested. The girls adore him and love to talk to him and share their toys. We've quickly learned that we can't leave him alone within reach of the girls even for a few seconds because they love to put blankets on him, take off his little hat, or even pick him up. Luckily, they are always as gentle as they know how to be(:

Grandma Ostler was here for the week and we had soooo much fun together. The girls loved playing games, reading stories, getting surprises, and going shopping with her. I really enjoyed having my mom here since we don't live close enough to see each other very often. We also had a blast just spending time together talking. We were sad to see her go today.

Here are Kaitlin and Kiersten with their "Catcher Buggies" from Grandma. They loved to run around the backyard looking for bugs to catch. The funny thing is that they came in and out of the house so much that I think most of the flies ended up inside.

Baby Boy!!

Well for all those who doubted I had any evidence of Y chromosomes, I present to you "Exhibit A". Born today, October 6, 2008 at 1442 an 8 lbs, 21 inch baby boy has finally come to our family. In instances such as this, it is definitely "better late than never!" Enjoy these pictures. Marian is going to be so mad that I post pictures of her, but I do it to show you all how incredible she is to be smiling and laughing and cheerful even during and after labor and delivery. So enjoy the pictures before Marian makes me take them down.

Before delivery, but well into labor, she's all smiles! I love my beautiful, happy wife.

After Delivery!! She didn't even break a sweat! She's amazing!

He sure was upset to come out of Mommy's comortable womb. Hope to make it worth his while.

What wonderful sisters. A lucky boy to have such good sisters.

A full head of hair!

Daddy couldn't be more proud of his son. A welcome addition to our growing family.

White Dogs Can JUMP!

Whoever let this dog out of their family is crazy! He's so cool. He's got hops--check it out!

It's About Time

Now that we're in a house that will allow pets, there wasn't any resisting. Marian started looking at dogs online at some of the local shelters, and this one looked perfect. We went out to look at him just for fun, but couldn't resist! He is perfect. Two years old and already potty-trained, doesn't bark, sleeps in the pantry all night without accident and without a sound. He is so well-mannered around the girls and loves to play. He doesn't jump on anyone or the couches. When I say a perfect dog, I mean a perfect dog. He was sent from the pound to a no-kill shelter and thank goodness, because he really belongs in our family. His name is Dreamer, how appropriate for our family!

First Hula-Hoop Lessons

So, we have some really great neighbors--JD and Jo Anne. They love spoiling all of us. JD is a great RC Airplane pilot and is teaching me. Here you see him teaching Kaitlin another one of his favorite past times.

Earlier this past week our friends Jake, Sabrina, Gage, and Molly arrived in town. They live so close, we can walk to their home in just a few minutes. Jake and Sabrina were hard at work moving their furniture into their home and Marian and I played with the kids. We walked to their house and played with their dogs, but when it was time to walk back, Kaitlin and Gage were too tired. Thank goodness our double stroller has a four child capacity!

We let the girls decorate our family room, hence the huge climber toy in the middle of the room. How's that for interior decorating?!

Yowie

We got a bunny in January, and like terrible parents, we haven't introduced him/her yet to ya'll. So, here's our bunny "Yowie." Kaitlin named him/her before she was entirely capable of speaking. We first tried animal sounds with her and said a cat says "meow". She always said "yowie" instead, so whenever she saw a cat or rabbit or anything that had fur, she would say "yowie." So, when we went to get our bunny we asked Kaitlin what she wanted to name "her" bunny. She said "yowie" and it stuck. Unfortunately we don't know its gender yet, so it changes daily. Our favorite past time is chasing Yowie around the house. I get a kick out of seeing Kaitlin and Kiersten run after it giggling and laughing up a storm. I love being a dad.

Shirley Temple

Have I ever mentioned that we have the cutest girls in the world? It's true. Marian put curlers in Kaitlin's hair for the first time ever, and Kaitlin loved it. It was so fun to listen to Marian put the curlers in her hair this morning: "Okay, stay still. . .don't move your head anymore. . .try to be still, Kaitlin. . .etc." The curls lasted for a little while. Ah, girls. You gotta love 'em!

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My New At Home Gym

So, I've been begging Marian to get me a weight set so I can be buff like Michael and JJ. She finally gave in and got me the ultimate workout machine--a Reel Mower. I mowed the lawn today, let me tell you, real men use reel mowers. Glad we live on .15 acres and nothing larger. One of the pros or cons depending on your perspective, is that I now have job security as Marian's husband!



Kaitlin was supposed to come with me to pick up the lawn mower. Marian suggested that she stay and take a nap but both Kaitlin and I insisted that she wasn't tired and it would be great for her to come to the store. As I did a little more research online looking at lawn mowers, it got very quiet in our house, and that normally means trouble. So, Marian and I got up from the kitchen table to see what Kaitlin was up to. We walked into our living room and found her fast asleep behind the couch in the most awkward position. Tired--she was beyond tired! This is proof that mom always knows best.

The "Stinkiest" Animal Ever

I forgot to tell this story in my other post. While we were at the lake, I took Kaitlin into the restroom with me. It was foul! Kaitlin kept telling me: "It's stinky in here daddy!" I agreed. Then she started comparing the stink to that of horses and cows. So, out of curiosity, I asked Kaitlin in her opinion which was the stinkiest animal ever. Her response: "Daddy." What's worse is that Marian agreed.

Two Beaches in Two Days

Yesterday we decided to camp at the beach in Corpus Christi. When we got there we were greeted by the friendly locals. I didn't zoom in on those birds. Kaitlin was the first to fall victim to the tentacles of a jellyfish, then Marian. As we were keeping our eyes peeled for other jellyfish, Marian saw something swimming in the shallow water near us, it was a FISH! With my angler's instinct, I sprang into action and crept up on it from behind and BAM! it didn't even see me coming--must be my cat-like reflexes. The wind was so bad (and I forgot our blankets) that we decided not to stay the night afterall. So, three hours later we pulled into our house. Upon waking this morning, we thought it would be fun to go to Canyon Lake not too far north of us. There we found several advantages to a Lake beach rather than an ocean beach, but for brevity's sake--NO JELLYFISH! All in all we had a good time. On our way home, we decided to keep the Kofford tradition alive of getting milkshakes after a day at the lake. I got a large to share with the girls. Kiersten mistakenly assumed that the whole thing was for her, she was not happy to share at all! We sure are enjoying our new home in San Antonio, TX