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.

A visit to NC, a visit to see an old friend and First day of school

It's a little late, but I wanted to post pictures from our visit to see my parents last month.

Anne and I grew up together.  She lives in TX now with her family, but when she was visiting her parents in DE earlier this summer, the kids and I snuck down there to see everyone.  

And of course, we have some first day of school pictures. School started right before Labor Day.  Here is our big Second Grader.

OH Danny Boy!

How is Danny 3 years old? Even when typing this post, my finger reached up and hit the 2 rather than the 3. It’s because it doesn’t seem possible. How can it only be 3 years when I really don’t remember what it was like to not have him? I remember laying on the table and the sonogram tech said “it’s a boy!” and I remember smiling through gritted teeth “Are you sure?” because I don’t know how to have a boy. But from the moment doctor told us the cord was wrapped around his neck (No big deal, right?!?!) and he would wiggle his way out, we knew there would never be a dull moment.    And he hasn’t disappointed. He keeps us on our toes, reminds us that patience is a virtue, and makes us smile every step of the way. He can be doing something totally awful (like using his hammer on the wall) but flash us his little grin and it makes it seem less horrifying. 

I saw a pin on Pinterest once that said boys are “noise with dirt on it”. So true.

Six months ago I was distraught because he wasn’t talking. Distraught! Now I’m distraught because he NEVER stops talking. Ever. But he has a lot to say. Like how he wants to go to “Happy Donalds” (translation: happy meal from McDonalds). Or how he should wear his “baby suit” to go swimming. Or how these chocolate chip muffins are “super yummy”.

His favorite person is still his big sister. Where ever Natalie is, he wants to go. Although coming in at a close second is Greg. This boy cannot get enough of his Daddy. If Greg is in the garage, Danny insists on being right beside him rifling through the tool box or doing who knows what men do in the garage. Even though Danny and I don’t bond in the garage, I will say that when he gets hurt or sick, it’s still his Mommy that he wants. And I’m happy to oblige. I’ll take what I can get!

So, here’s a walk down memory lane and some pictures from his pirate themed party. Happy Birthday to our sweet sweet boy. We couldn’t ask for more.