Anniversary

We had a nice family dinner at Moe's. We all are big Moe's fans and it was special to reflect back on the last 8 years as a family

Joe had a card and flowers waiting for me when I woke up. I was not as romantic with his gift. He got a basket for his keys and wallet since he is always losing them

We celebrated the next day with dinner at our very favorite restaurant, Hayes Barton Cafe'. My parents treated us to dinner and Marci watched the kids. Thank you all so much for being so good to us. Joe had a Southwestern flank steak with twice baked potatoes, and I had a fabulous pasta dish and we split chocolate strawberry cake. It was a wonderful day!

Art Show

We had Harrison's art show at St. Mark's Wednesday night. The kids did a little performance beforehand. Well, that is all the kids minus Harrison. He was not into it at all. Oh well, he's three. Marci joined us. She is the best. Harrison loved showing her his art. The teacher gave us a portfolio of his work and it was nice to mingle with all the other parents.

Sticky

Lillian had her first popsicle the other night. She ate it like she had eaten 100 popsicles before. She really enjoyed it and was a huge sticky mess!

Don't Forget Space Day

But, just in case you might here is a poster to remind you! Look at that handsome astronaut ;)

Happy 8th Anniversary

Isn't it always the case that Love is the essence? Apart from Love, everything passes away.

The way to heaven is in your heart. Open and lift the wings of Love! When Love's wings are strong, you need no ladder.

Though the world be thorns, a Lover's heart is a bower of roses. Though heaven's wheel be mired down, Lover's lives go forward.

The time-span of union is eternity.
The life is a jar, and in it, union is the pure wine.
If we aren't together, of what use is the jar?

The moment I heard my first love story I began seeking you, not realizing the search was useless.
Lovers don't meet somewhere along the way.
They're in one another's souls from the beginning.

You are the sea, I am a fish...

I am a crystal goblet in my Love's hand.
Look into my eyes if you ever don't believe me.

Jalal Al-Din Rumi
Persian Love Poem

Joe and I got married eight years ago today in Annapolis, Maryland. Our dear friend, Dr. Betty Webb is the director of field education at Meredith College. She was with me in Europe when Joe and I met, and witnessed the magical love story that developed into our marriage and life. She read this poem at our wedding. Every time I read it, it makes more sense to me.
I love you, Joe. Plain and simple. You were made for me...Happy Anniversary. xoxo

Going on a trip

The suitcase is packed, and he is outta here

See ya Mom

Lillian really wishes she had been invited on Harrison's "trip"

Finally he is back, and announces "time to unpack!"

We then moved on to playing pirates, aaarrgghhh

Nona and Papa got Lillian a fun suitcase, but Harrison has totally hijacked it. He is always filling it with stuff and going on "trips" to another room or to his closet. He takes this pretend play so seriously and it is really comical to listen to him describing his travels

Rub a dub dub, an afternoon in the tub

After playing outside, both kids were filthy. I put them in the bath at 3pm and they played in the tub for an hour. Note to self...when desperate remember the tub trick

Squeaky clean. Lillian just learned to climb up in her glider all by herself. Crazy!

Lillian prefers to read Dr. Seuss in the nude

Monday's are made for picnics

Some of the neighborhood crew. Josh and Katie are the best. Josh gets excited to "teach" Harrison how to throw a baseball and I think Lillian's favorite person (other than me hopefully) is Katie

Our neighbor Colin climbs this tree like it is his job. Harrison has been taking notes.

Do you like the lunch smeared across his cheek? Such a boy

Unless it is raining, my kids and I have a picnic every Monday. We either eat at the park or in the yard. It is a nice way to make sure we get outside and enjoy the spring weather. Also, on Monday morning my house almost always looks like a tornado went through over the weekend so after I get it all back to normal it is nice to leave lunch crumbs outside. I had to be honest and fess up that is isn't all about the weather :) Today Katie and Josh joined us and we had fun sitting in the yard barefoot. Winston really enjoys the outdoor crumbs, so it is a win/win for all involved.

North Hills

April through August there are daily kids activities. They have story time, Gymboree, crafts, music, open play, etc.

Ben and Lillian

Free coffee... hello
Yes, please!

My friend Amy and I took the babies to play up at North Hills this morning. I totally understand why Raleigh keeps being voted one of the best places to live in the country. It is such a family friendly city. North Hills is a great outdoor shopping center. They have concerts on Thursday nights, a farmer's market on Saturday, and now summer activities for kids! Pretty cool...and I can't forget to mention free Starbucks coffee.

Kel

Joe's cousin Mike is married to the coolest chick in town....Kelly. Harrison preferred to call her "Kel." Kelly and I are great friends and we loved having her here. Kelly works for Brown University and was here for work. They live in Rhode Island and she is very "Martha." They had pigs (they now have lots of ham and bacon), chickens, and make their own jelly from fruit they grow. Hopefully work will bring her here more often. We love you "Kel!"

Izzy turns "tu-tu"

The Birthday Girl

Kate and Anna

Brantley and Miller playing with Izzy on the firetruck

Wheeeee

Happy Birthday to you!

My friend Anna is uber talented when it comes to painting. She made these fun cups for all the kids at the party

We celebrated Isabella's second birthday on Saturday. It was such a perfect morning. The weather was beautiful and Anna set out coffee and lots of delish brunchish treats. She made the kids cupcakes in ice cream cones. They looked like ice cream cones, but were really cake with frosting and sprinkles. Isabella is about as sweet as they come. We loved you from day one Izzy and are so happy to be part of your crew!!!! Happy Birthday love muffin xoxo

Kids say the darndest things

Joe and I laughed to the point of tears tonight when we were playing with the kids after dinner. Harrison was trying to get Lillian off his stool, and finally threw his hands up and exclaimed, "whatever!" I had never heard him say that before. Then he was telling Lillian that the Spiderman toothbrush was his and not hers and grabbed it and said, "this is mine CAPICHE?"
We were also building fake cars with pillows and blankets (forts really, but tonight they were cars). Harrison had to leave the "car" to brush his teeth. When he came back I was lying on one of the pillows. He looked at me and said, "you messed up my car. I SO CANNOT BELIEVE YOU JUST DID THAT!"

Harrison and I were driving in the car and he asked me what my job was. I told him that he and Lillian were my job and explained a little further. I asked him if he thought I was good at my job...he said, "yeah. But, sometimes you just back talk me too much."

Harrison climbed on top of me this morning when we were waking up. He got all cuddly and said, "mommy, can I give you some sugar? I just love mommy love." AAAAWWWW. Melt my heart (the moment passed quickly bc he then threw a fit over his t-shirt!)

You are my sunshine

Lillian checking out the leaves and pollen, just enjoying the fresh air

Have a seat

Mommy, there is something on my finger

I love the look of determination on her face. She was set on going up the stairs despite being told "no" over and over

No kidding, she climbed these all by herself. She is fearless like her brother

magnifying glasses are a BIG hit

Such a happy chick. I could spend everyday outside just kickin' it with this little lady.

Lillian and I hung out in the yard yesterday for two hours. I enjoyed just sitting back and watching her explore. She found so much delight in the simplest things; dirt, pollen, grass, mulch, bugs, her toes...
I find my self just in awe of Lillian sometimes. She has the most adorable disposition. She is happy and smiley and cudldy and just CUTE! She waves and says, "hi" to everyone that walks by. Her spirit radiates through her big ol' dimples. She is my sunshine!