The Klavans

NY State Museum

2010-03-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

My friend Jess and I decided to get the kiddos out of the house and go to the museum. Justin and I have attempted to take the kids once before when his parents were in town, but I think he was just too little and had NO patience for it. This time was great. He and Mason lasted through almost the whole museum. Abby did well until nap time.

Can you see how excited they are?

Ayen loved the Sesame
Street set

The dinosaurs were also a big hit

In the back of the museum they have a kids lab with toys and computers. We spent quite a bit of time there building with legos.

Afterward, we went upstairs, had lunch at Subway, and rode on the old carousel that they have. All in all, it was a fun and educational day. I think we'll do this again sometime.

February 2010

2010-02-28T06:30:00.000-08:00

Abby has become quite the little explorer. She also has a great vocabulary already and can say at least 30 words.

Playing in all the

stuffed animals

I'm also super excited because her hair is just long enough for me to put up in pigtails. She hasn't really realized that they're there, so they stay put for the whole day.

Smiling for the camera

Ayden is such a great big brother. He loves to play with Abby and is always looking out for her. But, he is also a little stinker and this is what happens when left alone for 5 minutes. Thank goodness it wasn't permanent!

Having fun playing the wii
with friend Mason

2010-02-11T08:01:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been quite a while since I've posted. Our lives have been kinda busy and I seem to have lost track of time. Here's what's been going on in our family the last 5 months.

Warning: Very long post.

September

Ayden having fun outside.

Drawing with chalk in the driveway. There's more on him then on the ground.

We took Ayden to a local farm for Clifton Park's Farm Fest and ran into his best friend, Celia.

He tells me all the time how much he loves her.

Petting the goats.

This fall we signed him up for Soccer Tots. He absolutely loves it.

Stretching.

Kicking the ball.

October

We took the children to a local nursery where they were having kids day. Ayden loved petting the baby chicks.

But his favorite part was the horse ride.

Uncle Marcus had a show in Albany and he came to visit. We had tons of fun with him.

Observing a fuzzy caterpillar.

And we had a great time when Grammie and Pop pop came to visit for the weekend. We took advantage of the fall colors and cool weather by taking a trip to the farm to pick apples.

The next day we went to a place that had a bouncy pillow.

And a pumpkin patch.

My sweet kiddos!!

At then end of the month we had our friends, the Moses', over to carve pumpkins. Ayden was very excited to dig out the seeds.

But then decided it was very gross and was done with it.

Jessica's cannibal pumpkin.

In between the Halloween fun we were busy making messes.

Celebrating Halloween as Luke Skywalker and Cinderella.

November

Nana bought Abby a cute little sweater hat set. She loved the dolls sewn on them.

We were blessed to spend Thanksgiving with Grammie and Pop pop in Maryland. Here is a family picture taken right before we went to dinner.

At the Golden Bull for dinner. Oy-vey, when's dinner going to start!!

We had fun at dinner with Emah and Pop. Aunt Anne and the Cotler's drove down from New Jersey and it was nice to catch up with them.

Abigail loved cousin Samantha.

She thought Grammie was pretty great, too.

Beth and Hal came bearing Hanukah gifts. Ayden got a cool doctor's kit.

And Abigail got a sweet little bunny.

Emah was sweet and threw a Birthday party for Abby's 1st birthday.

The cake definitely won. Her hair was frosted stiff.

And Aunty Lisa drove in from West Virginia to help celebrate. Here she is sporting the Strawberry Shortcake sunglasses.

Another great thing that happened in November was Justin passing his CIH exam. He studied for a whole year and we are very proud of him.

December

Having fun in the cold and the snow after a horse and buggy ride.

And Ayden had fun singing Christmas carols with the other kids at our ward Christmas party.

This is actually the last time we got a decent amount of snow.

For Christmas this year we drove out to Ohio. This is at Aunt Brooke's work Christmas party. Ayden and his cousin AJ posing with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

And doing crafts.

And what a treat it was for my Papa to stop by. This was the first time he met Abigail.

We also took a drive back to the town where I grew up to see my Grandmother.

Ayden and AJ posing.

Having fun with Great Grandma!!

Nana took all of us to the Science Center in Cleveland.

Me, Aunt Jenny, Abby, Nana, AJ, Ayden, Uncle Jake, Uncle Jason, and Ashley

waiting for the Bubble Man demonstration.

Driving a Mars Rover.

Learning about static electricity.

Christmas Eve. The first time my dad and his brothers and sisters have all been together in 8 or 9 years.

Family photo with my grandparents.

One with Brooke and her kids.

We stayed with my mom and stepdad, Dave for a couple days. Here is what we came downstairs to Christmas morning. Thanks for the pretty decorations, Dave. I mean, Santa!!

Opening presents.

Giving Dahlia one last hug before we go.

Spending time at Grandma Sallie's house for Christmas breakfast. Ayden loved hanging out with Dave. He was his mini me.

Sitting on Grandma Sallie's lap.

Christmas dinner at Brooke's house. Jason and Jenny smiling for the camera.

Opening presents yet again. This time from Nana and the Aunts and Uncles.

January

Rooting for the Redskins even though they weren't very good this year.

And building forts.

Lots of hugs.

And lots of smiles.

And one more visit from Pop pop.

We have been very blessed being able to see all our family and some friends here and there. Hopefully the rest of 2010 will be just as fun!!

2009-09-07T13:22:00.000-07:00

So, this past weekend Abby and I took a weekend trip to see our awesome friends, Ronnie and Ashley Wiley and their new baby (not so new anymore, she's 2 months old, so new to me) Ember. It was fun to get the little girls together for pictures. I think I got a couple of good ones. I also was able to indulge in Krispy Kremes which we don't have in NY, so I was very happy. Sad, but true. Ronnie took me to see the log home he's building. It is absolutely beautiful. I didn't take any pictures there, so you'll have to take my word for it. Anyway, here's a few pictures from our trip. Thank you to the Wiley's for such a fun time and for putting up with my fussy, pukey baby. Seriously, I don't think there is a spot in their house where she didn't throw up.

Abby and her milk mustache.

Abby and Ember

Sweet little Ember finally looking at the camera.

What a big girl.

All smiles

So, while we were in Virginia, Ashley decided she wanted to make a tutu for Ember. I thought it would be fun, and this is what we came up with.

Abby loves her princess tutu.

Sitting pretty.

Ember's puffy tutu.

I had to keep propping her up against furniture b/c all she wanted to do was crawl and she kept getting stuck.

The girls together. One of the only ones I got where Abby wasn't trying to rip off Ember's ear.

Thatcher Park Hike

2009-09-06T05:09:00.000-07:00

With Rachel and Abby in Roanoke hanging out with the Wiley's, Adyen and I decided to go on a little adventure. We took a hike along the Indian Ladder Trail at Thatcher Park to look at some water falls.

We started at the overlook....

And then made our way along the Escarpment Trail (it runs above the Ladder trail).....

We hooked up with the Indian Ladder Trail and headed under the Escarpment Trail to look at the water falls and the caves below......

We then triumphantly emerged back onto the Escarpment Trail where we began!

The whole trip was a little over a mile. Not too shabby for a 3 year old!

And now it's on to our next manly adventure........seeing if we can clean up our mess before the girls get home!!

2009-08-31T14:13:00.000-07:00

We have friends who have some property up on one of the lakes up north (I can't remember which one) and they invited a bunch of people out to play in the water. It was a beautiful day and both kids were pretty well behaved.

This is what Ayden spent a lot of time doing. It's what he does most of the time at any beach we go to.

When he wasn't playing in the sand, he was sitting in the canoe.

Abby didn't swim, but she usually doesn't and is mostly content not to.

And when Ayden wasn't in the canoe, he was riding in the boat, which he LOVED. Rachelle even let him drive.

And finally, this is Ayden tubbing. He actually didn't ride by himself. Our friend, Janelle went on with him. I'm surprised he rode, but he kept asking to go, so I reluctantly gave in. He had a blast though.

Lake George and 3rd Birthday Fun

2009-07-31T13:05:00.000-07:00

My mom and my niece Ashley came to visit us for a couple of days. Ayden loved having someone else to run around with and Abigail enjoyed being the center of my mom's attention.

Feeding Abby at Million Dollar Beach in Lake George. It was super hot that day.

Abby cooling off in the lake.

My mom and the kids building a sand castle.

Ashley and Ayden taking a break from all the fun to pose.

Making a swimming pool.

That's only deep enough to stand in.

Abby in her cute sun hat.

Waiting for Nana to get Ben and Jerry's. She ate there 3 times that week.

This is in Saratoga Springs at a yummy Crepe Restaurant. It's one of our favorite

places to eat, but we don't get up there much.

Ashley just had to get a Webkins doll, so we headed up to the mall.

While we were there, Ayden played at the little playground they

have there. No pictures of him, just of Abby being cute.

This is the only picture we got of Ayden at his birthday dinner. It will have to do.

Abby kept taking Ayden's ballon in the car.

This was my attempt at making Ayden frog cupcakes.

They eyes were supposed to be green cookies. Turns out

they only sell them around Saint Patty's Day.

Justin's parents watched the birthday celebration on ichat.

Despite the fact that Ayden talked about blowing out his candles

all month long, when it came time, he refused.

(Please ignore the mess in the background.)

Enjoying the yumminess.

Opening presents.

And more presents.

It was a very fun week, but it was nice to get back into our regular routine again. Happy Birthday Ayden!!!

Army Crawl

2009-07-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

Abigail is finally moving. Looks like it's time for the baby gates.

Abby Sits

2009-05-19T10:56:00.000-07:00

Well, this has been an exciting week for us. Abby has rolled over, learned to sit on her own, and started solids all in one day. We are very proud of her. We also moved her into Ayden's room finally. It's nice to have our room back. But poor Ayden has been sleeping with his pillow over his head. He says, "Momma, Abby is too loud!!" I'm sure he'll adjust eventually.

At the Park with Pop Pop

2009-05-15T11:13:00.000-07:00

Justin's father flew in to visit this weekend. However, due to circumstances that were out of control, he ended up flying back out the very same day. At least we got a trip to the park in!!

Ayen going down a slide.

Pop Pop at the bottom.

Climbing up the steep one.

This was Ayden's first time down this slide.

It went so fast that he had trouble staying right side up!!

Playing in the sand.

Posing.

Smiling at Abigail.

Thanks for the visit. We sure do miss you!!

Been a while....

2009-03-01T06:50:00.001-08:00

Well, I figured after two months I'd better get post something. Time is a precious commodity these days.

Anyways, last weekend we decided to take a trip down to Delaware for Rachel's cousin Chelsea's wedding reception and sealing. Since we were so close, we swung by my parent's house for a little visit. Overall we had a great time!!

Ayden playing with his cousin Mackenzie

Ayden and Abby at the reception

Chelsea celebrates after the sealing

Ayden with Anne Marie and Abby with Uncle Mark

Visit with Emah and Pop

Abby with Uncle Jesse

And a few other random pictures.

Turn the volume up and listen carefully

2009-01-18T15:53:00.000-08:00

I was filming Ayden reading his A-B-C book this morning with Abby in my lap. You may have to turn up the volume to hear this.

One Month Down

2009-01-03T02:43:00.000-08:00

It's 2009 and the first month of Abby's home life has flown by! It's been pretty hetectic around here, hense the lack of new posts, but we're working our way back into a routine. So, since it's been so long since our last entry, here's what's been going on:

We've had visitors

We've gotten 3/4" of ice

We've seen 15" of snow

We've had subzero temperatures

We've had christmas

And finally, Ayden is warming up to his sister

All in all, the first month could have been worse. We appreciate all the gifts, meals, and well wishes we've received. It's been wonderful to have so much support from our friends and family! We hope everyone enjoyed the holidays and the new year. Maybe I will do a better job of keeping this page up to date for 2009.

First Few Days Home

2008-12-06T12:14:00.000-08:00

With everyone slowly becoming adjusted to life with 2 kids, we decided to try and get Ayden to take a picture with Abigail. Oddly enough the child that will touch anything and everything does not want anything to do with his sister. The closed we could get to him holding her is this picture:

As you can see, he'd rather touch her and run away laughing. Never-the-less, we did get some good pictures during this impromptu photo shoot.

Everyone is home!

2008-12-03T14:10:00.001-08:00

Baby Abigail arrived home this morning to hugs from her grandfather and a confused stare from her brother! Everyone is doing great and adjusting to the newest member of the family.

Here are some pictures from the past 3 days:

Expect more posts and an updated family picture to come!

SHE'S HERE!!

2008-12-01T15:47:00.000-08:00

Abigail Jane Klavan was born today at 1:52pm. 6 lbs 6 oz, 19" long. Everyone is doing great and I will post pictures in the coming days.

She's Coming!

2008-11-28T12:49:00.000-08:00

Well, we've spent the last couple of weeks preparing for the arrival of our newest addition (we've decided to name her Abigail Jane), hence no posts. We found out today that Rachel will be induced early Monday morning (Dec 1st). I will post pictures as soon as I get home. Until then, here's Ayden playing with a fire truck.

Not Rich's Fright Farm, but still fun!

2008-10-21T18:18:00.000-07:00

In years past, this time of year would see Rachel and I heading to the West Virginia, Pennsylvania border for a night of frightes and laughs at Rich's Fright Farm (best haunted hay ride/house I've ever been to). Instead we've decided to tone it down so we could have fun with Ayden. This past weekend we took Ayden to Fright Fest at The Great Escape (6 Flags) so he could trick or treat and show off his new Halloween costume.

We decided to go with the vampire look this year. The fangs and make up were left off and anyone who has a 2 year old can tell you why.

Besides being one of my favorite times of year, October also brings leaves....lots of leaves. Luckily we bought a blower/multcher which not only saves my back but allows me to use a power tool to do chores. Like any normal child, Ayden just liked playing in the pile.

October fun

2008-10-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

We've had a busy first couple weeks of October so far. So instead of writing a book on what we've done, I'm just going to upload a bunch of pictures and hopefully do better next time at commentating.

The Goold Apple Festival

Ayden picking a fish for a prize.

Ayden winning a green snake

Alpacas
Apparently they shave these things like sheep and weave their hair into purses, blankets, and hats.

Ayden at the Goold Festival kids play ground...which basically consisted of a plastic cube.

Ayden exploring the pick your own already picked and placed nicely in rows so we can charge people a picking fee pumpkin patch.

Head wound and Collins Park

We got home from the Goold Festival late so we decided to throw some stuff down and head out to eat. During the down time Ayden ran into a wall corner and cut his forehead. Luckily it was just a small cut. Needless to say, the next day we decided to relax and go to the park, after all it was a gorgeous day.

Afternoon Hike

2008-10-07T18:02:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we had an impromptu trip the Adirondacks. We loaded up the car and headed north to check out the peak fall colors. We weren't sure where to go so we stopped at a rest stop and grabbed a bunch of brochures. After thumbing through them, we decided on High Falls Gorge because it was close by and only a 1/2 mile hike, perfect for a 2 year old and a pregnant woman in her 3rd trimester.

Along the way we made sure to take some time to stop and enjoy the scenery

Finally arriving at High Falls, after stopping every 100 yards so I could take a picture, we took to the trail! It was an awesome hike. The guard rails had a metal grid that extended to the ground and the trails were well maintained making it one of the most kid (and pregnant lady) friendly hikes I've ever been on.

Before heading home, we made our way into the town of Lake Placid to check out some of the old Olympic relics and eat at a local diner. A great end to a great day!

September Continued....

2008-10-03T11:41:00.000-07:00

The rest of September was pretty uneventful so I've just added some photos for a typical evening for us, well typical to me at least.

For some reason whenever I get home I have some animal loudly squeek at me as soon as I get out of my car. So after a month or so of this, I finally just grabbed my camera and went to see what it was.

Don't be fooled by the picture, this vicious little thing squeeks at me the whole time I'm outside letting me know that I'm in HIS yard.

After being yelled at by a demonic chipmonk, I come inside to a hungry 2 year old ready to do his share so we can get started on dinner.

Armed and ready for action, he awaits the buzzer to go off so he can run to the oven and help us!

After eating and rubbing the majority of his meal into his hair, it's bathtime! Those pictures are on the previous blog so we'll skip that. When he's had his fill of coloring all over the tub with "water crayons" that don't come off with water (we're pretty sure the coloring will stay there forever), we do one of two things.

Call my parents.

Or video chat with my parents.

Either way, Ayden loves talking to his Grammy and PopPop. So much so that anytime we turn on the computer or the phone rings he starts yelling "Grammy and PopPop!". After telling my parents about his train, it's story time (again, see the previous post) followed by brushing our teeth and then bed time! As soon as his door shuts Rachel and I collapse on the couch and ask ourselves how we're going to handle 2!!

So that's a typical evening. Pretty boring huh? Well, at least its more eventful (and interesting) than a Vice Presidential debate.

New Bed, the Bath, Sliding, and of course, APPLES!

2008-09-20T19:17:00.000-07:00

September so far has been hectic. It began with Ayden graduating from crib to toddler bed. Of course it isn't as significant as it sounds, we just took the front end off of his crib. We've been very lucky with him though. For some reason he refuses to get out of his bed until one of us opens the door in the morning (or after a nap) and tells him he can get out. Not that I'm complaining, but as much as he purposely defies us we were surprised he doesn't get up.

Here Ayden gets ready for bed with story time in his "new" bed.

This month we also decided to get him some "Bath Crayons" to play with.....and play he did.

Ayden showing his artistic side.....we just hope it comes off.

The artist at work

September in upstate New York means the start of apple season! We decided to visit a larger orchard this year and man did it ever pay off. This place had more apple trees than I've ever seen! Not to mention one of the better bakeries I've been to. We knew it was good when they put out the Frisbee size cinnamon rolls! Anyways, they gave us a map of the orchard and which varieties were in season. We stuck with Gala and McIntosh since those are Ayden and my favorite varieties.

Ayden helping me pick some Gala.

Ayden a sea of Gala apple trees.

We left the orchard with 6lbs of apples. Not the greatest horde, but believe me, we're just getting started for this season. Fall in this area definitely has its perks, including nice cool weather. We do are best to take advantage of it since we know what is coming next. So, to end this part of September's blog, here are some pics of Ayden and his slide.

August 2008; Reunions, Family Visits, and a Really Big Lake

2008-09-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, our story continues. First, let's answer the question about Ayden; are the terrible 2s really terrible? Well, that depends on who you ask. If you ask Rachel and I, we'll tell you yes they are. If you ask his grand parents (on both sides) they'll tell you vengeance is sweet. Little consolation to us, but they did find time to visit him this month.

Here Ayden attempts to make a welcoming sign for his grandparents.

Ayden and Rachel's Dad (David)

Rachel and Ayden at the Purington Family Reunion.

David and Great Uncle Harold

Ayden and Rachel meeting a long lost relative at the Purington Family Reunion in Vermont. Well, I guess you can say Rachel and Ayden are the long lost relatives.

The Purington's version of Where's Waldo? Can you find the Klavans?
(I'm an Orioles fan)

On the way home from the reunion we all decided to stop at Lake Champlain because it was there. I was hoping Champ would make a cameo, but he snuffed us. I swear, a little publicity and suddenly you think you're a legend or something.

Rachel and her dad posing with Lake Champlain in the background

Ayden pushing his stroller by Lake Champlain.
I tried and failed to get him to push me. Little booger.

After our little excursion to Vermont, David and Nancy had to go back home. Ayden was very upset. This was a short lived emotion because my parents showed up shortly after, gifts in hand for all....including their unborn grand daughter (apparently my mother has 28 years of pent up girl shopping stored up). We only had one good picture from that visit because we spent most of the time getting the computer (thanks again Mom!) up and running so I stole a picture from a June visit that I thought was cute.

Rachel and my father strike a pose at Collins Park.

My father and Ayden reading a book from a June visit.

Well, that about does it for August. Next up Apple Picking!
Look for that post sometime soon.

2008-09-13T17:49:00.000-07:00

Well, so much has happened in the last couple of months that I could spend pages and pages writing. So I've decided to make the next couple of posts sum up that month's experiences using pictures instead.....I can hear all the sighs of relief.... To begin - A visit from Jody, Aunt Brooke, Ashley and AJ visit

Ayden, Ashley, and AJ hanging out at the Saratoga County Fair

Jody, Ashley, and Rachel posing in front of Congress Springs in Saratoga Springs

Aunt Brooke and Ayden "pregaming" his birthday

Shortly after they departed, Ayden turned 2. We celebrated with Red Robin

Ayden digging in!

Ayden and I enjoying his 2nd birthday dinner at Red Robin

Well, that sums up July. Next up August......but that'll wait until next time. How else are we supposed to build up the suspense? Will the terrible 2s come on with a vengence? Will more family visit? Check back to find out!!!!!!!

New computer, new blog

2008-08-21T18:19:00.000-07:00

With the help of a computer that can actually surf the web, we are hoping to get this blog up and running so everyone we know can read about our daily lives. So stay tuned, we should be able to figure out how to do this in no time. Trust me.

Welcome

2008-03-16T07:54:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the blog