Happy St. Patrick's Day

We sure are lucky to have these two girls in our lives!

Weekends...

go by way too fast these days! It's about that time of year when I can see the light at the end of the tunnel - SUMMER! I know it is a little early to start the count down, but when the weather is warm I just can't help myself. I am looking forward to staying at home and taking care of my girls.

We had a fun weekend at home which included a birthday party on Saturday night for one of Grace's friends and playing outside ALL day on Sunday. Grace even convinced me to let her skip her nap because she was having so much fun playing with the bigs girls in our neighborhood.

Making sand angels at the playground...

Swinging

We live in "the alley" which on some days is filled with kids playing man hunt, basketball, riding bikes, blowing bubbles, drawing with chalk etc. The girls just love all the excitement and I don't think we could have picked a better place for them to grow up. I do wish the noceeums would go away, but other than that it is great.

Happy Engagement...

to Kevin and Christina!

On Saturday night we went to their engagement party to

celebrate with their family and friends.

Brooks and I recently realized that we've become those people who think it's OK to bring our kids wherever we are invited. When we received our invitation to the party we knew that no family would be in town, which meant no babysitter. We assumed that it was a kid friendly party, because like I said we have become those people - hehe! The day before the party I decided to call a babysitter recommended by a neighbor and was surprised when she said she was free. Since this was the first time I've ever hired a babysitter, I decided baby steps would be a good idea. This meant that only Lily was going to stay with the sitter and Grace would come to the party (this is because I knew Grace would cry and scream as we left.) So we arrived at the party and it was definitely not for kids. I was way underdressed in my jeans which would have bothered me a lot more when I wasn't a busy working mother of two young girls (I did ask Brooks the day before if he knew the appropriate attire, and he said casual. Next time I will call you Christina!). I was relieved that we didn't bring Lily because I was visualizing her running through the house dripping her milk and knocking over things. Grace was very well behaved and played with Christina's niece most of the night. She also became a dancing queen towards the end of the party, which entertained lots of people. Kevin and Christina have a great group of friends that are always so welcoming and sweet to the girls.

Grace found a lollipop in her bag and

there was no talking her out of eating it.

I think I told her twenty times not to drop it anywhere.

Reyla and Grace

The Boys

Grace loves Kevin!

Me and the beautiful bride-to-be...

Chrissy, our babysitter, was really nice and she just loved Lily. Lily didn't cry when we left which made things easy. She gave Chrissy some trouble when it was time for bed, but other than that I think it was a success. Now that Grace has met the babysitter, I think she will be more willing to stay with her the next time. Brooks and I are already planning a date night and we will keep her phone number handy so that we don't have to be those people that bring our kids everywhere!

More Family Fun

Brooks decided to take off Friday and planned a fishing trip for the boys. Unfortunately the weatherman was not correct in his prediction that the morning would be sunny because it rained almost the whole time they were out on the boat. Brooks took these shots of the two catches of the day.

Jake caught the biggest fish!

Papa caught one too.

The Reale crew left on Saturday and we were all sad to see them go. Grace and Lily had so much fun playing with their cousins, Aunt Jen and Uncle Dentist (Dennis). Grace has never liked good-byes and it breaks my heart when she gets sad about them. We kept her busy on Saturday by going to the choo choo train at the mall and then a neighbor's house for a b-day party at night.

We are already looking forward to seeing everyone again in a couple weeks (this time in FL).

Aquarium

Aunt Jen, Uncle Dennis and Jake arrived on Tuesday night, so I left work early on Wednesday to spend the day with everyone. We went to the Aquarium and stayed for a record 4 hours. There is a new toddler area that Lily just loved to run around and the big kids were able to sit and listen to the alligator and opossum presentations.

Shark Bait

Morgan and Allison

The Touch Tank

(Grace liked looking, but wasn't into the touching!)

Albino Alligator

We learned lots about opossums (but I still don't think I like them).

Look at the fish nana!

Chase me Jake...

Jake and Jen

Lily and Papa

Lily and Alli

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun...

Nana and Papa arrived on Sunday with Morgan and Alli. The girls have been having so much fun playing outside and going for walks. Lily definitely does not like to be left out of anything and wants to do whatever the big girls are doing. These girls are having soooo much fun!!

Playing in the warm sun....

(I think the NY girls are loving this weather!!)

We have been taking lots of walks!

Wheeeee!

Crazy Kids

Nana and Lily

Walking Bailey

My sister and Dennis arrived tonight with Jake, we are looking forward to spending the rest of the week with everyone. I just wish Brooks and I didn't have to work!

Happy Valentine's Day

Our Valentine's weekend has definitely been one of a couple with two small children. Lily has an ear infection that doesn't seem to want to go away. She has been on two different antibiotics and still isn't herself, we are hoping she will be back to her happy self soon! Grace has strep throat and started feeling better today, but decided to wake up at 4:30 this morning. Brooks isn't feeling well either and we are all pretty tired. We did enjoya couple hours outside in the beautiful weather today after being locked up for a couple days.

I took these pics a couple weeks ago...

~ Sweet Sisters ~

Well, most of the time!

Lily B.

Gracie Girl

Lily -Happy to be outside today, but still not feeling herself.

Gracie

Since Grace has been sick, she has been very creative. Here are a couple cards and pictures she made just today...

Hope everyone enjoyed their Valentine's Weekend! Grace is excited about handing out her valentines at school tomorrow and her party. We love our little girls and all the rewards (and challenges) that parenthood brings our way.