A Trip to the Zoo

Last week, we took a family trip to the zoo to refresh Kate's memory and expose Lauren to the many beautiful creatures of the earth. Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop (Biz and Doug) joined us for a day's adventure visiting "Africa" and "North America." Kate stated that she liked the lions the best (even though they were sleeping) and Lauren seemed to enjoy the animals in the water, the otters and sea lions. Kate claimed she was scared of the gorilla and refused to remove her hands from her eyes to even take a peek! She did, however, enjoy the carousel ride, smiling the entire time from ear-to-ear.

We had a great time and hope to return in the spring. Enjoy the shots from our fun-filled day!

Harvest Festival

This past weekend, we joined up with Ryan, Kim and the kids and Kristen, Keith, and Ashlyn to attend the Yates Mill Harvest Festival. The old mill was restored a few months ago and is now in working order. The festival centered around "corn" and included free popcorn, a corn husking contest (won by Riley), corn cob toss, free hush puppies, tours of the mill, a storyteller, and good 'ol fashion bluegrass. A good time was had by all!

A Special Day to Remember

Happy Birthday, Mom/Grandma!
WE LOVE YOU and MISS YOU!!!

Future Careers

We haven't quite determined what Lauren will choose for a career when she grows up...it's a long ways off. However, we think these are two possibilities.

A future English professor or a future Rock Star. What's your vote?

School Days!

Kate started preschool this past Thursday. When we arrived to her classroom, she hung her backpack in her cubby and turned around to give me a big smile. Then...she discovered the puzzles!!! Needless-to-say, I had to say her name about 10 times before getting her attention to say goodbye one last time. There's no separation anxiety there!

When I picked her up, she was so excited to tell me about her day and all the fun things they did. Now, she asks each day, "What day is it today?" When we tell her, she replies with a grin, "I have school today?" Looks like it's going to be a good year.

He's Here!

Yesterday, we welcomed our new nephew/cousin into the world. Peter James was born just after 7pm last night. He weighed 7 lb 14 oz and was 20.5 inches long. Maureen and Patrick are doing well and are enjoying their new life as parents.

Congratulations to all three of them and may their lives be filled with precious, beautiful memories!

Happy 3rd Birthday KATE!

It's hard to believe that Kate actually turned 3 this past Friday. It seems like yesterday that she was learning to crawl and walk. How quickly time flies!

Kate had a wonderful birthday! We celebrated Friday night by going out for gelato with Aunt Maureen, Uncle Patrick, and Grampy and Grammy. She selected "Bacio" which is basically chocolate with hazelnut. In her mind, it's simply "chocolate."

On Saturday, we had a party with family and friends. My daughter posed a challenge for me this year in the cake department. For weeks, she requested a "Snow White" cake, and then one week prior to her big day, she announced that she wanted a "Tinkerbell" cake...I'm not sure which is worse! So, having tackled Blues Clues last year, I was up for the challenge. With the help of Grammy (Carol) Friday night, we managed to create "Tinkerbell" by 1 am. Kate was thrilled with the final product and the party was a lot of fun!

As for Lauren's birthday, I am thankful that she can't yet talk...in other words, I'll be determining her cake this year. :)