Dutch Wonderland

Last month we spent the day at Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park with Natalie's Girl Scout troop.  I was a little uncertain as to how the day would go since neither of the kids really like riding rides. But we decided to give it a try and I'm glad we did.  Both kids were willing to get on all (most) of the rides and really seemed to enjoy (most) them.  

First Communion

Natalie celebrated her First Communion in May.  After a year's worth of hard work and preparation, the day finally came.  

 She was selected to read the first Reading, which she took very seriously and practiced daily.  Her practice paid off and she read with no flaws.  Which was very impressive as the church was packed!

 We all went up to receive Communion together so we don't have any actual pictures of that, but here are some shots from afterwards.

Congratulations Natalie!

Chicks & Kicks

Last month, the 2nd graders put on their Spring Musical.  This year it was Old MacDonald and Natalie was cast as "Cute Chick #2"  with a speaking part.  After many rehearsals, the big day arrived and she nailed her lines and did a great job.  We might be biased, but Greg and I both think she did a great job!  And she was super cute!

Danny has been playing in a Wee Kicks soccer league.  They don't play games, it's more of a clinic where they are just trying to teach the fundamentals.  He still needs some practice, but he is making progress and is also super cute!

Playing catchup

I haven't posted in a while, so my goal is to play catch up over the next few days and post all the pictures I've been taking.

At the end of March, we had a freak snowstorm.  We took the kids down to the trail and played in the snow.

It's great to be EIGHT

This post is a week overdue.  Last Friday, our baby bean turned EIGHT.  It feels like yesterday that I was asking how can another year could have gone by when she was turning seven.  She was just born and now she is eight?!  But even though it feels like the time has literally flown, I can honestly say that I'm having a hard time remembering a time where we didn't have her in our lives.  To say that she is sweet, caring, funny, smart is an understatement.  She is all of those things and so much more.  She's not a child anymore, but a wise old soul.  We love her to death and can't wait to celebrate this eighth year with her.  A spa birthday recap in pictures:

The Holidays

I just realized that I never posted the pictures from Christmas.  I'm sure all of my loyal followers have been waiting anxiously (sarcasm).  So without further delay....

Christmas morning (are they holding hands??)

This is the expression on her face when she finally noticed the fish tank that was set up in the kitchen.  It was number 1 on her list but took her 15 minutes to find it.

the kids got to hang with Gam and Pop

And then we went to visit with Grandpa Larry who is turning 90 in Feb!

Happy New Year!

 And not necessarily a holiday photo, but cute nonetheless.  Danny loves his cars

And now I think you are all caught up.

Pictures with Santa

We went to see Santa this weekend.  Natalie asked for a fish and a Ray Rice jersey.  Danny did not make eye contact with Santa, but did manage to say "yes" when Santa asked if he would like a big toy truck.  

 The kids were all smiles when we left Santa's area and promised them cookies!

Thanksgiving

We had a great Thanksgiving!  The weather was beautiful so we started our day with a walk on the trail. We stopped for this family portrait.

Then we headed down to Mimi & Papa's for a big dinner.  Natalie's favorite part was the turkey leg.

Then on Friday it was down to Willow's for our 8th annual extravaganza.

 Eight years and eight kids later:

Happy Halloween

Here are some pictures from Wednesday's trick or treating. We were fortunate to miss most of Hurricane Sandy's destructive path. Don't get me wrong, we had heavy rains and wind, but our power stayed on and we didn't have flooding. We have friends and family that weren't so lucky. Many towns decided to post-pone trick or treating, but our town kept the date. It was chilly, but I think everyone was anxious to get out of the house after being indoors for the past three days. Natalie chose to be a Can Can Dancer this year and Danny was Dash from the Incredibles movie. Our niece, Austin, is the cutest cowgirl you will see if you ask me.