Visit with Auntie Ria

This past weekend my sister Maria came up from Florida for a short visit. She has re-connected with old friends through Facebook and wanted to see as many friends as she could in person while home. We arranged a dinner at our favorite local Chinese restaurant, Plum Garden and then headed to a local watering hole that was a popular hang out when we were younger. We had a nice turn out for that and Maria got to talk with friends she has not seen in quite some time. It turned out that night was also the same day as a local golf outing held every year and a few classmates of mine were also out and about that evening and it was fun for me to see them too. So we had some great family and friends time but no matter what it just isn't long enough. It is so hard to say goodbye because each time I just don't know when I will see her again. Finances, work, kids...schedules get busy and the trips back and forth get further in between. So we cherish each visit and time we can spend together.






Also...Today I took Emily for her Summer hair cut. She looks so cute!!

Emilyism

The other night I read Emily the story of Jonah before bedtime. Emily loves to be read to and always asks a lot of questions through out the stories. This time she had a very intent look on her beautiful face and was very serious about this story. After the story ended she rolled over and fell right to sleep. The next morning at breakfast I asked her about the story of Jonah. I asked her what Jonah did and she told me that Jonah disobeyed God. Then I asked her what happened next and she promptly replied..."God put Jonah in a TIME-OUT in the fish's belly". She got the story all right! She went on to say no one can hide from God because he can see everyone. She just amazes me!!

A girl will go to any length for chocolate

I really thought I hid those well! I turned my back for less than 3 minutes...





there really is no need to say anything more. :)

Funny little things

Today I was doing something and I could hear Emily playing patty-cake with one of the toddlers. She was going along fine until the part where is says "put it in the oven", Emily's version is "put in the microwave" for baby and me....I could not help but laugh out loud and think that certainly is sign of the times today or maybe I make too many microwaved items? This also reminded me of the time Emily was with me when I went through the drive-thru at the bank. As soon as we pulled up to the window and the teller greeted us, Emily yelled out I want chickie nuggets and french fries please. That was a good laugh too and we cut out McDonald's for awhile. :)

Easter 2009

This past Easter weekend was full of traditional Easter activities and fun. It really reminded me of how we, as kids spent Easter. On Saturday my family came over and we colored eggs, had an Easter egg hunt and enjoyed lots of surprises and yes candy! We had a wonderful dinner and enjoyed being together. On Sunday we all gathered at Gary's mother's house for another afternoon filled with fun, family and food. Emily really enjoyed spending time with her cousin's Rachel and Cassidy. They both were so sweet and loving with Emily. Thanks to Cass, Emily now knows how to operate an I-Touch and probably will want one for Christmas. :) Emily, Rachel and Ben had an egg hunt and were very spoiled by Grandma Jean. As usual the food was awesome, plentiful and thanks to Uncle Rick's parents joining us this year there were extra special, authentic Italian foods!! We are very lucky people to be able to celebrate the most important time of the year with family!! Our blessing are endless! Here are some pictures of our great Easter weekend. Enjoy.

The Barbie house

Emily's cousin Sophie passed on her Barbie house to Emily. Thank you Sophie!! Uncle Lenny brought it over and we did some painting. Emily really got into fixing up her new Barbie house and loves playing with it. We are still on the hunt for some furniture. We are hoping this year's garage sales net us what we need to furnish the rooms. Here are a few pictures of Emily and her handy work.

Gary painted Emily's name on the side. :)

Emilyism

This morning while we were laying in bed waiting to get up Emily was telling us about a dream she was having. She doesn't know it was a dream, she thinks this all really happened. She told us Molly-dog was swimming in the pool, and that was "silly" and then she told us she couldn't find her mommy. Her mommy had been standing next to the "man" and she could not see her mommy. She then told us there were no super-heroes to help her. Gary asked her, "there was no Spider-man, no Wonder Pets"? Emily promptly replied, "no just God, he could save her". We both could feel our hearts just melt!! We told her that was exactly right, God would always save her. Leave it to a 3 year to remind us what Easter is all about. Thank you God for sending your son Jesus to "save" us.

The headless..Snowman?

I have heard of a headless horseman, but a headless snowman? This is what was left of Gary and Emily's snowman after the mild temps and rain this week. One of my parents said it look like it had been to a witch doctor. It was kinda creepy looking, I'm glad it's gone!

Girls just want to have fun!!

Here are some pictures of the kids on one of the gloomy days this week. They always have so much energy. I have been playing music for about 30 minutes a day in the mornings and doing everything (well at least trying to keep up) they do as an exercise routine. Enjoy!

Key Lime Cove March 2009

We went to Key Lime Cove back in January and had such a great time we decided to take advantage of the BOGO special still going on. This time my Mom, sister and her family joined us. We had a great time again. Key Lime does such a great job for the kids!! I am not good at taking pictures but I managed to snap a few this time. Enjoy!