Birthday Festivities

This look on Andrew's (Ryan's brother) face sums up the feeling of all adults trapped in a room with 14 running, jumping, and screaming toddlers. Actually, I believe all those (young and old) involved in celebrating Elizabeth's 3rd birthday had a great time.

Elizabeth and her good friend Conner co-hosted their 3rd birthday party at Gymboree, an educational fun zone for kids five and under. Perfect for a cold, windy February afternoon. There were slides, parachutes, bubbles, tubes, and ramps. All were used while singing, dancing, running, jumping, bouncing, rocking, and rolling. And if that wasn't enough fun, excitement, and energy, we ended the afternoon with cupcakes and juice.

Dancing in the bubbles!

Elizabeth and her other birthday buddy, Conner, get some special attention during parachute time.

Ava is actually smiling and laughing.

Non-stop action!

Cousin Milo getting into the fun. Even though he was the youngest kid there, I think he outweighed about half of them.

Elizabeth specifically requested "blue" cake for her birthday, and proceeded to scarf down two cupcakes. The birthday gir!

I could post a million more pictures from this wacky event, however, eventually all good things must come to an end.

Birthday Countdown

In anticipation of Elizabeth's birthday next week, I thought I would share some pictures from her previous ones. There are some folks who say she is very lucky to be born on Valentine's Day, and others who say that it isn't so great...either way she very much loved by us. On most days, we would consider her the best Valentine's Day gift we could ever ask for.

Feb 14, 2005: Hot off the press, before they let us take her home without an instruction manual or any adult supervision.

Feb 14, 2006: We hosted dinner with some friends for Valentine's Day. They brought dessert, and we dragged Elizabeth out of bed to blow out the candle.

Feb 14, 2007: Once again, a small private party with my best friend and her family. Elizabeth was a bit more aware of the happenings during birthday #2.Notice the use of a fork, instead of fingers. Very civilized! However, after a little sugar she turned into a gangsta'!We made it through the terrible twos without much drama and most of our sanity. Not sure what we have in store for the 3's, but we are starting it out with a bang by hosting a birthday party for Elizabeth and 14 of her little friends this weekend at Gymboree. (At least there are padded walls.) Check back next week to see how we fared.

What a clown!

Elizabeth loves it when I break the camera out. She has really learned to ham it up. She also insists that I take pictures of random things like her bear or a school band. I won't bore you with those pictures, but I will share some of the funny faces she likes to make.

Here is our much nicer (normal looking) kid. Ava on the other hand is a much more serious child. It is tough to get her to look at the camera, let alone smile for it.

Work Hard, Play Hard, Sleep Hard

In this family we don't believe in doing things half way. (Okay, maybe we let the house work slip from time to time, but who doesn't?) Ryan is a dedicated coach to a high school wrestling team and by default our girls are big wrestling fans (me? Not so much) and have spent countless hours on the mat. Tonight was the last duel meet of the season, and we all went out to cheer the guys on. The team crushed their competition and are positioned to do well in the subsequent league, state, and national tournaments.

Ava intently watching the match wearing her Georgetown Prep outfit.

But on a more entertaining and personal note. Here are some pictures of the girls tearing it up on the mat.

Ava is always on the move!

Elizabeth rocking and rolling!Displaying her somersault skills. Perfect form!

And here is the aftermath, I do have to say there are some good points about wrestling like now my girls are so tuckered out that they will sleep 12 hours.

For my mother

I promised my mom, I would take some pictures of the girls in the new clothes she got them for Christmas. We met up with some friends for brunch at the Officers Club in early January, so that gave me the perfect opportunity to put the girls in their new duds and snaps some photos.

This is for you Mom, love you!

Christmas Morning

We didn't return from our cruise until late in the evening on the 23rd, so of course we spent the 24th running around getting ready for Christmas. If you wait until the last minute, it only takes a minute. We got a tree added some decorations, bought some food for a feast, and spent countless hours assembling toys (I am sure every parent can relate). Compared to the 24th, Christmas was a relaxing day. The girls were so excited to wake up and see that Santa had come. Elizabeth had asked Santa for a "blue bicycle" for Christmas and a "red bicycle" for Ava, and she was very concerned that the "Grunch" (aka. Grinch) might come and take it away. However, she was very excited to see a blue and red tandem tricycle under the tree on Christmas morning for her and Ava! Uncle Andrew, Aunt Lauren, and cousin Milo came down from Baltimore for brunch and to watch the girls open their gifts. Thanks to all the love and generosity of family and friends the girls had a wonderful Christmas.

Enjoying their new bike (w/out the tandem insert). NOTE: This is not the correct way to ride it as suggested by the manufacturer.

However, Ava (and the rest of us) found it quite amusing.

Sharing some good books with Baby Milo.

Last year, all Ava did was chew on wrapping paper.

Elizabeth took unwrapping very seriously.

2007 Holidays

Welcome to our website, I refuse to refer to it as a blog, but rather a site to keep friends and family updated on family (really the girls) happenings and adventures. My sisters-in-law started the trend and do a fantastic job! They have guilted me into starting a site of my own, so let me start with bring folks up to date with our Christmas Holiday, since there is no way I could capture everything that has happened since the birth of Elizabeth almost 3 years ago. (I will try to get a slide show of older photos up...back when the kids were little, cute, and didn't talk or walk so much.) Just prior to Christmas, I "twisted" Ryan's arm into taking a week long Caribbean cruise with myself and the girls. I can truly say that it met all my expectations for a great family vacation. Elizabeth loved the kids club and her bunk bed. Ava kept us on our toes running all over the ship. Ryan and I both enjoyed our balcony, just reading a book, babysitting on board, and making it through 5 out of 6 formal dinners with the girls. Below are some photos from our trip.