Cruisin' the mall!

Bryan and I took the girls shopping this afternoon. We got a big kick out of how cute Hannah and Delaney were together. At one point, we both turned around and saw them walking along, holding hands and discussing life. I didn't have my camera with me but Daddy had his blackberry! And, as usual, I have been a little teary today thinking about our sweet Delaney's 3rd birthday, which is tomorrow. How appropriate that her birthday falls on the first day of spring! The 3 of them, gazing down at "the rides".

We are feeling blessed.

A Day at the Park

After three full days of heavy rain, today was the start of what is supposed to be a week of amazing weather. We took full advantage of it and met my friend Camille and her kids at the park. All three girls were squealing with joy when we pulled into the parking lot and they were literally jumping out of their car seats! We had a wonderful time and can't wait to get outside again tomorrow.

Emma climbed up into the tunnels immediately after we arrived.

Timid Delaney hung low, with me, as usual.Hannah and her dear friend, Madelyn.Camille, Wade, and Brandon.The three older kids enjoyed some independence by walking down to the skateboard park. I didn't get any pictures, but they had a blast sliding down the ramps on their backsides. It was really fun to watch... even from afar.

Camille and I.Same picture, just black and white. Love this girl! Here is a little clip of fearless Emma on the slide. She would climb to the top and attempt to slide down while standing up. I had to remind her to sit down every time!

Meanwhile...Some things never change. Delaney was a bit more cautious!

Delaney.... Still singing!

Our Baby is Growing Up... Already?!?!?

I took this video of Emma in February. I am pretty amazed at her dexterity.

Spring is in the air...

Despite having a double-ear infection, a nasty cough, a fever, and other lovely symptoms, Emma couldn't wait to get outside this afternoon.  In fact, she was so excited that she only  napped about 45 minutes.  (ugh).  So while Hannah was in school and Delaney was asleep, we bundled up and headed out.  As I am typing this, the temperature is 57 degrees, but with her being sick, I didn't want to take any chances.

The sun was shining so brightly that she could hardly open her eyes!  And when she did, she would sneeze!I would have LOVED to have seen the little critter (I'm guessing a squirrel) who braved our slide.  If you look closely at these two pictures (click on the top one to enlarge), you can see his tiny footprints, and then a skid mark where he undoubtedly took an unexpected little ride! 

FINALLY!!

Yes, I am happy to report that we are still alive.  Things have been so busy for us since Thanksgiving that I just have not had the time (and admittedly not made it a priority) to post pictures.  So I am posting a few from the past three months and then I hope to get back into my regular blogging pattern.

We spent Thanksgiving in Erie, where we celebrated Steve and Babs's anniversary.  Fun!

We stopped to visit Aunt Susan.

and enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner at Aunt Kath and Uncle Dave's house.

Bryan and his Grandma Rita.  She passed away in January.  We miss you, Grandma. 

moving on...

Christmas morning

That same day, we loaded into the car and drove south...

I am ashamed (and a little grossed-out) to divulge that we must've stopped at 7 different McDonalds' over the duration of our trip.  This one had fancy couches and comfy chairs.

Our first stop was NC to visit Bryan's family.  This is him with his siblings, Dan, Amanda, and Adam.

We celebrated Bryan's mom's big birthday while we were there.  It included dinner at a lovely Inn...

...as well as a day at the spa for the ladies.  Bliss!

A few days later we continued south to visit our dear friends the Kramers.  They live in Florida.