Wilmington

My parents bought a retirement home in Wilmington, NC this fall!  The kids and I took a little road trip to the coast this week.  We had the best time spending time with Grandma Mary, Papa D, Abigail, Lana, and Charles.  Lana and I took the kids to the Children's Museum.  The kids broke in all the fun toys Grandma Mary has been gathering while Anna and I got familiar with the surrounding neighborhood by foot.  Max and Kate were introduced to Grandma Mary's green Christmas Tree cookies (a family favorite). We spent a day downtown Wilmington, enjoying the boardwalk along the Cape Fear River, an art studio that Charles' cousin owns and manages, the cotton exchange, a trolley ride, and lunch dockside.  The kids curled up with Aunt Abigail on the couch and enjoyed Happy Feet. I think the surprising highlight was the day at the beach.  Thanks to Lana and Charles the kids got right into the FREEZING water and loved every minute! 

It was a spectacular way to extend our visit with the grandparents, Abigail, Lana and Charles. 

2 Months

Anna is two months old.  In the last week she has started to smile whenever I talk to her.  She seems to like to spend a little more time wiggling and looking at things especially lights and windows.  Her schedule is fairly consistent with the exception of stretching out one (sometimes two) of her feedings during the day to four hours. I love our quiet time together in the morning before anyone else is awake, the sun is thinking about rising, and Anna is all bright eyes, wiggles and smiles - it is the perfect way to start each day!

 

Christmas Morning Highlights

Kids running and screaming at the site of the Christmas presents while being shocked and curious at the missing cookies and half eaten carrots.

 

Team work opening gifts

 

 

Max was busy & focused on one toy at a time.  He studied each toy, tested it and explained how it worked. Max busted out in song throughout the day - Jingle Bells, Rudolph, and Jingle Bell Rock were the top singles of the day.

 Kate screamed the entire morning!  She said the funniest things, my favorite being "Oh. My. Goodness." every time she opened a gift.  Each gift was added to the next until she was wearing and doing as much as she could at once.

Anna showed off her adorable grins - a Christmas gift for all of us!

 

 

Christmas - Take 2

After a wonderful morning opening gifts and playing hard with our new things, we were joined by the Kranz family - Ken (Pop Pop), Mary Ellen (Mimi), Aunt Anita, Andy, Jenny, Baby Boy Kranz (due May 2012), and Matt.  A few highlights include the kids giving the blessing at brunch, Andy's remote controlled helicopter, donut machine, Matt and Andy taking trucks from Max, and Uncle Matt playing house, reading Snow White, and running the kids around on their scooters! Fun Times!

Christmas - Take 1

We spent Christmas Eve Day with Grandma Mary, Papa D, Abigail, Liz, Bill, Emma, Lana and Charles.  

The kids had oodles of fun playing with Lana and Charles, opening gifts, and sneaking sweet treats. 

Anna was cuddled the entire day.

Liz cooked us an amazing brunch after a small mix up with the sugar and salt! 

It was a wonderful day together! Thank you everyone for your flexibility, generosity, and love!