Let it snow!

Claire, Mommy and Eli

Eli is loving the snow and lack of cars on the road.

Mediterranean Avenue

Henry and Daddy

Seamus the Snowman

First time playing in the snow

"We've only made sand angels"

"It's freezin cold out here!"

We have had so much fun out in the snow. Claire immediately fell down and started rolling around like crazy. Henry, well . . .not so much. He did not care for it at all on Saturday, but today he stayed out for a while. We had dinner at our neighbor's house last night and the kids had a blast! Finally, Virginia Beach had snow.

40

Yep, it's true. I turned 40 this past Friday. How that happened, still not sure. I feel like I blinked my eyes and here it was. It was an awesome weekend (which started on Thursday) filled with celebrations and lots of cake with dear friends and family. Thanks to everyone for making my 40th so special.

She's 5!

As the saying goes, "Time flies when you are having fun." I cannot believe it has been an entire year since I was crying as I posted pictures from her 4th birthday. My little lady is certainly growing up quickly (she reminds me all of the time). She is so amazing to me. She is certainly wise beyond her years. I remember at 2 years old she was asking people if they had Jesus in their heart (without prompting). Lately she has been reading more and more which just blows my mind. Even after teaching for 15 years and witnessing the progress firsthand, it is so different when it is your own child. Don't get me wrong, life is not always a picnic with my sweet girl (we have very similar personalities), but I wouldn't trade a single moment. I love you Eleanor Claire!!!

Do you like the classy cake holder?

A new pillow from favorite friends

So like her mother!

Henry helping with the candles.

So exciting!

So silly!

2010

Happy New Year to you and yours! So excited to see what 2010 holds for us.

Hmmm. . .

Pumpkins

So back where I left off about our pumpkin day. Henry spent most of the morning screaming and being defiant. He is either my sweet silly boy or my screaming (loudly) wild boy. He requires patience, patience and more patience. Last night at the dinner table he was making all of these silly noises and faces, so I looked at my husband and said "is this normal?" He just laughed and said "I remember doing that." Again, is it normal? Did I mention that he magically appeared in the kitchen after I had put him in his CRIB for a nap yesterday? I was really hoping to keep him there for a bit longer. Of course back to the crazy morning, after he woke up from his nap, it was "yes, mommy" and "ok mommy." My sweet boy was back. Claire had a great time cooking with Duncan and playing with Fiona. We also had the opportunity to go to a little pumpkin patch and have lunch with friends. We are blessed with such wonderful friends and family.

Duncan was cooking with Claire.

The look on his face exemplifies his attitude of the morning.

Sweet little Fiona

Very excited about pulling off the stickers.

The concentration

Henry and Claire

Having lunch with friends at the pumpkin patch.

Henry (on the escape), Claire and Owen

Thanks Pop-Pop!

We just returned from the most wonderful lunch at Cobalt Grill. Henry and I picked Claire up from school and met my dad and Chris. Can I just say that the sesame seared tuna over pad thai noodles was simply amazing! I wish I had taken more photos, but did not even think about it until we were leaving. This is when Henry and Claire decided to demonstrate their musical ability. I will also say that this was such a breath of fresh air after the morning we had yesterday with my sweet little boy. Stay tuned as there will be more to come on that crazy day.

Thanks Pop-Pop, we love you!