Two Problems with the Guinea Pigs...

We get the guinea pigs out usually every other night and let the kids hold them and play with them. A few weeks ago we noticed there were two problems arising with the piggies.

Addison holding Snowflake.

Close up Snowflake.

Arilyn holding Peanut.

When I noticed the first problem…Peanut was looking a little hippy. Hmmm. After doing some math and physical exam we determined that Peanut was in fact pregnant! Ugh. How did we get into this? We didn't realized we were getting bonus guineas.

And problem number two…Shawn is allergic to them!!

Trip to LL Bean

We took a day trip to LL Bean. I'm not sure how, but we always ending up bringing home more furry friends from that place!

The kids favorite part- the big fish tank.

Alexa didn't get to check it out this time, but soon enough :0)

The big boot picture that we get every time we go :0)

And the furry friends.

Shawn's Birthday

Shawn had his birthday celebration after our play and hike in the snow. I don't know why, but I didn't take many pictures. I guess that's what happens when you get old :0) Happy Birthday Shawn!

Shawn always asks for a lemon cake, so I made one again this year. This is the arcteryx symbol- an outdoor brand that we really like. I was pretty impressed I did with icing :0)

Happy Birthday Shawn!!

Alexa's First Snow

We've had a lot of snow this winter, but it's also been freezing cold. Too cold to go out and play in it. We finally got a good snow and it was warm enough to take Alexa outside for her first play in the snow! She loved it, to say the least!

Our house in the snow. It was a really pretty snow- big, fluffy snowflakes.

Ready for snow!

A little wobbly :0)

Sitting down with Addison.

Ready for her first sled ride with Daddy. She LOVED it! And wanted to keep going.

Piper the snow dog.

Ellie the 'can I go in yet' dog :0)

Addison ready for sledding.

Owen's hat falls so low when his hood is up, but he refuses to fix it. I guess his eyelids are warm :0)

Taking a turn with Addison down the hill.

Daddy and Owen

The crew.

We took a night hike in the woods behind our house. The kids loved it. Alexa did not want to come in!

Mommy and Alexa

Random Pics

I know that most people take less pictures the more kids they have, but I'm not so sure that's true with me. I think I have more pictures of Alexa than anybody!

Piper with goofy ears.

Addison and Alexa having fun on the iPad.

Crazy bed head Alexa.

How could I not take so many pictures of this sweet face!

And another.

And one more.

So cute!

Snowflake at the Vet

When we bought the guinea pigs they told us that Snowflake might have an ear infection. So…we took her to the vet. I'm still amazed at what I will do for my children! :0) Turns out she did have one and had to be on antibiotics for 2 weeks.

At the vet.

Arilyn comforting her.

Addison comforting her, too.

And Owen giving Peanut love at home because she didn't go to the vet.

New Campbells!

I know this is old news, but wanted to put it up to be official. We finally caved and got the kids guinea pigs for Christmas. They were so excited and love having them…even now. I will admit that I was not looking forward to it, but they are growing on me! Meet Peanut and Snowflake…

Peanut

Snowflake

Piper was really interested in the new creatures! We had to move them upstairs pretty quick because she was driving us crazy!

Peanut settling in.

Snowflake on top of the barn.

So cute.

Holding Snowflake

Arilyn, too.

And even I held her.

What A Difference a Year Makes...

December 2012 was a huge turning point for Shawn and I. We were both over weight. Both unhappy about it. So Shawn decided that we should give Weight Watchers a try. Kicking and screaming and complaining the whole time…I agreed. I am so thankful that Shawn had enough motivation for the both of us because without it I wouldn't be where I am today. It was a struggle at first, but the weight started coming off and kept coming off. After a year we have both hit our target weight and gone beyond it! Never in a million years did I think I'd weigh less than I did when I got married ever again! We both feel so much better! Not only in the way we look, but truly in the way we feel. Shawn lost 46 pounds and I lost 30 pounds. Amazing! I put these pictures together and was shocked at the transformation!

This was September 2012 and September 2013. The Father Daughter Dance at the girls school. Yes, it's the same shirt, which I thought was pretty funny!

 This was October 2012 and October 2013. We had a friend from church (Rachel Halsey Photography) take family photos both years.

I almost didn't put this picture online but it was the best comparison I could find. This was December 2012 at my highest weight right before we started Weight Watchers. Wow. What a difference!

This one is crazy to me! This was December 2012 on the Santa's Express and 2013 on the same Santa's express train ride. This was Shawn's heaviest as well. I think we should be the new spokes couple for Weight Watchers! :0)