It's a Wonderful Life

6:17pm {year 6}

2012-01-27T13:32:00.001-05:00

the minute I became a Mama. the minute I had a son.

you can see other 6:17 moments here.

Finally, some snow

2012-01-23T10:42:00.001-05:00

Just enough to put on the snow clothes and do a bit of sledding!

Hoping for many more snow events this winter 2012!

Great Wolf Lodge

2012-01-17T16:05:00.001-05:00

We are on our way home from a (mostly) successful trip to Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, VA. I say mostly because we left early due to a sweet little boy who seems to have the stomach flu :( poor kiddo. Anyways, here are some pics I snapped with my iPhone!

Etched on my heart

2012-01-11T21:53:00.001-05:00

A trip to McD's

2012-01-09T12:05:00.001-05:00

It was just one of those days, nothing to do and a Mama who didn't want to make lunch!

Thank you, iPhone, for having a decent camera to capture silly moments like this! And then for letting me blog them instantly!

Oh, Hello 2012

2012-01-07T18:08:00.000-05:00

Blogging! I've fallen behind!! One week into the New Year and not one post!
Time to get back on track! This post, my friends, comes to you live from my iPhone!!!!!

Mike and I at the Penguins Game

My wine tasting buddy! At Americana Vineyards in Ithaca, NY

Macy eating a lollipop while we were at Thirsty Owl Winery

And hmmmm, that's all she wrote, I can't figure out how to get the instagram pictures to upload! So we'll work on that and hopefully be back with more soon!

Happy New Year!

From our home to your's

2011-12-22T18:12:00.000-05:00

merry blessed Christmas.

Christmas Card by Siglar Design Studio

thanks for reading, we'll see you in 2012.

Christmas fun

2011-12-18T16:59:00.002-05:00

It's hard to keep up with all the Christmas fun!

Macy LOVES to sit in front of the tree and have her picture taken. Seriously. I'm running with it of course because how much longer will that last??

Sunday morning donuts after church. Ignore those purple and one whites, it's not our fault we live near Baltimore.

She makes laundry a little bit more fun. Just a little though.

I love when I find them under the Christmas tree. It's one of those moments that makes my heart happy, hearing them giggle and oooh and ahh at the lights. Go ahead, let your kiddo climb under the tree, it's OK, it's worth it!

Movie nights watching Christmas specials in "blankie piles", this night was Frosty the Snowman.

And a special night out in Washington DC to see the National Christmas tree.

See the White House in the middle left of the picture?

Brady and one of his very best friends, Hannah.

My littles and Hannah, her little brother was all bundled up in the stroller, he missed the picture opp!

More Christmas fun is in our future! Hope you had a very merry weekend!

hodge podge

2011-12-15T21:47:00.003-05:00

a hodge podge of pictures for you to enjoy

And a series of pictures that make me laugh.

Monkey see, monkey do.

Hope you are enjoying this ~~crazy~~ ~~hectic~~ ~~stressful~~ magical time of year.

A Classic Christmas Carol

2011-12-08T08:24:00.001-05:00

Jingle Bells, sung by and filmed by Lucy.

I forgot....

2011-12-07T14:20:00.001-05:00

to post a few of these pictures from Lucy's Birthday....I don't know how I forgot because this is my trademark thing!

2:30 pm

The minute I became Lucy's Mom.

The minute I had a daughter.

Three!

2011-12-05T21:08:00.001-05:00

For weeks now we've been telling Lucy that she wasn't allowed to turn 3! Nope. Had to stay 2. She disagreed.

I got her seat at the table all ready for breakfast last night, we were just missing the donuts and the birthday girl....

Three looks good on you! Happy Birthday to you, darling. Gosh, we love you.

60 Years of Memories

2011-12-01T21:10:00.001-05:00

On Thanksgiving Day, my Dad, Kevin, turned 60 years young. I am so glad we were able to be home to celebrate not only Thanksgiving but his Birthday!

We started getting our gift ready for our Dad back in early October when we sent out an email to friends and family asking for help. We were looking for memories of our Dad from the people that know and love him best. And wow, his friends and family overwhelmingly responded.

Letters from childhood friends, Canevin High School friends, John Carroll University friends, letters from friends in our old neighborhood, friends from their current neighborhood, our priest at Sts. John and Paul, many of his 10 brothers and sisters, nephews....all poured into my house.

We folded them up (the ones that we could) and placed them in these fun Air Mail envelopes

I had some help....

We packaged them up

and placed them in a box that Brady decorated

And then for several hours (over two days)

he sat and read some incredible words from his friends and family.

Words and sentiments that made him laugh out loud

And others that made him cry

Inside jokes from old college roommates that only they would understand!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to those that participated and wrote to our Dad.

I'm pretty sure he loved it but perhaps I might have loved it more....I learned so many things about this amazing man that is my Dad. Stories that I had never heard, acts of kindness that I never knew about it.

Not only was it special for my Dad, it was special for me.

60 years of memories of an unbelievably humble, caring, funny, gentle man who is loved by so many.

Especially these three, his biggest fans.

Happy Birthday Dad/Pop Pop. We love you so much.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-30T21:34:00.001-05:00

Beautiful weather, great company, a blessed Thanksgiving.

Thankful for this amazing family and joyful memories to cherish always.

Tomorrow, a post about my Dad and his 60th Birthday!

Is it Friday yet?

2011-11-16T21:12:00.001-05:00

It's been a long couple days....and the calendar is telling me it's only Wednesday.

A few (random) pictures to catch up here....

I took this picture at 5:30am. Yes. 5:30am. Thank you Macy and Lucy.

Grandma and Grandpa Zollars came to see us for Veteran's Day weekend! We took Grandma to our favorite place, St. Michael's.

Grandpa and Mike stayed home with this little one.

Hi pretty girl. You are getting so big. Slow down, OK?

This is a moment I am thankful to Mike for coming to get me and saying "grab your camera"....they sat there for such a long time, together, Brady reading, Macy listening. Sweet moment between the oldest and the youngest.

Found a few pictures from our visit to Mt. Vernon that I never shared....

Lucy and Macy were thrilled about this picture opp

Oh gosh, it was so very beautiful there.

As my Mom said, "George and Martha out for a stroll" These two are so cute.

Thanks for stopping in to see us here, I hope your week is full of love and countless blessings.

My blessings make my heart laugh even today

when I just want to know, is it Friday yet?

Ten {pictures} on Tuesday

2011-11-08T11:49:00.002-05:00

Ten pictures of the girls (and Coaly) outside today, enjoying this amazing Fall season in Annapolis.

Leaves

2011-11-03T21:54:00.000-04:00

The leaves are falling fast and furious here, Mike has been trying to keep up with them but we might as well live in the middle of a dense forest, we have soooooo many trees at this house

But leaves mean hours and hours of jumping and sliding for the kids and their friends so, to us, and yes even to Mike, all these leaves are worth it.

And two little movies to share!

I am sure there will be many more afternoons spent playing in the leaves!

Halloween Memories 2011

2011-11-01T14:02:00.001-04:00

Halloween party in our neighborhood

Brady carved this pumpkin all by himself!

Brady's KDG class

Brady at his Halloween party

Brady and his teacher, Mrs. Weadon

Pizza party with our friends before we went out trick-or-treating

The gang or sometimes known as Lucy and the boys.

It was a long night

But always worth it in the end!

Dribble

2011-10-30T22:41:00.001-04:00

Oh Lucy, you are so determined and that makes us so proud of you! We think you are something special, darling!

our baby owls

2011-10-26T13:21:00.000-04:00

A little sneak peak of our baby owls at a Halloween event at the B&O Railroad Museum

Might as well include a movie too, I'm on a roll with the movies....

The Halloween fun has begun!

favorite moments at my house

2011-10-25T19:31:00.003-04:00

My little girls have a favorite game to play right now.

And Lucy has a favorite song!

Complete

2011-10-24T10:01:00.003-04:00

Brady's 1st Birthday Party
January 2007

Lucy's 1st Birthday Party
December 2009

Macy's 1st Birthday Party
October 2011

It's Monday, a new week, make it a good one!

Special Request

2011-10-23T11:52:00.003-04:00

Pop Pop put in a request for some more movies of Macy walking! So here you are, Pop! These were captured several weeks ago. This first one was on her 1st Birthday, September 30th.

Hope you enjoyed these Pop!

Lulu

2011-10-20T13:23:00.002-04:00

And here it is, the one I was looking for!

Thanks Lucy, that's a keeper!

3 little pumpkins

2011-10-19T21:02:00.002-04:00

I like it when things like this happen:

Brady 2006

Lucy 2009

Macy 2011

3 little pumpkins, wearing the same sweatshirt that my Mom picked up for Brady years ago.

Makes this nostalgic Mama smile.

a little photoshoot

2011-10-18T20:46:00.000-04:00

with the {one} year old

Started off a bit rocky.....

Would like to thank etsy for outfitting my daughter!
shirt London Stitches
skirt Southern Seams Boutique
hair bow Briar.Claire

The shirt and the skirt were made with care and love, custom, just for us. Janna at London Stitches and Mary Ann at Southern Seams Boutique are amazing shop owners who went above and beyond to make this little outfit happen for Macy! Thanks ladies!!

these are the days I'll remember

2011-10-18T10:05:00.001-04:00

There are a lot of days of motherhood I will probably chose not to remember....days where I wanted to pull my hair out because there was crying, screaming, yelling (and not just from the kids). Nights where I didn't sleep because of teething or illness or worrying. But then there are days that I will always remember, days like yesterday that started out ordinary but ended up being so magical in such a simple way.

I shared this day with my wonderful friend and her sweet children.

Today, I'm pretty sure Macy thought her favorite book came to life. We spent the day holding and loving baby goats, baby sheep, baby ducklings, chickens, calf, milking cows, talking to turkeys.

SO very true.

An ordinary day, that in the end, turned out to be one of those days that etched it's way into my heart and soul.

changes

2011-10-17T20:38:00.001-04:00

I was snapping some pictures yesterday that made me think of this day in 2009.

They have changed a bit, yes?

Look at that baby face on Brady and those cheeks...oh those cheeks of Lucy's!

Love you sweet littles, but stop growing (and changing) so much!

Take 3.....

2011-10-11T15:49:00.004-04:00

Columbus Day Weekend

2011-10-11T10:00:00.000-04:00

Wow! We just enjoyed a long weekend full of fall activities here in Annapolis!

Lots of pictures below!!

First, an evening trip out on the boat with Mike, they found a seaplane and were delighted!

Lots of outside play on Friday, it was a gorgeous day.

Sunday we went to the B&O Railroad Museum for Steam Days, this is the St. Elizabeth that pulled the train we were riding. Brady is holding Mo the Monkey, his class pet, Mo was with us for the weekend.

Riding the train

We got off the train to watch a demonstration of the St. William Engine, the only Civil War train left! It was amazing!

Sound asleep in our bed

On Monday morning we took a walk down to the dock to ride the boat

Out of the boat!

Macy like's to sit by herself. Of course.

And then if was off to Larriland Farm to pick pumpkins and apples!

And worms.

Nice.

It was truly a lovely, fall weekend.

cousins & a hotel

2011-10-08T10:05:00.001-04:00

Last weekend we went up to Harrisburg for a overnight to see Mike's sisters, Mom and Dad and nieces. Throw in a hotel with a pool and the kids were thrilled!!

Mike pushed the beds together and we all ~~tossed and turned~~ slept together.

A little birthday celebration for Macy. She cried.

Elly!

Elly loving her Uncle Mike

Mckenna

The little ones with Kaleigh, we went to see her cheer!

The best friends

Thanks for the fun and laughter!

a lot of little moments

2011-10-07T07:08:00.000-04:00

This week has been very busy but we managed to capture some moments of just being little and enjoying the small things.

Macy is a reader. She loves to read by herself or sit in your lap and read. Neither of my other littles liked to "read" this early. Makes me happy. She is sitting in her new PB Anywhere Chair from Grandma and Grandpa and reading her new book that Brady and Lucy got her for her birthday, MOO.

Lucy loves her sister so much. On this day, Macy actually let Lucy feed her the bottle, usually Macy doesn't allow this!

Jammies + bike riding = perfect combination

Matchy matchy (and apparently not happy about it!)

***************************************************************************

And a little project we did....

to add to our Halloween decor

Happy weekend. Hope it's a beautiful one in your corner of the world.

5:23pm

2011-10-01T08:15:00.000-04:00

September 30th, 2010 5:23pm

September 30, 2011 5:23pm

Happy First Birthday to our Macy Kathleen.

On the night you were born

2011-09-29T21:59:00.002-04:00

On Macy's 1st birthday eve I realized that I never wrote down her birth story. So I'm writing it down here so she will always remember and I will never forget....

Sweet,sweet Macy, I want you to hear the story of the day you were born.

September 24th was the day we had circled on the calendar for your arrival. Unfortunately for Mama you decided that you were going to wait a little bit longer to make an appearance. We went to the doctor that day and happily agreed that if you had not arrived by September 30th that we would help you along with you an induction. Six days came and went and on an extremely rainy Thursday morning, Dada and I got in the car and headed to Anne Arundel Medical Center. Mema and Pop Pop had arrived on Wednesday to stay with Brady and Lucy. Lucy decided to make things a bit more challenging for Mema and she woke up right before we left at 4:30am.

Here "we" are on September 29th.

We picked September 30th for two reasons. One, it was a Thursday and Dada didn't have to teach on Thursday making it easier for his work schedule. And two, our favorite doctor, Dr. Haddock was the doc on call for the day. He was a retired Army doctor, wore Sperry topsiders with his scrubs and was the most laid back doctor we ever met.

Your story is rather short and sweet, peaceful and laid back. Just like your personality. They started pitocin once we were checked in and by 12noon I was maxed out on pitocin and nothing had happened. I was not in pain, I was comfortable and rested. Dr. Haddock, bless his heart, knowing that I wanted an epidural, broke my water and had the anethesiologist waiting outside the door. The epidural was started within minutes of breaking my water. I never felt a contraction. Not a one. For the next 5 hours Dada and I slept, watched TV (my favorite show, Grey's Anatomy, was on for two straight hours in the middle of the day, I was so happy) and Dada graded Statics exams. Outside, Annapolis was being slammed with an incredible rain storm. Roads were closed, water was above the seawall in downtown Annapolis and poor Mema and Pop were stuck inside with your brother and sister.

A little after 5pm it was time. Time for you to arrive. Two very easy pushes later at 5:23pm you were here. And you were beautiful. And my heart was full.

You were a big baby, 8lbs 15 oz or 9lbs 4 oz, we aren't really exactly sure. You were weighed twice on two different scales with two different results. So let's just say 9lbs and 20 3/4 inches long.

One thing to note in this picture, I very much on purpose put that pillowcase on my pillow I brought from home. That pillowcase was on my pillow when both Brady and Lucy were born.

The story gets complicated here only because we didn't know what to name you. So for the next 15 hours, you were just Baby. I was letting Dada make the final decision. I even have a picture of Dada looking over the list of names we were considering. The short list had 7 names on it.

Why did we chose Macy? Well, most of all, we never knew of or heard of anyone having a Macy. Two, it just fit our family...Brady with a "y", Lucy with a "y" and now you, Macy with "y". Your middle name, Kathleen, was chosen in memory of my Aunt Kathleen, one of Pop Pop's older sister's, a women with a big heart and big personality who was full of life and laughter. She passed away in 2003 after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. I called Aunt Laura on Friday morning (to clarify, my sister Laura, since yes, Dada has a sister Laura too) and said "I think we are going to name the baby Macy, do you like that?" And she did. So Macy Kathleen, you were introduced to the world via Facebook of course, which is something that may or may not be around when you are older. We posted your picture and your name. Well wishes poured in from all over the world. You were here and you were loved.

Dada went home on Friday morning to pick up Brady and Lucy to come meet you. Mema and Pop soon followed. You fit into the family like you had always been there.

After a quiet Friday day and night at the hospital, mostly just you and me, (Dada went home to help with brother and sister) we were released on Saturday late morning to go home.

The love we have for you is immeasurable. You make us whole. You are adored by so many, Brady and Lucy especially. Our Three Musketeers. God has blessed us with a true gift in you, Macy K.

And of course, this is just the start of your story, my love. The world awaits you. There are many more chapters to your story, a story that starts with the night you were born. The night that you completed my life. The night that I will always remember and now you, will never forget.

Never underestimate

2011-09-29T13:24:00.000-04:00

the playing potential of a box.

Bye bye baby seat

2011-09-28T10:45:00.000-04:00

Hello big girl seat!

Doesn't she look thrilled?

Macy is probably upset with me because I kept telling her that she was going to get a pretty new Graco Nautilus car seat. Well the UPS man brought it yesterday, Lucy saw that it was pink and she decided that she actually wanted the new seat after telling me over and over again that she wanted to keep her old seat. But you know, the new one is pink so that makes it very desirable!

Lots of excitement for our sweet Macy this week!

just fun

2011-09-27T05:22:00.000-04:00

Spaghetti and an almost 1 year old = joy

Baby Doll Ballet

2011-09-21T15:20:00.001-04:00

This morning our little Lucy started her very first "activity". Poor middle child, she has never done an activity (besides the occasional story time at the library). Brady at this age (2 1/2) had already been to tumbling class, art class and music class! So it was time. Finally.

It started off a bit rocky. She didn't want to participate in circle time.

And then there was some unlady like behavior.

Followed by some banging and screaming on the door. So then Mama had to come in. At which point she sat on a chair and pouted for about 15 minutes.

But then, the teacher said the magic words

Ring-around-the-rosey.

And then she was hooked.

A name and skipping game followed.

And then a song about animals that involved hopping and flying and what not.

And that was it. Thank goodness for ring around the rosey. It saved the day.

The end.

Somtimes it's hard

2011-09-13T13:45:00.000-04:00

being the big sister.....

just trying to take a little cat nap

Somehow she never even stirred!

When life gives you rain

2011-09-09T10:42:00.000-04:00

go splash in the puddles!

The first day

2011-09-07T16:05:00.000-04:00

in pictures

thank you for all your kind words and well wishes. it seems to be smooth sailing.

he loves it.

Tomorrow

2011-09-05T21:49:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow, my precious love, you will leave my side.

So I'm doing my crying now because tomorrow I need to be brave for you.

Big things are in store for you. And I'm confident that Dada and I have prepared you for the amazing things ahead of you.

Have fun, laugh, raise your hand and mind your manners.

Use your imagination and dream big things.

Know that you are loved.

And that we are so proud of you.

I'll love you forever kiddo. And boy, am I going to miss you.

Brady's Kindergarten Class

2011-09-01T13:28:00.000-04:00

After Hurricane Irene blew through Annapolis, school activities have been delayed, rescheduled, cancelled, etc. But today we finally were able to go to Kindergarten Orientation! Brady seemed excited, my stomach was in knots!

Before we went in we played on the playground which is right outside his classroom door. Added bonus.

We were greeted though with a warm, colorful environment and two loving teachers though who you just know were called to be Kindergarten teachers.

Here is his cubby full of all the supplies we had to bring in! And the cute little nap mat! He is holding his school bag that the school provides. We will be decorating it this weekend!

The children did a craft, took a tour of the classroom and looked at all their school supplies with the assistant teacher while the parents had a meeting with the teacher.

This is Brady's good friend, E, who lives around the corner from us. We are blessed that they were assigned the same class.

Here are his teachers, L-R, Mrs. Sutherland (assitant) and Mrs. Weadon. There are 10 other children that Brady will meet on Tuesday, the first day of school!

The funny thing about the first day of school...this is a Catholic School so they wear uniforms. On the days that they have gym class though, they wear their gym uniform all day. The gym uniform consists of a grey tshirt and navy blue gym shorts. Well, wouldn't you know, Brady has gym on Tuesday's. Which is the 1st day of school! So I'll be taking those first day of school pics of my little Kindergartener dressed in oversized gym clothes! Oh well!!

I have a feeling that this is going to be a memorable, wonderful year for our little guy.

the destination

2011-08-26T07:21:00.000-04:00

is always the same.

but the fascination remains.

Happy weekend.

a day in the country

2011-08-24T11:00:00.001-04:00

How about this weather? Oh it is so lovely. We took full advantage and headed out to Woodbine, MD to spend the day doing this:

This is Days End Horse Farm. Days End Farm was established in 1989 to ensure quality care and treatment of horses through intervention, education, and outreach. Basically they rescue horses that are being neglected, abused, etc. and rehabilitate them. What a wonderful mission and we were so fortunate to tour the farm.

Aren't they beautiful? We saw some before pictures of many of these horses and the transformation was remarkable.

I took this picture while the earthquake happened! Yeah, you can't tell. But this is what we were doing when the "earthquake" happened!

We drove just down the road 2 miles to a favorite spot of ours, Larriland Farm.

where we picked these beauties.

And then moved over to the Gala Apples

Lucy and Mike found a birds nest in one of the apple trees. Naturally I said we had to save it to put in our Christmas tree, it brings good luck, or so they say...right, Mom?

"A bird nest is a symbol of the home. It reminds us that we strive to make our home a place where family members grow and prosper. Considered a good luck symbol, the bird nest represents all the love and warmth, enthusiasm and commitment required in creating the happiest of homes"

Now you know ;)

I hope they will always have a memory of relaxing in an apple orchard.

Childhood memories at their very best.

We've had a lot of great memories picking our own fruit. You can see them here and here and here

If you've never gone to pick a U-Pick farm, I highly recommend it. You'll love it, I promise. Check out this site for a location near you!

hanging on to summer

2011-08-23T10:51:00.001-04:00

We're hanging on to every little bit of summer that we can. How about you?

Grandma and Grandpa were in for a day and a half, visiting us from Ohio. Mike took advantage of a beautiful Saturday late afternoon to take his Dad sailing

Summer evenings at our favorite restaurant on Kent Island brought us laughter and memories to last

It was so muggy, my camera lense was fogged over and I wasn't aware until after I took this picture!

Yes, we're hanging on to summer. Days like this are just to wonderful to let go of.

Please, summer, just hang around a little bit longer.

a taste

2011-08-18T16:12:00.000-04:00

This morning while Brady was taking an art class (an amazing art class, by the way, with my talented friend Marlena) I had a taste of what my days will be like when Brady goes to Kindergarten.

Let's not discuss this picture. Let's not discuss that she is so big. Let's not discuss that she thinks she can almost walk by herself. Let's not discuss that she is approaching 1.

The dynamic is definitely different and Brady is definitely missed but I know we'll manage for the 6 hours that he is away.

Because, there sure was a lot of love happening.

A lot.

Lucy's toes

2011-08-17T09:16:00.000-04:00

Lucy never wanted her toes painted, I've been asking for months....but that all changed when she saw Blue Sparkle polish at Target. Then she was sold.

while we were gone

2011-08-16T15:30:00.000-04:00

we played the days away....

and ate a lot of ice cream

and went to many fun Pittsburgh places, like the Carneige Science Center

We rode our bikes/scooters/cars into the evening, in our PJ's

and caught toads in the front yard.

The toad took a bike ride

and then Brady spent the next while taking care of it

'til it was time to go inside. There were tears when the toad had to go.

Swimming with Mema and Pop might have been the highlight of the trip

and special treats with me at my favorite hole in the wall restaurant, Tomato Pie Cafe, before a round of mini golf

where Lucy had a honest to goodness legitimate hole in one on this hole

I did this for about 5 minutes while Macy slept

and Brady and Lucy ~~fought~~ played in the sandbox.

My littles love going to Mema and Pop's house

where we play

and laugh

all day long.

Thank you for all your help Mom, Dad and Laura. What would I do without you?

xoxox

busy.

2011-08-14T21:13:00.001-04:00

Geesh, it's been quite around here!

Took a bit of an unintentional blogging break....but things will pick up around here. Hopefully.

What have you been up to?

We were busy loving being at Mema and Pop's house in Pittsburgh while Mike was out on this adventure.

A night spent docked in NYC.

Bill, the skipper of the boat, Maureen, the oversight of the boat and Mike. They were the "grown ups" on the boat.

This is the Mayor of Freeport, NY, he came out and cooked a steak dinner for everyone from the Academy.

The whole gang.

Almost home, at sunrise....that's the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in the background.

Looks like quite the life, huh?

I'm insanely jealous! He had a great time, a fantastic group on his boat and came home full of adventurous stories to share. I'm pretty sure he's ready to go do it again next year.

In the meantime though, we're sure glad he's home.

day to day

2011-07-27T13:32:00.001-04:00

our days are full of this

and this

canoeing with friends

jumping into the river

relaxing

and making memories

with the ones we love

just the way summer should be.

summer memories

2011-07-26T09:38:00.000-04:00

I took Lucy to Toys R Us with me on Saturday. Big mistake. Well not really but we ended up going back to said toy store on Sunday to get her this.

And somehow this boy came home with a new scooter. Previously he was riding a three wheel scooter but apparently he moved on! Geesh, these kids have us wrapped around their little fingers!

Like most things Lucy does, she has taken to riding a "big girl bike" like she's been doing it for years. Hops right on and off she goes.

She goes a bit too fast for my liking. And laughs while she does it!

And Macy, for now, is happy to sit in her car and watch.

Hope you are having a good week, friends and loved ones.

mornings

2011-07-24T22:07:00.000-04:00

Summer mornings, for us, look a lot like this....

Lowering the crab cage with a chicken neck, yes, you read that right, a chicken neck, as bait.

Another crabbing technique, attaching a chicken neck to a rope and attaching the rope to the post on the pier and throwing the rope/chicken into the water

Catching blue crabs requires quite a bit of patience!

oooh we got one!

This is a male blue crab, if we wanted too, we could keep him to cook/eat because 1. he is a he and 2. he is bigger than 5 inches. On this day, we caught 3 males and 2 sunfish! I didn't get any pictures of the sunfish though! A very pretty fish! We just crab for fun though, we throw them all back in the water once we poke at them a bit!

We love mornings like these.

Baby

2011-07-20T17:29:00.001-04:00

Sometime I forget that she is still so much a baby

With a big brother to keep up with and a little sister to guide and teach, she is often thought of as older. Mike and I even forget that she is really still so little.

And sweet.

And so very loved.

Pirates of the Chesapeake

2011-07-19T21:20:00.000-04:00

This morning, Brady, Lucy and I (along with some awesome friends of ours) went on a Pirate boat ride, "Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake". The "adventure" leaves out of Eastport in Annapolis and you head out to the Chesapeake Bay and Severn River. It was FANTASTIC. If you are ever in Annapolis with kids, check it out.

The kids start out dressing up in Pirate gear and getting face or in this case, arm painting!

Lucy got a starfish and a "Baby Ariel" or mermaid! Brady chose not to have any face/arm painting.

Brady and his best buddy, Nora.

Lucy's "Baby Ariel"

Lucy showing "Captain Rusty" her muscles.

Looking for mermaids!

Captain Rusty (yes he really was the Captain, he would just stop the boat and leave it idle in the bay to come talk to the kids) and his 1st mate, "Skully"

Looking at the treasure map!

This was the best part (according to Brady) where they got to spray the bad guy, Pirate Pete, with water cannons.

It was awesome!

Yes, it was as much fun as it looks!!!

The treasure! X marks the spot. That's the Naval Academy in the background, just FYI.

Lucy checking out the treasure!

Brady getting his fair share of the treasure.

What a fun morning, thank you to the Farley Family for inviting us along!! The kids will be talking about this one for a long time.

a few favorites

2011-07-18T21:36:00.000-04:00

from our week away visiting with family and friends.

did i say a few? i meant a lot.

they've come a long way!

2011-06-24T12:19:00.000-04:00

And thankfully, every now and again, Macy let's Lucy hold her just like she used to.

October 2, 2010 - Macy's homecoming

And today.

I'm glad they have each other.

Have a good weekend.

it's been awhile.

2011-06-21T22:09:00.002-04:00

geesh, i've been really awful at updating the blog. because of that, i have a lot of pictures to post and no rhyme or reason for this post. just more moments. moments not to forget. memories of my littles being...well...little. and moments of them with they ones that they love.

i said a lot of pictures. i meant it.....

A night in Annapolis

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Trouble.

Strange lighting and I couldn't fix it when I went to edit it but who does she think she is, standing in her crib?? I'm not ready for that!!!

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A visit from Mema and Pop

Love this one with Brady outside in the background!

Mema and Macy playing in the Bay.

I love this picture of my Mom and May.

Playing in the bay.

Kent Island

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And the everyday.

This was his lunch one afternoon. Blackberries, broccoli, strawberries, raspberries and cherries. This boy is so healthy. Where he gets it from, I have no idea.

She gives kisses if you ask her to. We of course take advantage of this and ask her ALL.THE.TIME. Sweet moments with Dada, tonight, down at the dock.

Brady loving the first day of summer.

Hope the summer solstice brought you happy memories with the ones you love.

the weekend so far

2011-06-11T13:10:00.000-04:00

This morning we were out on a walk and we walked by a garage sale that was selling this fantastic bike trailer for just $20! Brady had been wanting one of these and how lucky we were to find a gently used one!!

Life is good.

Time

2011-06-10T21:59:00.001-04:00

I'm rewinding a bit. We had so much going on the last few weeks that blogging took a backseat. And these are memories I don't want to forget.

Appropriately, as I type this, "You're Gonna Miss This" is playing through the speakers of my laptop. Days that yes, I am going to miss. Brady's preschool days have come and gone. Just like that. That phrase "they grow up so fast" is so cliche but nothing could be more true.

On Brady's, first, first day of school, 3 year old preschool at St. Brigid in Xenia, Ohio in September of 2009, he looked like this.....

oh gosh. why am i doing this to myself. i burst into tears for about 100 reasons when I saw this picture. he's so little...and that's our old house...that i LOVED so much...

And then this was the first day of 4 year old preschool here in Annapolis. You may remember this.

But it turns out, as we knew it would, he loved school here. So very much. We all loved his school, his teacher, his friends. And this was the scene on the last day of preschool, May 23, 2011.

Lots of smiles.

And proud moments.

And love from his sisters who, he doesn't realize, worship the ground he walks on.

It's strange to look at this picture because on his first day of preschool in the fall I was still pregnant with Macy and here she is, sitting up and tugging on his shirt.

We quickly fell in love with his school. A school I took a chance on, I registered him while we were living in Ohio, I had never seen it, based my decision on a few email conversations I had with the director. I'm sure glad I took this chance.

Brady's first friend and best friend in his class, Peyton.

Several weeks ago I arrived at school earlier than normal. I had quite a bit of time to watch him (from a far) playing on the playground. On this particular day he was playing in the sandbox, which was not unusual, but as I watched him I was hit with this wave of emotion about him growing up and moving on to Kindergarten. I thought to myself, this is how I always want to remember you, Brady. Playing in the sandbox. Unaware of anything around you except the diggers and endless shovels. Innocent and worry free. Full of imagination, castles to build and holes to dig. I did my best on this particular day to etch that moment into my memory. Oddly enough he didn't play much in the sandbox after that day....

Until the last day of school...when again, I arrived very early, and watched from afar....with my camera this time and it's like he knew what his crazy, emotional Mama wanted him to do, to dig in the sandbox, to be surrounded my diggers, and friends and shovels.

That same night we celebrated the end of preschool with a performance that these sweet little kiddos worked so hard on. I applaud their teachers for putting together this awesome show for the adoring, emotional, oh so proud parents.

I love this picture. I love these two.

After the show, we went back to their classroom where certificates were handed out and goodbyes were said.

Mrs. Wallace, an incredibly kind, patient, loving earth angel.

And then there were hugs from proud parents.

Emotional me....

And the fun, excited Dada.

And sweet moments with his best friend Nora who we would like to thank for loving our Brady. We love her oh so much.

Brady's preschool year's have really shaped him and help build his self confidence. His teachers and this experience taught him so much. It was a time for him to shine away from me, away from his sisters. To figure out who he is in this big, beautiful world. And ultimately to prepare him for the next step, the step that Mama is really not ready for him to take but it's time. Time to fly.

But until then, there is summer to be had. Lightning bugs to catch and swings to swing on. Friends to play with.

And sand to dig in.

Congrats, little man. Big things await you. We can't wait for you to take us along on the next journey.

Just take your time...

Military Spouse Magazine

2011-06-08T10:52:00.001-04:00

Back in May, my sweet friends, Marlena, Rita and I had a chance to participate in a photo shoot for Military Spouse Magazine. What a riot! And what fun! Macy and Lucy even made one of the shots! Here is the spread, this is as big as I could make it. You won't really be able to read the text, but if you click on the picture itself it will appear larger.

milestones

2011-06-05T19:07:00.000-04:00

how did this happen already? wasn't he just riding a tricycle?

the gang

our big boy

So proud of you Brady Bear.

The same, but oh so different.

2011-06-04T16:42:00.002-04:00

Macy, today, June 4th, 2011

Lucy, July 1, 2009

Same outfit but oh so different.....

And no, Macy would not wear the headband. Not even for a second!

she's on the move.

2011-05-26T09:16:00.000-04:00

Look at her go!

Life just got a bit more ~~chaotic~~ wonderful.

It's hazy, hot and humid here in Annapolis. 90 degrees today. Welcome summer, we've missed you! Have a good day friends.

well hello there.

2011-05-19T22:10:00.000-04:00

nice to see you blog. it's been awhile.

we are having computer issues. hard drives crashing, pictures mysteriously disappearing, one laptop completely dead for lack of a better word. so i have been very cautious about downloading anything to our computer in fear of losing it (thankfully only lost one set of pics from my birthday) and why i haven't blogged in for.ever.

we went to pittsburgh this past weekend to see my incredibly amazing sister run the pittsburgh marathon. below are some snapshots of our time in the 'burgh, at mema, pop and laura's house. they never want to leave. i don't blame them.

i'm not sure why i'm not using capital letters when appropriate. forgive me. i'm tired.

finally a picture of her teeth!

waiting for laura to run by!

oh this baby, she was unbelievably good for this very long, rainy day. didn't fuss a bit as we schleped all over pittsburgh.

he was so proud, concerned, excited for laura. lulu and brady made this sign.

we found her!

she took a little break to chat with us.

yay!!! she did it!!!!

i am so proud of her. i mean, wow. running a marathon is intense. something i can only dream of doing. you are amazing laura.

congratulations laura. you make us all so proud. xoxo

everyday

2011-05-01T21:23:00.000-04:00

Nothing really going on here out of the ordinary. Just the everday.

Have a good start to the week.

One Easter Sunday

2011-04-25T13:18:00.001-04:00

after church at The Navaly Academy, that's the State Capitol in the background.

The Naval Academy is a stunning place...I think it shines best though in the spring.

This is as good as it gets!

And really what can be said about this one! Macy's face is just plain hilarious.

Should probably crop and edit this one...but no time...just glad to have it, even though no one is looking or eyes are closed, etc. Thanks Mom for taking it!

Waiting patiently for the Easter Egg hunt at The Naval Academy.

Lulu and her adorable friends, Addy and Marina.

We are no longer speaking to our mother for making us take this picture! HA!
She tried to get us to take a picture with Navy's mascot but we walked away.

Perhaps my new fav pic of Lulu.

Who knows what is going on in this picture but I love it.

I hope your day was as perfect as our's.

a hodge podge

2011-04-18T21:35:00.000-04:00

of pictures.

no rhyme or reason behind these ones. no editing.

just life.

memories.

I asked Lucy to make a "princess face" for me. This is what I got.

Baby doll play is huge here right now.

My pictures do not convey their love for each other. Oh my heart is so full when I see these two together.

Crazy, weird lighting in this picture, I couldn't fix it, I tried. But I love her dress, a gift from our friends, Holly and Brian xoxo

Lucy has a magic touch with Macy, she calmed this fussy, teething, just had 3 shots baby down and got her to sleep.

counting while Dada was hiding. Coaly is the master at hide n seek. He'll find you. Anywhere. In a matter of seconds.

Surface of tennis court - 15
Lucy's face - love
yes I'm clever with my tennis reference.

Mike was trying to capture Macy "teething" on my nose, i.e. her favorite teething toy, but the camera caught her eye and she stopped what she was doing and this is what he got!

enjoy your week.