Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Soccer Phenoms
My parents arrived today at 3pm. Just 3 hours later, the girls were decked out in their soccer gear, ready to impress.
And did they ever!!
Check out #10 (lucy Findlay) in 12 seconds of pure adrenalin. Note that Linda (#12) was right there beside her, blocking out any potential threats.
I have never been prouder.
And in the spirit of the Women's US World Cup Champions of 1997 (or 98?), Lucy proceeded to do what all true soccer heroines do, and that is, try to take off her shirt??
Might I add that although I don't have video documenting this, Linda was a phenomenal keeper, blocking shots left and right. After one particular save, she went up and kicked the ball out to the field, and well, just kept on going (instead of going back to her keeper's box). She dribbled the ball across the field (and picked up the ball about 5 feet before the goal-- put it right where she wanted it--) and kicked it for a goal too! Sure, maybe the ref blew the whistle to announce the end of the match about 5 seconds before, but for all intents and purposes, there were two super soccer goals today, and two super happy Findlay twinners.
And did they ever!!
Check out #10 (lucy Findlay) in 12 seconds of pure adrenalin. Note that Linda (#12) was right there beside her, blocking out any potential threats.
I have never been prouder.
And in the spirit of the Women's US World Cup Champions of 1997 (or 98?), Lucy proceeded to do what all true soccer heroines do, and that is, try to take off her shirt??
Might I add that although I don't have video documenting this, Linda was a phenomenal keeper, blocking shots left and right. After one particular save, she went up and kicked the ball out to the field, and well, just kept on going (instead of going back to her keeper's box). She dribbled the ball across the field (and picked up the ball about 5 feet before the goal-- put it right where she wanted it--) and kicked it for a goal too! Sure, maybe the ref blew the whistle to announce the end of the match about 5 seconds before, but for all intents and purposes, there were two super soccer goals today, and two super happy Findlay twinners.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
My Ballerinas
Have I mentioned the twins' love of the arts? They have a soft spot in their hearts for Tchaikovsky-- The Nutcracker and Swan Lake are their absolute favorite--- they will take watching Baryshnikov in tights over Dora the Explorer any day. (They also watched nearly all 4 hours of Mozart's The Magic Flute last year when they were still 2.) They love classical music and dance. LOVE IT. On the way up to Yellowstone they actually had a complete melt down when the battery died on the laptop and they were only half way through Swan Lake, the ballet. AND the other day when I was flipping through the stations on the radio, they were going absolutely BONKERS until I passed the classical music station and then they both yelped and begged me to go back and Linda said, "This is MY music mommy. It's beautiful." It was pretty sweet.
So, to foster this love for all things classical and lovely, we signed them up for ballet. This is their second attempt at dance classes (in Guatemala we signed them up for what ended up being a Salsa class....interesting...). Anyway, here they are all dressed up and ready to prance and curtsy and spin and pliet and be dainty little girls. It was very entertaining and they are just so happy. We are going to be signing them up for another class I think.
Linda
Lulu
Both terribly excited-- and they are actually the same height-- Lucy is just on her "tippy toes" here. They love that word.
So, to foster this love for all things classical and lovely, we signed them up for ballet. This is their second attempt at dance classes (in Guatemala we signed them up for what ended up being a Salsa class....interesting...). Anyway, here they are all dressed up and ready to prance and curtsy and spin and pliet and be dainty little girls. It was very entertaining and they are just so happy. We are going to be signing them up for another class I think.
Linda
Lulu
Both terribly excited-- and they are actually the same height-- Lucy is just on her "tippy toes" here. They love that word.Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Yellowstone 2009
Great times were had by all this weekend. Casey and Christina Richards graciously invited us to their cabin in Island Park, Idaho, which may have seemed innocuous enough, except that we brought the twins, which definitely spiced things up a bit.
The twins were always trying to escape outside to literally frolick in the meadows, pick wild flowers, (pretending) to fish in the river, throw rocks, hunt for moose... they had the time of their lives. We made some very special memories and really enjoyed ourselves.
We went up to West Yellowstone and visited Grizzly/Wolf (woof) World and the twins faced their darkest fear right in the eyes as they faced a (big bad) wolf just inches away from them. We then gave the Richards some space and went to see off to see the much anticipated geysers, paint pots, and wild wilderness that is Yellowstone. To be frank, the geysers were a flop. The twins were exhausted by the time we reached the paint pots and geysers that were a warm of Old Faithful-- which meant I got to carry Linda for 2 miles around the pathway (she weighs 45lbs) while she adamantly proclaimed, "I am never coming here, ever again, because it smells like scrambled eggs."
By the time we got to Old Faithful, the twins were both asleep in the backseat. Priceless.
The next day we went on another family adventure and rented a canoe and drifted down the Snake River right past Casey's cabin. It was a 3 hour tour. We almost tipped over on several different occasions and it probably wouldn't have taken so long if Lucy or Linda didn't both insist on "peddling" the whole way. Regardless, it was a great time. We took some great pictures and really enjoyed some quality time with the twins in a 6x 2.5" enclosed (and unstable) space
Determination.
Dave is a master canoer. He has a scout badge.
They were just a titch excited about the boat ride.
Our gracious hosts.
Linda and the buffalo.
We were playing I-spy and she does this goggle thing with her hands EVERY time we play.
The lovely Christina taking care of the twins so they don't jump in the lake (which they did later on under my guard, not hers).
Maybe my favorite all time , all time picture of Lulu.
The twins were always trying to escape outside to literally frolick in the meadows, pick wild flowers, (pretending) to fish in the river, throw rocks, hunt for moose... they had the time of their lives. We made some very special memories and really enjoyed ourselves.
We went up to West Yellowstone and visited Grizzly/Wolf (woof) World and the twins faced their darkest fear right in the eyes as they faced a (big bad) wolf just inches away from them. We then gave the Richards some space and went to see off to see the much anticipated geysers, paint pots, and wild wilderness that is Yellowstone. To be frank, the geysers were a flop. The twins were exhausted by the time we reached the paint pots and geysers that were a warm of Old Faithful-- which meant I got to carry Linda for 2 miles around the pathway (she weighs 45lbs) while she adamantly proclaimed, "I am never coming here, ever again, because it smells like scrambled eggs."
By the time we got to Old Faithful, the twins were both asleep in the backseat. Priceless.
The next day we went on another family adventure and rented a canoe and drifted down the Snake River right past Casey's cabin. It was a 3 hour tour. We almost tipped over on several different occasions and it probably wouldn't have taken so long if Lucy or Linda didn't both insist on "peddling" the whole way. Regardless, it was a great time. We took some great pictures and really enjoyed some quality time with the twins in a 6x 2.5" enclosed (and unstable) space
Determination.
Dave is a master canoer. He has a scout badge.
They were just a titch excited about the boat ride.
Our gracious hosts.
Linda and the buffalo.
We were playing I-spy and she does this goggle thing with her hands EVERY time we play.
The lovely Christina taking care of the twins so they don't jump in the lake (which they did later on under my guard, not hers).
Maybe my favorite all time , all time picture of Lulu.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Summer 2009
One might think, perhaps, that not much has happened to the Findlays this summer.
Au contraire mon frere.
EVERYTHING has happened.
1. We moved to America.
2. We moved to America.
3. Yes, we moved to America, and did I mention we bought a house?
It's hard to grasp this, I know. After living in Guatemala for 3 years, we decided to go on a trip back to the States, and in a move, somewhat reminiscent of something you'd hear from a Cuban defector, we just didn't go back.
The housing market was right, the weather was so nice, and the joy of driving on freeways was too much for us to turn our backs on, so we stayed. Casey Richards, realtor extraordinaire, found us an awesome house. The heavens smiled upon us and somehow we got a loan (which is actually pretty tricky when you've been living out of the country for 3 years, and have no W-2s, mind you). We are now in SLC, just a stone's throw from family and friends of old.
I"ll post some pics of the house later, but for now, I will write a big ***SIGH*** of relief, and confess, this all feels pretty darned good. We Findlays are doing all right.
Here are SOME pics of the summer so far, in no particular order, as most of my pics are at Grandma and Grandpa Findlay's house (where we invaded their home and lives for 3 months!!!).
I like this pic, because it's Lucy's face, and Linda's hand holding the contraband: NERDS.
Our ride for Summer 2009. When I look back at this picture, I will remember that we bought it for $700, that it didn't pass safety or emissions for a couple months (while I cursed Dave's name for buying this piece), and then once it finally did pass inspection, how I kissed my sweet David's cheeks and told him he was a genius, because this little ride has given us miles and miles of endless good times this summer, through town and even through our "killer-loop" drive of days of old through East Canyon and Parley's. I will have to post later some pics of the twins in the back seat. It's a sight to see those girls in the back with her hair all flowy and their smiles from one ear to the other-- it's a crowd pleaser.
Grandma Holmes came to visit for a month as soon as we bought the house. It's going to be tough (especially for the twinners) to see her go on Tuesday.
A one-scoop ice-cream cone at This is the Place. One scoop means GINORMOUS icecream serving my friends. But not too big for Linda or Lucy.
Fun at this the Place with cousins Jacob, little Tyler, Naomi and Ian, and of course, the ever-popular Peter Lloyd (the twinkle of the twins' eyes this summer). The squeals that escape their mouths when this kid walks through the door is deafening, yet absolutely priceless.
Is this not adorable?
Ian and Jacob tickling Lucy. She really liked it for about 5 seconds...
Twins during a moment of sweet repose in our front yard. They love this book called "Wacky Wednesday." "Wacky" is now one of their favorite words and it sounds especially cute coming from Lucy's raspy voice.
Our first petting zoo experience. Also at This is the Place. Here Linda and Naomi are sharing a moment with a wee little goat.
Becca is having a baby! That tummy was calling my name.
Dave and I at Albion Basin. Lots of great memories here for us. We first came here together 10 (TEN, DIEZ, DIX) years ago when we FIRST starting hanging out (and I was madly in love him, and he really liked me... as a friend).
Summer of Barbies-- my cousin Suzie magnanimously donated their assorted collection of these dolls girls apparently like to play with. I never played with these little ladies, just chopped off their hair and flushed them down toiletts whenever someone gave me one. But since the twins love them, I have been learning to play with them myself.
See?
Photo taken by Linda. I like this pic because she did a great job of capturing her father's stunning blue eyes, while also catching her sister getting on a chair to reach an off-limits valuable twin magnet off Grandma's shelf.
Twins with Grandma Lucy Laycock.
Twins at Albion.
Look at these little hands. They are deliciously chubby still. I love how soft they are. I love watching them manipulate objects as they practice their dexterity. I love how they fit all smushy in my hand.
Grandpa Findlay...these girls have him wrapped around their fingers. He carted them around for 15 minutes in this wheel barrow and the twins were in heaven.
Reading time during Grandma's school with Pete and the twins. Mondays and Thursdays are the BEST!
Me and the twinners at Gateway after running through the water fountains.
A great new (old) friend-- Michael Nance. Kate and Greg's kid-- what a ham. I love this kid. So darn cute and such a boy.
Dave cruisin'.
For our anniversary we ditched the twinners and went up to Park City for a night. We went up the Alpine Slide and went on a hike and took cheesy pictures and had a grand time.
Ooohh... color coordinating and everything!
Findlays out.
Au contraire mon frere.
EVERYTHING has happened.
1. We moved to America.
2. We moved to America.
3. Yes, we moved to America, and did I mention we bought a house?
It's hard to grasp this, I know. After living in Guatemala for 3 years, we decided to go on a trip back to the States, and in a move, somewhat reminiscent of something you'd hear from a Cuban defector, we just didn't go back.
The housing market was right, the weather was so nice, and the joy of driving on freeways was too much for us to turn our backs on, so we stayed. Casey Richards, realtor extraordinaire, found us an awesome house. The heavens smiled upon us and somehow we got a loan (which is actually pretty tricky when you've been living out of the country for 3 years, and have no W-2s, mind you). We are now in SLC, just a stone's throw from family and friends of old.
I"ll post some pics of the house later, but for now, I will write a big ***SIGH*** of relief, and confess, this all feels pretty darned good. We Findlays are doing all right.
Here are SOME pics of the summer so far, in no particular order, as most of my pics are at Grandma and Grandpa Findlay's house (where we invaded their home and lives for 3 months!!!).
I like this pic, because it's Lucy's face, and Linda's hand holding the contraband: NERDS.
Our ride for Summer 2009. When I look back at this picture, I will remember that we bought it for $700, that it didn't pass safety or emissions for a couple months (while I cursed Dave's name for buying this piece), and then once it finally did pass inspection, how I kissed my sweet David's cheeks and told him he was a genius, because this little ride has given us miles and miles of endless good times this summer, through town and even through our "killer-loop" drive of days of old through East Canyon and Parley's. I will have to post later some pics of the twins in the back seat. It's a sight to see those girls in the back with her hair all flowy and their smiles from one ear to the other-- it's a crowd pleaser.
Grandma Holmes came to visit for a month as soon as we bought the house. It's going to be tough (especially for the twinners) to see her go on Tuesday.
A one-scoop ice-cream cone at This is the Place. One scoop means GINORMOUS icecream serving my friends. But not too big for Linda or Lucy.
Fun at this the Place with cousins Jacob, little Tyler, Naomi and Ian, and of course, the ever-popular Peter Lloyd (the twinkle of the twins' eyes this summer). The squeals that escape their mouths when this kid walks through the door is deafening, yet absolutely priceless.
Is this not adorable?
Ian and Jacob tickling Lucy. She really liked it for about 5 seconds...
Twins during a moment of sweet repose in our front yard. They love this book called "Wacky Wednesday." "Wacky" is now one of their favorite words and it sounds especially cute coming from Lucy's raspy voice.
Our first petting zoo experience. Also at This is the Place. Here Linda and Naomi are sharing a moment with a wee little goat.
Becca is having a baby! That tummy was calling my name.
Dave and I at Albion Basin. Lots of great memories here for us. We first came here together 10 (TEN, DIEZ, DIX) years ago when we FIRST starting hanging out (and I was madly in love him, and he really liked me... as a friend).
Summer of Barbies-- my cousin Suzie magnanimously donated their assorted collection of these dolls girls apparently like to play with. I never played with these little ladies, just chopped off their hair and flushed them down toiletts whenever someone gave me one. But since the twins love them, I have been learning to play with them myself.
See?
Photo taken by Linda. I like this pic because she did a great job of capturing her father's stunning blue eyes, while also catching her sister getting on a chair to reach an off-limits valuable twin magnet off Grandma's shelf.
Twins with Grandma Lucy Laycock.
Twins at Albion.
Look at these little hands. They are deliciously chubby still. I love how soft they are. I love watching them manipulate objects as they practice their dexterity. I love how they fit all smushy in my hand.
Grandpa Findlay...these girls have him wrapped around their fingers. He carted them around for 15 minutes in this wheel barrow and the twins were in heaven.
Reading time during Grandma's school with Pete and the twins. Mondays and Thursdays are the BEST!
Me and the twinners at Gateway after running through the water fountains.
A great new (old) friend-- Michael Nance. Kate and Greg's kid-- what a ham. I love this kid. So darn cute and such a boy.
Dave cruisin'.
For our anniversary we ditched the twinners and went up to Park City for a night. We went up the Alpine Slide and went on a hike and took cheesy pictures and had a grand time.
Ooohh... color coordinating and everything!
Findlays out.
Monday, May 4, 2009
update
So we are still in Utah, everyone. Yes, I can hardly believe it myself.
We are wrestling with the decision to go back to Guatemala or stay here and try to buy a house. How's that for an easy choice? I swear Dave and I find ourselves in this predicament every 6 months or so-- having to make a ridiculously difficult decision that will affect our lives FOREVER.
Anyway, the twins are doing well. They talk about Guatemala incessantly. Linda just put on her back pack and and a nice skirt and waltzed in the room explaining, she "is certainly ready to go back to Guatemala now." Yes, she said "certainly."
To which I replied, "Linda, you crack me up."
" Yes, I certainly do crack you up."
We are wrestling with the decision to go back to Guatemala or stay here and try to buy a house. How's that for an easy choice? I swear Dave and I find ourselves in this predicament every 6 months or so-- having to make a ridiculously difficult decision that will affect our lives FOREVER.
Anyway, the twins are doing well. They talk about Guatemala incessantly. Linda just put on her back pack and and a nice skirt and waltzed in the room explaining, she "is certainly ready to go back to Guatemala now." Yes, she said "certainly."
To which I replied, "Linda, you crack me up."
" Yes, I certainly do crack you up."
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Just what I needed
We're still at the Findlay's in Utah and the twins are getting a bit restless for their beds in Guatemala, I think (despite some really great accommodations).
Anyway, Lucy had ants in her pants tonight. The little lady would not go to sleep. For some reason, I didn't mind that 50 minutes had passed by while I tried to get this kid to sleep. Actually, there is a reason: She was grabbing my face with both hands, kissing me, rubbing noses with me, rubbing her cheeks against mine, holding my hands within her chubby soft little hands, and giggling and being so sweet and funny.
I started getting a bit sentimental there next to her. I started thinking about her growing up and Linda growing up, and how lucky I am to have these girls in my life and to have them be ours. Then she said, "Mommy, I love so much." I looked at her with tears in my eyes (and running down my cheeks) and said to her, "Why do you love me so much, Lucy?"-- because really, I wanted to know. I was just thinking today about how little quality time I feel I get to spend with them considering how busy our lives are with the business, and the fact that there have always been 2 of them, and her saying that, just really struck a chord.
Do you know what she said? I wish I had it recorded. In her classic, Lucy raspy-mischievously sweet voice she said:
Because I am not afraid of slippery snakes, or spiders, or monsters, or ghosts. Because you are here. That's why I love you.
Anyone have a tissue?
Anyway, Lucy had ants in her pants tonight. The little lady would not go to sleep. For some reason, I didn't mind that 50 minutes had passed by while I tried to get this kid to sleep. Actually, there is a reason: She was grabbing my face with both hands, kissing me, rubbing noses with me, rubbing her cheeks against mine, holding my hands within her chubby soft little hands, and giggling and being so sweet and funny.
I started getting a bit sentimental there next to her. I started thinking about her growing up and Linda growing up, and how lucky I am to have these girls in my life and to have them be ours. Then she said, "Mommy, I love so much." I looked at her with tears in my eyes (and running down my cheeks) and said to her, "Why do you love me so much, Lucy?"-- because really, I wanted to know. I was just thinking today about how little quality time I feel I get to spend with them considering how busy our lives are with the business, and the fact that there have always been 2 of them, and her saying that, just really struck a chord.
Do you know what she said? I wish I had it recorded. In her classic, Lucy raspy-mischievously sweet voice she said:
Because I am not afraid of slippery snakes, or spiders, or monsters, or ghosts. Because you are here. That's why I love you.
Anyone have a tissue?
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