Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

Prior to Christmas, we made a trip to VA to visit Rich and Carol (Grampy and Grammy). Before departing NC, we received a call from Rich inquiring as to whether or not the girls owned boots. He informed us they were predicting snow that weekend. We decided to be proactive and purchased boots for each girl with the intention of returning the boots in a couple of months if never worn. Let's just say, we won't be needing the receipts!

We were lucky enough to witness a historical record in the DC area...the most snowfall in one day in the month of December. Approximately 20-24 inches of snow blanketed the DC area, starting around 9pm Friday night and ending sometime late Saturday night or early Sunday morning.

The girls were absolutely thrilled that they could try out their new boots!! They trudged around in the snow, frequently tasting the "white" stuff, and even managed to build a snowman and sled with some of the other kids in the subdivision.

Despite the hard work and hours of shoveling, I think we all enjoyed the snow and the thought of being "snowed in with no place to go."

Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas this year! On Christmas Eve, Biz and Doug came over in the afternoon to visit and exchange gifts. We then attended the children's church service at 5pm with Dad and Pat, Biz and Doug, and Pauline (Pat's mom). Following the beautiful service, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at Dad and Pat's. We were later joined by the Gilmores and Kim's parents. We managed to get the girls home and in bed just an hour and a half later than usual. Not too bad.

Kate awoke at 5:30 am on Christmas morning and patiently (somewhat) waited for her sister to wake up an hour and 15 minutes later. The girls loved all of their gifts, especially two new additions to the family, Pooh and Tigger, as well as the Barbie guitar and electronic drumsticks. Feel free to stop in for a rock concert at any time.

We completed the day with another delicious meal at the Gilmores and the exchanging of presents with the Gilmore side of the family. The girls received a treehouse tent from Ryan and Kim and the kids, which is currently set up in our living room. I'm beginning to feel like we need an addition to store all of the toys! As much room as it takes up, they are truly enjoying it.

We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! Best wishes for a Happy New Year and a great year ahead!

The New Bag

Our gift to Lauren for her 3rd birthday was a brand new fleece-lined L.L. Bean (of course) sleeping bag. She was so excited since Kate had received one a year and a half ago. The two sisters can now have many "sleepovers" together. As you can see, the bags have turned up in various locations throughout the house and at all hours of the day. For us as parents, it's been a great investment so far!

The Tooth Fairy Returns

A week ago this past Sunday, Kate lost her second tooth (on the bottom). This tooth actually came out the "natural" way rather than a trip to the dentist. Her tooth was loose for a couple of weeks and she couldn't wait for it to come out. It took just a few wiggles and...POP...out it came!

The Tooth Fairy paid a visit leaving 2 quarters under her pillow. Kate was thrilled, flashing us her new toothless grin.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Lauren!

Happy 3rd Birthday
to a girl who is sure to
bring happiness with her
beautiful smile and personality!
We Love You, Lauren,
and hope your birthday
is as wonderful as you!

Pumpkin Farm

On Halloween, we met up with Grampy and Grammy and several friends at a pumpkin farm about 45 minutes from our house. We spent several hours partaking in the many activities they had to offer...fun for both the young and old!

Enjoy the highlights from our day's adventure.

From Kansas to Disney

From the fields of Kansas to the magic of Disney World...

We hope all of you had a safe and Happy Halloween!

Another Season

Kate completed her second season of soccer yesterday. Although we never really pay attention to the scores, her team has come a long way from last season. It's amazing to watch the growth of some of the kids!

At the end of the game, each child received a medal from the coaches. Kate was thrilled to have another medal to display! We look forward to returning to the fields again in the spring for a third season.

Having Fun at the Beach...in October !?!

The first weekend in October we traveled to Myrtle Beach to spend the weekend with my Dad and Pat, who had been there the entire week. We had beautiful weather! (Pretty surprising for October) The girls took one walk on the beach (enjoying a doughnut), but spent the remainder of the time in the pool. One of the pools was only 3 1/2 feet so Kate could jump in and swim where ever she pleased.

On Sunday, we ventured over to Broadway at the Beach before heading home. There were several shops, restaurants, an IMAX theater, aquarium, mini-golf, and amusement rides. After walking around for an hour, we enjoyed a delicious lunch and then rode a couple of rides. Although it was only a couple of days, it was a nice getaway for the weekend.

Thanks, Dad and Pat!

Fire Chief Reporting for Duty

A couple of weeks ago, the fire department visited Lauren's preschool allowing all of the kids to see the firemen and the fire truck. Unaware that this event was to take place, it was a nice surprise when dropping Lauren off. Each of the kids was given a "Fire Chief" hat and sticker badge. When returning home, Lauren assumed her new position..."Fire Chief, reporting for duty." (I must admit, she's the cutest little fire chief I've seen.)

Life's a Beach!

We took our annual trip to Emerald Isle during track out for a relaxing week at the beach. The weather was beautiful with temperatures in the low 80s and sunshine every day but one. The girls enjoyed jumping in the ocean, searching for seashells, splashing in the pool, and looking at the starry sky at night. We even had the opportunity to have my previous boss and his wife over for dinner. They were vacationing the same week, about 4 miles away. It was great catching up...it had been 4 years since I last saw them

Here are some highlights from our trip. Thanks again to Grampy and Grammy for a wonderful week!

All Aboard!

After three weeks at home, Kate and Mark tracked back in for another 9 weeks of school. While home we enjoyed several fun and memorable family adventures! Our first adventure took us to Blowing Rock, NC to the Tweetsie Railroad, an amusement-type park with rides, shows, and a real coal locomotive. The girls had a blast! Lauren wasn't fond of the mock Wild West reenactments on the train ride, but eventually she joined in on the fun and rode several kid rides with Kate.

Here are just a few photos from our day. Enjoy!

Preschool Bound

Today was Lauren's first official day of preschool. She and I attended her orientation on Tuesday, in which we met her two teachers and the other girls in the class. Before leaving for school, we took Lauren's picture sporting her new pink backpack. Kate wanted to take one of Lauren and I as well.

Upon arriving at school, we hung Lauren's backpack in her cubby. She then quickly headed off to the toys to start playing. I snapped one last picture and pulled her away from the toys long enough to give her a kiss goodbye.

On the way to school Lauren was very curious as to what I was going to do all morning with both of them in school. She keeps telling me, "When you go home, Mommy, there won't be any kids in the house." That's right, Lauren. But don't worry, Mommy will miss both of you while you're gone.

Birthday Party...Take 1

For some reason, the past two years have lent themselves to two parties for Kate celebrating her special day. We have the family party and then a "friend" party as well. Our family celebration was the Friday prior to her birthday. With 20+ people, we definitely had a full house.

A month ago, I thought I was going to get off the hook in terms of the cake. Kate decided she wanted a simple heart-shaped cake. I couldn't believe my ears! After Ariel last year and Tinkerbell the year before, this was going to be a "piece of cake." But, that changed when she decided she'd rather have a Barbie cake. To some the cake may look as though Barbie is jumping out of the frosted creation. Yet, it is supposed to be the bottom of her dress. Have any of you realized how tall Barbies are lately?! Nonetheless, Kate thought the cake was beautiful...which in a mother's eyes, is all that matters.


Kate received wonderful gifts and plenty of activities to keep us busy when she tracks out this week. Thanks to everyone that made her birthday so special.

Happy 5th Birthday, Kate!

After a whirlwind weekend of birthday parties, we celebrated Kate's 5th birthday tonight with a quiet evening at home, just the four of us. We can't believe she actually turned 5 today...how time flies!

We are very proud of all you have accomplished in the past five years, Kate. You are a loving, energetic and enthusiastic girl...a beautiful person, both on the inside and the outside. We wish you only the best life has to offer and may all of your birthday wishes come true.

Happy Birthday, Kate! WE LOVE YOU!

Soccer - Season 2

Kate started another season of soccer this past Saturday. We are already making progress after the first game. She actually kicked the ball a few times during play, which rarely happened last season. Must be the light blue shirts versus the old yellow ones.

At her first practice tonight, she did great in all of the drills and started showing some speed on the field. Kate's always been a fast runner, but for some reason held back in the spring. She even opted to stay after practice to kick some goals with Dad.

Trying to Beat the Heat

As always, NC is providing us with some hot and humid weather the month of August. So, this past weekend we pulled out the pool for the girls to cool off while Mark and I attempted to do some yard work. Kate preferred to run through the sprinkler while Lauren took a more relaxed approach and lounged in the pool. Nonetheless, fun was had by all!

"Twins"

I recently took Kate shopping in search of a few clothes items for fall. She pleaded with me to go to the Disney store, informing me she had never been. I, of course, gave in and honored her wishes. Although she wanted several items in the store, I convinced her that pajamas would be a wise choice. We selected matching "Minnie" nightgowns for her and Lauren. Upon putting them on that night, both girls declared..."twins."

Homegrown Produce II

Although we have produced several tomatoes over the past few weeks, here is a photo of two of our first "fruits of labor." We have thoroughly enjoyed watching our produce grow, not to mention the delicious taste!

Blueberry Picking

The Friday before the 4th our family went blueberry picking for the first time. We had taken the girls strawberry picking on Mother's Day, which was a success, so we decide to try a new fruit. The girls were instructed ahead of time to only pick the blue ones and to try and get them as big as possible. Between the four us, we picked 4 pints. Considering we all love blueberries, they didn't remain in the refrigerator very long!