Fourth Annual Swimming in the Dining Room Party

[january 2011]

I've finally realized what a dangerous tradition we have started. We have graduated to a slightly larger swimming pool and more participating children. Still no water damage yet, and everyone was very well behaved, but I'm worried for the following years. When do we stop this ritual of breaking out the swimming pool on the first day of cancelled-school-due-to-weather?

This winter we. . .

. . .experienced record-breaking snowfall in Connecticut. After a year of record-breaking snowfall in Ohio. And a year of record-breaking snowfall in Wisconsin. sheesh. It follows us.

. . . enjoyed the mountains [of snow] outside our house.

. . . got suited up for the weather often.

. . .tried (sometimes unsuccessfully) to dig out.

(that's a mailbox.)

. . .had a romantic Valentine's Day dinner. Just John and me- and our three closest friends.

. . .repeatedly fell in (and out) of love with him.

. . . pretended it was warm enough outside to play.

. . .were always entertained by this girl.

. . . looked for "hide-outs"

that didn't always work out.

. . . had one special sleepover.

. . . raced down our long driveway

and back up again.

. . . ate lots of fruit. not very noteworthy, but cute photo.

. . . attended a diva/hollywood birthday party.

. . . waited and waited for spring to arrive. And it finally did.

First Christmas. . .at home.

This is a little while ago, I know, but this Christmas deserves at least a small nod on the blog, because it was our first Christmas we spent in our own home, not visiting families. It was sad not to be with family for the holidays, but it was also really nice to spend time together in our own little small family unit and begin our own family traditions.

Our own tree in our own little home. It was undecorated by Charlie and redecorated by Hailey and Nora several times throughout December.

Kids coming down to open presents.

Breakfast and goodies Santa left us.

Nora big present was a new box of dress-up clothes ($1 clearance halloween costumes!) This was a big hit.

John was also nursing a sore back this week.

Hailey and Nora got the most joy out of Charlie's big present.

Memorial Day at the Beach.

For Memorial Day we set out to Silver Sands Beach in Milford, CT to enjoy the weather and the holiday.

Charlie literally enjoying the Silver Sands for lunch.

The beach is connected by a causeway, or tombolo I guess they call it, to Charles Island. Fitting name, as always.

Although covered in high tide, the tombolo is exposed during low tide, and you can walk out to the island and explore. The girls loved this.

Guns.

We had a great trip, although John's ankles didn't fair too well. They were neglected the sunscreen treatment and not only burned, but swelled like nothing I've ever seen before. He could barely BARLEY get his crocs (crocs! the loosest shoes ever!) on for work. Four days out, and they are still swollen. Poor guy.

Spa Night

While John went to chaperon church prom, we girls stayed home, had facials, painted nails, did hair and make-up, ate popcorn, and watched tangled.

Don't worry- Charlie was not left out. He took care of the cucumbers.