Daddy's Apartment a.k.a. The Cabin

For the past year Jeremy has been working down in Bisbee AZ and living in this apartment during the week and traveling home for the weekends. During the hottest part of the summer we lived with him full time in his one bedroom apartment because it is so much cooler in Bisbee. Andrew took his first steps here and both kids learned how to sleep in the same room. We hope Jeremy is blessed with a new job, closer to home soon so we can put this chapter of our lives in the history books. But, for now, we enjoy being together when we can.

This is the view looking into the apartment from the front door. Behind the t.v. is the bedroom which will only fit one twin size bed and a pack-n-play. Notice the radiator. It comes on from 4-6 in the morning and 6-8 at night. It can get quite cold in there during the day. The building is made of concrete, so if it is cold outside it is cold inside as well.

This is the view looking back at the door to the apartment.

This is the view looking from the bedroom door into the living space and then on into the kitchen. The bathroom door is on the right.

Here's the kitchen. Look at all that counter space!

Jeremy's lovely table and chairs.
In this experience we have really learned that you can do a lot with a little. When we are there, the kids spend each afternoon at the park with Daddy. I know Andrew's balance and agility comes from navigating up and down the play structure at the park. They also visit some goats and chickens that are in someones yard.

It doesn't matter where you live, as long as you make the most of it.

Happy Birthday Elizabeth

Elizabeth had a great birthday. She was spoiled through and through. She had big plans for her birthday including crowns, birthday cake, tea party and balloons. The girl knows how to throw a party. I think we managed to fit everything in.
The kids started out with a tea party complete with crowns, tea, and little cookies.

They fished for party favors to put in their goodie bags.

Had a fun lunch.
And enjoyed birthday cake.

Elizabeth has grown 4 3/4 inches in the past year. She will talk your ear off, and is very aware of her surroundings. We love having her in our family.

Major Milestones

We've had some major milestones at the Olsen home.

Last month we decided it was too cold in Bisbee and brought the kids back to the house for the winter months. We knew Andrew could climb out of the Pack-n-Play. We quickly found out he can climb out of his crib as well. Trying to avoid any type of injury, I had Daddy take down the crib. It took a couple of weeks for Andrew to get used to his new sleeping arrangement, but is doing good now. He loves having Mommy lay in his bed with him to read a story and cuddle before sleep.

This past week we have also said farewell to our friend the highchair. Many good memories have happened in that chair. The spaghetti faces and food art will be missed. Andrew decided it is much better to sit at the table with the rest of the family. He does a pretty good job keeping his food to himself and loves being big like his sister.

Tucson Zoo

We are making a tradition out of going to the Tucson Zoo at the beginning of each year. We had a great time. There were hardly any people at the zoo and the animals were a huge hit with the kids. Andrew couldn't take his eyes away from them even for a quick picture, especially since there was a zebra headed his way. Andrew loves zebras and otters. He didn't care for the armadillo or the snake.

My Three Favorite Men

I love this picture. It has the men I love the most in it.

Our Family

Car Garage

Andrew loves figuring out how things work. He spotted this car garage up in his closet and had to have it. Before I had it dusted off, he had figured out how it worked and had found a car to go up and down the ramps. He is a really good critical thinker. If he doesn't know how something works he will sit there and think about it until he figures it out, or he will want me to show him. I think I see an engineer in our future.