Rachel's Birthday......2 months late......

Bad mommy!! I can't believe I completely forgot to post pictures from Rachel's birthday....actually I can believe it seeing as I've yet to get thank you's in the mail..... anyway, moving on. Our beautiful girl turned 6 this year. Six is a big one! As she keeps reminding us, only 4 years until she is 10. (Apparently something magical happens at 10......I'm hoping for the magical ability to clean her room : ) It has been amazing to see her grow in maturity both socially and emotionally! She has become very confident in her decisions and I hope she continues to grow that independence. She loves school even though it's "a lot of work". She loves music and recess. She loves her brothers and has grown into quite a little mama. She makes sure to let me know EVERYTHING that Jacob isn't doing just perfect! She had a wonderful "Not so Sleepover" birthday party complete with a movie, pj's, and popcorn. Only difference was everyone went home! Maybe next year I'll be brave enough to endure an actual "sleepover". Verdict still out on that one......

Happy Birthday Andrew!

Can you believe it folks? Little baby Andrew is officially a year old. Where on earth did this year go? Andrew has grown into a boy with a mind of his own. He is our adventurous one! Maybe it's his personality or maybe it's that he's able to get into more trouble while I chase after the other two! Either way, it is no surprise to find Andrew on top of the side tables in the living room, climbing the stairs, or with half is body in the dishwasher (I told you folks, sometimes I'm distracted). He LOVES playing peek-a-boo and diving into the pillow forts that his brother and sister make for him. He absolutely ADORES his brother and sister and the feeling is mutual.....most of the time. Here is a look back on the year. Happy Birthday little man!!

A bit of a rough start


2 months


4 months


6 months

8 months

10 months

Doesn't this just say it all?!! Happy Birthday!

30 seconds later......

One more present from Santa!!!

Santa had one more present - he brought us 6 inches of snow the day after Christmas! We all had so much fun playing in the snow! First we got dressed up with warm clothes, snow pants, jackets, gloves, hats, boots - even a patriots scarf - boy were we warm! Then we stayed outside in the snow for 2 hours straight sledding and having snow ball fights! Mom had some hot (and warm) chocolate ready for us when we got home. It was a great day!

We can't wait for more snow!!! Even Andrew likes it!

I love the snow!!

Can we please go sledding?

One more snowball...

Christmas in Cary

Merry Christmas to all our family and friends! We had a wonderful first Christmas in our new house. It was amazing to share in the excitement and wonderment of our three small children as they prepared for Santa's arrival. Thank you Rachel, Jacob, and Andrew, a million times over, not only for allowing us to share in the pure joy and happiness that the Christmas season brings but also for reminding us what it's like to see it through a child's eyes.

Only 20 more days to wait......

Sorry about the blurry picture folks, they were just too excited!

Santa got our letter!!!

Why did you wake me up again??

"Born to be wiiillllldddd"

Oh, now I get it! This paper is great!

Great news, Jacob doesn't have to wear his bike helmet to play football anymore!

Go Pats!

Turkey Day

This Thanksgiving was extra special because we got to visit Grams and Papa in their new house on the Cape!! It's a great house with tons of room to run around and explore. It's was so nice of Grams and Papa to buy us grandchildren a new house! We also got to go to the Edaville Railroad and ride the train. Very cool except it got pretty cold so we took a picture with the giant Santa and then headed out for dinner. Thanks Papa, Grams, and Meg for having us up for a visit! Here are some favorite pics of the visit.

The Giant Santa was a Giant hit!

Me and Mommy


A classic that will be around for all time.....thanks Papa for offering Jacob a giant turkey leg....

Papa and Jacob

Aunt Meg and Me

Boy these floors are fast!

Brrrrr!!!

November Happenings

Still beautiful weather here in the Carolinas and we took advantage of it and went to the zoo a few weekends ago. As always Jacob,Andrew, and I had a great time. We actually went through the North America side this time instead of Africa....who knew there were so many cool animals right in our backyard....well not literally,I mean really, there aren't any Alligators in our backyard......I'm pretty sure.....need to check that. Anyway, here are some pics of our visit and one of Halloween, which by the way was really busy in our new neighborhood!!

Fall Festivities

Corn mazes, hayrides, and giant pumpkin jumpy things, the Fall here in North Carolina is one of our favorite times!....cool and crisp in the morning, 86 in the afternoon! The last few weekends, we have been outside enjoying the weather and fun that Fall brings. We had a great time at Gross Farms (it wasn't really "gross" so I don't know why they call it that). Our favorite was the giant pumpkin jump and the hayride. Then it was on to picking and carving our pumpkins. Always a fun time except it's been so hot here the last few days the pumpkins have taken on a more "greenish" hue and are looking a little well.....gross.

This picture pretty much says it all....the Diva, the Goofball, and the poor helpless babe.

Picking the perfect pumpkin


Andrew and his surfer hair


Ready for a busy day at the farm

Hangin' out on the train


Rachel's finished product


Jacob's finished product

A rare but priceless moment : )